KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Fort Hays State men's basketball team moved up to No. 23 in the NABC Top 25 Poll for February 6, 2024. The Tigers moved up one spot this week after going 1-1 on a very difficult road trip last week, when they defeated Missouri Western and lost a matchup of ranked teams 64-61 in double overtime at Northwest Missouri State. FHSU and Northwest Missouri continue to represent the MIAA in the Top 25 this week.

This is the 110th time the Tigers have been ranked in the Top 25 of the NABC poll. They are 182-47 all-time when in the NABC Top 25.

The Bearcats (17-4, 13-2 MIAA) moved up to No. 12 in the latest poll after holding a No. 16 ranking last week. The Tigers (16-5, 11-4 MIAA) nudged up one spot from No. 24 to No. 23. Washburn, which sits a game back of FHSU in third in the MIAA standings, is still among the receiving votes section. The Central Region of the NCAA currently has six teams in the Top 25, which includes four teams from the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference – Minnesota State (No. 5), MSU Moorhead (No. 9), Minot State (No. 15), and Minnesota Duluth (No. 22).

The Central Region has the most teams in the NABC Top 25, closely followed by the South Central Region with five. The South Central Region has four teams in the top 10, including the nation's No. 1 team West Texas A&amp;M. The two regions (of eight in NCAA Division II) make up 44 percent of the Top 25.Both Northwest Missouri State and Fort Hays State are referenced in the latest D2CSC Top 25 Poll. 

The Bearcats moved up two spots in that poll from No. 11 to No. 9 this week. The Tigers remained among the receiving votes list.

Fort Hays State plays host to Newman and Central Oklahoma this week. Central Oklahoma was in the NABC Poll earlier this season, ranking as high as No. 3 in both the NABC and D2CSC Polls for three weeks from November 21 to December 5. The Tigers defeated the Bronchos in Edmond earlier this year on December 31 when the Bronchos were ranked No. 5 in the NABC poll and No. 8 in the D2CSC poll. The Bronchos eventually slid out of both rankings, but enter the week with a solid record of 16-7 overall.

NABC Top 25 Poll - February 6, 2024 Rank - Team - Points - Record - Prev 1 - West Texas A&amp;M (16) - 20-1 - 400 - 1 2 - Nova Southeastern, Fla. - 17-2 - 381 - 3 - 3 - Fort Lewis, Colo. - 19-2 - 359 - 4 4 - Dallas Baptist, Texas - 18-2 - 339 - 5 5 - Minnesota State - 21-2 - 324 - 2 6 - North Georgia - 18-2 - 323 - 6 7 - West Georgia - 19-2 - 288 - 8 8 - Gannon, Pa. - 19-2 - 280 - 9 9 - MSU Moorhead, Minn. - 19-3 - 257 - 12 10 - Colorado Mesa - 17-3 - 241 - 13 11 - East Stroudsburg, Pa. - 19-2 - 227 - 15 12 - Northwest Missouri State - 17-4 - 214 - 16 13 - Saint Martin's, Wash. - 18-3 - 205 - 7 14 - Benedict, S.C. - 17-3 - 169 - 11 15 - Minot State, N.D. - 18-4 - 161 - 19 16 - California, Pa. - 18-3 - 160 - 14 17 - Colorado School of Mines - 19-4 - 158 - 10 18 - Cal State Dominguez Hills - 18-3 - 140 - 22 19 - Chico State, Calif. - 16-4 - 102 - 23 20 - St. Thomas Aquinas, N.Y. - 17-3 - 95 - 25 21 - Charleston, W.Va. - 16-3 - 88 - NR 22 - Minnesota Duluth - 18-5 - 73 - NR 23 - Fort Hays State, Kan. - 16-5 - 51 - 24 24 - USC Aiken, S.C. - 16-4 - 38 - 21 25 - Lander, S.C. - 16-4 - 30 - 18

Receiving Votes: Emmanuel (Ga.) 28, Ferris State (Mich.) 17, Northern Michigan 15, Indianapolis (Ind.) 10, Lubbock Christian (Texas) 7, West Liberty (W.Va.) 5, Washburn (Kan.) 4, Cal State LA 3, Cedarville (Ohio) 3, Saint Michael's (Vt.) 3, Catawba (N.C.) 1, Concord (W.Va.) 1.

D2CSC Top 25 Poll - February 6, 2024 Rank - Team - Points - Record - Prev 1 - West Texas A&amp;M (10) - 391 - 20-1 - 2 2 - Nova Southeastern (2) - 379 - 17-2 - 3 3 - Minnesota State (4) - 365 - 21-2 - 1 4 - Gannon - 328 - 19-2 - 7 5 - Dallas Baptist - 324 - 18-2 - 6 6 - North Georgia - 308 - 18-2 - 8 7 - East Stroudsburg - 277 - 19-2 - 5 8 - West Georgia - 265 - 19-2 - 12 T9 - Northwest Missouri State - 239 - 17-4 - 11 T9 - Saint Martin's - 239 - 18-3 - 4 11 - MSU Moorhead - 235 - 19-3 - 9 12 - St. Thomas Aquinas - 224 - 17-3 - 14 13 - Fort Lewis - 214 - 19-2 - 15 14 - Cal State Dominguez Hills - 181 - 18-3 - 22 15 - Lander - 155 - 16-4 - 13 16 - Northern Michigan - 143 - 17-6 - 17 17 - Colorado Mesa - 128 - 17-3 - 23 18 - Charleston (W.Va.) - 117 - 16-3 - RV 19 - California (Pa.) - 104 - 18-3 - 10 20 - Ferris State - 94 - 17-5 - 21 21 - Florida Southern - 87 - 16-6 - 19 22 - Colorado School of Mines - 70 - 19-4 - 20 23 - Benedict - 69 - 15-2 - RV T24 - Chico State - 48 - 16-4 - NR T24 - Minot State - 48 - 18-4 - NR

Receiving Votes: USC Aiken – 43; Saint Michael's – 34; West Liberty – 12; Cedarville – 12; Cal State San Bernardino – 6;&nbsp;Fort Hays State – 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707306768187.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State's Shaun Riley (23) goes in for a layup in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Washburn on Thursday, January 25, 2024 in Hays, Kan. (FHSU Athletics photo/Gillian Lynch)" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State's Shaun Riley (23) goes in for a layup in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Washburn on Thursday, January 25, 2024 in Hays, Kan. (FHSU Athletics photo/Gillian Lynch)</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsKANSAS CITY, Mo. – Fort Hays State men's basketball team moved up to No. 23 in the NABC Top 25 Poll for February 6, 2024. The Tigers moved up one spot this week after going 1-1 on a very difficult road trip last week, when they defeated Missouri Western and lost a matchup of ranked teams 64-61 in double overtime at Northwest Missouri State. FHSU and Northwest Missouri continue to represent the MIAA in the Top 25 this week.This is the 110th time the Tigers have been ranked in the Top 25 of the NABC poll. They are 182-47 all-time when in the NABC Top 25.The Bearcats (17-4, 13-2 MIAA) moved up to No. 12 in the latest poll after holding a No. 16 ranking last week. The Tigers (16-5, 11-4 MIAA) nudged up one spot from No. 24 to No. 23. Washburn, which sits a game back of FHSU in third in the MIAA standings, is still among the receiving votes section. The Central Region of the NCAA currently has six teams in the Top 25, which includes four teams from the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference – Minnesota State (No. 5), MSU Moorhead (No. 9), Minot State (No. 15), and Minnesota Duluth (No. 22).The Central Region has the most teams in the NABC Top 25, closely followed by the South Central Region with five. The South Central Region has four teams in the top 10, including the nation's No. 1 team West Texas A&amp;M. The two regions (of eight in NCAA Division II) make up 44 percent of the Top 25.Both Northwest Missouri State and Fort Hays State are referenced in the latest D2CSC Top 25 Poll. The Bearcats moved up two spots in that poll from No. 11 to No. 9 this week. The Tigers remained among the receiving votes list.Fort Hays State plays host to Newman and Central Oklahoma this week. Central Oklahoma was in the NABC Poll earlier this season, ranking as high as No. 3 in both the NABC and D2CSC Polls for three weeks from November 21 to December 5. The Tigers defeated the Bronchos in Edmond earlier this year on December 31 when the Bronchos were ranked No. 5 in the NABC poll and No. 8 in the D2CSC poll. The Bronchos eventually slid out of both rankings, but enter the week with a solid record of 16-7 overall.NABC Top 25 Poll - February 6, 2024 Rank - Team - Points - Record - Prev 1 - West Texas A&amp;M (16) - 20-1 - 400 - 1 2 - Nova Southeastern, Fla. - 17-2 - 381 - 3 - 3 - Fort Lewis, Colo. - 19-2 - 359 - 4 4 - Dallas Baptist, Texas - 18-2 - 339 - 5 5 - Minnesota State - 21-2 - 324 - 2 6 - North Georgia - 18-2 - 323 - 6 7 - West Georgia - 19-2 - 288 - 8 8 - Gannon, Pa. - 19-2 - 280 - 9 9 - MSU Moorhead, Minn. - 19-3 - 257 - 12 10 - Colorado Mesa - 17-3 - 241 - 13 11 - East Stroudsburg, Pa. - 19-2 - 227 - 15 12 - Northwest Missouri State - 17-4 - 214 - 16 13 - Saint Martin's, Wash. - 18-3 - 205 - 7 14 - Benedict, S.C. - 17-3 - 169 - 11 15 - Minot State, N.D. - 18-4 - 161 - 19 16 - California, Pa. - 18-3 - 160 - 14 17 - Colorado School of Mines - 19-4 - 158 - 10 18 - Cal State Dominguez Hills - 18-3 - 140 - 22 19 - Chico State, Calif. - 16-4 - 102 - 23 20 - St. Thomas Aquinas, N.Y. - 17-3 - 95 - 25 21 - Charleston, W.Va. - 16-3 - 88 - NR 22 - Minnesota Duluth - 18-5 - 73 - NR 23 - Fort Hays State, Kan. - 16-5 - 51 - 24 24 - USC Aiken, S.C. - 16-4 - 38 - 21 25 - Lander, S.C. - 16-4 - 30 - 18Receiving Votes: Emmanuel (Ga.) 28, Ferris State (Mich.) 17, Northern Michigan 15, Indianapolis (Ind.) 10, Lubbock Christian (Texas) 7, West Liberty (W.Va.) 5, Washburn (Kan.) 4, Cal State LA 3, Cedarville (Ohio) 3, Saint Michael's (Vt.) 3, Catawba (N.C.) 1, Concord (W.Va.) 1.D2CSC Top 25 Poll - February 6, 2024 Rank - Team - Points - Record - Prev 1 - West Texas A&amp;M (10) - 391 - 20-1 - 2 2 - Nova Southeastern (2) - 379 - 17-2 - 3 3 - Minnesota State (4) - 365 - 21-2 - 1 4 - Gannon - 328 - 19-2 - 7 5 - Dallas Baptist - 324 - 18-2 - 6 6 - North Georgia - 308 - 18-2 - 8 7 - East Stroudsburg - 277 - 19-2 - 5 8 - West Georgia - 265 - 19-2 - 12 T9 - Northwest Missouri State - 239 - 17-4 - 11 T9 - Saint Martin's - 239 - 18-3 - 4 11 - MSU Moorhead - 235 - 19-3 - 9 12 - St. Thomas Aquinas - 224 - 17-3 - 14 13 - Fort Lewis - 214 - 19-2 - 15 14 - Cal State Dominguez Hills - 181 - 18-3 - 22 15 - Lander - 155 - 16-4 - 13 16 - Northern Michigan - 143 - 17-6 - 17 17 - Colorado Mesa - 128 - 17-3 - 23 18 - Charleston (W.Va.) - 117 - 16-3 - RV 19 - California (Pa.) - 104 - 18-3 - 10 20 - Ferris State - 94 - 17-5 - 21 21 - Florida Southern - 87 - 16-6 - 19 22 - Colorado School of Mines - 70 - 19-4 - 20 23 - Benedict - 69 - 15-2 - RV T24 - Chico State - 48 - 16-4 - NR T24 - Minot State - 48 - 18-4 - NRReceiving Votes: USC Aiken – 43; Saint Michael's – 34; West Liberty – 12; Cedarville – 12; Cal State San Bernardino – 6;&nbsp;Fort Hays State – 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀 FHSU men up a spot in NABC poll

The 24th-ranked Fort Hays State men's basketball team takes on Missouri Western State on Thursday, February 1, 2024 at the MWSU Fieldhouse in St. Joseph, Mo.

