By JOHN RABY AP Sports Writer

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (AP) — Emmitt Matthews’ last regular-season home game at West Virginia was even better than he had envisioned.

Matthews played for Washington a year ago before returning to West Virginia, where he had spent his first three seasons. When Washington's Senior Day ceremony was held almost a year ago to the day, Matthews said he closed his eyes and imagined being back in Morgantown.

On Saturday his eyes were wide open and his smile went from ear to ear as he and five other seniors walked onto the court with loved ones during pregame introductions. And their energy eventually translated into one of their best efforts of the season.

Matthews, Erik Stevenson and Kedrian Johnson led an offensive onslaught in their home finale Saturday and West Virginia gave its NCAA Tournament hopes a big boost with an 89-81 victory over No. 11 Kansas State.

Matthews, who played all 40 minutes, then joined Stevenson, Johnson and West Virginia’s other seniors to sing John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads” one last time in their own arena before going into the student section to celebrate.

“This is everything I imagined and then some,” Matthews said.

Stevenson finished with 27 points, Johnson added 23, Matthews had 20 points and Tre Mitchell scored 14 for West Virginia (18-13, 7-11 Big 12), which has won three of four heading into the conference tournament.

“That was special, for sure,” said Stevenson, who made 11 of 22 field goal tries, including five 3-pointers, and has averaged nearly 25 points over his last five games. “I can tell you that basket gets bigger and bigger every time I make one. I've just got to credit my teammates for finding me.”

Before a sellout crowd, West Virginia rallied from 10 points down to take a 39-37 halftime lead and never trailed after that, shooting 58% (15 of 26) from the floor in the second half.

Kansas State (23-8, 11-7) was within 61-57 when Johnson blocked Markquis Nowell’s layup attempt, and Stevenson hit a 3-pointer at the other end of the court. Stevenson hit another 3 less than 2 minutes later for a 69-59 lead with 8:49 remaining.

Kansas State went scoreless over a nearly three-minute stretch and the Mountaineers padded their lead at the free-throw line, going 7 of 8 en route to their largest lead, 84-69, with 2:42 left.

“They played like seniors on Senior Night are supposed to play, so credit to them,” Kansas State coach Jerome Tang said. “What they were able to do, especially in the second half, we couldn't guard them. They were really good.”

Kansas State saw its four-game winning streak snapped. Nowell and Keyontae Johnson each scored 24 points for the Wildcats and Cam Carter finished with 13.

Kansas State guard Desi Sills missed the game because he was attending a funeral. Tang said he'll be back for the Big 12 tournament.

Kansas State could drop a few spots in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll">AP Top 25</a>&nbsp;poll.

Kansas State: The Wildcats scored the first eight points of the game but couldn’t keep the momentum going. Despite the loss, Kansas State capped its best regular season since 2018-19, when they went 24-7.

West Virginia: The Mountaineers had a 22-9 advantage at the free-throw line and forced 20 turnovers. West Virginia committed four turnovers in the second half after committing 12 before halftime.

“That was pretty much the focus at halftime was to stop turning the ball over," West Virginia coach Bob Huggins said. "I think the majority of our turnovers led to their scoring in the first half.

”We've gotten a lot better. Our older guys have really stepped up."

Both teams play in the Big 12 tournament that starts Wednesday in Kansas City, Missouri. The Wildcats have a first-round bye.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1677974140498.jpeg" alt="Kansas State forward Keyontae Johnson (11) drives to the basketball in a Big 12 basketball game vs. West Virginia on March 3, 2023 in Morgantown, W.Va. (Kansas State athletics photo)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State forward Keyontae Johnson (11) drives to the basketball in a Big 12 basketball game vs. West Virginia on March 3, 2023 in Morgantown, W.Va. (Kansas State athletics photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN RABY AP Sports WriterMORGANTOWN, W.Va. (AP) — Emmitt Matthews’ last regular-season home game at West Virginia was even better than he had envisioned.Matthews played for Washington a year ago before returning to West Virginia, where he had spent his first three seasons. When Washington's Senior Day ceremony was held almost a year ago to the day, Matthews said he closed his eyes and imagined being back in Morgantown.On Saturday his eyes were wide open and his smile went from ear to ear as he and five other seniors walked onto the court with loved ones during pregame introductions. And their energy eventually translated into one of their best efforts of the season.Matthews, Erik Stevenson and Kedrian Johnson led an offensive onslaught in their home finale Saturday and West Virginia gave its NCAA Tournament hopes a big boost with an 89-81 victory over No. 11 Kansas State.Matthews, who played all 40 minutes, then joined Stevenson, Johnson and West Virginia’s other seniors to sing John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads” one last time in their own arena before going into the student section to celebrate.“This is everything I imagined and then some,” Matthews said.Stevenson finished with 27 points, Johnson added 23, Matthews had 20 points and Tre Mitchell scored 14 for West Virginia (18-13, 7-11 Big 12), which has won three of four heading into the conference tournament.“That was special, for sure,” said Stevenson, who made 11 of 22 field goal tries, including five 3-pointers, and has averaged nearly 25 points over his last five games. “I can tell you that basket gets bigger and bigger every time I make one. I've just got to credit my teammates for finding me.”Before a sellout crowd, West Virginia rallied from 10 points down to take a 39-37 halftime lead and never trailed after that, shooting 58% (15 of 26) from the floor in the second half.Kansas State (23-8, 11-7) was within 61-57 when Johnson blocked Markquis Nowell’s layup attempt, and Stevenson hit a 3-pointer at the other end of the court. Stevenson hit another 3 less than 2 minutes later for a 69-59 lead with 8:49 remaining.Kansas State went scoreless over a nearly three-minute stretch and the Mountaineers padded their lead at the free-throw line, going 7 of 8 en route to their largest lead, 84-69, with 2:42 left.“They played like seniors on Senior Night are supposed to play, so credit to them,” Kansas State coach Jerome Tang said. “What they were able to do, especially in the second half, we couldn't guard them. They were really good.”Kansas State saw its four-game winning streak snapped. Nowell and Keyontae Johnson each scored 24 points for the Wildcats and Cam Carter finished with 13.SILLS OUTKansas State guard Desi Sills missed the game because he was attending a funeral. Tang said he'll be back for the Big 12 tournament.POLL IMPLICATIONSKansas State could drop a few spots in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll">AP Top 25</a>&nbsp;poll.BIG PICTUREKansas State: The Wildcats scored the first eight points of the game but couldn’t keep the momentum going. Despite the loss, Kansas State capped its best regular season since 2018-19, when they went 24-7.West Virginia: The Mountaineers had a 22-9 advantage at the free-throw line and forced 20 turnovers. West Virginia committed four turnovers in the second half after committing 12 before halftime.“That was pretty much the focus at halftime was to stop turning the ball over," West Virginia coach Bob Huggins said. "I think the majority of our turnovers led to their scoring in the first half.”We've gotten a lot better. Our older guys have really stepped up."UP NEXTBoth teams play in the Big 12 tournament that starts Wednesday in Kansas City, Missouri. The Wildcats have a first-round bye.

🏀 No. 11 Kansas State drops regular season finale at West Virginia

The TMP-Marian Monarchs take on the Hoxie Indians in the 2A Ellis sub-state championship game Saturday in Ellis.

The game is set to tipoff at 5:30 p.m. at Ellis High School.

Our coverage begins at 5:10 p.m. with the Hertz Rental Car Pregame Show on 99.5 KHAZ.

Click the player below or click&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/541227">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the game. You can also download the Team1Sports app for your phone or connected device, including smart TVs.

The TMP-Marian Monarchs take on the Hoxie Indians in the 2A Ellis sub-state championship game Saturday in Ellis.The game is set to tipoff at 5:30 p.m. at Ellis High School.Our coverage begins at 5:10 p.m. with the Hertz Rental Car Pregame Show on 99.5 KHAZ.Click the player below or click&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/541227">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the game. You can also download the Team1Sports app for your phone or connected device, including smart TVs.<div><iframe src="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/541227?autoplay=1" width="640" height="360" allow="fullscreen;" style="border:0;overflow:hidden;"></iframe></div>

🏀🎥 WATCH LIVE Thomas More Prep-Marian v Hoxie

The Hays High Indians travel to Wichita for a 5A west sub-state championship matchup with Kapaun Mt. Carmel Saturday.

The game will tipoff at 5:00 p.m. from Kapaun Mt. Carmel High School with our coverage set to start at 4:40 p.m. with the Hertz Rental Car Pregame Show on 96.9 KFIX.

Click the player below or click&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/541224">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the game. You can also download the Team1Sports app for your phone or connected device, including smart TVs.

