Voice of the Chiefs Mitch Holthus discusses the Chiefs AFC Divisional playoff win over the Buffalo Bills and previews Sunday's AFC Championship game in Baltimore.

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

Voice of the Chiefs Mitch Holthus discusses the Chiefs AFC Divisional playoff win over the Buffalo Bills and previews Sunday's AFC Championship game in Baltimore.The 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/1728665064%3Fsecret_token%3Ds-beSpKW8bAEk&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-jan-27-2024/s-beSpKW8bAEk" title="Holthus Hotline (Jan. 27, 2024)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Holthus Hotline (Jan. 27, 2024)</a></div></div>

🎧 Holthus Hotline with Voice of the Chiefs Mitch Holthus

By ROB MAADDI AP Pro Football Writer

Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs took a different route to face the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC championship game.

After hosting this game five straight seasons, the No. 3 seed Chiefs had to beat Josh Allen and the Bills in Buffalo and now travel to Baltimore to face Lamar Jackson and the Ravens.

The defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs (13-6) are looking for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-draft-steals-nfl-playoffs-835263c152227ed40fb405d0b7f7fee2">their third Super Bowl</a>&nbsp;title in five years and are trying to become the first team to repeat since Tom Brady and the New England Patriots did it in the 2003-04 seasons.

Standing in their way are the No. 1 seed Ravens, who have played their best against tough opponents. The Ravens (14-4) had 11 wins over winning teams, including nine by at least 14 points.

The Chiefs shut down Tua Tagovailoa and Miami’s potent offense in the wild-card round and sneaked past the Bills in Mahomes’ first career playoff game on the road.

The Ravens rolled to a 34-10 win over Houston after enjoying a first-round bye. They're&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nfl-pro-picks-conference-championships-a30495ed6d68b2c0e07f485393dfb47c">3 1/2-point</a>&nbsp;favorites, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.

The Chiefs had the league’s sixth-ranked passing offense behind Mahomes and 19th-ranked rushing attack. The Ravens gave up the fewest points per game (16.5) and were sixth against the pass and 14th against the run.

Mahomes is a magician and what he’s been able to do without a legitimate No. 1 wide receiver has been impressive. The two-time NFL and Super Bowl MVP threw for 4,183 yards with 27 touchdowns, a career-high 14 interceptions and career-low 92.6 passer rating. His receivers dropped 44 passes, most in the league.

Mahomes’ go-to option still is tight end Travis Kelce. The Ravens have All-Pro safety Kyle Hamilton to match up against Kelce so rookie wideout Rashee Rice, veteran Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Kadarius Toney, if he’s healthy, need to step up.

Kelce had 93 catches for 984 yards and five TDs in the regular season and caught two scores last week in Buffalo. Rice had 79 receptions for 938 yards and seven TDs.

The Chiefs will rely on running back Isiah Pacheco to balance the offense. He ran for 935 yards and seven TDs in the regular season, and had 97 yards on 15 carries with one TD against the Bills last week. Baltimore’s front seven led by All-Pro linebacker Roquan Smith, LB Patrick Queen and defensive tackle Justin Madubuike held Houston to 38 yards rushing last week and kept nine teams under 100 this season.

Chiefs coach Andy Reid is one of the NFL’s all-time great offensive innovators and he’s been known to add a few new wrinkles in big games. Injured All-Pro left guard Joe Thuney will force Reid to make some adjustments to the game plan. Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald has become a hot candidate for head coaching positions after Baltimore’s defense became the first in NFL history to lead the league in fewest points allowed, sacks and turnovers.

The Ravens led the NFL in rushing and were 21st in passing behind the dual-threat Jackson. The Chiefs gave up the second-fewest points (17.3), were fourth against the pass and 18th against the run.

Jackson is one of the league’s most talented all-around offensive players so defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s unit will have its hands full. The All-Pro QB and 2019 NFL MVP threw for 3,678 yards and 24 touchdowns and also ran for 821 yards and five scores. Jackson excelled in the biggest games this season, outplaying Brock Purdy in a rout over San Francisco and tossing five TD passes in a win over Miami that determined the AFC’s No. 1 seed.

The Chiefs can expect to see a heavy dose of Gus Edwards, Justice Hill and Dalvin Cook running the ball and have to watch out for Jackson’s scrambles. The trio of backs ran for 129 yards on 31 carries against Houston last week. Jackson led the way with 100 yards rushing.

Rookie Zay Flowers led Baltimore with 77 catches for 858 yards and five TDs. Jackson also has veterans Nelson Agholor and Odell Beckham Jr. Tight end Mark Andrews is expected to return from an ankle injury, giving Jackson his favorite playmaker.

All-Pro slot cornerback Trent McDuffie against Flowers, who lines up everywhere, will be a key matchup. Blocking All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones, who can be a game-changer, is a top priority for Baltimore’s offensive line.

Jackson flourished in his first season in offensive coordinator Todd Monken’s system. Spagnuolo’s defense can perplex the best teams. His unit shut down Brady, Randy Moss and the undefeated Patriots when the Giants pulled off a stunning Super Bowl upset 16 years ago.

Two of the best kickers in the NFL are in this one. Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker made 33 of 35 field goals, including all five from beyond 50 yards. Ravens five-time All-Pro Justin Tucker had a down season by his standards, going 32 of 37 on field goals and missing four of five from 50-plus yards.

Ravens punter Jordan Stout had a 39.1-yard net average while Kansas City’s Tommy Townsend had a 41.9-yard net average.

The Chiefs use Mecole Hardman and Richie James for returns. Hardman had the longest punt return at 50 yards and James had the longest kick return at 31. Devin Duvernay is a solid returner for the Ravens. He returned a punt 70 yards.

Reid is a likely future Hall of Famer. He already has two Super Bowl rings and is the winningest coach in the history of the Chiefs and Eagles.

Ravens coach John Harbaugh, a Reid disciple, also has a Hall of Fame-caliber resume. He’s only had two losing seasons in 16 years with Baltimore and led it to one Super Bowl title.

Reid and Mahomes are chasing Bill Belichick and Brady. They’ve got to win four more Super Bowls to match them. Jackson and the Ravens are trying to silence the playoff narrative. The Ravens were 1-2 in the postseason with Jackson before last week’s dominant win. Losing this one would be a setback.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706184454606.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (10) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills during the fourth quarter of an NFL AFC division playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (10) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills during the fourth quarter of an NFL AFC division playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes)</figcaption>
 </figure>By ROB MAADDI AP Pro Football WriterPatrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs took a different route to face the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC championship game.They’re going on the road.After hosting this game five straight seasons, the No. 3 seed Chiefs had to beat Josh Allen and the Bills in Buffalo and now travel to Baltimore to face Lamar Jackson and the Ravens.The defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs (13-6) are looking for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-draft-steals-nfl-playoffs-835263c152227ed40fb405d0b7f7fee2">their third Super Bowl</a>&nbsp;title in five years and are trying to become the first team to repeat since Tom Brady and the New England Patriots did it in the 2003-04 seasons.They have to get there first.Standing in their way are the No. 1 seed Ravens, who have played their best against tough opponents. The Ravens (14-4) had 11 wins over winning teams, including nine by at least 14 points.The Chiefs shut down Tua Tagovailoa and Miami’s potent offense in the wild-card round and sneaked past the Bills in Mahomes’ first career playoff game on the road.The Ravens rolled to a 34-10 win over Houston after enjoying a first-round bye. They're&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nfl-pro-picks-conference-championships-a30495ed6d68b2c0e07f485393dfb47c">3 1/2-point</a>&nbsp;favorites, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.WHEN THE CHIEFS HAVE THE BALLThe Chiefs had the league’s sixth-ranked passing offense behind Mahomes and 19th-ranked rushing attack. The Ravens gave up the fewest points per game (16.5) and were sixth against the pass and 14th against the run.Mahomes is a magician and what he’s been able to do without a legitimate No. 1 wide receiver has been impressive. The two-time NFL and Super Bowl MVP threw for 4,183 yards with 27 touchdowns, a career-high 14 interceptions and career-low 92.6 passer rating. His receivers dropped 44 passes, most in the league.Mahomes’ go-to option still is tight end Travis Kelce. The Ravens have All-Pro safety Kyle Hamilton to match up against Kelce so rookie wideout Rashee Rice, veteran Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Kadarius Toney, if he’s healthy, need to step up.Kelce had 93 catches for 984 yards and five TDs in the regular season and caught two scores last week in Buffalo. Rice had 79 receptions for 938 yards and seven TDs.The Chiefs will rely on running back Isiah Pacheco to balance the offense. He ran for 935 yards and seven TDs in the regular season, and had 97 yards on 15 carries with one TD against the Bills last week. Baltimore’s front seven led by All-Pro linebacker Roquan Smith, LB Patrick Queen and defensive tackle Justin Madubuike held Houston to 38 yards rushing last week and kept nine teams under 100 this season.Chiefs coach Andy Reid is one of the NFL’s all-time great offensive innovators and he’s been known to add a few new wrinkles in big games. Injured All-Pro left guard Joe Thuney will force Reid to make some adjustments to the game plan. Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald has become a hot candidate for head coaching positions after Baltimore’s defense became the first in NFL history to lead the league in fewest points allowed, sacks and turnovers.WHEN THE RAVENS HAVE THE BALLThe Ravens led the NFL in rushing and were 21st in passing behind the dual-threat Jackson. The Chiefs gave up the second-fewest points (17.3), were fourth against the pass and 18th against the run.Jackson is one of the league’s most talented all-around offensive players so defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s unit will have its hands full. The All-Pro QB and 2019 NFL MVP threw for 3,678 yards and 24 touchdowns and also ran for 821 yards and five scores. Jackson excelled in the biggest games this season, outplaying Brock Purdy in a rout over San Francisco and tossing five TD passes in a win over Miami that determined the AFC’s No. 1 seed.The Chiefs can expect to see a heavy dose of Gus Edwards, Justice Hill and Dalvin Cook running the ball and have to watch out for Jackson’s scrambles. The trio of backs ran for 129 yards on 31 carries against Houston last week. Jackson led the way with 100 yards rushing.Rookie Zay Flowers led Baltimore with 77 catches for 858 yards and five TDs. Jackson also has veterans Nelson Agholor and Odell Beckham Jr. Tight end Mark Andrews is expected to return from an ankle injury, giving Jackson his favorite playmaker.All-Pro slot cornerback Trent McDuffie against Flowers, who lines up everywhere, will be a key matchup. Blocking All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones, who can be a game-changer, is a top priority for Baltimore’s offensive line.Jackson flourished in his first season in offensive coordinator Todd Monken’s system. Spagnuolo’s defense can perplex the best teams. His unit shut down Brady, Randy Moss and the undefeated Patriots when the Giants pulled off a stunning Super Bowl upset 16 years ago.SPECIAL TEAMSTwo of the best kickers in the NFL are in this one. Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker made 33 of 35 field goals, including all five from beyond 50 yards. Ravens five-time All-Pro Justin Tucker had a down season by his standards, going 32 of 37 on field goals and missing four of five from 50-plus yards.Ravens punter Jordan Stout had a 39.1-yard net average while Kansas City’s Tommy Townsend had a 41.9-yard net average.The Chiefs use Mecole Hardman and Richie James for returns. Hardman had the longest punt return at 50 yards and James had the longest kick return at 31. Devin Duvernay is a solid returner for the Ravens. He returned a punt 70 yards.COACHINGReid is a likely future Hall of Famer. He already has two Super Bowl rings and is the winningest coach in the history of the Chiefs and Eagles.Ravens coach John Harbaugh, a Reid disciple, also has a Hall of Fame-caliber resume. He’s only had two losing seasons in 16 years with Baltimore and led it to one Super Bowl title.INTANGIBLESReid and Mahomes are chasing Bill Belichick and Brady. They’ve got to win four more Super Bowls to match them. Jackson and the Ravens are trying to silence the playoff narrative. The Ravens were 1-2 in the postseason with Jackson before last week’s dominant win. Losing this one would be a setback.