The 24th-ranked Fort Hays State men's basketball team takes on Missouri Western State on Thursday, February 1, 2024 at the MWSU Fieldhouse in St. Joseph, Mo.<div><iframe title="FHSU Rewind-MBB at Missouri Western (Feb. 1, 2024)" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=wc834-157076a-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=2" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 Defend the Fort Podcast: FHSU Rewind-MBB at Missouri Western (Feb. 1, 2024)

Tuesday, February 6
 KFIX: Hays High basketball vs. McPherson, 5:40pm
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian basketball vs. Russell, 5:40pm

Wednesday, February 7
 KAYS: Tiger Talk, 12:10pm
 KAYS: Hawk Talk with Bill Self, 6:00pm

Thursday, February 8
 KJLS: Fort Hays State basketball vs. Newman, 5:05pm
 KKQY: Phillipsburg basketball at Trego, approx. 5:45pm

Friday, February 9
 KKQY: Central Plains basketball at LaCrosse, 5:15pm
 KFIX: Hays High basketball at Liberal, 5:40pm
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian basketball vs. Phillipsburg, 5:40pm

Saturday, February 10
 KJLS: Fort Hays State basketball vs. Central Oklahoma,
1:35pm
 KAYS: Kansas basketball vs. Baylor, 3:30pm

Sunday, February 11
 KFIX: Super Bowl LVIII (Westwood One), 1pm

Tuesday, February 6
 KFIX: Hays High basketball vs. McPherson, 5:40pm
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian basketball vs. Russell, 5:40pmWednesday, February 7
 KAYS: Tiger Talk, 12:10pm
 KAYS: Hawk Talk with Bill Self, 6:00pmThursday, February 8
 KJLS: Fort Hays State basketball vs. Newman, 5:05pm
 KKQY: Phillipsburg basketball at Trego, approx. 5:45pmFriday, February 9
 KKQY: Central Plains basketball at LaCrosse, 5:15pm
 KFIX: Hays High basketball at Liberal, 5:40pm
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian basketball vs. Phillipsburg, 5:40pmSaturday, February 10
 KJLS: Fort Hays State basketball vs. Central Oklahoma,
1:35pm
 KAYS: Kansas basketball vs. Baylor, 3:30pmSunday, February 11
 KFIX: Super Bowl LVIII (Westwood One), 1pm

🎧 Eagle Radio, Hull sports broadcast schedule

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Tylor Perry scored eight of his 26 points in overtime and Kansas State beat No. 4 Kansas 75-70 on Monday night in the 300th matchup of their heated rivalry.

“It was a fun environment to be in,” Perry said. “Our fans did a very good job of packing it in and setting the mood for the game. Kansas is obviously a very good basketball team. Everybody was excited to play. I feel that we went out there, we did what we had to do in order to get the win.”

Perry’s 3-pointer with 1:54 left gave the Wildcats a 70-66 lead. Hunter Dickinson's basket trimmed it to 70-68, but Perry’s two free throws extended the margin back to four.

Dajuan Harris Jr. cut it to 72-70 with two free throws before Kevin McCullar Jr. missed the front end of a 1-and-1 for Kansas with 22 seconds remaining. Arthur Kaluma sank a pair of foul shots and Perry added another one to seal it, ending Kansas State's four-game losing streak.

“I thought that they were the more athletic and explosive team,” Kansas coach Bill Self said. “I thought we showed stretches where we were as well. But the bottom line is, it comes down to making free throws.”

Kansas State is 6-0 in overtime this season, and 11-0 in coach Jerome Tang's two seasons in Manhattan.

“In overtime, it’s about players making plays,” Tang said. “They don’t feel the pressure. We work on it every day in practice, but I don’t know that that’s necessarily the reason. I think guys just make plays and their confidence level grows.”

Cam Carter had 19 points and 11 rebounds for K-State (15-8, 5-5 Big 12). Kaluma added 13 points and eight boards.

Dickinson had 21 points and 12 rebounds to pace Kansas (18-5, 6-4). Harris and McCullar each added 15 points, and KJ Adams Jr. scored 13.

Kansas scored the first nine points of the second half to open its largest lead at 41-30. But the Wildcats scored the next 11, capped by a three-point play from Carter.

“I thought our guys did a great job,” Tang said of his team's response. “TP (Perry) had an 8-0 run on his own. But the guys locked back in. The fact that we were able to make it a ballgame again and put some score pressure on them helped us.”

Perry hit three free throws with 4:49 left in regulation to give K-State a three-point lead. Dickinson scored inside, but Carter answered from long range to give the Wildcats a 58-54 lead.

Harris hit a layup to tie it with 2:14 left, and McCullar's layup gave Kansas a 62-60 lead with 1:47 to go. Perry tied it again with a layup.

Kaluma’s putback with 23 seconds remaining was answered by Adams' bucket with 14.2 seconds left to send the game to overtime.

“I thought we had it,” Harris said. “I remember two years ago when we came back in overtime. I’ve been there, Coach has been there before. I just thought we had the game, but they can compete, too, you know.”

Kansas State hit five 3-pointers in the first half but went into the locker room trailing 32-30.

Kansas: It’s the sixth-most played rivalry in men’s college basketball, and the Jayhawks know they’re going to get K-State’s best effort in these games.

Kansas State: The Wildcats need to keep up the sort of intensity they showed Monday night if they’re going to revitalize their fading NCAA Tournament hopes.

Kansas: Returns home to face No. 13 Baylor on Saturday.

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Tylor Perry scored eight of his 26 points in overtime and Kansas State beat No. 4 Kansas 75-70 on Monday night in the 300th matchup of their heated rivalry.“It was a fun environment to be in,” Perry said. “Our fans did a very good job of packing it in and setting the mood for the game. Kansas is obviously a very good basketball team. Everybody was excited to play. I feel that we went out there, we did what we had to do in order to get the win.”Perry’s 3-pointer with 1:54 left gave the Wildcats a 70-66 lead. Hunter Dickinson's basket trimmed it to 70-68, but Perry’s two free throws extended the margin back to four.Dajuan Harris Jr. cut it to 72-70 with two free throws before Kevin McCullar Jr. missed the front end of a 1-and-1 for Kansas with 22 seconds remaining. Arthur Kaluma sank a pair of foul shots and Perry added another one to seal it, ending Kansas State's four-game losing streak.“I thought that they were the more athletic and explosive team,” Kansas coach Bill Self said. “I thought we showed stretches where we were as well. But the bottom line is, it comes down to making free throws.”Kansas State is 6-0 in overtime this season, and 11-0 in coach Jerome Tang's two seasons in Manhattan.“In overtime, it’s about players making plays,” Tang said. “They don’t feel the pressure. We work on it every day in practice, but I don’t know that that’s necessarily the reason. I think guys just make plays and their confidence level grows.”Cam Carter had 19 points and 11 rebounds for K-State (15-8, 5-5 Big 12). Kaluma added 13 points and eight boards.Dickinson had 21 points and 12 rebounds to pace Kansas (18-5, 6-4). Harris and McCullar each added 15 points, and KJ Adams Jr. scored 13.Kansas scored the first nine points of the second half to open its largest lead at 41-30. But the Wildcats scored the next 11, capped by a three-point play from Carter.“I thought our guys did a great job,” Tang said of his team's response. “TP (Perry) had an 8-0 run on his own. But the guys locked back in. The fact that we were able to make it a ballgame again and put some score pressure on them helped us.”Perry hit three free throws with 4:49 left in regulation to give K-State a three-point lead. Dickinson scored inside, but Carter answered from long range to give the Wildcats a 58-54 lead.Harris hit a layup to tie it with 2:14 left, and McCullar's layup gave Kansas a 62-60 lead with 1:47 to go. Perry tied it again with a layup.Kaluma’s putback with 23 seconds remaining was answered by Adams' bucket with 14.2 seconds left to send the game to overtime.“I thought we had it,” Harris said. “I remember two years ago when we came back in overtime. I’ve been there, Coach has been there before. I just thought we had the game, but they can compete, too, you know.”Kansas State hit five 3-pointers in the first half but went into the locker room trailing 32-30.BIG PICTUREKansas: It’s the sixth-most played rivalry in men’s college basketball, and the Jayhawks know they’re going to get K-State’s best effort in these games.Kansas State: The Wildcats need to keep up the sort of intensity they showed Monday night if they’re going to revitalize their fading NCAA Tournament hopes.UP NEXTKansas: Returns home to face No. 13 Baylor on Saturday.

🏀Kansas State knocks off No. 4 Kansas 75-70 in overtime to snap 4-game slide

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Chiefs' Travis Kelce and the 49ers' George Kittle are best of friends when they are off the field.

They are fierce competitors when they step on it.

They also happen to be two of the best tight ends ever to play the game, and largely responsible for the way their position has evolved from a glorified offensive lineman catching occasional passes to a vital cog in a modern, pass-happy league.

In fact, the two of them along with retired tight end-turned-TV broadcaster Greg Olsen&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-tennessee-titans-nfl-sports-nashville-e7714b3cc512b64047c72b0fa620d268">founded Tight End University</a>&nbsp;three years ago to help teach their craft. The immersive three-day program is designed to help players at their position learn from each other, whether that's studying film, doing on-field work or sharing best practices when it comes to recovery and rehab.

"My guy right there! The king of Tight End U,” Kelce said of Kittle, when asked about their relationship. “He's the best tight end in the league and deservingly so this year. He's been playing lights-out, playing the best football of his career, and really catapulted that San Francisco team through the playoffs, man, and I couldn't be more proud of him.”

In truth, both have been instrumental in getting Kansas City and San Francisco to the Super Bowl on Sunday in Las Vegas, where they will play&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-chiefs-49ers-e3173d680f58116aee88a2db3ade8490">a rematch of the championship game</a>&nbsp;won four years ago by the Chiefs.

Kittle led all tight ends with 1,020 yards receiving this season, but he also played one game more than Kelce, who missed Week 1 with a hyperextended knee and then sat out the Chiefs' meaningless regular-season finale. If Kelce would have played, the 34-year-old&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-chiefs-kelce-swift-718ea5cefd341461948c4fdadaa92abc">boyfriend of pop superstar Taylor Swift</a>&nbsp;might have clipped his good buddy, rather than finishing with 984 yards.

That snapped Kelce's streak of seven consecutive 1,000-yard seasons.

Kelce said the streak didn't mean as much to him as trying to win a third Super Bowl ring, and getting healthy for the playoffs has proven to be invaluable. Kelce has been at his best in win-or-go-home games, catching seven balls for 71 yards in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dolphins-chiefs-score-playoffs-mahomes-e3a23736da0c791ff4ec2067fc5a9ff2">a frigid wild-card win</a>&nbsp;over Miami, five for 75 yards and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-bills-score-kelce-mahomes-534e95ba7ec9ff08367c7543cae540ae">two scores in Buffalo</a>, and 11 for 116 yards and a TD in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-ravens-score-afc-championship-2d7d4c43fe8fc614b27bf5fc7f4e94d1">AFC title game in Baltimore</a>.

That three-game stretch has made Kelce one of the most productive pass-catchers in postseason history.

He has 156 catches overall, breaking the record of 151 set by Jerry Rice from 1985-2004, and his 116 yards against the Ravens was his eighth game of at least 100, which tied Kelce with the longtime 49ers star for the most in playoff history.

Most of those passes have come from Patrick Mahomes, with whom Kelce has helped to turn Kansas City into a juggernaut.

“I think they obviously have as great a bond as any one-two punch in the NFL, a quarterback and skill position player in history,” San Francisco linebacker Fred Warner said. “Pat knows exactly where Kelce is going to be on every single play. Kelce, having the confidence and trust in Pat that he can run his routes a certain way, where it's not necessarily going to be by the playbook. He's going to find open space and they can have a feel out there on the field.”