The Hays High Indians travel to Wichita for a 5A west sub-state championship matchup with Kapaun Mt. Carmel Saturday.The game will tipoff at 5:00 p.m. from Kapaun Mt. Carmel High School with our coverage set to start at 4:40 p.m. with the Hertz Rental Car Pregame Show on 96.9 KFIX.Click the player below or click&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/541224">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the game. You can also download the Team1Sports app for your phone or connected device, including smart TVs.<div><iframe src="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/541224?autoplay=1" width="640" height="360" allow="fullscreen;" style="border:0;overflow:hidden;"></iframe></div>

🏀🎥 WATCH LIVE Hays High vs Kapaun Mt. Carmel

Fort Hays State (20-11, 14-8 MIAA) vs. #10 Central Missouri (24-3, 19-3 MIAA) Saturday, March 4, 2023 • 8:15 p.m. Kansas City, Mo. • Municipal Auditorium 2023 MIAA Basketball Championships presented by Southern Bank • Semifinals&nbsp;&nbsp; Radio • KJLS (103.3)

<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KJLS">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a>

The Fort Hays State women's basketball team will make its annual appearance in the MIAA semifinals Saturday evening (March 4) when the Tigers take on 10th-ranked Central Missouri at 8:15 p.m. inside historic Municipal Auditorium in downtown Kansas City. This if FHSU's sixth-consecutive appearance in the conference semis, the longest active streak in the league, and their 10th trip to Semifinal Saturday over the last 11 tournaments. No other program has made more than seven semifinal appearances during that stretch. The sixth-seeded Tigers (20-11) earned their spot in the semifinals after defeating No. 3 seed Missouri Western 71-62 Friday evening. The second-seeded Jennies (24-3) cruised past 10th-seeded Central Oklahoma in their quarterfinal matchup on Thursday, 82-60. Friday's win over the Griffons gave the Tigers 20 wins for the 12th season in a row, extending the longest active streak in NCAA Division II. The next longest active streak among MIAA teams is four (Nebraska-Kearney). This is the 20th 20-win season in program history. The Tigers are 20-11 all-time in the MIAA Championship tournament, 2-4 against UCM, 5-4 in the semifinals, 4-2 as the No. 6 seed, 2-5 against the No. 2 seed and 15-10 in tournament games inside Municipal Auditorium. Friday's win was head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/tony-hobson/1136">Tony Hobson</a>'s 20th victory in the MIAA tournament, tied for third-most in MIAA Championship history. FHSU has had success in the semifinals of late, reaching the championship game in four of the last five MIAA tournaments. Only one other school has played in multiple title games during that span (UCM 2, MSSU 1, UNK 1, LWU 1, ESU 1). Central Missouri leads the all-time series 21-17 after taking both regular season contests by a combined eight points. UCM holds 6-2 edge in neutral site contests. The Tigers are 15-16 against the Jennies during the Hobson era, including a 2-5 mark on a neutral floor. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/katie-wagner/6848">Katie Wagner</a>&nbsp;averages 12.8 points per game in six matchups with the Jennies, including five games scoring in double figures.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/jessie-sallach/6847">Jessie Sallach</a>&nbsp;puts up 8.0 ppg when facing off with UCM, scoring in double figures four times in seven career games. Wagner has scored 85 points in seven career MIAA Championship contests, averaging 12.1 per game.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1677949248693.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State's Emma Ruddle (24) defends Missouri Western's Alyssa Bonilla (4) in the MIAA Tournament quarterfinals at Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Mo.. (FHSU Athletics photo/Nicole Heitmann)" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State's Emma Ruddle (24) defends Missouri Western's Alyssa Bonilla (4) in the MIAA Tournament quarterfinals at Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Mo.. (FHSU Athletics photo/Nicole Heitmann)</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsFort Hays State (20-11, 14-8 MIAA) vs. #10 Central Missouri (24-3, 19-3 MIAA) Saturday, March 4, 2023 • 8:15 p.m. Kansas City, Mo. • Municipal Auditorium 2023 MIAA Basketball Championships presented by Southern Bank • Semifinals&nbsp;&nbsp; Radio • KJLS (103.3) <a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KJLS">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a>The Fort Hays State women's basketball team will make its annual appearance in the MIAA semifinals Saturday evening (March 4) when the Tigers take on 10th-ranked Central Missouri at 8:15 p.m. inside historic Municipal Auditorium in downtown Kansas City. This if FHSU's sixth-consecutive appearance in the conference semis, the longest active streak in the league, and their 10th trip to Semifinal Saturday over the last 11 tournaments. No other program has made more than seven semifinal appearances during that stretch. The sixth-seeded Tigers (20-11) earned their spot in the semifinals after defeating No. 3 seed Missouri Western 71-62 Friday evening. The second-seeded Jennies (24-3) cruised past 10th-seeded Central Oklahoma in their quarterfinal matchup on Thursday, 82-60. Friday's win over the Griffons gave the Tigers 20 wins for the 12th season in a row, extending the longest active streak in NCAA Division II. The next longest active streak among MIAA teams is four (Nebraska-Kearney). This is the 20th 20-win season in program history. The Tigers are 20-11 all-time in the MIAA Championship tournament, 2-4 against UCM, 5-4 in the semifinals, 4-2 as the No. 6 seed, 2-5 against the No. 2 seed and 15-10 in tournament games inside Municipal Auditorium. Friday's win was head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/tony-hobson/1136">Tony Hobson</a>'s 20th victory in the MIAA tournament, tied for third-most in MIAA Championship history. FHSU has had success in the semifinals of late, reaching the championship game in four of the last five MIAA tournaments. Only one other school has played in multiple title games during that span (UCM 2, MSSU 1, UNK 1, LWU 1, ESU 1). Central Missouri leads the all-time series 21-17 after taking both regular season contests by a combined eight points. UCM holds 6-2 edge in neutral site contests. The Tigers are 15-16 against the Jennies during the Hobson era, including a 2-5 mark on a neutral floor. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/katie-wagner/6848">Katie Wagner</a>&nbsp;averages 12.8 points per game in six matchups with the Jennies, including five games scoring in double figures.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/jessie-sallach/6847">Jessie Sallach</a>&nbsp;puts up 8.0 ppg when facing off with UCM, scoring in double figures four times in seven career games. Wagner has scored 85 points in seven career MIAA Championship contests, averaging 12.1 per game.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀🎙️ LISTEN -  FHSU women face Jennies in MIAA Tournament semifinals

#3 seed Fort Hays State (21-8) vs. #2 seed #12/14 Central Oklahoma (25-4) Saturday, March 4 - 2:15 p.m. Kansas City, Mo. - Municipal Auditorium Radio - KJLS (103.3)

<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KJLS">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> The No. 3 seeded Fort Hays State men's basketball team will take on No. 2 seed Central Oklahoma in the MIAA Tournament Semifinals on Saturday at Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City. Tipoff is set for 2:15 p.m. The Tigers carry a record of 21-8 into the contest, while the Bronchos are ranked No. 12/14 in the nation and have a record of 25-4. The Tigers are looking to snap a string of four straight losses to the Bronchos. UCO swept the regular season series between the teams in both this season and last season. The Tigers are also looking to snap a string of five straight losses in MIAA Tournament Semifinal games. The last time the Tigers won a semifinal game was in 2011, the year they won the tournament. The Tigers are coming off a 73-56 win over Rogers State in the quarterfinals on Friday. It was the first MIAA Tournament meeting between the schools and FHSU evened up the all-time series at 4-4.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/elijah-nnanabu/6902">Elijah Nnanabu</a>&nbsp;led the Tigers with 18 points, followed by&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/bjarni-jonsson/6901">Bjarni Jonsson</a>&nbsp;with 17,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/kaleb-hammeke/6897">Kaleb Hammeke</a>&nbsp;with 16, and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/gilbert-peters/6903">Gilbert Peters</a>&nbsp;with 15. Jonsson tied his career high in points, while Peters tied his season high. The Tigers have now won 20 or more games 11 times under&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/mark-johnson/1143">Mark Johnson</a>, now holding an all-time record of 428-211. The last time Fort Hays State and Central Oklahoma met in the MIAA Tournament was in 2016 in the quarterfinals. The Tigers took that meeting by a score of 67-61. FHSU and Central Oklahoma have never met in the semifinal round. FHSU is 1-1 against UCO in the MIAA Tournament all-time. The Tigers are seeking their second win over an NABC Top 25 ranked opponent this season. FHSU defeated a No. 24 ranked Emporia State team back on January 22 in Emporia.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1677946913639.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State guard Kaleb Hammeke drives in a for a layup in the MIAA Tournament quarterfinals vs. Rogers State on Friday, March 3, 2023 at Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Mo. (FHSU Athletics photo/Nicole Heitmann)" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State guard Kaleb Hammeke drives in a for a layup in the MIAA Tournament quarterfinals vs. Rogers State on Friday, March 3, 2023 at Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Mo. (FHSU Athletics photo/Nicole Heitmann)</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU Athletics#3 seed Fort Hays State (21-8) vs. #2 seed #12/14 Central Oklahoma (25-4) Saturday, March 4 - 2:15 p.m. Kansas City, Mo. - Municipal Auditorium Radio - KJLS (103.3)<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KJLS">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> The No. 3 seeded Fort Hays State men's basketball team will take on No. 2 seed Central Oklahoma in the MIAA Tournament Semifinals on Saturday at Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City. Tipoff is set for 2:15 p.m. The Tigers carry a record of 21-8 into the contest, while the Bronchos are ranked No. 12/14 in the nation and have a record of 25-4. The Tigers are looking to snap a string of four straight losses to the Bronchos. UCO swept the regular season series between the teams in both this season and last season. The Tigers are also looking to snap a string of five straight losses in MIAA Tournament Semifinal games. The last time the Tigers won a semifinal game was in 2011, the year they won the tournament. The Tigers are coming off a 73-56 win over Rogers State in the quarterfinals on Friday. It was the first MIAA Tournament meeting between the schools and FHSU evened up the all-time series at 4-4.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/elijah-nnanabu/6902">Elijah Nnanabu</a>&nbsp;led the Tigers with 18 points, followed by&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/bjarni-jonsson/6901">Bjarni Jonsson</a>&nbsp;with 17,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/kaleb-hammeke/6897">Kaleb Hammeke</a>&nbsp;with 16, and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/gilbert-peters/6903">Gilbert Peters</a>&nbsp;with 15. Jonsson tied his career high in points, while Peters tied his season high. The Tigers have now won 20 or more games 11 times under&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/mark-johnson/1143">Mark Johnson</a>, now holding an all-time record of 428-211. The last time Fort Hays State and Central Oklahoma met in the MIAA Tournament was in 2016 in the quarterfinals. The Tigers took that meeting by a score of 67-61. FHSU and Central Oklahoma have never met in the semifinal round. FHSU is 1-1 against UCO in the MIAA Tournament all-time. The Tigers are seeking their second win over an NABC Top 25 ranked opponent this season. FHSU defeated a No. 24 ranked Emporia State team back on January 22 in Emporia.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀🎙️ LISTEN -  Tiger men battle Bronchos in MIAA Tournament semifinals