🏈 Chiefs-Ravens matchup features star quarterbacks, stingy defenses and potential Hall of Fame coaches

ABILENE – The TMP-Marian Monarchs split a non-league road doubleheader
Friday night in Abilene with the TMP girls getting the win and the boys
suffering the loss.

The TMP Lady Monarchs shook off a slow start offensively and
then turned up the defense pressure, holding Abilene to just four points in the
second half in a 35-21 TMP win.

Neither team was able to find a rhythm offensively early in
the game. TMP’s Gracyn Schipper’s scored the games first point, a free throw,
at the five-minute mark in the first quarter putting TMP up 1-0.

Abilene (0-11) then answered with five straight and led 5-3
after the first quarter.

The Monarchs (6-9) started the game just 1-of-21 shooting.
Their first field goal came at the 5:32 mark in the second quarter when Schippers
was fouled on a three-point play. 

Abilene’s largest lead of the game came with just under
three minutes to left in the first half at 14-8.

TMP’s Brooke Koenigsman scored seven straight points to end
the half pulling TMP within four a 17-13 at halftime.

In the second half TMP held the Cowgirls to just four points
while outscoring Abilene 23-4.

The Monarchs held Abilene scoreless in the final period on
their way to the 35-21 win.

Brooke Koenigsman finished with a game-high 17 points and 10
rebounds.

The state-ranked Abilene Cowboys (9-2) got out to a quick start
and their full court press bothered the TMP boys Friday night in a 72-21 victory.

Abilene opened the game on a 14-0 run before TMP’s Griffin
Schumacher scored on a three-point play pulling the Monarchs (5-10) within 11
at 14-3 with six and a half minutes to play in the first half.

Abilene extended their lead thanks to a 22-6 run to end the
first half.

Schumacher scored all of his team-high eight points in the first
half as Abilene built a 36-9 lead at halftime.

Abilene outscored the Monarchs 27-8 in the third quarter and
with the running clock in the fourth the Cowboys closed out a 72-21 victory.

The Monarchs return to MCL play on Tuesday when they travel to
WaKeeney to take on Trego.

ABILENE – The TMP-Marian Monarchs split a non-league road doubleheader
Friday night in Abilene with the TMP girls getting the win and the boys
suffering the loss.GIRLS: TMP 35, Abilene 21The TMP Lady Monarchs shook off a slow start offensively and
then turned up the defense pressure, holding Abilene to just four points in the
second half in a 35-21 TMP win.<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/1728974643&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-1-26-24" title="Coach Rose McFarland Postgame 1 - 26 - 24" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Coach Rose McFarland Postgame 1 - 26 - 24</a></div></div>Neither team was able to find a rhythm offensively early in
the game. TMP’s Gracyn Schipper’s scored the games first point, a free throw,
at the five-minute mark in the first quarter putting TMP up 1-0.Abilene (0-11) then answered with five straight and led 5-3
after the first quarter.The Monarchs (6-9) started the game just 1-of-21 shooting.
Their first field goal came at the 5:32 mark in the second quarter when Schippers
was fouled on a three-point play. Abilene’s largest lead of the game came with just under
three minutes to left in the first half at 14-8.TMP’s Brooke Koenigsman scored seven straight points to end
the half pulling TMP within four a 17-13 at halftime.In the second half TMP held the Cowgirls to just four points
while outscoring Abilene 23-4.The Monarchs held Abilene scoreless in the final period on
their way to the 35-21 win.<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/1728974700&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-abilene-01-26-24" title="TMP WBKB Highlights Vs Abilene 01 - 26 - 24" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">TMP WBKB Highlights Vs Abilene 01 - 26 - 24</a></div></div>Brooke Koenigsman finished with a game-high 17 points and 10
rebounds.BOYS: Abilene 72, TMP 21The state-ranked Abilene Cowboys (9-2) got out to a quick start
and their full court press bothered the TMP boys Friday night in a 72-21 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/1728974625&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-01-26-24" title="Coach Bill Meagher Postgame 01 - 26 - 24" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Coach Bill Meagher Postgame 01 - 26 - 24</a></div></div>Abilene opened the game on a 14-0 run before TMP’s Griffin
Schumacher scored on a three-point play pulling the Monarchs (5-10) within 11
at 14-3 with six and a half minutes to play in the first half.Abilene extended their lead thanks to a 22-6 run to end the
first half.Schumacher scored all of his team-high eight points in the first
half as Abilene built a 36-9 lead at halftime.Abilene outscored the Monarchs 27-8 in the third quarter and
with the running clock in the fourth the Cowboys closed out a 72-21 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/1728974670&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-abilene-01-26-24" title="TMP MBKB Highlights Vs Abilene 01 - 26 - 24" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">TMP MBKB Highlights Vs Abilene 01 - 26 - 24</a></div></div>The Monarchs return to MCL play on Tuesday when they travel to
WaKeeney to take on Trego.

🏀Monarchs split doubleheader in Abilene

Hays High returned to Western Athletic Conference play on Friday by hosting Great Bend.

Hays saw three second half leads of seven points disappear but was able to rebuilt their advantage each time to beat #9 Great Bend 44-37.

Hays never trailed after taking the lead at 13-12 mid way through the second quarter. It took nearly half of the first quarter for either team to score. The Panthers took the first lead at 3-0. That was quickly followed by five straight points by Hays.&nbsp;

Great Bend trailed by two points entering the second quarter but scored five straight to take the lead back at 12-9 with 4:05 left before halftime. The Panthers would only score one point rest of the half. Hays High used the time to go on a 9-0 which was part of a 11-1 run to close out the first half with a 20-13 advantage.

Great Bend scored the first six points out of the locker room before Hays rebuilt the lead to seven at 26-19. The Panthers responded with seven straight to tie the game at 26. The last points of the quarter came on a Zoe Winter three pointer to beat the buzzer and affording the Indians a 29-26 lead.

Hays never led Great Bend take the lead in the fourth quarter. The Panthers closed within one at 34-33 with 4:30 remaining. Hays though closed the final 3:30 by outscoring Great Bend 10-4 for a 44-37 victory.

Hays was led by a career night from sophomore Zoe Winter who scored 15 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, both career highs. Katie Linenberger scored 14. Great Bend's Sadie Spray led the Panthers with 16.

Hays improves to 7-5 and how is 3-0 in WAC play. Great Bend falls to 10-4, 1-1.

Hays only trailed once on their way to a hard fought victory over Great Bend 59-47.

Great Bend scored the first two points of the game when Hays responded with six straight points. The Indians never trailed again. Hays led 13-8 after one quarter and then 15-10 early in the second.

Great Bend tied the game at 15 with five minutes left before halftime. The Indians immediately launched into a 13-2 run that ended the first half. That run pushed Hays to a 28-17 advantage at the break.

The lead continued to grow in the second half for the Indians. Their game high 19 point advantage came at 38-19 with 4:10 left in the third quarter. Great Bend wouldn't go away thought. They Panthers ended the third quarter on a 12-5 run that closed the Indian lead down to 43-31.

The Panthers continued to chip away at their deficit and eventually pulled within five points at 50-45 with 1:10 remaining. The Indians though outscored the Panthers 9-2 over the final minute to win 59-47.

Hays had four players in double figures. Trey Oakley scored a career high 15. Jack Weimer and Kyzer Fox each added 12. Dawson Ruder dropped in 10 points. Great Bend was led by sophomore Ian Premer at 31 points.