Former safety John Lynch, now the 49ers' general manager, marveled at how Kelce continues to get open, even though there were times this season — especially when the Chiefs offense was sputtering — when age appeared to be catching up to him.

"When you’re going by Jerry Rice’s records, that speaks volumes,” Lynch said, “because Jerry, he’s written every record in the playoffs, and Kelce is bigger at the moment. But I think it’s (Mahomes and Kelce) together. I think you give Andy (Reid) a lot of credit for giving them the freedom. A lot of coaches would say, ‘You’ve got to play within our system. You’ve got to run the route called.' You can tell a lot of times he’s just making it up, but it works out really well.”

It worked out pretty well the last time San Francisco played Kansas City in the Super Bowl. Kelce had six catches for 43 yards and a touchdown&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-chiefs-lions-49ers-5888d0d8ffea82c0c735469d2a91be95">that night in Miami,</a>&nbsp;helping the Chiefs rally with three fourth-quarter TDs for a 31-20 victory.

Kittle was largely shut down in that game. He finished with four catches for 36 yards.

He hasn't been stopped much in the years since. That includes the divisional round of the playoffs a few weeks ago, when he had four catches for 84 yards and a touchdown, helping the 49ers squeak past&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/49ers-packers-score-playoffs-6cafbf31de6393cf5c6db49f71c0998b">the Packers.</a>

Kittle had two more catches in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/49ers-lions-score-nfc-championship-bed96677697deb0dfb1fa757288ab4bb">NFC title game against Detroit</a>&nbsp;to set up his rematch with Kelce and the Chiefs.

“I couldn't be more proud of him,” Kelce said, “couldn't be more honored, really, to go up against George in another Super Bowl. I can't say enough amazing things about who he is, who his family is. I can't say a bad thing about him. It's going to be a fun time.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707169381766.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce talks to the media before the team's NFL football practice Friday, Feb. 2, 2024 in Kansas City, Mo. The Chiefs will play the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl 58. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce talks to the media before the team's NFL football practice Friday, Feb. 2, 2024 in Kansas City, Mo. The Chiefs will play the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl 58. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Chiefs' Travis Kelce and the 49ers' George Kittle are best of friends when they are off the field.They are fierce competitors when they step on it.They also happen to be two of the best tight ends ever to play the game, and largely responsible for the way their position has evolved from a glorified offensive lineman catching occasional passes to a vital cog in a modern, pass-happy league.In fact, the two of them along with retired tight end-turned-TV broadcaster Greg Olsen&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-tennessee-titans-nfl-sports-nashville-e7714b3cc512b64047c72b0fa620d268">founded Tight End University</a>&nbsp;three years ago to help teach their craft. The immersive three-day program is designed to help players at their position learn from each other, whether that's studying film, doing on-field work or sharing best practices when it comes to recovery and rehab."My guy right there! The king of Tight End U,” Kelce said of Kittle, when asked about their relationship. “He's the best tight end in the league and deservingly so this year. He's been playing lights-out, playing the best football of his career, and really catapulted that San Francisco team through the playoffs, man, and I couldn't be more proud of him.”In truth, both have been instrumental in getting Kansas City and San Francisco to the Super Bowl on Sunday in Las Vegas, where they will play&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-chiefs-49ers-e3173d680f58116aee88a2db3ade8490">a rematch of the championship game</a>&nbsp;won four years ago by the Chiefs.Kittle led all tight ends with 1,020 yards receiving this season, but he also played one game more than Kelce, who missed Week 1 with a hyperextended knee and then sat out the Chiefs' meaningless regular-season finale. If Kelce would have played, the 34-year-old&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-chiefs-kelce-swift-718ea5cefd341461948c4fdadaa92abc">boyfriend of pop superstar Taylor Swift</a>&nbsp;might have clipped his good buddy, rather than finishing with 984 yards.That snapped Kelce's streak of seven consecutive 1,000-yard seasons.Kelce said the streak didn't mean as much to him as trying to win a third Super Bowl ring, and getting healthy for the playoffs has proven to be invaluable. Kelce has been at his best in win-or-go-home games, catching seven balls for 71 yards in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dolphins-chiefs-score-playoffs-mahomes-e3a23736da0c791ff4ec2067fc5a9ff2">a frigid wild-card win</a>&nbsp;over Miami, five for 75 yards and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-bills-score-kelce-mahomes-534e95ba7ec9ff08367c7543cae540ae">two scores in Buffalo</a>, and 11 for 116 yards and a TD in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-ravens-score-afc-championship-2d7d4c43fe8fc614b27bf5fc7f4e94d1">AFC title game in Baltimore</a>.That three-game stretch has made Kelce one of the most productive pass-catchers in postseason history.He has 156 catches overall, breaking the record of 151 set by Jerry Rice from 1985-2004, and his 116 yards against the Ravens was his eighth game of at least 100, which tied Kelce with the longtime 49ers star for the most in playoff history.Most of those passes have come from Patrick Mahomes, with whom Kelce has helped to turn Kansas City into a juggernaut.“I think they obviously have as great a bond as any one-two punch in the NFL, a quarterback and skill position player in history,” San Francisco linebacker Fred Warner said. “Pat knows exactly where Kelce is going to be on every single play. Kelce, having the confidence and trust in Pat that he can run his routes a certain way, where it's not necessarily going to be by the playbook. He's going to find open space and they can have a feel out there on the field.”Former safety John Lynch, now the 49ers' general manager, marveled at how Kelce continues to get open, even though there were times this season — especially when the Chiefs offense was sputtering — when age appeared to be catching up to him."When you’re going by Jerry Rice’s records, that speaks volumes,” Lynch said, “because Jerry, he’s written every record in the playoffs, and Kelce is bigger at the moment. But I think it’s (Mahomes and Kelce) together. I think you give Andy (Reid) a lot of credit for giving them the freedom. A lot of coaches would say, ‘You’ve got to play within our system. You’ve got to run the route called.' You can tell a lot of times he’s just making it up, but it works out really well.”It worked out pretty well the last time San Francisco played Kansas City in the Super Bowl. Kelce had six catches for 43 yards and a touchdown&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-chiefs-lions-49ers-5888d0d8ffea82c0c735469d2a91be95">that night in Miami,</a>&nbsp;helping the Chiefs rally with three fourth-quarter TDs for a 31-20 victory.Kittle was largely shut down in that game. He finished with four catches for 36 yards.He hasn't been stopped much in the years since. That includes the divisional round of the playoffs a few weeks ago, when he had four catches for 84 yards and a touchdown, helping the 49ers squeak past&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/49ers-packers-score-playoffs-6cafbf31de6393cf5c6db49f71c0998b">the Packers.</a>Kittle had two more catches in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/49ers-lions-score-nfc-championship-bed96677697deb0dfb1fa757288ab4bb">NFC title game against Detroit</a>&nbsp;to set up his rematch with Kelce and the Chiefs.“I couldn't be more proud of him,” Kelce said, “couldn't be more honored, really, to go up against George in another Super Bowl. I can't say enough amazing things about who he is, who his family is. I can't say a bad thing about him. It's going to be a fun time.”

🏈Friends and foes: The Chiefs' Kelce, 49ers' Kittle ready to match up again in the Super Bowl

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Kansas City Royals announced today that they have agreed to the biggest contract in franchise history with shortstop&nbsp;Bobby Witt Jr., a 14-year agreement that includes 11 years guaranteed.

“From the moment I was drafted in 2019, the entire Royals organization and fans have treated me and my family like their own,” Witt Jr said. “This city and this team have felt like home since day one, and it’s an honor to have the opportunity to continue to represent all of KC. I am incredibly grateful to the Sherman family and the Royals front office for believing in me, and I promise to do everything in my power to help bring championship baseball back to Kansas City!”

“We are extraordinarily proud to announce an historic deal with a very special player,’” said&nbsp;John Sherman, Chairman and CEO of the Kansas City Royals. “Like our fans, I’m thrilled that this ensures Bobby will compete in a Royals uniform for many years to come. Bobby makes us better, and I’m grateful for his commitment to our fans, our city, and our team.”

“From the day we drafted him we felt confident Bobby would become one of our game’s brightest stars and biggest talents,” said&nbsp;J.J. Picollo, Royals Executive Vice President and General Manager. “These last two seasons have been confirmation of that talent, and proof that he’s an even better teammate. We know he wants to win here for our fans as much as we do.”

Witt Jr., 23, recorded 20 home runs and 30 stolen bases as a rookie in 2022. Last year, he recorded 30 home runs and 49 stolen bases, becoming the first player in Royals history with a 30/30 season. In doing so, he became the seventh player in Major League history to go 30/30 in his age-23 season or younger, and was the second American League shortstop—regardless of age—to post a 30/30 season, following&nbsp;Álex Rodríguez, who went 40/40 in 1998. Witt Jr.’s sophomore season earned him 7th place in the American League Most Valuable Player voting.

Witt Jr.’s combination of home runs (30) and steals (49) last season has been matched only four times in Major League history, by&nbsp;Eric Davis&nbsp;(1987),&nbsp;Barry Bonds&nbsp;(1990),&nbsp;Mike Trout&nbsp;(2012) and&nbsp;Ronald Acuña Jr.&nbsp;(2023).

No player in Major League history has matched Witt Jr.’s combination of HR (50) and steals (79) through his first two seasons.

Witt Jr. last season led the Royals in games played (158), hits (177), triples (11), home runs (30), RBI (96), stolen bases (49), OPS (.813, min. 150 AB) and runs (97). Among American League leaders, he ranked 2nd in stolen bases, 3rd in hits, tied for 3rd in total bases (317), tied for 7th in runs, 8th in extra-base hits (69) and tied for 9th in batting average (.276). He also tied&nbsp;Corbin Carroll&nbsp;for the Major League lead with 11 triples, which were the most by any Royal since&nbsp;Carlos Beltrán&nbsp;had 12 triples in 2001.

Witt Jr. in 2023 became the sixth American League player in the last 75 years with at least 30 home runs and 10 triples in a season, following&nbsp;Joe DiMaggio&nbsp;(1950),&nbsp;Mickey Mantle&nbsp;(1955),&nbsp;Jim Rice&nbsp;(1977 and 1978),&nbsp;Nomar Garciaparra&nbsp;(1997) and&nbsp;Curtis Granderson&nbsp;(2011).