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The sixth-seeded Fort Hays State women's basketball team battled past No. 3 seed Missouri Western in the quarterfinals of the 2023 MIAA Basketball Championships presented by Southern Bank Friday evening (March 3), winning 71-62. With the win, the Tigers (20-11) advance to Semifinal Saturday for the 10th time in the last 11 seasons, where FHSU will take on 10th-ranked and second seed Central Missouri beginning at 8:15 p.m.

Both teams came out of the gates at a high level, with the Tigers leading 20-19 after 10 minutes of action.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/katie-wagner/6848">Katie Wagner</a>&nbsp;scored 10 of her team-high 23 points in the opening frame, while Connie Clarke tallied 13 points in the first frame alone. The Tigers kept things rolling on offense in the second quarter while ratcheting up the pressure on defense. FHSU limited the Griffons (24-7) to a pair of field goals in the second stanza while forcing six turnovers. FHSU took advantage on the other end of the floor, knocking down 50 percent from the floor to race in front by 16 at halftime, 42-26. The Tigers scored the final 10 points of the first half, holding the Griffons scoreless for the final three-plus minutes of action before heading into the locker room. Wagner opened the run with a traditional 3-point play before&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/kate-dilsaver/6841">Kate Dilsaver</a>&nbsp;dropped in a stick-back layup through contact.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/olivia-hollenbeck/6845">Olivia Hollenbeck</a>&nbsp;added another second-chance bucket late in the quarter before Dilsaver buried a 3-pointer just before the halftime buzzer sounded to put the Tigers up by 16.

Fort Hays State pushed the lead to 20 early in the second half on a 3-pointer from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/sydney-golladay/6844">Sydney Golladay</a>&nbsp;before the Griffons closed the third on a 12-2 run to close within 10, 56-46. Dilsaver,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/emma-ruddle/6846">Emma Ruddle</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/megan-earney/6842">Megan Earney</a>&nbsp;all poured in 3-pointers in the final frame, helping the Tigers keep MWSU at bay. The Griffons managed to trim the deficit to single digits with 97 seconds to play, but the Tigers had done enough over the first 38 minutes of action to seal the win. The win gave FHSU 20 wins in a season for the 12th-consecutive year, the longest active streak in NCAA Division II. Fort Hays State had just eight 20-win seasons over the first 42 years of the program before the current streak began in 2011-12. The win was also head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/tony-hobson/1136">Tony Hobson</a>'s 20th victory in the MIAA tournament, tying him for third-most in tournament history. Hollenbeck and Dilsaver added 12 points each for the Tigers, with&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/jessie-sallach/6847">Jessie Sallach</a>&nbsp;scoring eight and Ruddle adding six. Wagner also led the team with nine rebounds, while Golladay distributed a game-high six assists. The Tigers knocked down 43.1 percent from the floor (25-of-58) while limiting the Griffons to a 39.7 percent effort (23-of-58). FHSU had a four-rebound margin, 41-37, with the Tigers scoring 11 points off eight offensive rebounds.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1677907148456.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State's Olivia Hollenbeck (33) and Sydney Golladay (3) celebrate after a 3-point basket in the MIAA Tournament quarterfinals vs. Missouri Western State at Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Mo. on March 3, 2023.( FHSU Athletics photo/Nicole Heitmann)" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State's Olivia Hollenbeck (33) and Sydney Golladay (3) celebrate after a 3-point basket in the MIAA Tournament quarterfinals vs. Missouri Western State at Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Mo. on March 3, 2023.( FHSU Athletics photo/Nicole Heitmann)</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsKANSAS CITY, Mo. - The sixth-seeded Fort Hays State women's basketball team battled past No. 3 seed Missouri Western in the quarterfinals of the 2023 MIAA Basketball Championships presented by Southern Bank Friday evening (March 3), winning 71-62. With the win, the Tigers (20-11) advance to Semifinal Saturday for the 10th time in the last 11 seasons, where FHSU will take on 10th-ranked and second seed Central Missouri beginning at 8:15 p.m.<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/1460990545&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-814667509/3-3-2023-fhsu-womens-press-conference-postgame" title="Fort Hays State WBB Postgame Press Conference vs. Missouri Western State (Mar. 3, 2023)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Fort Hays State WBB Postgame Press Conference vs. Missouri Western State (Mar. 3, 2023)</a></div></div>Both teams came out of the gates at a high level, with the Tigers leading 20-19 after 10 minutes of action.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/katie-wagner/6848">Katie Wagner</a>&nbsp;scored 10 of her team-high 23 points in the opening frame, while Connie Clarke tallied 13 points in the first frame alone. The Tigers kept things rolling on offense in the second quarter while ratcheting up the pressure on defense. FHSU limited the Griffons (24-7) to a pair of field goals in the second stanza while forcing six turnovers. FHSU took advantage on the other end of the floor, knocking down 50 percent from the floor to race in front by 16 at halftime, 42-26. The Tigers scored the final 10 points of the first half, holding the Griffons scoreless for the final three-plus minutes of action before heading into the locker room. Wagner opened the run with a traditional 3-point play before&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/kate-dilsaver/6841">Kate Dilsaver</a>&nbsp;dropped in a stick-back layup through contact.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/olivia-hollenbeck/6845">Olivia Hollenbeck</a>&nbsp;added another second-chance bucket late in the quarter before Dilsaver buried a 3-pointer just before the halftime buzzer sounded to put the Tigers up by 16.<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/1460996296&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-814667509/3-3-2023-fhsu-women-vs-missouri-western-highlights" title="Fort Hays State WBB Highlights vs. Missouri Western State (Mar 3, 2023)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Fort Hays State WBB Highlights vs. Missouri Western State (Mar 3, 2023)</a></div></div>Fort Hays State pushed the lead to 20 early in the second half on a 3-pointer from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/sydney-golladay/6844">Sydney Golladay</a>&nbsp;before the Griffons closed the third on a 12-2 run to close within 10, 56-46. Dilsaver,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/emma-ruddle/6846">Emma Ruddle</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/megan-earney/6842">Megan Earney</a>&nbsp;all poured in 3-pointers in the final frame, helping the Tigers keep MWSU at bay. The Griffons managed to trim the deficit to single digits with 97 seconds to play, but the Tigers had done enough over the first 38 minutes of action to seal the win. The win gave FHSU 20 wins in a season for the 12th-consecutive year, the longest active streak in NCAA Division II. Fort Hays State had just eight 20-win seasons over the first 42 years of the program before the current streak began in 2011-12. The win was also head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/tony-hobson/1136">Tony Hobson</a>'s 20th victory in the MIAA tournament, tying him for third-most in tournament history. Hollenbeck and Dilsaver added 12 points each for the Tigers, with&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/jessie-sallach/6847">Jessie Sallach</a>&nbsp;scoring eight and Ruddle adding six. Wagner also led the team with nine rebounds, while Golladay distributed a game-high six assists. The Tigers knocked down 43.1 percent from the floor (25-of-58) while limiting the Griffons to a 39.7 percent effort (23-of-58). FHSU had a four-rebound margin, 41-37, with the Tigers scoring 11 points off eight offensive rebounds.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀 Tiger women defeat Griffons to advance to MIAA Tourney semifinals

ELLIS – The Smith Center Lady Red got just enough timely shooting
and held off the TMP Lady Monarchs Thursday 50-45 in the 2A Ellis sub-state semifinals
games at Ellis High School.

The Monarchs took an early three-point lead thanks to a
three-point play for Jaci VonLintel who finished with a team-high 17 points.

The Lady Red answered the TMP 3-0 lead with an eight three
run that tied the game at eight. Freshman Claire Schippers scored five straight
for TMP for the eight-all tie.

Smith Center built an 11-10 lead heading into the second
quarter.

In the second quarter TMP took their largest lead of the
first half at 15-12 to start the quarter, but again Smith Center had an answer
with a 12-6 run taking a 24-21 lead at halftime.

In the third quarter Smith Center led by as many as eight in
the third quarter before TMP pulled within five at the end of the third at
37-32 on a Schippers three-pointer.