Hays improves to 7-5 and 3-0 in conference play. Great Bend falls to 9-5 and 0-2.

The Indians remain at home next Tuesday as they host Scott City.

Hays High returned to Western Athletic Conference play on Friday by hosting Great Bend.Girls Hays 44, #9 Great Bend 37Hays saw three second half leads of seven points disappear but was able to rebuilt their advantage each time to beat #9 Great Bend 44-37.Hays never trailed after taking the lead at 13-12 mid way through the second quarter. It took nearly half of the first quarter for either team to score. The Panthers took the first lead at 3-0. That was quickly followed by five straight points by Hays.&nbsp;Great Bend trailed by two points entering the second quarter but scored five straight to take the lead back at 12-9 with 4:05 left before halftime. The Panthers would only score one point rest of the half. Hays High used the time to go on a 9-0 which was part of a 11-1 run to close out the first half with a 20-13 advantage.<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/1728984207&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-great-bend-jan-26-2024" title="Hays High WBKB Highlights V Great Bend (Jan 26, 2024)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Hays High WBKB Highlights V Great Bend (Jan 26, 2024)</a></div></div>Great Bend scored the first six points out of the locker room before Hays rebuilt the lead to seven at 26-19. The Panthers responded with seven straight to tie the game at 26. The last points of the quarter came on a Zoe Winter three pointer to beat the buzzer and affording the Indians a 29-26 lead.Hays never led Great Bend take the lead in the fourth quarter. The Panthers closed within one at 34-33 with 4:30 remaining. Hays though closed the final 3:30 by outscoring Great Bend 10-4 for a 44-37 victory.<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/1728984135&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-v-great-bend-jan-26-2024" title="Len Melvin Postgame V Great Bend (Jan 26, 2024)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Len Melvin Postgame V Great Bend (Jan 26, 2024)</a></div></div>Hays was led by a career night from sophomore Zoe Winter who scored 15 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, both career highs. Katie Linenberger scored 14. Great Bend's Sadie Spray led the Panthers with 16.Hays improves to 7-5 and how is 3-0 in WAC play. Great Bend falls to 10-4, 1-1.Boys Hays 59, Great Bend 47Hays only trailed once on their way to a hard fought victory over Great Bend 59-47.Great Bend scored the first two points of the game when Hays responded with six straight points. The Indians never trailed again. Hays led 13-8 after one quarter and then 15-10 early in the second.Great Bend tied the game at 15 with five minutes left before halftime. The Indians immediately launched into a 13-2 run that ended the first half. That run pushed Hays to a 28-17 advantage at the break.<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/1728984468&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-great-bend-jan-26-2024" title="Hays High MBKB Highlights V Great Bend (Jan 26, 2024)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Hays High MBKB Highlights V Great Bend (Jan 26, 2024)</a></div></div>The lead continued to grow in the second half for the Indians. Their game high 19 point advantage came at 38-19 with 4:10 left in the third quarter. Great Bend wouldn't go away thought. They Panthers ended the third quarter on a 12-5 run that closed the Indian lead down to 43-31.The Panthers continued to chip away at their deficit and eventually pulled within five points at 50-45 with 1:10 remaining. The Indians though outscored the Panthers 9-2 over the final minute to win 59-47.<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/1728984390&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-great-bend-jan-26-2024" title="Sean Dreiling Postgame V Great Bend (Jan 26, 2024)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Sean Dreiling Postgame V Great Bend (Jan 26, 2024)</a></div></div>Hays had four players in double figures. Trey Oakley scored a career high 15. Jack Weimer and Kyzer Fox each added 12. Dawson Ruder dropped in 10 points. Great Bend was led by sophomore Ian Premer at 31 points.Hays improves to 7-5 and 3-0 in conference play. Great Bend falls to 9-5 and 0-2.The Indians remain at home next Tuesday as they host Scott City.

🏀Indians sweep Panthers in return to WAC play

Great Bend at Hays High Friday, Jan. 26 Hays, Kan. - Hays High School

Radio: KFIX (96.9) <a href="https://kfix.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video: Hays High Sports Network <a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/928970">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>

The Hays High Indians host their Western Athletic Conference rival Great Bend Friday night at Hays High School.

The Indian girls are 6-5 on the season and coming off a 1-2 performance at the Orange and Black Tournament in Colby.

The Hays High boys are 6-5 and coming off a fourth place finished at the&nbsp;at the Orange and Black Tournament in Colby.

Both Great Bend teams earned wins over TMP in Hays on Tuesday.

The girls game is set to tipoff at 6:00 p.m. with the boys
game at follow at Hays City High School.

Live coverage includes The Hays High Sports Network and
Eagle Radio.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694699014932.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Great Bend at Hays High Friday, Jan. 26 Hays, Kan. - Hays High SchoolRadio: KFIX (96.9) <a href="https://kfix.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video: Hays High Sports Network <a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/928970">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>The Hays High Indians host their Western Athletic Conference rival Great Bend Friday night at Hays High School.The Indian girls are 6-5 on the season and coming off a 1-2 performance at the Orange and Black Tournament in Colby.The Hays High boys are 6-5 and coming off a fourth place finished at the&nbsp;at the Orange and Black Tournament in Colby.Both Great Bend teams earned wins over TMP in Hays on Tuesday.The girls game is set to tipoff at 6:00 p.m. with the boys
game at follow at Hays City High School.Live coverage includes The Hays High Sports Network and
Eagle Radio.

🏀🎥 Indians host Great Bend in a rivalry matchup

TMP-Marian at Abilene Friday, Jan. 26 – 6 p.m. Abilene, Kan. - Abilene High School Gym

Radio: KHAZ (99.5)&nbsp;<a href="https://99kzcountry.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN </a>Video: TMP-Marian Sports Network&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/928947">CLICK HERE TO WATCH
($)</a>

The TMP-Marian Monarchs are on the road against Friday night as they travel to Abilene to take on the Cowboys and Cowgirls.

Both TMP teams are looking to bounce back from losses to Great Bend and are 5-9 on the season.&nbsp;

The Abilene Cowboys are 8-2 while the Cowgirls are 0-10.

Tipoff of the girls game is set for 6:00 p.m. with the boys to follow at Abilene High School. 

Live coverage includes The TMP-Marian Sports Network and Eagle Radio.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575411582384.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TMP-Marian at Abilene Friday, Jan. 26 – 6 p.m. Abilene, Kan. - Abilene High School GymRadio: KHAZ (99.5)&nbsp;<a href="https://99kzcountry.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN </a>Video: TMP-Marian Sports Network&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/928947">CLICK HERE TO WATCH
($)</a>The TMP-Marian Monarchs are on the road against Friday night as they travel to Abilene to take on the Cowboys and Cowgirls.Both TMP teams are looking to bounce back from losses to Great Bend and are 5-9 on the season.&nbsp;The Abilene Cowboys are 8-2 while the Cowgirls are 0-10.Tipoff of the girls game is set for 6:00 p.m. with the boys to follow at Abilene High School. Live coverage includes The TMP-Marian Sports Network and Eagle Radio.

🏀🎥 TMP travels to Abilene for a non-league matchup

The 19th-ranked Fort Hays State women's basketball team tries for a third-straight win when they host rival Washburn on Thursday, January 25, 2024 in Hays, Kan.

The 19th-ranked Fort Hays State women's basketball team tries for a third-straight win when they host rival Washburn on Thursday, January 25, 2024 in Hays, Kan.<div><iframe title="FHSU Rewind-WBB vs. Washburn (Jan. 25, 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=at3gk-1561879-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=2" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 Defend the Fort Podcast: FHSU Rewind-WBB vs. Washburn (Jan. 25, 224)

By NOAH TRISTER AP Sports Writer

OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) — John Harbaugh once defeated his own brother in a Super Bowl, so going up against someone he used to work with may not be all that emotional.

Still, there's plenty of respect between the Baltimore coach and his counterpart this weekend: Kansas City's Andy Reid.

“Obviously, it’s a big deal in terms of the relationship,” Harbaugh said this week. “It goes back a long, long, long way. Utmost respect for Andy, utmost appreciation for what he’s accomplished as a coach. We were together for 10 years, the first 10 years there in Philly. We were in a lot of championship games, and a lot of playoff games."

They'll face each other as head coaches for the first time in a playoff game when the Ravens host the Chiefs on Sunday. That's somewhat remarkable given how successful they've been. This is Harbaugh's fourth AFC championship game with Baltimore and Reid's sixth in a row with Kansas City.

Reid leads their head-to-head series 5-2 since he and Harbaugh went their separate ways during the former's tenure at the helm of the Philadelphia Eagles.

“John does a phenomenal job. He knows the whole game,” Reid said. "He was a great special teams coach, a great secondary coach and he’s been a great head coach. Very proud of him and all he’s done and accomplished.”

Harbaugh was a special teams coordinator in 1998 for the Eagles under Ray Rhodes, then remained in that role for eight seasons after Reid took over the following season.

“Ray Rhodes was great to be around for a year or two. If Ray’s out there listening, just thank you very much. I’m always appreciative of what I learned from Ray,” Harbaugh said. “Then Andy came in, I was hoping to stay, and he gave me an opportunity to do it. I was young and just figuring things out. That was good of him, and hope he’s glad he did, looking back on it.”

Reid said he'd known Harbaugh's father, Jack, before keeping John on his staff in Philadelphia.

“His dad was the best. He was real close with LaVell Edwards (at BYU). I did a thing at a hospital one time with them. I was a young coach, carrying Coach Edwards’ bag. And I got to know them, and we were like, the three coaches at this whole convention that showed up at the hospital,” Reid said. "We spent a couple of days together and it was great. I never forgot it. So when I met John, I was like, ‘If you’re half as good as your dad, you’re on.’ And he’s been that.”