On defense, Witt Jr. in 2023 recorded 14 Outs Above Average, a range-based metric of fielding skill presented by&nbsp;Statcast, which ranked him 1st among American League shortstops and 3rd among all positions in the American League, trailing only Cleveland’s second baseman&nbsp;Andrés Giménez&nbsp;(18) and teammate&nbsp;Maikel Garcia&nbsp;(15).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707163121855.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas City RoyalsKANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Kansas City Royals announced today that they have agreed to the biggest contract in franchise history with shortstop&nbsp;Bobby Witt Jr., a 14-year agreement that includes 11 years guaranteed.“From the moment I was drafted in 2019, the entire Royals organization and fans have treated me and my family like their own,” Witt Jr said. “This city and this team have felt like home since day one, and it’s an honor to have the opportunity to continue to represent all of KC. I am incredibly grateful to the Sherman family and the Royals front office for believing in me, and I promise to do everything in my power to help bring championship baseball back to Kansas City!”“We are extraordinarily proud to announce an historic deal with a very special player,’” said&nbsp;John Sherman, Chairman and CEO of the Kansas City Royals. “Like our fans, I’m thrilled that this ensures Bobby will compete in a Royals uniform for many years to come. Bobby makes us better, and I’m grateful for his commitment to our fans, our city, and our team.”“From the day we drafted him we felt confident Bobby would become one of our game’s brightest stars and biggest talents,” said&nbsp;J.J. Picollo, Royals Executive Vice President and General Manager. “These last two seasons have been confirmation of that talent, and proof that he’s an even better teammate. We know he wants to win here for our fans as much as we do.”Witt Jr., 23, recorded 20 home runs and 30 stolen bases as a rookie in 2022. Last year, he recorded 30 home runs and 49 stolen bases, becoming the first player in Royals history with a 30/30 season. In doing so, he became the seventh player in Major League history to go 30/30 in his age-23 season or younger, and was the second American League shortstop—regardless of age—to post a 30/30 season, following&nbsp;Álex Rodríguez, who went 40/40 in 1998. Witt Jr.’s sophomore season earned him 7th place in the American League Most Valuable Player voting.Witt Jr.’s combination of home runs (30) and steals (49) last season has been matched only four times in Major League history, by&nbsp;Eric Davis&nbsp;(1987),&nbsp;Barry Bonds&nbsp;(1990),&nbsp;Mike Trout&nbsp;(2012) and&nbsp;Ronald Acuña Jr.&nbsp;(2023).No player in Major League history has matched Witt Jr.’s combination of HR (50) and steals (79) through his first two seasons.Witt Jr. last season led the Royals in games played (158), hits (177), triples (11), home runs (30), RBI (96), stolen bases (49), OPS (.813, min. 150 AB) and runs (97). Among American League leaders, he ranked 2nd in stolen bases, 3rd in hits, tied for 3rd in total bases (317), tied for 7th in runs, 8th in extra-base hits (69) and tied for 9th in batting average (.276). He also tied&nbsp;Corbin Carroll&nbsp;for the Major League lead with 11 triples, which were the most by any Royal since&nbsp;Carlos Beltrán&nbsp;had 12 triples in 2001.Witt Jr. in 2023 became the sixth American League player in the last 75 years with at least 30 home runs and 10 triples in a season, following&nbsp;Joe DiMaggio&nbsp;(1950),&nbsp;Mickey Mantle&nbsp;(1955),&nbsp;Jim Rice&nbsp;(1977 and 1978),&nbsp;Nomar Garciaparra&nbsp;(1997) and&nbsp;Curtis Granderson&nbsp;(2011).On defense, Witt Jr. in 2023 recorded 14 Outs Above Average, a range-based metric of fielding skill presented by&nbsp;Statcast, which ranked him 1st among American League shortstops and 3rd among all positions in the American League, trailing only Cleveland’s second baseman&nbsp;Andrés Giménez&nbsp;(18) and teammate&nbsp;Maikel Garcia&nbsp;(15).

⚾ Royals announce 14-year contract agreement with Bobby Witt Jr.

The 15th-ranked Fort Hays State women's basketball team takes on Missouri Western State in a battle of second place teams in the MIAA on Thursday, February 1, 2024 at the MWSU Fieldhouse in St. Joseph, Mo.

The 15th-ranked Fort Hays State women's basketball team takes on Missouri Western State in a battle of second place teams in the MIAA on Thursday, February 1, 2024 at the MWSU Fieldhouse in St. Joseph, Mo.<div><iframe title="FHSU Rewind-WBB at Missouri Western State (Feb. 1, 2024)" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=e4qet-156fcef-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=2" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 Defend the Fort Podcast: FHSU Rewind-WBB at Missouri Western (Feb. 1, 2024)

Monday, February 5
 KAYS: Kansas basketball at Kansas State, 6:30pm

Monday, February 5
 KAYS: Kansas basketball at Kansas State, 6:30pmTuesday, February 6
 KFIX: Hays High basketball vs. McPherson, 5:40pm
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian basketball vs. Russell, 5:40pmWednesday, February 7
 KAYS: Tiger Talk, 12:10pm
 KAYS: Hawk Talk with Bill Self, 6:00pmThursday, February 8
 KJLS: Fort Hays State basketball vs. Newman, 5:05pm
 KKQY: Phillipsburg basketball at Trego, approx. 5:45pmFriday, February 9
 KKQY: Central Plains basketball at LaCrosse, 5:15pm
 KFIX: Hays High basketball at Liberal, 5:40pm
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian basketball vs. Phillipsburg, 5:40pmSaturday, February 10
 KJLS: Fort Hays State basketball vs. Central Oklahoma,
1:35pm
 KAYS: Kansas basketball vs. Baylor, 3:30pmSunday, February 11
 KFIX: Super Bowl LVIII (Westwood One), 1pm

By ROB MAADDI AP Pro Football Writer

Andy Reid celebrated his 25th season as a head coach with a masterful performance on the sideline and in the locker room.

The Kansas City Chiefs are one victory away from becoming the first NFL team in 19 years to win back-to-back Super Bowls. They’re here to face the San Francisco 49ers despite a midseason slump that could’ve ruined their repeat hopes.

This isn’t the best team Reid has coached but it just might be his best coaching job.

Sure, he still has Patrick Mahomes. But the two-time NFL and Super Bowl MVP had a subpar season by his lofty standards. He didn’t get much help from his wide receivers at times. They led the league in drops. Mahomes once again counted on star tight end Travis Kelce, who had a slight dip in production to go with a massive increase in global attention due to his relationship with Taylor Swift.

Reid made sure Kelce’s newfound celebrity status didn’t become a distraction.

After starting 6-1, the Chiefs lost five of eight games. At 9-6, they even had a shot to miss the playoffs and ended up with their most losses since 2017.

No chance Reid would let them stumble further. The Chiefs won the next two games to clinch their eighth straight AFC West title and have kept on winning in the playoffs, beating Miami at home in the wild card round, going on the road to beat Buffalo in the divisional round and No. 1-seeded Baltimore in the AFC championship game.

“Coach Reid just challenging every single person in this building to up the ante just one more step and just keep taking it up a notch every week from here on out,” Kelce said. “That’s why we love the big guy. You never fall astray from that kind of mentality no matter how many losses you have, no matter how close the games are and you’re just not finishing them. Coach Reid does a great job of re-channeling that mindset every single week and presenting a challenge against the defense or the offense or just the team we’re going against in the near future. This week, no better time to challenge everybody in that building. He’s got everyone fired up.”

Reid credits Mahomes and Kelce for their leadership, setting the tone for how the team should practice. He also praised general manager Brett Veach for adding players who fit that mentality.

“You’re not going to dog it with Pat Mahomes going full speed, Kelce going full speed,” Reid said. “They’re not going to allow you to do that first of all. Then you watch them, and you watch how they practice, you know it’s not a fit if they can’t do that. Brett is not going to bring in guys that dog, jog, whatever you want to call it.”

The Chiefs lost a Thursday night at Denver to a team that came in 2-5. Two weeks later, they lost a Super Bowl rematch at home to Philadelphia when Marquez Valdes-Scantling dropped what should’ve been a go-ahead touchdown pass late in the game.

There was another prime-time loss at Green Bay on Dec. 3 followed by a loss at home to the Bills when Kadarius Toney’s TD off a lateral from Kelce was wiped out by an offside penalty on Toney.

A loss to the Raiders on Christmas was the third straight defeat at home and led Reid to make some adjustments. The offensive coaching staff decided to simplify a complex offense and five wins later the Chiefs are back in the Super Bowl for the fourth time in five years.

“I think it gave our guys a nice little - for (lack of) a better term a wakeup call that, ‘Listen we need to step things up here. Things aren’t just going to fall in our lap,’” Reid said of the loss to Las Vegas. “We’re taking everyone’s best shot, here’s a team that went through some adversity, and they stepped up and were able to present themselves like they did. We were able to learn from it and move on. I felt all along though (that) we had the ability to do that, like I said, we need a little kick in the tail there.”

Reid has already won two Super Bowls and more games than any coach in the history of the Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles. He’ll end up in the Pro Football Hall of Fame win or lose against the 49ers.

If the Chiefs win, it’ll be hard to argue that the 65-year-old Reid is getting even better with age.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702527073945.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid speaks during a news conference following an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. The Bills won 20-17 (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid speaks during a news conference following an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. The Bills won 20-17 (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>By ROB MAADDI AP Pro Football WriterAndy Reid celebrated his 25th season as a head coach with a masterful performance on the sideline and in the locker room.The Kansas City Chiefs are one victory away from becoming the first NFL team in 19 years to win back-to-back Super Bowls. They’re here to face the San Francisco 49ers despite a midseason slump that could’ve ruined their repeat hopes.Reid kept them steady.This isn’t the best team Reid has coached but it just might be his best coaching job.Sure, he still has Patrick Mahomes. But the two-time NFL and Super Bowl MVP had a subpar season by his lofty standards. He didn’t get much help from his wide receivers at times. They led the league in drops. Mahomes once again counted on star tight end Travis Kelce, who had a slight dip in production to go with a massive increase in global attention due to his relationship with Taylor Swift.Reid made sure Kelce’s newfound celebrity status didn’t become a distraction.After starting 6-1, the Chiefs lost five of eight games. At 9-6, they even had a shot to miss the playoffs and ended up with their most losses since 2017.No chance Reid would let them stumble further. The Chiefs won the next two games to clinch their eighth straight AFC West title and have kept on winning in the playoffs, beating Miami at home in the wild card round, going on the road to beat Buffalo in the divisional round and No. 1-seeded Baltimore in the AFC championship game.“Coach Reid just challenging every single person in this building to up the ante just one more step and just keep taking it up a notch every week from here on out,” Kelce said. “That’s why we love the big guy. You never fall astray from that kind of mentality no matter how many losses you have, no matter how close the games are and you’re just not finishing them. Coach Reid does a great job of re-channeling that mindset every single week and presenting a challenge against the defense or the offense or just the team we’re going against in the near future. This week, no better time to challenge everybody in that building. He’s got everyone fired up.”Reid credits Mahomes and Kelce for their leadership, setting the tone for how the team should practice. He also praised general manager Brett Veach for adding players who fit that mentality.“You’re not going to dog it with Pat Mahomes going full speed, Kelce going full speed,” Reid said. “They’re not going to allow you to do that first of all. Then you watch them, and you watch how they practice, you know it’s not a fit if they can’t do that. Brett is not going to bring in guys that dog, jog, whatever you want to call it.”The Chiefs lost a Thursday night at Denver to a team that came in 2-5. Two weeks later, they lost a Super Bowl rematch at home to Philadelphia when Marquez Valdes-Scantling dropped what should’ve been a go-ahead touchdown pass late in the game.There was another prime-time loss at Green Bay on Dec. 3 followed by a loss at home to the Bills when Kadarius Toney’s TD off a lateral from Kelce was wiped out by an offside penalty on Toney.A loss to the Raiders on Christmas was the third straight defeat at home and led Reid to make some adjustments. The offensive coaching staff decided to simplify a complex offense and five wins later the Chiefs are back in the Super Bowl for the fourth time in five years.“I think it gave our guys a nice little - for (lack of) a better term a wakeup call that, ‘Listen we need to step things up here. Things aren’t just going to fall in our lap,’” Reid said of the loss to Las Vegas. “We’re taking everyone’s best shot, here’s a team that went through some adversity, and they stepped up and were able to present themselves like they did. We were able to learn from it and move on. I felt all along though (that) we had the ability to do that, like I said, we need a little kick in the tail there.”Reid has already won two Super Bowls and more games than any coach in the history of the Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles. He’ll end up in the Pro Football Hall of Fame win or lose against the 49ers.If the Chiefs win, it’ll be hard to argue that the 65-year-old Reid is getting even better with age.

🏈 Year 25 for Andy Reid might be the best coaching job yet for the 2-time Super Bowl champ

<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/boxscore.aspx?path=mbball&amp;id=12763">BOX SCORE</a>

MARYVILLE, Mo. – Fort Hays State came up just short in an instant classic defensive battle that went to double overtime at Northwest Missouri State on Saturday. The No. 24 Tigers had chances to win the game in both regulation and overtime, but saw the No. 16 Bearcats slip past in the final minute of the second extra frame for a 64-61 victory to extend their home court win streak in regular season games to 25.

The matchup of the nation's top two scoring defenses lived up to the billing, holding the score in regulation under their season averages. The Tigers made a strong rally late in regulation, finishing on an 8-2 run in the final five minutes to get the game tied at 51-51. Kaleb Hammeke&nbsp;missed an open look from the left wing just before time expired which would have won in regulation. 