TMP outscored Smith Center 10-5 to open the fourth quarter
tying the game at 42 with 1:20 to play but Smith Center to take the lead on the
next possession and outscored TMP 8-2 in the final minute on their to a 50-45
victory.

Jaci VonLintel led TMP with 17 points and 13 rebounds for
her 11th double-double of the season. Claire Schippers matched her
career-high with 12 points and Gracyn Schippers added 10 points.

TMP finished the season 15-8 and 8-3 in the MIAA.

ELLIS – The Smith Center Lady Red got just enough timely shooting
and held off the TMP Lady Monarchs Thursday 50-45 in the 2A Ellis sub-state semifinals
games at Ellis High School.<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/1460915104&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-814667509/03-03-23-tmp-girls-coach-inter" title="03-03-23 TMP Girls Coach Interview Rose McFarland" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">03-03-23 TMP Girls Coach Interview Rose McFarland</a></div></div>The Monarchs took an early three-point lead thanks to a
three-point play for Jaci VonLintel who finished with a team-high 17 points.The Lady Red answered the TMP 3-0 lead with an eight three
run that tied the game at eight. Freshman Claire Schippers scored five straight
for TMP for the eight-all tie.Smith Center built an 11-10 lead heading into the second
quarter.In the second quarter TMP took their largest lead of the
first half at 15-12 to start the quarter, but again Smith Center had an answer
with a 12-6 run taking a 24-21 lead at halftime.In the third quarter Smith Center led by as many as eight in
the third quarter before TMP pulled within five at the end of the third at
37-32 on a Schippers three-pointer.TMP outscored Smith Center 10-5 to open the fourth quarter
tying the game at 42 with 1:20 to play but Smith Center to take the lead on the
next possession and outscored TMP 8-2 in the final minute on their to a 50-45
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/1460915014&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-814667509/03-03-23-tmp-girls-v-smith-center-highlights" title="03 - 03 - 23 TMP Girls V Smith Center Highlights" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">03 - 03 - 23 TMP Girls V Smith Center Highlights</a></div></div>Jaci VonLintel led TMP with 17 points and 13 rebounds for
her 11th double-double of the season. Claire Schippers matched her
career-high with 12 points and Gracyn Schippers added 10 points.TMP finished the season 15-8 and 8-3 in the MIAA.

🏀TMP girls end season with loss to top-seed Smith Center

Hays High appeared in a Sub-State Championship game on Friday in Wichita as they played the #1 seed in 5A West, the Bishop Carroll Golden Eagles.

Bishop Carroll used a 22-6 second quarter to create a large gap in the scoring by halftime and head to the 5A State Tournament with a 67-32 win over Hays.

Hays led early at 6-3 and 8-6 before the Golden Eagles went on a 9-2 run to grab the lead for good. The Indians stayed within one possession for most of the first quarter and then trailed 23-18 at the end of the first.

The Golden Eagles sped up the Hays offense in the second quarter resulting in steals and layups for the home team. Bishop Carroll started the second quarter on a 11-0 run. Hays scored their first points of the quarter on two free throws with 2:52 left remaining before halftime.

Bishop Carroll ended the first two quarters with a half court shot that put the Golden Eagles up 45-24.

Hays High scored the first two points of the third quarter but didn't score again while the Golden Eagles scored the next 17 points.

A running clock fourth quarter ended the game at 67-32 in favor of Bishop Carroll. It was the most points allowed in a game by Hays this year coupled with the fewest they scored in a game all year.

The Hays High season ends at 14-8. It marks the first time the Indians finish with back-to-back winning season since 2019. Bishop Carroll goes to the 5A State Tournament at 20-2.

Carly Lang played in her 85th career game, tied for second all-time and one off the school record. She finishes fourth in career free throws made and attempted at 202-321. She finished third all-time in assists at 151.

Claire Humphrey played in her 72 career game tied 11th in a career and Aspen Melvin appeared in her 55th game.

Hays High appeared in a Sub-State Championship game on Friday in Wichita as they played the #1 seed in 5A West, the Bishop Carroll Golden Eagles.Bishop Carroll used a 22-6 second quarter to create a large gap in the scoring by halftime and head to the 5A State Tournament with a 67-32 win over Hays.Hays led early at 6-3 and 8-6 before the Golden Eagles went on a 9-2 run to grab the lead for good. The Indians stayed within one possession for most of the first quarter and then trailed 23-18 at the end of the first.The Golden Eagles sped up the Hays offense in the second quarter resulting in steals and layups for the home team. Bishop Carroll started the second quarter on a 11-0 run. Hays scored their first points of the quarter on two free throws with 2:52 left remaining before halftime.Bishop Carroll ended the first two quarters with a half court shot that put the Golden Eagles up 45-24.Highlights<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1460909140&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-814667509/3-3-23-hh-wbkb-v-bishop-carrol-hilights" title="3 - 3-23 HH WBKB V. Bishop Carrol Hilights" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">3 - 3-23 HH WBKB V. Bishop Carrol Hilights</a></div></div>Hays High scored the first two points of the third quarter but didn't score again while the Golden Eagles scored the next 17 points.A running clock fourth quarter ended the game at 67-32 in favor of Bishop Carroll. It was the most points allowed in a game by Hays this year coupled with the fewest they scored in a game all year.Coach Len Melvin<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1460909239&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-814667509/3-3-23-hh-wbkb-coach-int" title="3 - 3-23 HH WBKB Coach Int" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">3 - 3-23 HH WBKB Coach Int</a></div></div>The Hays High season ends at 14-8. It marks the first time the Indians finish with back-to-back winning season since 2019. Bishop Carroll goes to the 5A State Tournament at 20-2.Carly Lang played in her 85th career game, tied for second all-time and one off the school record. She finishes fourth in career free throws made and attempted at 202-321. She finished third all-time in assists at 151.Claire Humphrey played in her 72 career game tied 11th in a career and Aspen Melvin appeared in her 55th game.

Hays girls fall to top seed Bishop Carroll

EMPORIA, Kan. -&nbsp;The Fort Hays State baseball team fell to Emporia State in their series opener Friday (March 3) 13-0 in seven innings. The Hornets took advantage of two big scoring innings while the ESU pitching staff kept the Tigers at bay to secure the win. ESU improves to 6-11 (2-2 MIAA)&nbsp;while FHSU falls to 7-11 (0-4 MIAA). The opening frame didn't yield much for either squad as the Tigers were retired in order. The Hornets managed one hit, but the runner was&nbsp;caught stealing by&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/ridge-stephens/6828">Ridge Stephens</a>&nbsp;who fired a laser from behind the plate to second. A single from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/elliott-herrmann/7260">Elliott Herrmann</a>&nbsp;and two free trips awarded to&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/zane-knox/7262">Zane Knox</a>&nbsp;and Stephens loaded the bases for the Tigers with one out in the following frame, but the Hornets turned a double play to keep the Tigers scoreless. ESU plated their first run in the home half of the second before rallying seven runs on six hits and one miscue by the Tigers to take an 8-0 lead through three innings. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/luuk-ter-beek/7271">Luuk ter Beek</a>&nbsp;(0-1) started on the mound for the Tigers, tossing 2.2 innings. The Nieuw Vennep, Netherlands native seemed to settle in at the end of the second frame, retiring the last two batters he faced including a strikeout to end the inning. ter Beek was charged with eight runs on eight hits while collecting three punchouts&nbsp;before&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/connor-holle/6814">Connor Holle</a>&nbsp;took over to close out the third inning. Holle threw two scoreless innings before the Hornets began a five-run rally in the sixth frame. Holle was charged with two of the runs before he was relieved by&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/jacob-shope/7270">Jacob Shope</a>. Shope managed to get two outs in the seventh, including one strikeout, but Emporia State plated three more runs on a home run. The Hornets plated their final two runs on a single before&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/spencer-maley/7265">Spencer Maley</a>&nbsp;forced a flyout to end the inning. ESU starter Ian Lanik scattered three hits over six scoreless innings while striking out three batters. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/ed-scott/6827">Ed Scott</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/isaiah-ural/7272">Isaiah Ural</a>&nbsp;and Herrmann each collected a hit for the Tigers while&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/emile-boies/7253">Emile Boies</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/zane-knox/7262">Zane Knox</a>&nbsp;each drew a walk. The series will resume Saturday (March 4) at 1 p.m.at Trusler Sports Complex.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1677907347773.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State pitcher Luuk ter Beek" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State pitcher Luuk ter Beek</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsEMPORIA, Kan. -&nbsp;The Fort Hays State baseball team fell to Emporia State in their series opener Friday (March 3) 13-0 in seven innings. The Hornets took advantage of two big scoring innings while the ESU pitching staff kept the Tigers at bay to secure the win. ESU improves to 6-11 (2-2 MIAA)&nbsp;while FHSU falls to 7-11 (0-4 MIAA). The opening frame didn't yield much for either squad as the Tigers were retired in order. The Hornets managed one hit, but the runner was&nbsp;caught stealing by&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/ridge-stephens/6828">Ridge Stephens</a>&nbsp;who fired a laser from behind the plate to second. A single from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/elliott-herrmann/7260">Elliott Herrmann</a>&nbsp;and two free trips awarded to&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/zane-knox/7262">Zane Knox</a>&nbsp;and Stephens loaded the bases for the Tigers with one out in the following frame, but the Hornets turned a double play to keep the Tigers scoreless. ESU plated their first run in the home half of the second before rallying seven runs on six hits and one miscue by the Tigers to take an 8-0 lead through three innings. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/luuk-ter-beek/7271">Luuk ter Beek</a>&nbsp;(0-1) started on the mound for the Tigers, tossing 2.2 innings. The Nieuw Vennep, Netherlands native seemed to settle in at the end of the second frame, retiring the last two batters he faced including a strikeout to end the inning. ter Beek was charged with eight runs on eight hits while collecting three punchouts&nbsp;before&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/connor-holle/6814">Connor Holle</a>&nbsp;took over to close out the third inning. Holle threw two scoreless innings before the Hornets began a five-run rally in the sixth frame. Holle was charged with two of the runs before he was relieved by&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/jacob-shope/7270">Jacob Shope</a>. Shope managed to get two outs in the seventh, including one strikeout, but Emporia State plated three more runs on a home run. The Hornets plated their final two runs on a single before&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/spencer-maley/7265">Spencer Maley</a>&nbsp;forced a flyout to end the inning. ESU starter Ian Lanik scattered three hits over six scoreless innings while striking out three batters. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/ed-scott/6827">Ed Scott</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/isaiah-ural/7272">Isaiah Ural</a>&nbsp;and Herrmann each collected a hit for the Tigers while&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/emile-boies/7253">Emile Boies</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/zane-knox/7262">Zane Knox</a>&nbsp;each drew a walk. The series will resume Saturday (March 4) at 1 p.m.at Trusler Sports Complex.&nbsp;&nbsp;