Harbaugh became a secondary coach for Philadelphia in 2007, then took over the Ravens the following season. He won a Super Bowl in his fifth season in Baltimore. The opponent in that game was San Francisco, then coached by his brother, Jim.

Lately, Reid's Chiefs have been the team to beat in the AFC. Their streak of six straight conference title games has been accompanied by two Super Bowl wins, one of which came last year.

Reid also reached four NFC title games in a row in Philadelphia with Harbaugh on his staff.

Aside from Harbaugh, Reid's coaching tree includes another Super Bowl-winning head coach in Doug Pederson, as well as Sean McDermott of the Buffalo Bills, whom Kansas City&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-bills-score-kelce-mahomes-534e95ba7ec9ff08367c7543cae540ae">defeated last weekend</a>.

“You think about all the great coaches that were on that staff that Andy assembled and mentored and taught us all so much,” Harbaugh said. “We were a close group of guys, a staff that loved each other. I see a lot of that on this (Ravens) staff, too.”

Although it's been a while since he and Reid coached together, some of the lessons are easy to recall.

“I tell this story a lot. One of the things with Andy, he had this three-by-five card behind his desk on his bulletin board. It just said, ‘Don’t judge,’” Harbaugh said. "I got the nerve to ask him about it one time, and he just basically (said) it's kind of a biblical principle. Take people where they’re at. Assume the best. Try to communicate with everybody on equal terms. I’ve never forgot that.”

AP Sports Writer Dave Skretta in Kansas City contributed.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706187587178.jpeg" alt="FILE - Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh, second from left, and Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid chat before an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 19, 2021, in Baltimore. Harbaugh once beat his own brother to win the Super Bowl, so facing a mentor probably won't rattle him. Still, there's plenty of appreciation between the Baltimore coach and Andy Reid, his counterpart on the Kansas City sideline for this week's AFC championship game. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez, File)" />
 <figcaption>FILE - Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh, second from left, and Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid chat before an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 19, 2021, in Baltimore. Harbaugh once beat his own brother to win the Super Bowl, so facing a mentor probably won't rattle him. Still, there's plenty of appreciation between the Baltimore coach and Andy Reid, his counterpart on the Kansas City sideline for this week's AFC championship game. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>By NOAH TRISTER AP Sports WriterOWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) — John Harbaugh once defeated his own brother in a Super Bowl, so going up against someone he used to work with may not be all that emotional.Still, there's plenty of respect between the Baltimore coach and his counterpart this weekend: Kansas City's Andy Reid.“Obviously, it’s a big deal in terms of the relationship,” Harbaugh said this week. “It goes back a long, long, long way. Utmost respect for Andy, utmost appreciation for what he’s accomplished as a coach. We were together for 10 years, the first 10 years there in Philly. We were in a lot of championship games, and a lot of playoff games."They'll face each other as head coaches for the first time in a playoff game when the Ravens host the Chiefs on Sunday. That's somewhat remarkable given how successful they've been. This is Harbaugh's fourth AFC championship game with Baltimore and Reid's sixth in a row with Kansas City.Reid leads their head-to-head series 5-2 since he and Harbaugh went their separate ways during the former's tenure at the helm of the Philadelphia Eagles.“John does a phenomenal job. He knows the whole game,” Reid said. "He was a great special teams coach, a great secondary coach and he’s been a great head coach. Very proud of him and all he’s done and accomplished.”Harbaugh was a special teams coordinator in 1998 for the Eagles under Ray Rhodes, then remained in that role for eight seasons after Reid took over the following season.“Ray Rhodes was great to be around for a year or two. If Ray’s out there listening, just thank you very much. I’m always appreciative of what I learned from Ray,” Harbaugh said. “Then Andy came in, I was hoping to stay, and he gave me an opportunity to do it. I was young and just figuring things out. That was good of him, and hope he’s glad he did, looking back on it.”Reid said he'd known Harbaugh's father, Jack, before keeping John on his staff in Philadelphia.“His dad was the best. He was real close with LaVell Edwards (at BYU). I did a thing at a hospital one time with them. I was a young coach, carrying Coach Edwards’ bag. And I got to know them, and we were like, the three coaches at this whole convention that showed up at the hospital,” Reid said. "We spent a couple of days together and it was great. I never forgot it. So when I met John, I was like, ‘If you’re half as good as your dad, you’re on.’ And he’s been that.”Harbaugh became a secondary coach for Philadelphia in 2007, then took over the Ravens the following season. He won a Super Bowl in his fifth season in Baltimore. The opponent in that game was San Francisco, then coached by his brother, Jim.Lately, Reid's Chiefs have been the team to beat in the AFC. Their streak of six straight conference title games has been accompanied by two Super Bowl wins, one of which came last year.Reid also reached four NFC title games in a row in Philadelphia with Harbaugh on his staff.Aside from Harbaugh, Reid's coaching tree includes another Super Bowl-winning head coach in Doug Pederson, as well as Sean McDermott of the Buffalo Bills, whom Kansas City&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-bills-score-kelce-mahomes-534e95ba7ec9ff08367c7543cae540ae">defeated last weekend</a>.“You think about all the great coaches that were on that staff that Andy assembled and mentored and taught us all so much,” Harbaugh said. “We were a close group of guys, a staff that loved each other. I see a lot of that on this (Ravens) staff, too.”Although it's been a while since he and Reid coached together, some of the lessons are easy to recall.“I tell this story a lot. One of the things with Andy, he had this three-by-five card behind his desk on his bulletin board. It just said, ‘Don’t judge,’” Harbaugh said. "I got the nerve to ask him about it one time, and he just basically (said) it's kind of a biblical principle. Take people where they’re at. Assume the best. Try to communicate with everybody on equal terms. I’ve never forgot that.”___AP Sports Writer Dave Skretta in Kansas City contributed.

🏈 AFC title game means a reunion for John Harbaugh and Andy Reid, who coached together in Philadelphia

Friday, January 26 KKQY: Ness City boys and girls at Wheatland-Grinnell, approx 5:15pm
 KFIX: Hays High boys and girls vs. Great Bend, 5:40pm
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian boys and girls at Abilene, 5:40pm

Saturday, January 27 KAYS: Kansas at Iowa State, 11:00am
 KJLS: Fort Hays State men and women vs. Emporia State, 1:35pm

Sunday, January 28 KFIX: AFC Championship Game (Westwood One), 1pm

Friday, January 26 KKQY: Ness City boys and girls at Wheatland-Grinnell, approx 5:15pm
 KFIX: Hays High boys and girls vs. Great Bend, 5:40pm
 KHAZ: TMP-Marian boys and girls at Abilene, 5:40pmSaturday, January 27 KAYS: Kansas at Iowa State, 11:00am
 KJLS: Fort Hays State men and women vs. Emporia State, 1:35pmSunday, January 28 KFIX: AFC Championship Game (Westwood One), 1pm

🎧 Eagle Radio and Hull Broadcasting pbp schedule

If Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs are going to challenge Tom Brady and the New England Patriots’ unprecedented two-decade run of success, they have to win a Super Bowl this season.

Mahomes and the defending champion Chiefs are facing their toughest road yet to a Lombardi Trophy. They have to go to Baltimore and take down the No. 1 seed Ravens in front of a hostile crowd.

After hosting the last five AFC championship games, the Chiefs finished with the No. 3 seed so they didn’t get a bye or home-field advantage. They shut down Miami at home in the wild-card round and stunned Bills Mafia in Buffalo last week to advance.

Now, it’s on to Baltimore for Mahomes’ second career playoff game outside Arrowhead Stadium except for three Super Bowls.

Road teams are 35-71 in conference championship games. Brady’s teams own four of those wins. Brady was 4-3 with the Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers on the road in conference title games. Each of those four wins, including one over Mahomes and the Chiefs in 2019, led to a Super Bowl victory.

Mahomes proved against the Bills he can lead his team to a tough win as an underdog in a harsh environment. He has to do it again Sunday to really have a shot at making a run at Brady’s seven rings.

Mahomes and coach Andy Reid have won two Super Bowls together in their first six seasons. Brady and Bill Belichick won six in 20 years.

“We’ve still got a long way to go,” Mahomes said. “They did it for 20 years. All we can do is take it year in, year out, week in, week out and every single day. That’s the long goal, to win that many championships and bring those titles to this organization, but all we can do is focus on the Ravens this week and that’s what we’re trying to do.”

Mahomes is only 28. Brady won his third Super Bowl at age 27 but didn’t get his fourth until 10 years later.

Sure, Mahomes should have plenty of opportunities left even he doesn’t play until he’s 45 like Brady did. But getting to this point isn’t easy. There are no guarantees. Mahomes already is lacking a true No. 1 wide receiver. It’s unknown how much longer he’ll have star tight end Travis Kelce, who is 34.

And, the AFC West just became much more competitive. The Los Angeles Chargers hired Jim Harbaugh on Wednesday, pairing a proven winner with a franchise quarterback in Justin Herbert. No doubt Harbaugh has his sight set on ending Kansas City’s eight-year run of dominance in the division.

That’s why the Chiefs have to take advantage of this opportunity. They’re two wins away from another parade. These are the hardest two wins of all but they’re within reach.

This wasn’t Mahomes’ best season. Statistically, he had a career-low passer rating. He didn’t get much help from his receivers, who led the NFL with 44 drops. But this is when the greats step it up.

“Pat is a perfectionist, and he’s competitive,” Reid said. “He’s as competitive as any of us right here and more so. He wants it right around him, but he’s willing to teach which — that’s the unique part — he’s willing to share what he sees with the guys from his sight and help the guys get into position. As long as the guys are willing to work, he’s all in. That’s what I saw, and the frustration is more off of feeling urgency and winning games. I mean that’s what he’s all about. I’m not sure there was a frustration other than, ‘Hey, let’s go. We’re playing at the highest level in the world, and if you’re going to be as good as we think we’re going to be, then our error margin is like this big (small gesture) so you’ve got to tighten it down.‘”

Kansas City has its best defensive unit during Mahomes’ career so he has help, even if it’s not the guys catching his passes. The Patriots relied more on their defense for their first three titles.

Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s unit, anchored by All-Pro tackle Chris Jones, was one of the best in the league, allowing the second-fewest points in the NFL. The Ravens were the stingiest.

When he was the with the New York Giants, Spagnuolo devised a scheme that shut down Brady, Randy Moss and the undefeated Patriots in the Super Bowl 16 years ago. He has to find a way to slow down All-Pro QB Lamar Jackson.

“It’s challenging, the way he’s able to just be a competitor and just score the football obviously,” Mahomes said about Jackson. “Then, their entire team, it’s a tall task. You have to go out there and play your best football, and if you make any mistakes, it seems like the game’s going to go the other way.”

The Ravens dominated top teams throughout the season, especially down the stretch. Mahomes can’t let that happen to the Chiefs.

They’re still working on their dynasty.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705210760409.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) runs in front of Miami Dolphins defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah (91) during the first half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) runs in front of Miami Dolphins defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah (91) during the first half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)</figcaption>
 </figure>By ROB MAADDI AP Pro Football WriterIf Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs are going to challenge Tom Brady and the New England Patriots’ unprecedented two-decade run of success, they have to win a Super Bowl this season.Mahomes and the defending champion Chiefs are facing their toughest road yet to a Lombardi Trophy. They have to go to Baltimore and take down the No. 1 seed Ravens in front of a hostile crowd.After hosting the last five AFC championship games, the Chiefs finished with the No. 3 seed so they didn’t get a bye or home-field advantage. They shut down Miami at home in the wild-card round and stunned Bills Mafia in Buffalo last week to advance.Now, it’s on to Baltimore for Mahomes’ second career playoff game outside Arrowhead Stadium except for three Super Bowls.Road teams are 35-71 in conference championship games. Brady’s teams own four of those wins. Brady was 4-3 with the Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers on the road in conference title games. Each of those four wins, including one over Mahomes and the Chiefs in 2019, led to a Super Bowl victory.Mahomes proved against the Bills he can lead his team to a tough win as an underdog in a harsh environment. He has to do it again Sunday to really have a shot at making a run at Brady’s seven rings.Mahomes and coach Andy Reid have won two Super Bowls together in their first six seasons. Brady and Bill Belichick won six in 20 years.“We’ve still got a long way to go,” Mahomes said. “They did it for 20 years. All we can do is take it year in, year out, week in, week out and every single day. That’s the long goal, to win that many championships and bring those titles to this organization, but all we can do is focus on the Ravens this week and that’s what we’re trying to do.”Mahomes is only 28. Brady won his third Super Bowl at age 27 but didn’t get his fourth until 10 years later.Sure, Mahomes should have plenty of opportunities left even he doesn’t play until he’s 45 like Brady did. But getting to this point isn’t easy. There are no guarantees. Mahomes already is lacking a true No. 1 wide receiver. It’s unknown how much longer he’ll have star tight end Travis Kelce, who is 34.And, the AFC West just became much more competitive. The Los Angeles Chargers hired Jim Harbaugh on Wednesday, pairing a proven winner with a franchise quarterback in Justin Herbert. No doubt Harbaugh has his sight set on ending Kansas City’s eight-year run of dominance in the division.That’s why the Chiefs have to take advantage of this opportunity. They’re two wins away from another parade. These are the hardest two wins of all but they’re within reach.This wasn’t Mahomes’ best season. Statistically, he had a career-low passer rating. He didn’t get much help from his receivers, who led the NFL with 44 drops. But this is when the greats step it up.“Pat is a perfectionist, and he’s competitive,” Reid said. “He’s as competitive as any of us right here and more so. He wants it right around him, but he’s willing to teach which — that’s the unique part — he’s willing to share what he sees with the guys from his sight and help the guys get into position. As long as the guys are willing to work, he’s all in. That’s what I saw, and the frustration is more off of feeling urgency and winning games. I mean that’s what he’s all about. I’m not sure there was a frustration other than, ‘Hey, let’s go. We’re playing at the highest level in the world, and if you’re going to be as good as we think we’re going to be, then our error margin is like this big (small gesture) so you’ve got to tighten it down.‘”Kansas City has its best defensive unit during Mahomes’ career so he has help, even if it’s not the guys catching his passes. The Patriots relied more on their defense for their first three titles.Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s unit, anchored by All-Pro tackle Chris Jones, was one of the best in the league, allowing the second-fewest points in the NFL. The Ravens were the stingiest.When he was the with the New York Giants, Spagnuolo devised a scheme that shut down Brady, Randy Moss and the undefeated Patriots in the Super Bowl 16 years ago. He has to find a way to slow down All-Pro QB Lamar Jackson.“It’s challenging, the way he’s able to just be a competitor and just score the football obviously,” Mahomes said about Jackson. “Then, their entire team, it’s a tall task. You have to go out there and play your best football, and if you make any mistakes, it seems like the game’s going to go the other way.”The Ravens dominated top teams throughout the season, especially down the stretch. Mahomes can’t let that happen to the Chiefs.They’re still working on their dynasty.

🏈 Analysis: Mahomes and the Chiefs must win a Super Bowl this season to challenge Patriots' dynasty

<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/boxscore.aspx?path=mbball&amp;id=12760">BOX SCORE</a>

By GERARD WELLBROCK Hays Post

HAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State used a big second half run along with stifling defense and beat Washburn 71-58 Thursday at Gross Memorial Coliseum. With the win, the Tigers moved into sole possession of second place in the MIAA and are 14-4 overall and 9-3 in the MIAA. Washburn dropped to 12-6 overall and 8-4 in the MIAA.

The Tigers raced out to an early 10-2 lead. After a timeout, the Ichabods answered with a 23-7 run to go up with with just under nine minutes to play in the first half. The Tigers closed the half on a 7-0 run to get back within one at 35-34. 

The teams traded baskets early in the second half until a Kaleb Hammeke&nbsp;3-pointer knotted the score at 41-41. A three-point play gave Washburn the lead back momentarily, but Elijah Nnanabu&nbsp;canned a 3-pointer to tie the game 44-44. That would be the start of a 20-0 run by the Tigers to build a 17 point lead. Nnanabu scored 10 of the 20 points in the run which lasted 5:20. 

The Ichabods turned the ball over six times during the decisive run and matched a season high with 21 in the game.

Hammeke led the Tigers with 22 points and dished out seven assists. Nnanabu added 20 points and pulled down a team-best seven rebounds. Shaun Riley scored&nbsp;eight points and had a team-high three blocked shots.

The Tigers finished with a season-high 10 threes led by Hammeke with six. All six of his field goals in the game were 3-pointers, while he went 4-of-4 at the free-throw line. Nnanabu was a perfect 2-of-2 beyond the arc. FHSU as a team finished 9-of-10 at the free-throw line and shot 44.1 percent overall.

Andrew Orr led the Washburn effort with 13 points, while freshman Jack Bachelor scored 11.&nbsp;

Fort Hays State is back at home Saturday to play Emporia State. The Hornets enter at 13-7 overall and 6-6 in the MIAA following a win Thursday at Nebraska-Kearney. Tipoff is set for 4 p.m. at Gross Memorial Coliseum, following the women's contest.&nbsp;&nbsp;

FHSU Sports Information contributed to this story

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706244743781.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State's Elijah Nnanabu (0) dribbles the ball against Washburn guard Sam Ungashick (10) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game on Thursday, January 25, 2024 in Hays, Kan. (FHSU Athletics/Gillian Lynch))" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State's Elijah Nnanabu (0) dribbles the ball against Washburn guard Sam Ungashick (10) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game on Thursday, January 25, 2024 in Hays, Kan. (FHSU Athletics/Gillian Lynch))</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/boxscore.aspx?path=mbball&amp;id=12760">BOX SCORE</a>By GERARD WELLBROCK Hays PostHAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State used a big second half run along with stifling defense and beat Washburn 71-58 Thursday at Gross Memorial Coliseum. With the win, the Tigers moved into sole possession of second place in the MIAA and are 14-4 overall and 9-3 in the MIAA. Washburn dropped to 12-6 overall and 8-4 in the MIAA.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1727963562&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/mark-johnson-postgame-vs-washburn-01-25-24" title="Mark Johnson Postgame vs. Washburn (Jan. 25, 2024)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Mark Johnson Postgame vs. Washburn (Jan. 25, 2024)</a></div></div>The Tigers raced out to an early 10-2 lead. After a timeout, the Ichabods answered with a 23-7 run to go up with with just under nine minutes to play in the first half. The Tigers closed the half on a 7-0 run to get back within one at 35-34. The teams traded baskets early in the second half until a Kaleb Hammeke&nbsp;3-pointer knotted the score at 41-41. A three-point play gave Washburn the lead back momentarily, but Elijah Nnanabu&nbsp;canned a 3-pointer to tie the game 44-44. That would be the start of a 20-0 run by the Tigers to build a 17 point lead. Nnanabu scored 10 of the 20 points in the run which lasted 5:20. The Ichabods turned the ball over six times during the decisive run and matched a season high with 21 in the game.<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/1727963499&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-814667509/01-25-24-fhsu-mbkb-vs-washburn-mixdown" title="Fort Hays State MBB Highlights vs. Washburn (Jan. 25, 2024)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Fort Hays State MBB Highlights vs. Washburn (Jan. 25, 2024)</a></div></div>Hammeke led the Tigers with 22 points and dished out seven assists. Nnanabu added 20 points and pulled down a team-best seven rebounds. Shaun Riley scored&nbsp;eight points and had a team-high three blocked shots.The Tigers finished with a season-high 10 threes led by Hammeke with six. All six of his field goals in the game were 3-pointers, while he went 4-of-4 at the free-throw line. Nnanabu was a perfect 2-of-2 beyond the arc. FHSU as a team finished 9-of-10 at the free-throw line and shot 44.1 percent overall.<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/1727964765&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/kaleb-hammeke-postgame-v-washburn" title="Kaleb Hammeke Postgame vs. Washburn (Jan. 25, 2024)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Kaleb Hammeke Postgame vs. Washburn (Jan. 25, 2024)</a></div></div>Andrew Orr led the Washburn effort with 13 points, while freshman Jack Bachelor scored 11.&nbsp;Fort Hays State is back at home Saturday to play Emporia State. The Hornets enter at 13-7 overall and 6-6 in the MIAA following a win Thursday at Nebraska-Kearney. Tipoff is set for 4 p.m. at Gross Memorial Coliseum, following the women's contest.&nbsp;&nbsp;FHSU Sports Information contributed to this story