The Tigers had a strong start to the first overtime, scoring the first four points to go up 55-51. But, the Bearcats answered with four straight of their own to create another tie. Hammeke went strong to the hole with under a minute to play and made a circus scoop off the glass to put the Tigers back up two. Northwest Missouri fumbled the ball away on its next possession and had to foul the Tigers with 18 seconds remaining. Bjarni Jonsson&nbsp;made the front end of a one-and-one, but missed the second. Isaiah Jackson of NMSU drove in low with eight seconds remaining and hit the basket and was fouled. He made the free throw, tying the game. The Tigers came down and struggled to get a good look. A Hammeke desperation heave right before the horn was off the mark, pushing the game to a second overtime.

The defenses continued to tighten down as neither team scored in the first two and a half minutes of the second overtime. Jonsson broke the tie with a 3-point field goal from the right wing with 2:21 to play. Unfortunately that would be the last bucket for FHSU. Wes Dreamer of NMSU answered the three with his own on the other end, tying the game at 61-61. Then after FHSU missed on its next possession, Dreamer got the ball in low and scored with a baby hook shot to put the Bearcats up 63-61. The Tigers struggled to get a good look on their next possession and had to foul. Jackson hit one of two free throws for NMSU to push its lead to three. FHSU's last-second chance to tie the game fell off the mark.

The game never saw a double-digit lead by either team. The Bearcats had an eight-point advantage of 22-14 in the first half, only to see the Tigers use a 12-6 run to cut the lead to two twice before the Bearcats went into halftime with a 30-26 lead. FHSU's largest lead was their four-point advantage early in the first overtime.

The Tigers kept the Bearcats close in the second half. They kept chipping away until an R.J. Crawford&nbsp;gave them a 35-34 lead with 16:39 to play in regulation. The lead toggled back-and-forth again right after as Traejon Davis hit a bucket to put the Tigers up with 14:23 on the clock. That was the final lead of the second half by the Tigers before making their late run to force overtime. Northwest Missouri never led by more than six after halftime.

Though the Tigers made five more field goals in the game than the Bearcats and held a seven-point advantage on field goals, points at the free-throw line tilted the way of the Bearcats by 10. NMSU went 17-of-21 at the line, while FHSU was 7-of-9. The teams shot nearly identical percentages from the field, FHSU at 44.6 percent and NWMSU at 44.4.

Jonsson finished with a team-high 14 points for the Tigers, followed by Elijah Nnanabu&nbsp;with 13 and Hammeke with 11. Jonsson also led the Tigers in rebounds (7) and steals (4), while Hammeke dished out a team-high three assists.

Dreamer finished with a game-high 20 points for the Bearcats, while Bennet Stirtz had 13 and Jackson finished with a double-double of 10 points and 12 rebounds. Jackson also led the Bearcats in assists with four.

Fort Hays State remains alone in second in the MIAA standings, now 16-5 overall and 11-4 in the MIAA. Northwest Missouri State now has a two-game cushion in the standings at 17-4 overall and 13-2 in conference play. The Tigers will be back at home next week to take on Newman and Central Oklahoma.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707027345984.jpeg" alt="Northwest Missouri State's Wes Dreamer (10) and Fort Hays State's Traejon Davis (2) get tangled up in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game on Saturday, February 3, 2024 in Maryville, Mo. (Alexis Starks, Northwest Missouri State Athletics)" />
 <figcaption>Northwest Missouri State's Wes Dreamer (10) and Fort Hays State's Traejon Davis (2) get tangled up in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game on Saturday, February 3, 2024 in Maryville, Mo. (Alexis Starks, Northwest Missouri State Athletics)</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU Athletics<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/boxscore.aspx?path=mbball&amp;id=12763">BOX SCORE</a>MARYVILLE, Mo. – Fort Hays State came up just short in an instant classic defensive battle that went to double overtime at Northwest Missouri State on Saturday. The No. 24 Tigers had chances to win the game in both regulation and overtime, but saw the No. 16 Bearcats slip past in the final minute of the second extra frame for a 64-61 victory to extend their home court win streak in regular season games to 25.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1736945889&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/fhsu-mbkb-coach-interview-v-nw-miss-state-feb-3rd-2024" title="Mark Johnson Postgame at #16 Northwest Missouri State (Feb. 3, 2024)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Mark Johnson Postgame at #16 Northwest Missouri State (Feb. 3, 2024)</a></div></div>The matchup of the nation's top two scoring defenses lived up to the billing, holding the score in regulation under their season averages. The Tigers made a strong rally late in regulation, finishing on an 8-2 run in the final five minutes to get the game tied at 51-51. Kaleb Hammeke&nbsp;missed an open look from the left wing just before time expired which would have won in regulation. The Tigers had a strong start to the first overtime, scoring the first four points to go up 55-51. But, the Bearcats answered with four straight of their own to create another tie. Hammeke went strong to the hole with under a minute to play and made a circus scoop off the glass to put the Tigers back up two. Northwest Missouri fumbled the ball away on its next possession and had to foul the Tigers with 18 seconds remaining. Bjarni Jonsson&nbsp;made the front end of a one-and-one, but missed the second. Isaiah Jackson of NMSU drove in low with eight seconds remaining and hit the basket and was fouled. He made the free throw, tying the game. The Tigers came down and struggled to get a good look. A Hammeke desperation heave right before the horn was off the mark, pushing the game to a second overtime.The defenses continued to tighten down as neither team scored in the first two and a half minutes of the second overtime. Jonsson broke the tie with a 3-point field goal from the right wing with 2:21 to play. Unfortunately that would be the last bucket for FHSU. Wes Dreamer of NMSU answered the three with his own on the other end, tying the game at 61-61. Then after FHSU missed on its next possession, Dreamer got the ball in low and scored with a baby hook shot to put the Bearcats up 63-61. The Tigers struggled to get a good look on their next possession and had to foul. Jackson hit one of two free throws for NMSU to push its lead to three. FHSU's last-second chance to tie the game fell off the mark.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1736945610&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/fhsu-mbkb-highlights-v-nw-miss-st-feb-3rd-2024" title="#24 Fort Hays State MBB Highlights at #16 Northwest Missouri State (Feb. 3, 2024)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">#24 Fort Hays State MBB Highlights at #16 Northwest Missouri State (Feb. 3, 2024)</a></div></div>The game never saw a double-digit lead by either team. The Bearcats had an eight-point advantage of 22-14 in the first half, only to see the Tigers use a 12-6 run to cut the lead to two twice before the Bearcats went into halftime with a 30-26 lead. FHSU's largest lead was their four-point advantage early in the first overtime.The Tigers kept the Bearcats close in the second half. They kept chipping away until an R.J. Crawford&nbsp;gave them a 35-34 lead with 16:39 to play in regulation. The lead toggled back-and-forth again right after as Traejon Davis hit a bucket to put the Tigers up with 14:23 on the clock. That was the final lead of the second half by the Tigers before making their late run to force overtime. Northwest Missouri never led by more than six after halftime.Though the Tigers made five more field goals in the game than the Bearcats and held a seven-point advantage on field goals, points at the free-throw line tilted the way of the Bearcats by 10. NMSU went 17-of-21 at the line, while FHSU was 7-of-9. The teams shot nearly identical percentages from the field, FHSU at 44.6 percent and NWMSU at 44.4.Jonsson finished with a team-high 14 points for the Tigers, followed by Elijah Nnanabu&nbsp;with 13 and Hammeke with 11. Jonsson also led the Tigers in rebounds (7) and steals (4), while Hammeke dished out a team-high three assists.Dreamer finished with a game-high 20 points for the Bearcats, while Bennet Stirtz had 13 and Jackson finished with a double-double of 10 points and 12 rebounds. Jackson also led the Bearcats in assists with four.Fort Hays State remains alone in second in the MIAA standings, now 16-5 overall and 11-4 in the MIAA. Northwest Missouri State now has a two-game cushion in the standings at 17-4 overall and 13-2 in conference play. The Tigers will be back at home next week to take on Newman and Central Oklahoma.

🏀 No. 24 Tigers come up short in 2OT at No. 16 NW Missouri State

<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/boxscore.aspx?path=wbball&amp;id=12794">BOX SCORE</a>

MARYVILLE, Mo. - The 15th-ranked Fort Hays State women's basketball team dropped a road conference contest at Northwest Missouri State Saturday afternoon, losing 69-55. The Tigers (16-5, 10-5 MIAA) were whistled for seven more fouls than the Bearcats (16-5, 10-5 MIAA) and attempted 10 fewer free throws than the home team.

The loss snapped a 10-game winning streak for the Tigers against Northwest Missouri State and is just the second Bearcat win over FHSU since 2011. Additionally, this is the first time the Tigers have dropped back-to-back games this season.

Both teams struggled from the floor early on, combining to shoot 4-of-15 from the floor before the first media timeout. The Tigers led in the early going after a 3-pointer from Emma Ruddle&nbsp;before Northwest got things figured out on offense, knocking down five-consecutive shots to score 13-straight points and open up a 10-point lead, 15-5. A Sydney Golladay&nbsp;triple and a layup from Olivia Hollenbeck helped the Tigers pull within five, but a late Bearcat 3-pointer put the home team up 18-10 after the first quarter.

That long-range make sparked another big Bearcat run, with Northwest scoring 15 of the next 18 points to go up 30-13. Another Golladay 3-pointer late in the second quarter helped the Tigers pull within 14 by halftime, 36-22.Northwest pushed its lead to as many as 20 midway through the third quarter, 48-28, before the Tigers put together a 14-2 run to close within eight entering the fourth quarter, 50-42. 

Ruddle put up five points during the Tiger run, with Hollenbeck scoring four points. Katie Wagner&nbsp;buried a triple with less than five seconds to go to trim the deficit to single figures before stealing the ensuing inbounds pass and heaving up another 3-pointer that would've cut the lead to five, but rattled out.

The Bearcats regained control early in the fourth quarter, going back up by 19 thanks to a 15-4 run. Hollenbeck scored three-consecutive buckets to pull FHSU back within striking distance, but the Tigers could get no closer than a 10-point margin.

Hollenbeck led all scorers with 17 points on 7-of-12 shooting while adding a team-best seven rebounds. Ruddle added 13 points on a trio of 3-pointers, while Golladay had 11 points and five assists. Wagner totaled nine points, scoring fewer than 10 points for just the second time this season, while adding four steals and one block on the defensive end.

Northwest Missouri State won the rebounding battle by 10, 35-25, while FHSU turned the ball over two fewer times, (FHSU 13, NWMSU 15). The Tigers shot 40.4 percent from the floor (21-of-52) and 75 percent from the free-throw line (6-of-8), with the Bearcats hitting 45.1 percent from the floor (23-of-51) and 94.4 percent from the line (17-of-18).