⚾ Hornets sting Tigers in series opener

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Fort Hays State Men's Basketball improved to 21-8 overall with a 73-56 win over Rogers State in the MIAA Tournament Quarterfinals on Friday at Municipal Auditorium. The Tigers turned in a dominating performance, leading by double digits all the way from halftime to the final horn. They shot a strong 53.2 percent overall, while holding the Hillcats to 39.6 percent. Rogers State ended its season at 16-13 overall.

Rogers State hit the first shot of the game, a three-point field goal about 45 seconds into the contest before FHSU went on an 11-0 run to take an eight-point lead. Rogers State moved back within two twice between the eight and six minute marks of the first half, but FHSU held on to its lead throughout the remainder of the game. FHSU led for the final 38:21 of the contest and took a 40-28 lead into halftime. The Tigers put the hammer down to leave no doubt by outscoring the Hillcats 20-7 in the first nine-and-a-half minutes of the second half. That pushed the Tiger advantage to 25, their largest of the game, up 60-35.

<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/elijah-nnanabu/6902">Elijah Nnanabu</a>&nbsp;led the Tigers with 18 points, one off his career high, with a strong 8-of-11 performance from the field and a pair of free throws. Nnanabu also played a big role on the glass, leading the team with eight rebounds.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/bjarni-jonsson/6901">Bjarni Jonsson</a>&nbsp;tied his career high for points with 17, going 5-of-8 from the field. He hit three 3-point field goals, all in the first half. He led the Tigers with 12 points at halftime.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/kaleb-hammeke/6897">Kaleb Hammeke</a>&nbsp;was right behind Nnanabu and Jonsson with 16 points, while dishing out a team-high three assists.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/gilbert-peters/6903">Gilbert Peters</a>&nbsp;gave the Tigers a big spark off the bench with 15 points, tying his season high. The quartet of Tigers accounted for 66 of the team's 73 points. Chris Whitaker led Rogers State with 14 points, while Isaac Johnson added 10. No. 3 seeded Fort Hays State moves on to Saturday's semifinal matchup with No. 2 seeded Central Oklahoma at 2:15 p.m. The other semifinal at noon features No. 1 seed Northwest Missouri State vs. No. 4 seed Emporia State. UCO, ranked No. 12 in the latest NABC Division II Poll, won both meetings with FHSU in the regular season. The Tigers will be looking to snap a four-game skid to the Bronchos.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1677887956418.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State's Elijah Nnanabu (0) looks over the defense during an MIAA Tournament quarterfinal game vs. Rogers State in Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Mo. on Friday, March 3, 2023. (FHSU Athletics photo/Nicole Heitmann)" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State's Elijah Nnanabu (0) looks over the defense during an MIAA Tournament quarterfinal game vs. Rogers State in Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Mo. on Friday, March 3, 2023. (FHSU Athletics photo/Nicole Heitmann)</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsKANSAS CITY, Mo. – Fort Hays State Men's Basketball improved to 21-8 overall with a 73-56 win over Rogers State in the MIAA Tournament Quarterfinals on Friday at Municipal Auditorium. The Tigers turned in a dominating performance, leading by double digits all the way from halftime to the final horn. They shot a strong 53.2 percent overall, while holding the Hillcats to 39.6 percent. Rogers State ended its season at 16-13 overall.<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/1460840509&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-814667509/3-3-2023-fhsu-mens-coach-mark-johnson-postgame-interview" title="Mark Johnson Postgame vs. Rogers State (Mar. 3, 2023)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Mark Johnson Postgame vs. Rogers State (Mar. 3, 2023)</a></div></div>Rogers State hit the first shot of the game, a three-point field goal about 45 seconds into the contest before FHSU went on an 11-0 run to take an eight-point lead. Rogers State moved back within two twice between the eight and six minute marks of the first half, but FHSU held on to its lead throughout the remainder of the game. FHSU led for the final 38:21 of the contest and took a 40-28 lead into halftime. The Tigers put the hammer down to leave no doubt by outscoring the Hillcats 20-7 in the first nine-and-a-half minutes of the second half. That pushed the Tiger advantage to 25, their largest of the game, up 60-35.<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/1460846890&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-814667509/3-3-2023-fhsu-men-vs-rogers-state-highlights" title="Fort Hays State MBB vs. Rogers State Highlights (Mar. 3, 2023)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Fort Hays State MBB vs. Rogers State Highlights (Mar. 3, 2023)</a></div></div><a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/elijah-nnanabu/6902">Elijah Nnanabu</a>&nbsp;led the Tigers with 18 points, one off his career high, with a strong 8-of-11 performance from the field and a pair of free throws. Nnanabu also played a big role on the glass, leading the team with eight rebounds.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/bjarni-jonsson/6901">Bjarni Jonsson</a>&nbsp;tied his career high for points with 17, going 5-of-8 from the field. He hit three 3-point field goals, all in the first half. He led the Tigers with 12 points at halftime.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/kaleb-hammeke/6897">Kaleb Hammeke</a>&nbsp;was right behind Nnanabu and Jonsson with 16 points, while dishing out a team-high three assists.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/gilbert-peters/6903">Gilbert Peters</a>&nbsp;gave the Tigers a big spark off the bench with 15 points, tying his season high. The quartet of Tigers accounted for 66 of the team's 73 points. Chris Whitaker led Rogers State with 14 points, while Isaac Johnson added 10. No. 3 seeded Fort Hays State moves on to Saturday's semifinal matchup with No. 2 seeded Central Oklahoma at 2:15 p.m. The other semifinal at noon features No. 1 seed Northwest Missouri State vs. No. 4 seed Emporia State. UCO, ranked No. 12 in the latest NABC Division II Poll, won both meetings with FHSU in the regular season. The Tigers will be looking to snap a four-game skid to the Bronchos.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀 Tiger men roar past Hillcats in MIAA Tournament quarterfinals

The Hays High Lady Indians travel to Wichita for a sub-state championship matchup with Bishop Carroll Friday.

The game will tipoff at 6:00 p.m. from Bishop Carroll with our coverage set to start at 5:40 p.m. with the Hertz Rental Car Pregame Show on 96.9 KFIX.

Click the player below or click&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/540570">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the game. You can also download the Team1Sports app for your phone or connected device, including smart TVs.

The Hays High Lady Indians travel to Wichita for a sub-state championship matchup with Bishop Carroll Friday.The game will tipoff at 6:00 p.m. from Bishop Carroll with our coverage set to start at 5:40 p.m. with the Hertz Rental Car Pregame Show on 96.9 KFIX.Click the player below or click&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/540570">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the game. You can also download the Team1Sports app for your phone or connected device, including smart TVs.<div><iframe src="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/540570?autoplay=1" width="640" height="360" allow="fullscreen;" style="border:0;overflow:hidden;"></iframe></div>

🏀🎥 WATCH LIVE Hays High vs Bishop Carroll

The TMP-Marian Lady Monarchs take on the Smith Center Lady in the 2A Ellis sub-state semifinals Friday in Ellis.

The game is set to tipoff at 6:00 p.m. at Ellis High School.

Our coverage begins at 5:40 p.m. with the Hertz Rental Car Pregame Show on 99.5 KHAZ.

Click the player below or click&nbsp;HERE&nbsp;to view the game. You can also download the Team1Sports app for your phone or connected device, including smart TVs.

The TMP-Marian Lady Monarchs take on the Smith Center Lady in the 2A Ellis sub-state semifinals Friday in Ellis.The game is set to tipoff at 6:00 p.m. at Ellis High School.Our coverage begins at 5:40 p.m. with the Hertz Rental Car Pregame Show on 99.5 KHAZ.Click the player below or click&nbsp;HERE&nbsp;to view the game. You can also download the Team1Sports app for your phone or connected device, including smart TVs.<div><iframe src="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/540575?autoplay=1" width="640" height="360" allow="fullscreen;" style="border:0;overflow:hidden;"></iframe></div>

🏀🎥 WATCH LIVE Thomas More Prep-Marian v Smith Center

Russell takes on Southeast of Saline in substate action from Russell
 tonight, and if you can't make it to the game, we have you covered.