🏀 Big second half lifts Tigers past Washburn

<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/boxscore.aspx?path=wbball&amp;id=12791">BOX SCORE</a>

HAYS, Kan. - The No. 19 Fort Hays State women's basketball team raced out to a quick start then overcame a cold shooting second quarter with stout defense and beat Washburn 70-45 Thursday night at Gross Memorial Coliseum.

The Tigers (15-3, 9-3 MIAA) never trailed in the contest while holding the Ichabods (11-7, 6-6 MIAA) to their lowest scoring output of the season.

FHSU scored the first seven points and led 20-5 with a little over two minutes to play in the first quarter. The Ichabods would answer with a 23-8 run and tied the game at 28-all late in the second quarter before Olivia Hollenbeck gave the Tigers a two-point halftime lead with a stick-back layup just before the horn.

&nbsp;The second half was all Fort Hays State. The Tigers outscored the Ichabods 40-17 after halftime, hitting 51.7 percent from the floor after the break (15-of-29), including a 4-of-8 effort from behind the 3-point line, while Washburn managed just six field goals in the second half (6-of-25, 24 percent).

The Tiger defense limited the Ichabods to three points in the third quarter, the fewest allowed by the Tigers in a quarter this season. WU shot 1-of-11 from the floor in the period and turned the ball over six times. FHSU grabbed nearly twice as many rebounds as the visitors in the frame, 13-7.

Washburn finished the game with 20 turnovers thanks to 13 Tiger steals. FHSU scored 19 points off those turnovers while scoring 16 points off 11 offensive rebounds.

Katie Wagner&nbsp;turned in her seventh double-double of the season and the 29th of her career, leading the team with 16 points and 11 rebounds. Emma Ruddle added 13 points and a team-high three assists, while Hollenbeck totaled 12 points and three steals. Kate Dilsaver&nbsp;scored six points after knocking down both of her shot attempts from behind the arc.

Fort Hays State will wrap up rivalry week on Saturday afternoon when the Tigers host Emporia State beginning at 2 p.m. Saturday will be the annual pink game for the team, with the team wearing pink jerseys and fans encouraged to wear pink in support of breast cancer awareness. It's also Senior Citizen Day at the Coliseum, with individuals 55 and older getting in for just $5.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706243506647.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State's Emma Ruddle races towards the basket during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Washburn on Thursday, January 25, 2024 in Hays, Kan. (FHSU Athletics photo/Nicole Heitmann)" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State's Emma Ruddle races towards the basket during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Washburn on Thursday, January 25, 2024 in Hays, Kan. (FHSU Athletics photo/Nicole Heitmann)</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/boxscore.aspx?path=wbball&amp;id=12791">BOX SCORE</a>By GERARD WELLBROCK Hays PostHAYS, Kan. - The No. 19 Fort Hays State women's basketball team raced out to a quick start then overcame a cold shooting second quarter with stout defense and beat Washburn 70-45 Thursday night at Gross Memorial Coliseum.The Tigers (15-3, 9-3 MIAA) never trailed in the contest while holding the Ichabods (11-7, 6-6 MIAA) to their lowest scoring output of the 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/1727964729&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/talia-kahrs-postgame-v-washburn" title="Talia Kahrs Postgame vs. Washburn (Jan. 25, 2024)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Talia Kahrs Postgame vs. Washburn (Jan. 25, 2024)</a></div></div>FHSU scored the first seven points and led 20-5 with a little over two minutes to play in the first quarter. The Ichabods would answer with a 23-8 run and tied the game at 28-all late in the second quarter before Olivia Hollenbeck gave the Tigers a two-point halftime lead with a stick-back layup just before the horn.&nbsp;The second half was all Fort Hays State. The Tigers outscored the Ichabods 40-17 after halftime, hitting 51.7 percent from the floor after the break (15-of-29), including a 4-of-8 effort from behind the 3-point line, while Washburn managed just six field goals in the second half (6-of-25, 24 percent).The Tiger defense limited the Ichabods to three points in the third quarter, the fewest allowed by the Tigers in a quarter this season. WU shot 1-of-11 from the floor in the period and turned the ball over six times. FHSU grabbed nearly twice as many rebounds as the visitors in the frame, 13-7.Washburn finished the game with 20 turnovers thanks to 13 Tiger steals. FHSU scored 19 points off those turnovers while scoring 16 points off 11 offensive rebounds.<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/1727963547&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-814667509/01-24-25-fhsu-wbkb-vs-washburn-mixdown" title="#19 Fort Hays State WBB Highlights vs. Washburn (Jan. 25, 2024)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">#19 Fort Hays State WBB Highlights vs. Washburn (Jan. 25, 2024)</a></div></div>Katie Wagner&nbsp;turned in her seventh double-double of the season and the 29th of her career, leading the team with 16 points and 11 rebounds. Emma Ruddle added 13 points and a team-high three assists, while Hollenbeck totaled 12 points and three steals. Kate Dilsaver&nbsp;scored six points after knocking down both of her shot attempts from behind the arc.Fort Hays State will wrap up rivalry week on Saturday afternoon when the Tigers host Emporia State beginning at 2 p.m. Saturday will be the annual pink game for the team, with the team wearing pink jerseys and fans encouraged to wear pink in support of breast cancer awareness. It's also Senior Citizen Day at the Coliseum, with individuals 55 and older getting in for just $5.&nbsp;&nbsp;FHSU Sports Information contributed to this story

🏀 No. 19 FHSU women race past Ichabods

WICHITA, Kan. - The Fort Hays State men's wrestling team won the final four matches to pull away in a 27-14 win over MIAA rival Newman on Thursday. After Newman led 9-4 through three matchups, the Tigers took six of the next seven matches to seal the victory. The Tigers improved to 2-4 overall and 1-0 in the MIAA, while Newman fell to 0-3 overall and 0-2 in conference action.

The Tigers took the lead early as D'Andre Brown&nbsp;battled his way to a 13-0 major decision at 125 pounds. Newman tied things up with a 15-7 major decision by Collin Creach over Kevin Honas&nbsp;at 133 pounds. Newman struck again with a fall at 141 pounds and was deducted a team point for unsportsmanlike behavior before a pair of 10-3 decisions from Mercell Dely&nbsp;(149) and Hunter Harris&nbsp;(157) gave the Tigers a 10-9 advantage.

The Jets had one more jab when Jace Fisher, ranked fifth in DII at 165 pounds, battled his way to technical fall, putting Newman up 14-10. From there the Tigers scored 17 unanswered points, including two decisions, one technical fall and one pin. Senior Juan Urbina&nbsp;closed the gap to 14-13 with a 10-4 decision at 174 pounds before Matthew Rodriguez&nbsp;dominated his opponent at 184 pounds, recording a 21-1 technical fall in less than four minutes.

Tenth-ranked wrestler Tereus Henry&nbsp;(197) pinned Erik Tomanek in 1:19 to tally six more points while&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/wrestling/roster/tony-caldwell/7703">Tony Caldwell</a>&nbsp;(285) sealed the win with a 7-2 decision. Jaxson Thomas&nbsp;(285) capped off the evening with a pin in just 39 seconds in an extra match.

The Tigers have four more conference duals on their schedule leading up to regionals. They will travel to face Ouachita Baptist and No. 21 ranked Central Missouri on Sunday.