The Tigers will return home to play five of their final seven regular season games at home starting Thursday when FHSU hosts Newman beginning at 5:30 p.m. inside Gross Memorial Coliseum.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707028085003.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State's Olivia Hollenbeck drives to the basketball in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Central Oklahoma on Tuesday, December 19, 2023 in Edmond, Okla. (FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett)" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State's Olivia Hollenbeck drives to the basketball in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Central Oklahoma on Tuesday, December 19, 2023 in Edmond, Okla. (FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett)</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU Athletics<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/boxscore.aspx?path=wbball&amp;id=12794">BOX SCORE</a>MARYVILLE, Mo. - The 15th-ranked Fort Hays State women's basketball team dropped a road conference contest at Northwest Missouri State Saturday afternoon, losing 69-55. The Tigers (16-5, 10-5 MIAA) were whistled for seven more fouls than the Bearcats (16-5, 10-5 MIAA) and attempted 10 fewer free throws than the home team.The loss snapped a 10-game winning streak for the Tigers against Northwest Missouri State and is just the second Bearcat win over FHSU since 2011. Additionally, this is the first time the Tigers have dropped back-to-back games this season.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1736844303&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/fhsu-wbkb-coach-interview-v-nw-miss-state-feb-3rd-2024" title="Talia Kahrs Postgame at Northwest Missouri State (Feb. 3, 2024)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Talia Kahrs Postgame at Northwest Missouri State (Feb. 3, 2024)</a></div></div>Both teams struggled from the floor early on, combining to shoot 4-of-15 from the floor before the first media timeout. The Tigers led in the early going after a 3-pointer from Emma Ruddle&nbsp;before Northwest got things figured out on offense, knocking down five-consecutive shots to score 13-straight points and open up a 10-point lead, 15-5. A Sydney Golladay&nbsp;triple and a layup from Olivia Hollenbeck helped the Tigers pull within five, but a late Bearcat 3-pointer put the home team up 18-10 after the first quarter.That long-range make sparked another big Bearcat run, with Northwest scoring 15 of the next 18 points to go up 30-13. Another Golladay 3-pointer late in the second quarter helped the Tigers pull within 14 by halftime, 36-22.Northwest pushed its lead to as many as 20 midway through the third quarter, 48-28, before the Tigers put together a 14-2 run to close within eight entering the fourth quarter, 50-42. Ruddle put up five points during the Tiger run, with Hollenbeck scoring four points. Katie Wagner&nbsp;buried a triple with less than five seconds to go to trim the deficit to single figures before stealing the ensuing inbounds pass and heaving up another 3-pointer that would've cut the lead to five, but rattled out.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1736834601&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/fhsu-wbkb-highlights-v-nw-miss-st-feb-3rd-2024" title="#15 Fort Hays State WBB Highlights at Northwest Missouri State (Feb. 3, 2024)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">#15 Fort Hays State WBB Highlights at Northwest Missouri State (Feb. 3, 2024)</a></div></div>The Bearcats regained control early in the fourth quarter, going back up by 19 thanks to a 15-4 run. Hollenbeck scored three-consecutive buckets to pull FHSU back within striking distance, but the Tigers could get no closer than a 10-point margin.Hollenbeck led all scorers with 17 points on 7-of-12 shooting while adding a team-best seven rebounds. Ruddle added 13 points on a trio of 3-pointers, while Golladay had 11 points and five assists. Wagner totaled nine points, scoring fewer than 10 points for just the second time this season, while adding four steals and one block on the defensive end.Northwest Missouri State won the rebounding battle by 10, 35-25, while FHSU turned the ball over two fewer times, (FHSU 13, NWMSU 15). The Tigers shot 40.4 percent from the floor (21-of-52) and 75 percent from the free-throw line (6-of-8), with the Bearcats hitting 45.1 percent from the floor (23-of-51) and 94.4 percent from the line (17-of-18).The Tigers will return home to play five of their final seven regular season games at home starting Thursday when FHSU hosts Newman beginning at 5:30 p.m. inside Gross Memorial Coliseum.

🏀 #15 FHSU women turned away by Bearcats

No. 24/RV Fort Hays State (16-4, 11-3 MIAA) at No. 16/11 Northwest Missouri State (16-4, 12-2 MIAA) Saturday, February 3, 2024 • 3:30 p.m. Maryville, Mo. • Bearcat Arena

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

The stage is set for a battle between the top two teams in the MIAA on Saturday when Northwest Missouri State plays host to Fort Hays State in Maryville at 3:30 p.m. Both teams enter at 16-4 overall with the Bearcats at 12-2 in MIAA play and the Tigers at 11-3. Northwest Missouri State is ranked No. 16 in the NABC Top 25 and No. 11 in the D2CSC Top 25, while FHSU is No. 24 in the NABC poll and receiving votes in the D2CSC poll.

This game will pit the top two scoring defenses in NCAA Division II against each other. FHSU leads the nation at 57.5 points per game allowed, while the Bearcats are allowing 59.2 per game.

Fort Hays State took the first meeting between these teams this season in Hays on December 7 by a score of 57-49. R.J. Crawford&nbsp;led three Tigers in double figures with 16 points, followed by Kaleb Hammeke&nbsp;and Elijah Nnanabu&nbsp;each with 13. The Tigers snapped a long 16-game losing streak to the Bearcats with the win, which dated all the way back to the 2012-13 season. The Tigers will be in search of their first win in Maryville since that same season when they won by four, and it was the last time the Tigers swept the regular season MIAA series with the Bearcats as well.

NMSU has won the last seven meetings between the teams in Maryville going back to that 2012-13 season, which was the last season NMSU did not win the MIAA regular season title as their streak now stands at 10 seasons in a row. NMSU has only shared the regular season title twice in that 10-year run. FHSU and Central Missouri tied for the regular season crown the last time NMSU did not sit atop the MIAA standings by season's end.

Fort Hays State is 12-11 all-time in matchups between NABC Top 25 teams. The Tigers are looking to snap a four-game skid in NABC Top 25 matchups that goes back to the 2010-11 season. FHSU's last win over an NABC ranked team while being ranked as well was a 75-49 win over West Texas A&amp;M in the 2011 NCAA Tournament. FHSU was No. 13 and WTAMU was No. 23 in that matchup. Northwest Missouri State has been the opponent each of the last two times in Top 25 matchups (both during the 2021-22 season), so Saturday's game will make it three in a row.

Fort Hays State is coming off a 55-40 win over Missouri Western on Thursday evening, sweeping the MIAA regular season series with MWSU. The Tigers ran their current win streak to four with the result. Nnanabu led the Tigers with 15 points, followed by Hammeke with 10. The 40 points was a season-low by a Tiger opponent in MIAA play this season. FHSU has now held opponents inside 50 points eight times this season.

Northwest Missouri State is coming off a 105-53 blowout win over Nebraska-Kearney on Thursday evening in Maryville. The Bearcats are on a five-game win streak. Wes Dreamer leads the Bearcats at 18.3 points per game, while Bennett Stirtz adds 14.5 per game.

Northwest Missouri State owns a 24-game win streak at home in regular season contests, which goes back to the 2021-22 season. The Bearcats got beat on their home floor in the semifinals of the NCAA Tournament Central Regional last year, but their last loss at home in the regular season was by one point to Emporia State back on February 21, 2022. Since the start of the 2018-19 season, Northwest Missouri State has lost only three regular season games at home by a combined four points. Washburn accounted for two of those three losses. NMSU is 74-3 in home regular season games since the start of the 2018-19 season, the three losses all against Kansas schools in the MIAA.

Hammeke leads the Tigers in scoring, rebounds, and assists. He is averaging 15.3 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game. He is just five assists shy of 400 for his career, looking to become the fourth FHSU player in history with at least 1,400 points and 400 assists. With 1,442 career points, Hammeke is just seven points shy of Craig Nicholson for seventh on the all-time scoring list at FHSU. He is currently fifth on the all-time assists list.

With the win over Missouri Western on Thursday night, Mark Johnson&nbsp;moved up the MIAA coaching wins lists. He now has 338 wins since FHSU joined the MIAA in 2006-07, passing former Central Missouri and Pittsburg State coach Kim Anderson for seventh in career wins with an MIAA school. He also moved up to fifth for wins in conference regular season games, now with 214, passing former Northwest Missouri State coach Steve Tappmeyer.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
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 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsNo. 24/RV Fort Hays State (16-4, 11-3 MIAA) at No. 16/11 Northwest Missouri State (16-4, 12-2 MIAA) Saturday, February 3, 2024 • 3:30 p.m. Maryville, Mo. • Bearcat ArenaRadio:&nbsp;KJLS (103.3)&nbsp;<a href="https://mix103fm.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video:&nbsp;The MIAA Network&nbsp;<a href="https://themiaanetwork.com/fhsutigers/">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>The stage is set for a battle between the top two teams in the MIAA on Saturday when Northwest Missouri State plays host to Fort Hays State in Maryville at 3:30 p.m. Both teams enter at 16-4 overall with the Bearcats at 12-2 in MIAA play and the Tigers at 11-3. Northwest Missouri State is ranked No. 16 in the NABC Top 25 and No. 11 in the D2CSC Top 25, while FHSU is No. 24 in the NABC poll and receiving votes in the D2CSC poll.This game will pit the top two scoring defenses in NCAA Division II against each other. FHSU leads the nation at 57.5 points per game allowed, while the Bearcats are allowing 59.2 per game.Fort Hays State took the first meeting between these teams this season in Hays on December 7 by a score of 57-49. R.J. Crawford&nbsp;led three Tigers in double figures with 16 points, followed by Kaleb Hammeke&nbsp;and Elijah Nnanabu&nbsp;each with 13. The Tigers snapped a long 16-game losing streak to the Bearcats with the win, which dated all the way back to the 2012-13 season. The Tigers will be in search of their first win in Maryville since that same season when they won by four, and it was the last time the Tigers swept the regular season MIAA series with the Bearcats as well.NMSU has won the last seven meetings between the teams in Maryville going back to that 2012-13 season, which was the last season NMSU did not win the MIAA regular season title as their streak now stands at 10 seasons in a row. NMSU has only shared the regular season title twice in that 10-year run. FHSU and Central Missouri tied for the regular season crown the last time NMSU did not sit atop the MIAA standings by season's end.Fort Hays State is 12-11 all-time in matchups between NABC Top 25 teams. The Tigers are looking to snap a four-game skid in NABC Top 25 matchups that goes back to the 2010-11 season. FHSU's last win over an NABC ranked team while being ranked as well was a 75-49 win over West Texas A&amp;M in the 2011 NCAA Tournament. FHSU was No. 13 and WTAMU was No. 23 in that matchup. Northwest Missouri State has been the opponent each of the last two times in Top 25 matchups (both during the 2021-22 season), so Saturday's game will make it three in a row.Fort Hays State is coming off a 55-40 win over Missouri Western on Thursday evening, sweeping the MIAA regular season series with MWSU. The Tigers ran their current win streak to four with the result. Nnanabu led the Tigers with 15 points, followed by Hammeke with 10. The 40 points was a season-low by a Tiger opponent in MIAA play this season. FHSU has now held opponents inside 50 points eight times this season.Northwest Missouri State is coming off a 105-53 blowout win over Nebraska-Kearney on Thursday evening in Maryville. The Bearcats are on a five-game win streak. Wes Dreamer leads the Bearcats at 18.3 points per game, while Bennett Stirtz adds 14.5 per game.Northwest Missouri State owns a 24-game win streak at home in regular season contests, which goes back to the 2021-22 season. The Bearcats got beat on their home floor in the semifinals of the NCAA Tournament Central Regional last year, but their last loss at home in the regular season was by one point to Emporia State back on February 21, 2022. Since the start of the 2018-19 season, Northwest Missouri State has lost only three regular season games at home by a combined four points. Washburn accounted for two of those three losses. NMSU is 74-3 in home regular season games since the start of the 2018-19 season, the three losses all against Kansas schools in the MIAA.Hammeke leads the Tigers in scoring, rebounds, and assists. He is averaging 15.3 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game. He is just five assists shy of 400 for his career, looking to become the fourth FHSU player in history with at least 1,400 points and 400 assists. With 1,442 career points, Hammeke is just seven points shy of Craig Nicholson for seventh on the all-time scoring list at FHSU. He is currently fifth on the all-time assists list.With the win over Missouri Western on Thursday night, Mark Johnson&nbsp;moved up the MIAA coaching wins lists. He now has 338 wins since FHSU joined the MIAA in 2006-07, passing former Central Missouri and Pittsburg State coach Kim Anderson for seventh in career wins with an MIAA school. He also moved up to fifth for wins in conference regular season games, now with 214, passing former Northwest Missouri State coach Steve Tappmeyer.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀🎧 LISTEN - No. 24 Tiger men face Bearcats for first place in MIAA

No. 15 Fort Hays State (16-4, 10-4 MIAA) at Northwest Missouri State (15-5, 9-5 MIAA) Saturday, February 3, 2024 • 1:30 p.m. Maryville, Mo. • Bearcat Arena

The 15th-ranked Fort Hays State women's basketball team travels to Maryville, Mo. to face off against the Northwest Missouri State Bearcats on Saturday. Tipoff between the Tigers (16-4, 10-4 MIAA) and Bearcats (15-5, 9-5 MIAA) is set for 1:30 p.m. inside Bearcat Arena. FHSU is looking to bounce back from a close loss to Missouri Western on Thursday night.

Fort Hays State is 22-10 all-time against the Bearcats, including a 62-48 win in Hays earlier this season. The Tigers have won 10 in a row, with the last loss back in 2017 in Maryville. The last matchup with the Bearcats saw Katie Wagner&nbsp;lead all scorers with 14 points, while Olivia Hollenbeck&nbsp;totaled 11 along with five rebounds.