The game is set to tip at 7:30 p.m. Friday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1677869463293.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Salina PostRussell takes on Southeast of Saline in substate action from Russell
 tonight, and if you can't make it to the game, we have you covered.The game is set to tip at 7:30 p.m. Friday.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/F66WxQeBCZU" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

🏀 🎥 WATCH LIVE Russell v Southeast of Saline

Fort Hays State (19-11, 14-8 MIAA) vs. Missouri Western (24-6, 18-4 MIAA) Friday, March 3, 2023 • 8:15 p.m. Kansas City, Mo. • Municipal Auditorium 2023 MIAA Basketball Championships presented by Southern Bank • Quarterfinals Radio • KJLS (103.3)

<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KJLS">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> The Fort Hays State women's basketball team opens the postseason Friday (March 3) in the quarterfinals of the 2023 MIAA Basketball Championships presented by Southern Bank when the Tigers take on Missouri Western. First tip between the sixth-seeded Tigers (19-11, 14-8 MIAA) and the third-seeded Griffons (24-6, 18-4 MIAA) is slated for 8:15 p.m. inside historic Municipal Auditorium in downtown Kansas City, Mo. The Tigers have been a mainstay on the weekend in the MIAA Championship over the last decade, with FHSU reaching the semifinals in nine of the last 10 tournaments. No other women's program in the league has reached more than seven semis over that span. Additionally, the Tigers have played in four of the last five title games, two more than any other team. Head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/tony-hobson/1136">Tony Hobson</a>&nbsp;has won 19 games in the MIAA tournament, fifth-most in league history, while one more victory would tie him for third place. He is one of 10 coaches to win multiple postseason MIAA tournaments. The Tigers are 19-11 all-time in the MIAA Championship tournament, 1-0 against MWSU, 9-4 in the quarterfinals, 3-2 as the No. 6 seed, 2-2 against the No. 3 seed and 14-10 in KC. FHSU turned the ball over just three times in its final game of the regular season against Nebraska-Kearney (2/25/23), the fewest in a game since 2019 (11/25/19 vs St. Mary) and the fewest against a Division II opponent since 2016 (2/25/16 at Northeastern State). It was the fewest turnovers in a game by an MIAA team this season and third-fewest by a DII team on the year. The Tigers had two players named to the 2023 All-MIAA team, with&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/katie-wagner/6848">Katie Wagner</a>&nbsp;earning first-team status and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/olivia-hollenbeck/6845">Olivia Hollenbeck</a>&nbsp;receiving third team honors. Wagner is the 10th first teamer for the Tigers (MIAA era), while Hollenbeck is the ninth Tiger to earn a trio of All-MIAA awards. Wagner is one of two players in the conference that ranks inside the top seven in both scoring (14.9 ppg, seventh) and rebounding (7.7 rpg, sixth). Her 10 double-doubles are second-most in the league. Wagner became the 24th player in FHSU history to reach 1,000 career points earlier this season against Newman. Hollenbeck is 22 points away from becoming the 25th Tiger to accomplish the feat. The duo are the top returning scorers in the MIAA tournament, with Wagner averaging 10.3 points and 6.8 rebounds in six career contests. Hollenbeck puts up 9.5 ppg in six games, including one game with 20+ points. The pair have also fared well against Missouri Western. Hollenbeck has scored in double figures in six of seven career matchups against MWSU, averaging 13.3 ppg against the Griffons. Wagner averages 12.9 ppg against MWSU, including three double-doubles. Fort Hays State is 33-25 all-time against the Griffons, including a 1-2 mark in neutral site contests and a 1-0 mark in the MIAA tournament. FHSU is 17-8 against MWSU during the Hobson era, including wins in eight of the last 11 battles. Missouri Western clipped the Tigers by one point in double overtime in the most recent meeting in Hays, 82-81 (1/26/23). Two of the last four games between the black-and-gold clad teams have been decided in overtime. The Tigers are 63-44 when playing in Missouri during the Hobson era, including a 16-11 record in Kansas City. FHSU opened the season in the same building, going 1-1 at the D2CCA Tip-Off Classic (L 71-58 vs West Texas A&amp;M, W 45-43 vs Southern Nazarene). The Griffons rank eighth in the latest Central Region rankings after having a six-game winning streak snapped on the final day of the regular season against Pittsburg State (68-66, in St. Joe, 2/25/23). Connie Clarke was picked as the Defensive Player of the Year in the MIAA, headlining the All-Defensive team while also earning second team All-MIAA status. Brionna Budgetts was a first team All-MIAA selection, with Johnni Gonzalez and Trinity Knapp receiving honorable mention accolades. Budgetts ranks eighth in Division II with a three-point shooting percentage of 44.1 percent. The winner in Friday's quarterfinal will advance to the semifinals to take on either 10th-ranked Central Missouri or Central Oklahoma beginning at 8:15 p.m. on Saturday, March 4. The loser in Friday's game will await the NCAA Division II Women's Basketball selection show, set for Sunday evening at 9:30 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1677812718423.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State guard Kate Dilsaver (4) drives in for a layup in an MIAA basketball game vs. Missouri Western State on Saturday, January 26, 2023 in Gross Memorial Coliseum in Hays, Kan. (FHSU Athletics photo/Madison Shapland)" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State guard Kate Dilsaver (4) drives in for a layup in an MIAA basketball game vs. Missouri Western State on Saturday, January 26, 2023 in Gross Memorial Coliseum in Hays, Kan. (FHSU Athletics photo/Madison Shapland)</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsFort Hays State (19-11, 14-8 MIAA) vs. Missouri Western (24-6, 18-4 MIAA) Friday, March 3, 2023 • 8:15 p.m. Kansas City, Mo. • Municipal Auditorium 2023 MIAA Basketball Championships presented by Southern Bank • Quarterfinals Radio • KJLS (103.3)<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KJLS">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN</a> The Fort Hays State women's basketball team opens the postseason Friday (March 3) in the quarterfinals of the 2023 MIAA Basketball Championships presented by Southern Bank when the Tigers take on Missouri Western. First tip between the sixth-seeded Tigers (19-11, 14-8 MIAA) and the third-seeded Griffons (24-6, 18-4 MIAA) is slated for 8:15 p.m. inside historic Municipal Auditorium in downtown Kansas City, Mo. The Tigers have been a mainstay on the weekend in the MIAA Championship over the last decade, with FHSU reaching the semifinals in nine of the last 10 tournaments. No other women's program in the league has reached more than seven semis over that span. Additionally, the Tigers have played in four of the last five title games, two more than any other team. Head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/tony-hobson/1136">Tony Hobson</a>&nbsp;has won 19 games in the MIAA tournament, fifth-most in league history, while one more victory would tie him for third place. He is one of 10 coaches to win multiple postseason MIAA tournaments. The Tigers are 19-11 all-time in the MIAA Championship tournament, 1-0 against MWSU, 9-4 in the quarterfinals, 3-2 as the No. 6 seed, 2-2 against the No. 3 seed and 14-10 in KC. FHSU turned the ball over just three times in its final game of the regular season against Nebraska-Kearney (2/25/23), the fewest in a game since 2019 (11/25/19 vs St. Mary) and the fewest against a Division II opponent since 2016 (2/25/16 at Northeastern State). It was the fewest turnovers in a game by an MIAA team this season and third-fewest by a DII team on the year. The Tigers had two players named to the 2023 All-MIAA team, with&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/katie-wagner/6848">Katie Wagner</a>&nbsp;earning first-team status and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/olivia-hollenbeck/6845">Olivia Hollenbeck</a>&nbsp;receiving third team honors. Wagner is the 10th first teamer for the Tigers (MIAA era), while Hollenbeck is the ninth Tiger to earn a trio of All-MIAA awards. Wagner is one of two players in the conference that ranks inside the top seven in both scoring (14.9 ppg, seventh) and rebounding (7.7 rpg, sixth). Her 10 double-doubles are second-most in the league. Wagner became the 24th player in FHSU history to reach 1,000 career points earlier this season against Newman. Hollenbeck is 22 points away from becoming the 25th Tiger to accomplish the feat. The duo are the top returning scorers in the MIAA tournament, with Wagner averaging 10.3 points and 6.8 rebounds in six career contests. Hollenbeck puts up 9.5 ppg in six games, including one game with 20+ points. The pair have also fared well against Missouri Western. Hollenbeck has scored in double figures in six of seven career matchups against MWSU, averaging 13.3 ppg against the Griffons. Wagner averages 12.9 ppg against MWSU, including three double-doubles. Fort Hays State is 33-25 all-time against the Griffons, including a 1-2 mark in neutral site contests and a 1-0 mark in the MIAA tournament. FHSU is 17-8 against MWSU during the Hobson era, including wins in eight of the last 11 battles. Missouri Western clipped the Tigers by one point in double overtime in the most recent meeting in Hays, 82-81 (1/26/23). Two of the last four games between the black-and-gold clad teams have been decided in overtime. The Tigers are 63-44 when playing in Missouri during the Hobson era, including a 16-11 record in Kansas City. FHSU opened the season in the same building, going 1-1 at the D2CCA Tip-Off Classic (L 71-58 vs West Texas A&amp;M, W 45-43 vs Southern Nazarene). The Griffons rank eighth in the latest Central Region rankings after having a six-game winning streak snapped on the final day of the regular season against Pittsburg State (68-66, in St. Joe, 2/25/23). Connie Clarke was picked as the Defensive Player of the Year in the MIAA, headlining the All-Defensive team while also earning second team All-MIAA status. Brionna Budgetts was a first team All-MIAA selection, with Johnni Gonzalez and Trinity Knapp receiving honorable mention accolades. Budgetts ranks eighth in Division II with a three-point shooting percentage of 44.1 percent. The winner in Friday's quarterfinal will advance to the semifinals to take on either 10th-ranked Central Missouri or Central Oklahoma beginning at 8:15 p.m. on Saturday, March 4. The loser in Friday's game will await the NCAA Division II Women's Basketball selection show, set for Sunday evening at 9:30 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀🎙️ LISTEN - FHSU women battle Griffons in MIAA Tournament quarterfinals