Fort Hays State 27, Newman 14 125 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/wrestling/roster/d-andre-brown/7725">D'Andre Brown</a>&nbsp;over Dylan Sheler (MD 13-0) 133 - Collin Creach over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/wrestling/roster/kevin-honas/7708">Kevin Honas</a>&nbsp;(MD 15-7) 141 - Jevin Foust over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/wrestling/roster/drew-bell/7701">Drew Bell</a>&nbsp;(Fall 3:36) 149 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/wrestling/roster/marcell-dely/7704">Marcell Dely</a>&nbsp;over Colby Schreiner (Dec 10-3) 157 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/wrestling/roster/hunter-harris/7706">Hunter Harris</a>&nbsp;over Bryce Kegley (Dec 10-3) 165 - Jace Fisher over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/wrestling/roster/cody-hicks/7800">Cody Hicks</a>&nbsp;(TF 20-3 6:46) 174 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/wrestling/roster/juan-urbina/7720">Juan Urbina</a>&nbsp;over Chris Mapp (Dec 10-4) 184 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/wrestling/roster/matthew-rodriguez/7715">Matthew Rodriguez</a>&nbsp;over Dane Donigian (TF 21-1 3:57) 197 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/wrestling/roster/tereus-henry/7707">Tereus Henry</a>&nbsp;over Erik Tomanek (Fall 1:19) 285 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/wrestling/roster/tony-caldwell/7703">Tony Caldwell</a>&nbsp;over De`Leon Freeman (Dec 7-2) 285 - Extra:&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/wrestling/roster/jaxson-thomas/7735">Jaxson Thomas</a>&nbsp;over Rio Gomez (Fall 0:39) Newman deducted 1 team point following 141 bout&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706267098995.jpeg" alt="FHSU Athletics photo" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics photo</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsWICHITA, Kan. - The Fort Hays State men's wrestling team won the final four matches to pull away in a 27-14 win over MIAA rival Newman on Thursday. After Newman led 9-4 through three matchups, the Tigers took six of the next seven matches to seal the victory. The Tigers improved to 2-4 overall and 1-0 in the MIAA, while Newman fell to 0-3 overall and 0-2 in conference action.The Tigers took the lead early as D'Andre Brown&nbsp;battled his way to a 13-0 major decision at 125 pounds. Newman tied things up with a 15-7 major decision by Collin Creach over Kevin Honas&nbsp;at 133 pounds. Newman struck again with a fall at 141 pounds and was deducted a team point for unsportsmanlike behavior before a pair of 10-3 decisions from Mercell Dely&nbsp;(149) and Hunter Harris&nbsp;(157) gave the Tigers a 10-9 advantage.The Jets had one more jab when Jace Fisher, ranked fifth in DII at 165 pounds, battled his way to technical fall, putting Newman up 14-10. From there the Tigers scored 17 unanswered points, including two decisions, one technical fall and one pin. Senior Juan Urbina&nbsp;closed the gap to 14-13 with a 10-4 decision at 174 pounds before Matthew Rodriguez&nbsp;dominated his opponent at 184 pounds, recording a 21-1 technical fall in less than four minutes.Tenth-ranked wrestler Tereus Henry&nbsp;(197) pinned Erik Tomanek in 1:19 to tally six more points while&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/wrestling/roster/tony-caldwell/7703">Tony Caldwell</a>&nbsp;(285) sealed the win with a 7-2 decision. Jaxson Thomas&nbsp;(285) capped off the evening with a pin in just 39 seconds in an extra match.The Tigers have four more conference duals on their schedule leading up to regionals. They will travel to face Ouachita Baptist and No. 21 ranked Central Missouri on Sunday.Fort Hays State 27, Newman 14 125 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/wrestling/roster/d-andre-brown/7725">D'Andre Brown</a>&nbsp;over Dylan Sheler (MD 13-0) 133 - Collin Creach over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/wrestling/roster/kevin-honas/7708">Kevin Honas</a>&nbsp;(MD 15-7) 141 - Jevin Foust over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/wrestling/roster/drew-bell/7701">Drew Bell</a>&nbsp;(Fall 3:36) 149 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/wrestling/roster/marcell-dely/7704">Marcell Dely</a>&nbsp;over Colby Schreiner (Dec 10-3) 157 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/wrestling/roster/hunter-harris/7706">Hunter Harris</a>&nbsp;over Bryce Kegley (Dec 10-3) 165 - Jace Fisher over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/wrestling/roster/cody-hicks/7800">Cody Hicks</a>&nbsp;(TF 20-3 6:46) 174 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/wrestling/roster/juan-urbina/7720">Juan Urbina</a>&nbsp;over Chris Mapp (Dec 10-4) 184 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/wrestling/roster/matthew-rodriguez/7715">Matthew Rodriguez</a>&nbsp;over Dane Donigian (TF 21-1 3:57) 197 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/wrestling/roster/tereus-henry/7707">Tereus Henry</a>&nbsp;over Erik Tomanek (Fall 1:19) 285 -&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/wrestling/roster/tony-caldwell/7703">Tony Caldwell</a>&nbsp;over De`Leon Freeman (Dec 7-2) 285 - Extra:&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/wrestling/roster/jaxson-thomas/7735">Jaxson Thomas</a>&nbsp;over Rio Gomez (Fall 0:39) Newman deducted 1 team point following 141 bout&nbsp;&nbsp;

🤼‍♂️ FHSU men take down Jets

Washburn (12-5, 8-3 MIAA) at Fort Hays State (13-4, 8-3 MIAA)&nbsp;&nbsp; Thursday, January 25, 2024 • 7:30 p.m. Hays, Kan. • Gross Memorial Coliseum

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

Game Sponsor:&nbsp;Domino's Pizza Promotions:&nbsp;FHSU Center for Student Success/Greek Life Night - activities and giveaways for FHSU students

Fort Hays State plays host to Washburn on Thursday night at Gross Memorial Coliseum. The teams are tied for second place in the MIAA standings at 8-3, only a game behind frontrunner Northwest Missouri State (9-2). The Tigers are 13-4 overall, while the Ichabods are 12-5 overall. Both teams are receiving votes in the latest NABC Top 25 Poll.

The Tigers and Ichabods are meeting only once in the regular season for the sixth-straight season. The Ichabods are making their first trip to Hays since the 2020-21 season, when they won by two points on a buzzer-beating 3-point shot. The Ichabods have won seven of the last eight meetings between the teams and they have won the last three meetings in Hays. The Tigers will be looking for their first win over the Ichabods in Hays since the 2016-17 season when they won 89-82.

Fort Hays State is coming off a win over Nebraska-Kearney last Saturday in Kearney. The Tigers won 57-49, led by a 15-point performance from Kaleb Hammeke. The Tigers held an opponent inside of 50 points for the seventh time this season and improved their NCAA Division II-leading scoring defense to 58.2 points per game.

Washburn comes into this game on a three-game win streak, which included a one-point win at Lincoln followed by wins at home over Missouri Southern and Pittsburg State. After starting the season 5-4, the Ichabods have won seven of their last eight games.

Hammeke continues to lead the Tigers at 15.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game. Elijah Nnanabu&nbsp;is also averaging double figures in scoring at 11.1 points per game. Shaun Riley&nbsp;has started the last three games for the Tigers and averages a team-high 5.5 rebounds to go with 8.3 points per game. Bjarni Jonsson&nbsp;leads the team in 3-point field goals made with 24, followed closely by Hammeke with 23.

The Ichabods have three players averaging double figures in scoring, which includes Sam Ungashick (14.4), Andrew Orr (13.3), and Jack Bachelor (12.6). Brady Christiansen is their top rebounder at 6.6 per game.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706127971178.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>FHSU AthleticsWashburn (12-5, 8-3 MIAA) at Fort Hays State (13-4, 8-3 MIAA)&nbsp;&nbsp; Thursday, January 25, 2024 • 7:30 p.m. Hays, Kan. • Gross Memorial ColiseumRadio:&nbsp;KJLS (103.3)&nbsp;<a href="https://mix103fm.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video:&nbsp;The MIAA Network&nbsp;<a href="https://themiaanetwork.com/fhsutigers/">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>Game Sponsor:&nbsp;Domino's Pizza Promotions:&nbsp;FHSU Center for Student Success/Greek Life Night - activities and giveaways for FHSU studentsFort Hays State plays host to Washburn on Thursday night at Gross Memorial Coliseum. The teams are tied for second place in the MIAA standings at 8-3, only a game behind frontrunner Northwest Missouri State (9-2). The Tigers are 13-4 overall, while the Ichabods are 12-5 overall. Both teams are receiving votes in the latest NABC Top 25 Poll.The Tigers and Ichabods are meeting only once in the regular season for the sixth-straight season. The Ichabods are making their first trip to Hays since the 2020-21 season, when they won by two points on a buzzer-beating 3-point shot. The Ichabods have won seven of the last eight meetings between the teams and they have won the last three meetings in Hays. The Tigers will be looking for their first win over the Ichabods in Hays since the 2016-17 season when they won 89-82.Fort Hays State is coming off a win over Nebraska-Kearney last Saturday in Kearney. The Tigers won 57-49, led by a 15-point performance from Kaleb Hammeke. The Tigers held an opponent inside of 50 points for the seventh time this season and improved their NCAA Division II-leading scoring defense to 58.2 points per game.Washburn comes into this game on a three-game win streak, which included a one-point win at Lincoln followed by wins at home over Missouri Southern and Pittsburg State. After starting the season 5-4, the Ichabods have won seven of their last eight games.Hammeke continues to lead the Tigers at 15.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game. Elijah Nnanabu&nbsp;is also averaging double figures in scoring at 11.1 points per game. Shaun Riley&nbsp;has started the last three games for the Tigers and averages a team-high 5.5 rebounds to go with 8.3 points per game. Bjarni Jonsson&nbsp;leads the team in 3-point field goals made with 24, followed closely by Hammeke with 23.The Ichabods have three players averaging double figures in scoring, which includes Sam Ungashick (14.4), Andrew Orr (13.3), and Jack Bachelor (12.6). Brady Christiansen is their top rebounder at 6.6 per game.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀🎧 LISTEN - Tigers host Ichabods in showdown of MIAA second-place teams Thursday

No. 19 Fort Hays State (14-3, 8-3 MIAA) vs. Washburn (11-6, 6-5 MIAA) Thursday, January 25, 2024 • 5:30 p.m. Hays, Kan. • Gross Memorial Coliseum

Game Sponsor:&nbsp;Domino's Pizza National Anthem:&nbsp;Holy Family Elementary - Joyful Noise Singers (Women's Game); New Beginnings Preschool (Men's game) Promotions:&nbsp;FHSU Center for Student Success/Greek Life Night - activities and giveaways for FHSU students

The 19th-ranked Fort Hays State women's basketball team will open the second half of its conference schedule Thursday evening when in-state rival Washburn comes to town. First tip between the Tigers (14-3, 8-3 MIAA) and Ichabods (11-6, 6-5 MIAA) is set for 5:30 p.m. inside Gross Memorial Coliseum.