Wagner is putting up 17.0 points, 8.6 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game this season with nine double-doubles. She is tied for the MIAA lead in double-doubles with three other players. Wagner now has 1,502 career points after her 30 point performance last night against the Griffons. She is just two points shy of passing Ashlee Gustin for sixth on the all-time scoring list at FHSU. She passed Jamie Heiman for fifth on the all-time rebounds list on Thursday night, now with 850 in her career.

Hollenbeck averages 10.7 points on 48.7 percent shooting from the field. She has two double-doubles this season and has 12 games of scoring in double digits, while locking up the paint with 28 blocks and 21 steals on the year 

Emma Ruddle&nbsp;has been a consistent scorer for the Tigers, scoring in double digits three out of the last five games. The McPherson native is shooting 38.7 percent from three on 75 shots this season. She has also done her duty on defense, forcing 25 turnovers so far.

Sydney Golladay&nbsp;has shown her playmaking skills recently, finishing with 15 assists over the previous two games. She has produced three or more assists in 12 games, while scoring in double figures five times averaging 6.9 points per game.

Kate Dilsaver&nbsp;was a spark last game, scoring 12 off the bench. This season she is 50 percent from the field and 41.4 percent from three. She averages 3.9 points in just 15 minutes per game. Megan Earney&nbsp;was on fire last Saturday against Emporia State, scoring 20 after splashing six three-pointers.

The Tiger defense continues to lead the MIAA in scoring defense at just 55.7 points per game. They rank 16th in NCAA Division II.

The Bearcats dropped their last game against Nebraska-Kearney on Thursday night. NWMSU has two players averaging double figures in scoring, Molly Hartnett (12.9) and Caely Kesten (11.3).&nbsp;&nbsp;

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1706920869862.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsNo. 15 Fort Hays State (16-4, 10-4 MIAA) at Northwest Missouri State (15-5, 9-5 MIAA) Saturday, February 3, 2024 • 1:30 p.m. Maryville, Mo. • Bearcat ArenaRadio:&nbsp;KJLS (103.3)&nbsp;<a href="https://mix103fm.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video:&nbsp;The MIAA Network&nbsp;<a href="https://themiaanetwork.com/fhsutigers/">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>The 15th-ranked Fort Hays State women's basketball team travels to Maryville, Mo. to face off against the Northwest Missouri State Bearcats on Saturday. Tipoff between the Tigers (16-4, 10-4 MIAA) and Bearcats (15-5, 9-5 MIAA) is set for 1:30 p.m. inside Bearcat Arena. FHSU is looking to bounce back from a close loss to Missouri Western on Thursday night.Fort Hays State is 22-10 all-time against the Bearcats, including a 62-48 win in Hays earlier this season. The Tigers have won 10 in a row, with the last loss back in 2017 in Maryville. The last matchup with the Bearcats saw Katie Wagner&nbsp;lead all scorers with 14 points, while Olivia Hollenbeck&nbsp;totaled 11 along with five rebounds.Wagner is putting up 17.0 points, 8.6 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game this season with nine double-doubles. She is tied for the MIAA lead in double-doubles with three other players. Wagner now has 1,502 career points after her 30 point performance last night against the Griffons. She is just two points shy of passing Ashlee Gustin for sixth on the all-time scoring list at FHSU. She passed Jamie Heiman for fifth on the all-time rebounds list on Thursday night, now with 850 in her career.Hollenbeck averages 10.7 points on 48.7 percent shooting from the field. She has two double-doubles this season and has 12 games of scoring in double digits, while locking up the paint with 28 blocks and 21 steals on the year Emma Ruddle&nbsp;has been a consistent scorer for the Tigers, scoring in double digits three out of the last five games. The McPherson native is shooting 38.7 percent from three on 75 shots this season. She has also done her duty on defense, forcing 25 turnovers so far.Sydney Golladay&nbsp;has shown her playmaking skills recently, finishing with 15 assists over the previous two games. She has produced three or more assists in 12 games, while scoring in double figures five times averaging 6.9 points per game.Kate Dilsaver&nbsp;was a spark last game, scoring 12 off the bench. This season she is 50 percent from the field and 41.4 percent from three. She averages 3.9 points in just 15 minutes per game. Megan Earney&nbsp;was on fire last Saturday against Emporia State, scoring 20 after splashing six three-pointers.The Tiger defense continues to lead the MIAA in scoring defense at just 55.7 points per game. They rank 16th in NCAA Division II.The Bearcats dropped their last game against Nebraska-Kearney on Thursday night. NWMSU has two players averaging double figures in scoring, Molly Hartnett (12.9) and Caely Kesten (11.3).&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀🎧 LISTEN - No. 15 FHSU women take on Bearcats Saturday in Maryville

Voice of the Chiefs Mitch Holthus discusses the Chiefs win over the Baltimore in the AFC Championship game and previews this past week as the Chiefs prepare to face San Francisco in next week's Super Bowl

The Holthus Hotline airs Saturday's at 8:00 a.m. on 96.9, KFIX.

Voice of the Chiefs Mitch Holthus discusses the Chiefs win over the Baltimore in the AFC Championship game and previews this past week as the Chiefs prepare to face San Francisco in next week's Super BowlThe Holthus Hotline airs Saturday's at 8:00 a.m. on 96.9, KFIX.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1733332542%3Fsecret_token%3Ds-MDKjSbfu9ig&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/holthus-hotline-feb-3-2024/s-MDKjSbfu9ig" title="Holthus Hotline (Feb. 3, 2024)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Holthus Hotline (Feb. 3, 2024)</a></div></div>

🎧 Holthus Hotline with Voice of the Chiefs Mitch Holthus

Saturday, February 3 KJLS: Fort Hays State women and men at Northwest Missouri State, 1:05pm KAYS: Kansas basketball vs. Houston, 1:30pm&nbsp;&nbsp;

Saturday, February 3 KJLS: Fort Hays State women and men at Northwest Missouri State, 1:05pm KAYS: Kansas basketball vs. Houston, 1:30pm&nbsp;&nbsp;

HAYS – The TMP-Marian boys and girls basketball teams earned a pair
of hard-fought wins over Smith Center Friday night at Al Billinger Fieldhouse.

GIRLS: TMP 55, Smith Center 34 The TMP Lady Monarchs outscored Smith Center 20-4 in the second
quarter and never trailed as they upended the seventh-ranked Lady Red Friday
55-34 at Al Billinger Fieldhouse.

The first quarter featured a pair of ties as TMP’s Brooke Koenigsman
and Smith Center’s Dakota Kattenberg each scored their teams first four points
of the game.

TMP (8-9, 4-2 MCL) took the lead for good on a Teagan Gottschalk
field goal with a little more the four minutes to play in the first quarter.

Shalee Gottschalk followed with five straight and then Koenigsman
closed the quarter with a jumper making it 13—10 TMP after one quarter.

In the second quarter TMP held Smith Center to just four
points, on a pair of field goals, while putting up 20 points of their own to
build a 33-14 lead.

After TMP led by 21, at 35-14 to open the second half, Smith
Center (13-2, 6-1 MCL) closed the gap to 16 at 35-19 but the Monarchs never
let up and extended their lead down the stretch on their way to a 55-34
victory.

Koenigsman led all scorers with 15 points and finished with
nine rebounds. Gracyn Schippers added 11 points and Shalee Gottschalk added a
career-high eight points.

The win put an ends to a three-game losing streak against
Smith Center for TMP.

BOYS: TMP 48, Smith Center 43 The TMP boys outscored Smith Center 12-4 over the final two
minutes of the game as they picked up their second straight win 48-43.

Smith Center built an early 6-3 lead only to see TMP close
the first quarter on an 8-2 lead for an 11-8 lead through the first quarter.

Smith Center opened the second quarter on a 10-5 run but
TMP still was able to cling to a one-point lead at halftime 21-20.

In the second half, just like the second quarter Smith
Center opened the quarter on an 11-2 run taking their largest lead of the game
at 31-23. 

But the back-and-forth game continued with TMP putting
together an 11-2 run of their own for a 36-36 tie.

In the final frame Smith Center held a 40-37 lead with just over
a minute 40 seconds to play when TMP’s Ian Nehls was fouled on a layup and then
completed the three-point play to tie the game at 40.

The Monarchs then forced a five-second count on a Smith
Center inbound play with just over a minute to play and Ty Schmeidler hit his
third three-pointer of the game on the next TMP possession to put the Monarchs
up 43-40.

Schiedler added a steal and layup for a three point play and
scored the final eight points for the Monarchs as they close out the 48-43
victory.

Schmeidler led all scorers with 21 points. Caden Dinkel
eight for the Monarchs.

HAYS – The TMP-Marian boys and girls basketball teams earned a pair
of hard-fought wins over Smith Center Friday night at Al Billinger Fieldhouse.GIRLS: TMP 55, Smith Center 34 The TMP Lady Monarchs outscored Smith Center 20-4 in the second
quarter and never trailed as they upended the seventh-ranked Lady Red Friday
55-34 at Al Billinger Fieldhouse.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1736161572&color=%23294b71&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/coach-rose-mcfarland-postgame-02-02-24" title="Coach Rose McFarland Postgame 02- 02 - 24" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Coach Rose McFarland Postgame 02- 02 - 24</a></div></div>The first quarter featured a pair of ties as TMP’s Brooke Koenigsman
and Smith Center’s Dakota Kattenberg each scored their teams first four points
of the game.TMP (8-9, 4-2 MCL) took the lead for good on a Teagan Gottschalk
field goal with a little more the four minutes to play in the first quarter.Shalee Gottschalk followed with five straight and then Koenigsman
closed the quarter with a jumper making it 13—10 TMP after one quarter.In the second quarter TMP held Smith Center to just four
points, on a pair of field goals, while putting up 20 points of their own to
build a 33-14 lead.After TMP led by 21, at 35-14 to open the second half, Smith
Center (13-2, 6-1 MCL) closed the gap to 16 at 35-19 but the Monarchs never
let up and extended their lead down the stretch on their way to a 55-34
victory.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1736161605&color=%23294b71&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/tmp-wbkb-highlights-vs-smith-center-02-02-24" title="TMP WBKB Highlights vs Smith Center 02 - 02 - 24" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">TMP WBKB Highlights vs Smith Center 02 - 02 - 24</a></div></div>Koenigsman led all scorers with 15 points and finished with
nine rebounds. Gracyn Schippers added 11 points and Shalee Gottschalk added a
career-high eight points.The win put an ends to a three-game losing streak against
Smith Center for TMP.BOYS: TMP 48, Smith Center 43 The TMP boys outscored Smith Center 12-4 over the final two
minutes of the game as they picked up their second straight win 48-43.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1736161539&color=%23294b71&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/coach-bill-meagher-postgame-02-02-24" title="Coach Bill Meagher Postgame 02 - 02 - 24" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Coach Bill Meagher Postgame 02 - 02 - 24</a></div></div>Smith Center built an early 6-3 lead only to see TMP close
the first quarter on an 8-2 lead for an 11-8 lead through the first quarter.Smith Center opened the second quarter on a 10-5 run but
TMP still was able to cling to a one-point lead at halftime 21-20.In the second half, just like the second quarter Smith
Center opened the quarter on an 11-2 run taking their largest lead of the game
at 31-23. But the back-and-forth game continued with TMP putting
together an 11-2 run of their own for a 36-36 tie.In the final frame Smith Center held a 40-37 lead with just over
a minute 40 seconds to play when TMP’s Ian Nehls was fouled on a layup and then
completed the three-point play to tie the game at 40.The Monarchs then forced a five-second count on a Smith
Center inbound play with just over a minute to play and Ty Schmeidler hit his
third three-pointer of the game on the next TMP possession to put the Monarchs
up 43-40.Schiedler added a steal and layup for a three point play and
scored the final eight points for the Monarchs as they close out the 48-43
victory.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1736161584&color=%23294b71&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/tmp-mbkb-highlights-vs-smith-center-02-02-24" title="TMP MBKB Highlights vs Smith Center 02 - 02 - 24" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">TMP MBKB Highlights vs Smith Center 02 - 02 - 24</a></div></div>Schmeidler led all scorers with 21 points. Caden Dinkel
eight for the Monarchs.TMP will host Russell on Tuesday.