When Gerard Wellbrock became the eighth Voice of the Tigers at Fort Hays State University, he only hoped he could fill the role’s big shoes previously worn by four Kansas Hall of Fame broadcasters. After taking the helm more than 20 years ago, Wellbrock likens the role as a conduit between the team and the fans, transferring the energy from the live game and crowd to those who can’t see the game through storytelling, commentary, and play-by-play.

Destiny and talent brought Wellbrock to the role in 2002 after years of working with the preceding Voice of the Tigers, Steve Webster. Wellbrock, a 1990 FHSU graduate, worked in Phillipsburg with legendary “Tad Pole” broadcaster Tad Felts and in Hays with Webster. Wellbrock served as a color commentator and station worker when Webster received a job offer that led him to leave FHSU. After thirteen years as the Voice of the Tigers, it was time for Webster to pass the baton, and Wellbrock, who had worked several years with Webster, was a shoo-in for the position.

Half a century before Wellbrock would graduate from Fort Hays State University and kickstart his sportscasting career, the first Voice of the Tigers arose. Through 73 years of sportscasters, the Voice of the Tigers has been embodied by eight people, including its first, Bob Schmidt from 1949-51; Bob Jenkins from 1951-55; Kay Melia from 1955-60; Keith Cummings from 1960-68; Bob Davis, from 1968-84; Wyatt Thompson, from 1984-89; Steve Webster, from 1989-2002, and Wellbrock, from 2002 to present. Wellbrock says each sportscaster has had two compelling common threads: a love of sports and a love for Fort Hays State University.

These threads have created an unspoken bond among the group, which meets during the summer to share stories of their time calling play-by-plays for FHSU Athletics. They share experiences, stories, and jokes that only their small group understands. Through heartbreak, like grieving the loss of Bob Schmidt and Kay Melia, and triumph, like calling a championship game, the group has bonded with unwavering support for one another.

Fort Hays State fans, Wellbrock says, have been fortunate to have had generations of talented sportscasters delivering engaging, yet fair, commentary on games. It's the kind of job, he says, you can’t just show up for. To bring the best possible experience to fans, an effective sportscaster must be disciplined and dedicated to the craft. Though Wellbrock doesn’t plan on hanging up his microphone as the Voice of the Tigers anytime soon, he often thinks of what will be considered his legacy in the role.

Wellbrock has broken the record for being the longest-running Voice of the Tigers. Still, he aspires to announce a national championship for FHSU before passing the torch to the next sportscaster. He feels grateful to be among some of the best sportscasters in Kansas. While he holds out for the national championship, Wellbrock hopes that spectators and fans regard him as a passionate sportscaster who loves his vocation and the university.

Wellbrock will call all Fort Hays State basketball games during this weekend’s MIAA tournament in Kansas City. Going into this weekend, the FHSU men’s team will play their first quarterfinal game against Rogers State on Friday, March 3, at 2:15 p.m. Later that night, the FHSU women’s team will match up against Missouri Western in the quarterfinals at 8:15 p.m. Those tuning in at home can listen to Wellbrock’s broadcast by tuning in to KJLS 103.3 FM. Stay up-to-date throughout the weekend by visiting&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/">FHSUAthletics.com</a>&nbsp;or following the FHSU Alumni Association on Facebook.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1677794588614.jpeg" alt="Gerard Wellbrock captured in action at an FHSU Athletics event. Photographed by Bob Duffy." />
 <figcaption>Gerard Wellbrock captured in action at an FHSU Athletics event. Photographed by Bob Duffy.</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU Alumni AssociationWhen Gerard Wellbrock became the eighth Voice of the Tigers at Fort Hays State University, he only hoped he could fill the role’s big shoes previously worn by four Kansas Hall of Fame broadcasters. After taking the helm more than 20 years ago, Wellbrock likens the role as a conduit between the team and the fans, transferring the energy from the live game and crowd to those who can’t see the game through storytelling, commentary, and play-by-play.Destiny and talent brought Wellbrock to the role in 2002 after years of working with the preceding Voice of the Tigers, Steve Webster. Wellbrock, a 1990 FHSU graduate, worked in Phillipsburg with legendary “Tad Pole” broadcaster Tad Felts and in Hays with Webster. Wellbrock served as a color commentator and station worker when Webster received a job offer that led him to leave FHSU. After thirteen years as the Voice of the Tigers, it was time for Webster to pass the baton, and Wellbrock, who had worked several years with Webster, was a shoo-in for the position.Half a century before Wellbrock would graduate from Fort Hays State University and kickstart his sportscasting career, the first Voice of the Tigers arose. Through 73 years of sportscasters, the Voice of the Tigers has been embodied by eight people, including its first, Bob Schmidt from 1949-51; Bob Jenkins from 1951-55; Kay Melia from 1955-60; Keith Cummings from 1960-68; Bob Davis, from 1968-84; Wyatt Thompson, from 1984-89; Steve Webster, from 1989-2002, and Wellbrock, from 2002 to present. Wellbrock says each sportscaster has had two compelling common threads: a love of sports and a love for Fort Hays State University.These threads have created an unspoken bond among the group, which meets during the summer to share stories of their time calling play-by-plays for FHSU Athletics. They share experiences, stories, and jokes that only their small group understands. Through heartbreak, like grieving the loss of Bob Schmidt and Kay Melia, and triumph, like calling a championship game, the group has bonded with unwavering support for one another.Fort Hays State fans, Wellbrock says, have been fortunate to have had generations of talented sportscasters delivering engaging, yet fair, commentary on games. It's the kind of job, he says, you can’t just show up for. To bring the best possible experience to fans, an effective sportscaster must be disciplined and dedicated to the craft. Though Wellbrock doesn’t plan on hanging up his microphone as the Voice of the Tigers anytime soon, he often thinks of what will be considered his legacy in the role.Wellbrock has broken the record for being the longest-running Voice of the Tigers. Still, he aspires to announce a national championship for FHSU before passing the torch to the next sportscaster. He feels grateful to be among some of the best sportscasters in Kansas. While he holds out for the national championship, Wellbrock hopes that spectators and fans regard him as a passionate sportscaster who loves his vocation and the university.Wellbrock will call all Fort Hays State basketball games during this weekend’s MIAA tournament in Kansas City. Going into this weekend, the FHSU men’s team will play their first quarterfinal game against Rogers State on Friday, March 3, at 2:15 p.m. Later that night, the FHSU women’s team will match up against Missouri Western in the quarterfinals at 8:15 p.m. Those tuning in at home can listen to Wellbrock’s broadcast by tuning in to KJLS 103.3 FM. Stay up-to-date throughout the weekend by visiting&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/">FHSUAthletics.com</a>&nbsp;or following the FHSU Alumni Association on Facebook.

Wellbrock reflects on 20 years as the Voice of the Tigers

On this episode of the Post Podcast Fort Hays State University sports information director, Ryan Prickett shares updates from winter and spring sports.

<div><iframe title="As FHSU winter sports wrap up, spring sports celebrating early successes" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=hnti7-13a890a-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Post Podcast Fort Hays State University sports information director, Ryan Prickett shares updates from winter and spring sports.