After playing the majority of their conference games on the road up to this point, the Tigers will wrap up the season with seven home games out of the final 11 regular season contests. The Tigers are tied for second in the league standings at the midway point, one game behind Missouri Southern.

This is Washburn's first road trip to Hays since December 2020, a game that happened to be the FHSU debut for true freshmen Olivia Hollenbeck, Sydney Golladay, Jessie Sallach and Katie Wagner. Wagner scored 17 points in that game, one of three double-digit performances against the Ichabods in her career. She averages 12.7 points and 6.0 rebounds in three games against WU in her career. Hollenbeck puts up 9.0 points per game in three games against the Ichabods, including 13 points in a road win in 2021.

Wagner needs seven points to tie Naomi Bancroft (1,449 points, 2006-10) for eighth on the all-time scoring list at Fort Hays State, while Hollenbeck recently moved into 17th after passing Kelly Priest (1,183 points, 1997-01) on Saturday.

Fort Hays State is the only MIAA school without back-to-back losses this season. The Tiger defense leads the league and ranks 13th in Division II after allowing just 55.2 points per game so far this year. FHSU also ranks 17th in the country in fouls per game (14.2) 18th in assist/turnover ratio (1.12), 21st in turnovers per game (13.5) and 24th in scoring margin (+14.0).

While Washburn leads the all-time series 47-39, the Tigers have been dominant of late. FHSU has won seven in a row, its longest winning streak in series history, and 12 of the last 13 over the last nine years. The Tigers are 20-21 against the Ichabods in Hays, including wins in each of the last seven home games against WU. Washburn's last win in Hays was 11 years ago (1/10/13, 63-60). The series is tied 2-2 when the game goes into overtime.

The Ichabods are 11-6 this season, including a 3-4 record in true road games. WU ended a three-game losing skid with a double-digit win over No. 25 Pittsburg State, 75-62. Washburn leads the MIAA with 15.4 free throws made per game while ranking second in 3-pointers made with 6.9 per night. Yibari Nwidadah leads the conference and ranks 10th nationally with eight double-doubles this season. She also paces the league and ranks 21st in DII with 10.1 rebounds per ga&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706127055769.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>FHSU AthleticsNo. 19 Fort Hays State (14-3, 8-3 MIAA) vs. Washburn (11-6, 6-5 MIAA) Thursday, January 25, 2024 • 5:30 p.m. Hays, Kan. • Gross Memorial ColiseumRadio:&nbsp;KJLS (103.3)&nbsp;<a href="https://mix103fm.com/">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> Video:&nbsp;The MIAA Network&nbsp;<a href="https://themiaanetwork.com/fhsutigers/">CLICK HERE TO WATCH ($)</a>Game Sponsor:&nbsp;Domino's Pizza National Anthem:&nbsp;Holy Family Elementary - Joyful Noise Singers (Women's Game); New Beginnings Preschool (Men's game) Promotions:&nbsp;FHSU Center for Student Success/Greek Life Night - activities and giveaways for FHSU studentsThe 19th-ranked Fort Hays State women's basketball team will open the second half of its conference schedule Thursday evening when in-state rival Washburn comes to town. First tip between the Tigers (14-3, 8-3 MIAA) and Ichabods (11-6, 6-5 MIAA) is set for 5:30 p.m. inside Gross Memorial Coliseum.After playing the majority of their conference games on the road up to this point, the Tigers will wrap up the season with seven home games out of the final 11 regular season contests. The Tigers are tied for second in the league standings at the midway point, one game behind Missouri Southern.This is Washburn's first road trip to Hays since December 2020, a game that happened to be the FHSU debut for true freshmen Olivia Hollenbeck, Sydney Golladay, Jessie Sallach and Katie Wagner. Wagner scored 17 points in that game, one of three double-digit performances against the Ichabods in her career. She averages 12.7 points and 6.0 rebounds in three games against WU in her career. Hollenbeck puts up 9.0 points per game in three games against the Ichabods, including 13 points in a road win in 2021.Wagner needs seven points to tie Naomi Bancroft (1,449 points, 2006-10) for eighth on the all-time scoring list at Fort Hays State, while Hollenbeck recently moved into 17th after passing Kelly Priest (1,183 points, 1997-01) on Saturday.Fort Hays State is the only MIAA school without back-to-back losses this season. The Tiger defense leads the league and ranks 13th in Division II after allowing just 55.2 points per game so far this year. FHSU also ranks 17th in the country in fouls per game (14.2) 18th in assist/turnover ratio (1.12), 21st in turnovers per game (13.5) and 24th in scoring margin (+14.0).While Washburn leads the all-time series 47-39, the Tigers have been dominant of late. FHSU has won seven in a row, its longest winning streak in series history, and 12 of the last 13 over the last nine years. The Tigers are 20-21 against the Ichabods in Hays, including wins in each of the last seven home games against WU. Washburn's last win in Hays was 11 years ago (1/10/13, 63-60). The series is tied 2-2 when the game goes into overtime.The Ichabods are 11-6 this season, including a 3-4 record in true road games. WU ended a three-game losing skid with a double-digit win over No. 25 Pittsburg State, 75-62. Washburn leads the MIAA with 15.4 free throws made per game while ranking second in 3-pointers made with 6.9 per night. Yibari Nwidadah leads the conference and ranks 10th nationally with eight double-doubles this season. She also paces the league and ranks 21st in DII with 10.1 rebounds per ga&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀🎧 No. 19 FHSU women's basketball hosts Ichabods Thursday

🎥 Watch This Week's Tiger Talk

By ANDREW LOGUE Associated Press

AMES, Iowa (AP) — Milan Momcilovic scored 19 points as No. 23 Iowa State survived a heated game against Kansas State 78-67 on Wednesday night.

Keshon Gilbert added 15 points and grabbed 13 rebounds for the Cyclones (15-4, 4-2 Big 12), who improved to 12-0 at home this season. Curtis Jones scored 18 points.

Arthur Kaluma led Kansas State (14-5, 4-2) with 16 points, as the Wildcats slipped from the top of the conference standings.

“Every game is going to be intense,” Jones said. “We've been preparing for that since June.”

Iowa State coach T.J. Otzelberger and Kansas State coach Jerome Tang appeared to have a heated exchange during the second half and a prolonged discussion during the postgame handshake line.

“Nothing happened,” Tang said. “We talked about a situation that took place during the game. He (Otzelberger) said he would check into it. I told him thank you and went on.”

Kansas State erased a 14-point, second-half lead by the Cyclones, tying the score on five different occasions. But the Wildcats never went ahead.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706181105130.jpeg" alt="Kansas State's Arthur Kaluma attempts a shot over Iowa State's Keshon Gilbert, during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game on Wednesday, January 24, 2024 in Ames, Iowa (Kansas State athletics photo)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State's Arthur Kaluma attempts a shot over Iowa State's Keshon Gilbert, during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game on Wednesday, January 24, 2024 in Ames, Iowa (Kansas State athletics photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>By ANDREW LOGUE Associated PressAMES, Iowa (AP) — Milan Momcilovic scored 19 points as No. 23 Iowa State survived a heated game against Kansas State 78-67 on Wednesday night.Keshon Gilbert added 15 points and grabbed 13 rebounds for the Cyclones (15-4, 4-2 Big 12), who improved to 12-0 at home this season. Curtis Jones scored 18 points.Arthur Kaluma led Kansas State (14-5, 4-2) with 16 points, as the Wildcats slipped from the top of the conference standings.“Every game is going to be intense,” Jones said. “We've been preparing for that since June.”Iowa State coach T.J. Otzelberger and Kansas State coach Jerome Tang appeared to have a heated exchange during the second half and a prolonged discussion during the postgame handshake line.“Nothing happened,” Tang said. “We talked about a situation that took place during the game. He (Otzelberger) said he would check into it. I told him thank you and went on.”Otzelberger also declined to elaborate.Kansas State erased a 14-point, second-half lead by the Cyclones, tying the score on five different occasions. But the Wildcats never went ahead.“It's so important that you don't relinquish that lead,” Otzelberger said. “Your confidence (grows) as you're out in front or they don't get over that hump.”Deadlocked at 61, Hason Ward put Iowa State back on top for good with a dunk at the 4:09 mark. A 3-pointer from Jones made it 66-61 with 2:47 remaining.“That basket gave us a lot of confidence,” Otzelberger said. “The crowd exploded, and we had some margin at that point. So, it was really big.”Tang was given a technical foul with two minutes remaining, after protesting a foul call.Momcilovic converted three free throws following the technical and followed with a 3-pointer that pushed Iowa State's lead to 72-62.“I wasn't trying to get a tech,” Tang said. “I didn't say anything. I just thought it was a bad call and waved my arm. With the intensity of that game and that moment, I would think that we would all be given a little grace.”Kansas State was sluggish, committing turnovers on each of its first three possessions and missing four of its first five shots. The Wildcats shot just one of eight from 3-point range in the first half.Play was choppy as the teams were called for a combined 47 fouls and missed a combined 20 free throws.“It was tough, because of a lot of free throws, a lot of fouls, a lot of stoppage, fans yelling or whatever,” Momcilovic said. “It was tough to really get into a groove.”Momcilovic hit three of six shots from behind the 3-point arc and made 6 of 8 free throws.BIG PICTUREIowa State, which had won nine of its previous 11 games, benefited from the return of leading scorer Tamin Lipsey, who missed a game with a shoulder injury. Lipsey was averaging 14.5 points per game. He finished with eight points on 2-for-10 shooting Wednesday.Kansas State was not among the seven Big 12 teams ranked this week, despite being tied atop the conference standings.UP NEXTKansas State visits No. 4 Houston on Saturday.Iowa State hosts No. 7 Kansas on Saturday.