🏀TMP sweeps Smith Center in MCL showdown

Hays High hit the road on Friday to Dodge City to resume Western Athletic Conference play. Both Indian squads entered as conference leaders with a 3-0 mark. They left the conference record unblemished.

Hays High turned a tie ball game after one quarter to a 48-29 victory by the end of the game.

Dodge City led just one time in the game. A 5-2 advantage was quickly wiped away by Hays with five straight points. The Red Demons tied the game just one more time with a pair of free throws at 7-7.

An 8-2 run in the second quarter by Hays put the Indians up 19-11. Dodge City was held to just five second quarter points as Hays led 19-12 at halftime.

Hays used two second half 10-0 runs to take firm control of the game. The first one put Hays up 29-15 after Dodge City opened the second half with a three pointer.

The Red Demons did close the gap down to eight before the Indians again scored ten straight points. Seven of those to end the third quarter for a 38-23 advantage. Dodge City never got closer than 14 rest of the way as Hays won 48-29.

Riley Dreher and Molly Martin led Hays with 11 points each. The 11 points for Dreher is a career high. All ten players that entered the game for Hays scored. All ten also recorded at least one rebound. Dodge City was led by a game high 14 from Ashlyn Lembright.

Hays is 9-5, 4-0 after their first game of February. Dodge City falls to 5-9, 1-2.

Hays High scored the first nine points of the game and never trailed in a 49-32 win over Dodge City.

Nine straight points by Hays to open the game forced a Dodge City timeout three minutes into the game. The Red Demons responded out of the break with seven straight points to get the closest they would be all night at 9-7.

Hays scored the final six of the quarter which included two technical free throws after the quarter had ended for a 15-7 lead. The Indians pushed their lead to 14 on three different occasions in the second quarter. Each time the Red Demons trimmed it back. Hays led 29-17 at halftime.

Hays started the third quarter cold allowing Dodge City to inch back into the game. The Indians missed the first six field goal attempts and were called for two charges. The Red Demons though could only muster four points on their end and get within nine at 30-21. Even with the cold third quarter Hays still outscored Hays 8-6 in the frame.

Hays was never threatened in the fourth quarter stretching their lead to 16 on a few occasions and ended up winning 49-32.

Dawson Ruder led Hays with a game high 19. Jack Weimer added 14 points. Dodge City was led by Jaiden Springer's ten points.

Hays improves to 9-5, 4-0. Dodge City falls to 7-7, 2-1.

The Indians return home on Tuesday to face a pair of state ranked McPherson teams.

Hays High hit the road on Friday to Dodge City to resume Western Athletic Conference play. Both Indian squads entered as conference leaders with a 3-0 mark. They left the conference record unblemished.Girls Hays 48, Dodge City 29Hays High turned a tie ball game after one quarter to a 48-29 victory by the end of the game.Dodge City led just one time in the game. A 5-2 advantage was quickly wiped away by Hays with five straight points. The Red Demons tied the game just one more time with a pair of free throws at 7-7.An 8-2 run in the second quarter by Hays put the Indians up 19-11. Dodge City was held to just five second quarter points as Hays led 19-12 at halftime.<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1736169180&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/hays-high-wbkb-highlights-v-dodge-city-feb-2-2024" title="Hays High WBKB Highlights V Dodge City (Feb 2, 2024)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Hays High WBKB Highlights V Dodge City (Feb 2, 2024)</a></div></div>Hays used two second half 10-0 runs to take firm control of the game. The first one put Hays up 29-15 after Dodge City opened the second half with a three pointer.The Red Demons did close the gap down to eight before the Indians again scored ten straight points. Seven of those to end the third quarter for a 38-23 advantage. Dodge City never got closer than 14 rest of the way as Hays won 48-29.<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1736169138&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/len-melvin-postgame-vs-dodge-city-feb-2-2024" title="Len Melvin Postgame Vs Dodge City (Feb 2, 2024)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Len Melvin Postgame Vs Dodge City (Feb 2, 2024)</a></div></div>Riley Dreher and Molly Martin led Hays with 11 points each. The 11 points for Dreher is a career high. All ten players that entered the game for Hays scored. All ten also recorded at least one rebound. Dodge City was led by a game high 14 from Ashlyn Lembright.Hays is 9-5, 4-0 after their first game of February. Dodge City falls to 5-9, 1-2.Boys Hays 49, Dodge City 32Hays High scored the first nine points of the game and never trailed in a 49-32 win over Dodge City.Nine straight points by Hays to open the game forced a Dodge City timeout three minutes into the game. The Red Demons responded out of the break with seven straight points to get the closest they would be all night at 9-7.Hays scored the final six of the quarter which included two technical free throws after the quarter had ended for a 15-7 lead. The Indians pushed their lead to 14 on three different occasions in the second quarter. Each time the Red Demons trimmed it back. Hays led 29-17 at halftime.<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1736169003&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/hays-high-mbkb-highlights-v-dodge-city-feb-2-2024" title="Hays High MBKB Highlights V Dodge City (Feb 2, 2024)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Hays High MBKB Highlights V Dodge City (Feb 2, 2024)</a></div></div>Hays started the third quarter cold allowing Dodge City to inch back into the game. The Indians missed the first six field goal attempts and were called for two charges. The Red Demons though could only muster four points on their end and get within nine at 30-21. Even with the cold third quarter Hays still outscored Hays 8-6 in the frame.Hays was never threatened in the fourth quarter stretching their lead to 16 on a few occasions and ended up winning 49-32.<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1736168940&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/sean-dreiling-postgame-v-dodge-city-feb-2-2024" title="Sean Dreiling Postgame V Dodge City (Feb 2, 2024)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Sean Dreiling Postgame V Dodge City (Feb 2, 2024)</a></div></div>Dawson Ruder led Hays with a game high 19. Jack Weimer added 14 points. Dodge City was led by Jaiden Springer's ten points.Hays improves to 9-5, 4-0. Dodge City falls to 7-7, 2-1.The Indians return home on Tuesday to face a pair of state ranked McPherson teams.

🏀Both Hays teams 4-0 in WAC after wins in Dodge City

&nbsp; PUEBLO, Colo. - The Fort Hays State baseball team picked up a second-straight doubleheader split against Adams State on Friday, falling in the opener 6-5 before rallying for an 11-7 victory in 10 innings in the night cap. The Tigers and Grizzlies both finish the opening weekend of the season with matching 2-2 records.

Game 1 - Adams State 6, Fort Hays State 5 Adams State struck first in the opening contest, taking advantage of a one-out triple in the second inning to take a 1-0 lead. The lead didn't last long, however, with FHSU using a pair of Grizzly errors to plate an unearned run in the top of the third.

Fort Hays State seemed to take control in the following inning when Shaun Gomez&nbsp;and Zane Knox&nbsp;led off with back-to-back singles. The pair moved up 90 feet on a sacrifice bunt before Jamison Armstrong&nbsp;put the Tigers in front with an RBI single through the right side. Cesar Saavedra&nbsp;kept the line moving with an RBI fielder's choice before GTrey DeGarmo&nbsp;made it a 4-1 lead with a single to left.

Tiger starter Dylan Rinker&nbsp;kept the ASU bats at bay throughout his 4.2 innings of work, leaving the game in line for the win after allowing just one run on three hits and two walks while striking out five.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1706928423499.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State's Trey DeGarmo swings during an NCAA college baseball game against Adams State on Friday, February 2, 2024 in Pueblo, Colo. (Bill Sabo/CSU-Pueblo)" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State's Trey DeGarmo swings during an NCAA college baseball game against Adams State on Friday, February 2, 2024 in Pueblo, Colo. (Bill Sabo/CSU-Pueblo)</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU Athletics&nbsp; PUEBLO, Colo. - The Fort Hays State baseball team picked up a second-straight doubleheader split against Adams State on Friday, falling in the opener 6-5 before rallying for an 11-7 victory in 10 innings in the night cap. The Tigers and Grizzlies both finish the opening weekend of the season with matching 2-2 records.Game 1 - Adams State 6, Fort Hays State 5 Adams State struck first in the opening contest, taking advantage of a one-out triple in the second inning to take a 1-0 lead. The lead didn't last long, however, with FHSU using a pair of Grizzly errors to plate an unearned run in the top of the third.Fort Hays State seemed to take control in the following inning when Shaun Gomez&nbsp;and Zane Knox&nbsp;led off with back-to-back singles. The pair moved up 90 feet on a sacrifice bunt before Jamison Armstrong&nbsp;put the Tigers in front with an RBI single through the right side. Cesar Saavedra&nbsp;kept the line moving with an RBI fielder's choice before GTrey DeGarmo&nbsp;made it a 4-1 lead with a single to left.Tiger starter Dylan Rinker&nbsp;kept the ASU bats at bay throughout his 4.2 innings of work, leaving the game in line for the win after allowing just one run on three hits and two walks while striking out five.The Tigers pushed the lead to 5-1 in the fifth when Zane Knox&nbsp;crushed a one-out double to center, followed by an RBI single from Luis Avala&nbsp;down the left-field line.Adams State responded by batting around in the sixth, scoring five runs on three walks, three singles, a sacrifice fly and two runs scoring on a passed ball. After giving up the lead, the Tigers were unable to get it back in the seventh, grounding out three times to end the game.DeGarmo and Knox both collected a pair of hits in the game, with Knox scoring two runs.Game 2 - Fort Hays State 11, Adams State 7 (10 Innings) Fort Hays State jumped in front in the second inning of game two on a home run down the right-field line from Elliott Herrmann&nbsp;before the Grizzlies gained control with four unearned runs in the bottom of the inning.It took Fort Hays State four innings to get back on the scoreboard, with the Tigers finally getting to ASU starter Phil Carter with two runs in the sixth. DeGarmo worked a leadoff walk before&nbsp; Jose Cintron&nbsp;laid down a perfect bunt that stayed just inside the third-base line, putting two on with no one out. After moving up on a sacrifice bunt, DeGarmo scored on a single from Brady Kreutzer&nbsp;before Cintron scampered home on a safety squeeze bunt off the bat of Gomez.Adams State answered right back with two runs of their own in the sixth before pushing the lead to 7-3 thanks to a pair of doubles in the seventh.After failing to record a base hit in the seventh or eighth innings, the Tigers had their backs against the wall entering the ninth. Down by four, right fielder Kyle Morrell&nbsp;worked a leadoff walk to get the inning going. Ayala and Armstrong were both hit by pitches in the next two plate appearances, loading the bases and bringing the tying run to the plate with the top of the order due up.The Grizzlies went to their closer Mike Bathauer, who promptly gave up a two-RBI single to pinch hitter Isaiah Ural&nbsp;that cut the deficit to 7-5. Later with the bases loaded and two outs, Kreutzer delivered the game-tying hit, pulling a single through the left side to plate a pair.Adams State led off the bottom of the ninth with a single and seemed destined to win it on a hard-hit liner down into the right-field corner, but Morrell made a diving catch to save the game. The following batter grounded out to pitcher Ty Riley, sending things to extra innings.After saving the game with his catch in the ninth, Morrell led off the 10th with a crushed double to center field. The right fielder then beat out a throw to third when Ayala laid down a bunt in the next at bat, putting runners at the corners with no one out. DeGarmo delivered the game-winning hit three batters later, pulling a double down the left-field line that drove in two and scored another on a throwing error. DeGarmo then scored to push the lead to 11-7 on a sacrifice fly from Cintron.Adams State ran out of juice in the home half of the inning, going down in order after Riley struck out the first two batters and Andrew Hansen&nbsp;came on to induce a fly ball to end the game.Kreutzer drove in three runs on a 2-for-3 day at the plate, while Morrell batted 3-for-4 and scored two runs in his first action of the weekend. DeGarmo added two hits, scoring two runs and driving in two more.Nathan Pitts&nbsp;allowed just one hit in 1.2 innings of relief before Riley (1-0) came on to pick up the win, retiring all five batters he faced including two strikeouts.Up NextThe Tigers will next travel to Ada, Okla. for a pair of doubleheaders against East Central next Friday and Saturday (Feb. 9-10), with first pitch set for noon each day.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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