🎙 Post Podcast: As FHSU winter sports wrap up, spring sports celebrating early successes

#6 seed Rogers State (16-12) vs. #3 seed Fort Hays State (20-8) Friday, Mar. 3 - 2:15 p.m. Kansas City, Mo. - Municipal Auditorium Radio - KJLS (103.3)

<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KJLS">CLICK TO LISTEN LIVE</a> The Fort Hays State men's basketball is the No. 3 seed in this week's MIAA Championship Tournament, held at Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City. The Tigers face No. 6 seed Rogers State in the quarterfinals on Friday at 2:15 p.m. FHSU enters at 20-8 overall, while RSU is 16-12 overall. The Tigers are the No. 3 seed in the MIAA Tournament for the second-straight year after finishing third in the regular season standings for a second-straight season. FHSU tied Emporia State for third in the regular season standings this season and finished alone in third last season. The Tigers also reached 20 wins in a season for the 11th&nbsp;time under head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/mark-johnson/1143">Mark Johnson</a>. They have won at least 20 the last two seasons. The Tigers are sitting on the bubble of the NCAA Central Region rankings going into the MIAA Tournament. The Tigers were not in the top 10 of the first set of region rankings released back on February 15, jumped to No. 8 in the region in the February 22 release, and now sit at No. 10 in the latest release on March 1. Playing a well-under .500 Nebraska-Kearney team in the final week of the regular season may have brought FHSU's mathematical formula in the region rankings down a bit, but it can definitely go back up this week with several above .500 teams as potential opponents in the MIAA Tournament. Fort Hays State holds a record of 8-5 all-time in MIAA Tournament quarterfinal games. FHSU defeated Missouri Southern in the quarterfinals last season, but then fell to MIAA Tournament and eventual national champion Northwest Missouri State in the semifinal. This will be the first time FHSU and Rogers State meet in the MIAA Tournament. Rogers State joined the MIAA in 2019-20, which was their best in the conference so far when they finished second in the regular season, made the conference tournament semifinals, and were selected to play in the NCAA Tournament that was unfortunately canceled due to COVID-19. The Hillcats tied for sixth place this season at 12-10 with Missouri Southern and had the tiebreak for the No. 6 seed in the tournament. The Tigers had three players named to the All-MIAA Team for the 2022-23 season.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/kaleb-hammeke/6897">Kaleb Hammeke</a>&nbsp;was a first-team selection this year and is now a three-time selection overall after a second-team nod in 2021-22 and an honorable mention/Freshman of the Year pick in 2020-21. He leads the Tigers in scoring and assists, averaging 16.6 points and 3.6 assists per game respectively, and he is the conference leader in minutes played.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/elijah-nnanabu/6902">Elijah Nnanabu</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/bjarni-jonsson/6901">Bjarni Jonsson</a>&nbsp;were both named honorable mention. Nnanabu averages 10.2 points per game, while Jonsson adds 8.3 per game and leads the team in 3-point field goal percentage (.468). Jonsson was named to the MIAA All-Defensive Team for a second-straight year. The Tigers are one of the top defensive teams in NCAA Division II, ranking third in scoring defense at just 57.4 points allowed per game and ninth in field goal percentage defense, holding the opposition to just 39.7 percent from the field this season. If the Tigers win their quarterfinal matchup with Rogers State, they will play either No. 2 seed Central Oklahoma or No. 7 seed Missouri Southern in the semifinals on Saturday (Mar. 5) at 2:15 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1677812300253.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State guard Kaleb Hammeke (5) attempts a shot in an MIAA basketball game vs. Rogers State on Saturday, December 3, 2023 at Gross Memorial Coliseum in Hays, Kan. (FHSU Athletics photo/Madison Shapland)" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State guard Kaleb Hammeke (5) attempts a shot in an MIAA basketball game vs. Rogers State on Saturday, December 3, 2023 at Gross Memorial Coliseum in Hays, Kan. (FHSU Athletics photo/Madison Shapland)</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU Athletics#6 seed Rogers State (16-12) vs. #3 seed Fort Hays State (20-8) Friday, Mar. 3 - 2:15 p.m. Kansas City, Mo. - Municipal Auditorium Radio - KJLS (103.3)<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/KJLS">CLICK TO LISTEN LIVE</a> The Fort Hays State men's basketball is the No. 3 seed in this week's MIAA Championship Tournament, held at Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City. The Tigers face No. 6 seed Rogers State in the quarterfinals on Friday at 2:15 p.m. FHSU enters at 20-8 overall, while RSU is 16-12 overall. The Tigers are the No. 3 seed in the MIAA Tournament for the second-straight year after finishing third in the regular season standings for a second-straight season. FHSU tied Emporia State for third in the regular season standings this season and finished alone in third last season. The Tigers also reached 20 wins in a season for the 11th&nbsp;time under head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/mark-johnson/1143">Mark Johnson</a>. They have won at least 20 the last two seasons. The Tigers are sitting on the bubble of the NCAA Central Region rankings going into the MIAA Tournament. The Tigers were not in the top 10 of the first set of region rankings released back on February 15, jumped to No. 8 in the region in the February 22 release, and now sit at No. 10 in the latest release on March 1. Playing a well-under .500 Nebraska-Kearney team in the final week of the regular season may have brought FHSU's mathematical formula in the region rankings down a bit, but it can definitely go back up this week with several above .500 teams as potential opponents in the MIAA Tournament. Fort Hays State holds a record of 8-5 all-time in MIAA Tournament quarterfinal games. FHSU defeated Missouri Southern in the quarterfinals last season, but then fell to MIAA Tournament and eventual national champion Northwest Missouri State in the semifinal. This will be the first time FHSU and Rogers State meet in the MIAA Tournament. Rogers State joined the MIAA in 2019-20, which was their best in the conference so far when they finished second in the regular season, made the conference tournament semifinals, and were selected to play in the NCAA Tournament that was unfortunately canceled due to COVID-19. The Hillcats tied for sixth place this season at 12-10 with Missouri Southern and had the tiebreak for the No. 6 seed in the tournament. The Tigers had three players named to the All-MIAA Team for the 2022-23 season.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/kaleb-hammeke/6897">Kaleb Hammeke</a>&nbsp;was a first-team selection this year and is now a three-time selection overall after a second-team nod in 2021-22 and an honorable mention/Freshman of the Year pick in 2020-21. He leads the Tigers in scoring and assists, averaging 16.6 points and 3.6 assists per game respectively, and he is the conference leader in minutes played.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/elijah-nnanabu/6902">Elijah Nnanabu</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/bjarni-jonsson/6901">Bjarni Jonsson</a>&nbsp;were both named honorable mention. Nnanabu averages 10.2 points per game, while Jonsson adds 8.3 per game and leads the team in 3-point field goal percentage (.468). Jonsson was named to the MIAA All-Defensive Team for a second-straight year. The Tigers are one of the top defensive teams in NCAA Division II, ranking third in scoring defense at just 57.4 points allowed per game and ninth in field goal percentage defense, holding the opposition to just 39.7 percent from the field this season. If the Tigers win their quarterfinal matchup with Rogers State, they will play either No. 2 seed Central Oklahoma or No. 7 seed Missouri Southern in the semifinals on Saturday (Mar. 5) at 2:15 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀🎙️ LISTEN - Tiger men face Rogers State in MIAA Tournament quarterfinals

HAYS – The TMP-Marian Monarchs rallied from down 12 points in the
first half to knock off the Rawlins County 62-41 Thursday in the sub-state semifinals
game at Ellis to advance to the sub-state championship game Saturday.

After Dylan Werth put the Monarchs up 2-0 to open the game the
first quarter Rawlins County owned the next four plus minutes of the first
quarter building a 15-3 lead with 2:45 to play in the first quarter.

A Luke Rome free throw pulled TMP with 11 at 15-4. Then a
Kade Harris fastbreak layup sparked an 18-2 TMP run to end the first quarter
and open the second quarter that erased the double-figure deficit and put the
Monarchs up 21-17.

The game was briefly tied at 21 before Ladon Rozean converted
on a fastbreak layup putting TMP up 23-21 at halftime.

TMP outscored Rawlins County 15-6 in the second quarter.

In the third quarter TMP’s Dylan Werth, who played just three
and a half minutes in the first quarter because of foul trouble scored eight
straight and 10 of his 14 points in the third quarter helping to Monarchs take
a 42-28 lead. TMP opened the second half on a 19-7 run that was capped off by a
Griffin Schumacher three pointer.

Just like two previous quarter TMP opened the fourth with a big
run, outscoring Rawlins County 11-4 to take a 52-35 lead. 

They closed with the 62-41 victory, their 19th
straight.

Kade Harris led TMP with a career-high 21 points. Luke Rome
and Dylan Werth both finished with 14 points and 10 rebounds for TMP.

The Monarchs will take on Hoxie in the sub-state
championship game Saturday after the Indians edged Hill City 45-43.

HAYS – The TMP-Marian Monarchs rallied from down 12 points in the
first half to knock off the Rawlins County 62-41 Thursday in the sub-state semifinals
game at Ellis to advance to the sub-state championship game Saturday.<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/1460181154&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-814667509/3-2-2023-tmp-boys-coach-jay-harris-postgame-interview" title="3 - 2-2023 TMP Boys Coach Bill Meagher POSTGAME INTERVIEW" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">3 - 2-2023 TMP Boys Coach Bill Meagher POSTGAME INTERVIEW</a></div></div>After Dylan Werth put the Monarchs up 2-0 to open the game the
first quarter Rawlins County owned the next four plus minutes of the first
quarter building a 15-3 lead with 2:45 to play in the first quarter.A Luke Rome free throw pulled TMP with 11 at 15-4. Then a
Kade Harris fastbreak layup sparked an 18-2 TMP run to end the first quarter
and open the second quarter that erased the double-figure deficit and put the
Monarchs up 21-17.The game was briefly tied at 21 before Ladon Rozean converted
on a fastbreak layup putting TMP up 23-21 at halftime.TMP outscored Rawlins County 15-6 in the second quarter.In the third quarter TMP’s Dylan Werth, who played just three
and a half minutes in the first quarter because of foul trouble scored eight
straight and 10 of his 14 points in the third quarter helping to Monarchs take
a 42-28 lead. TMP opened the second half on a 19-7 run that was capped off by a
Griffin Schumacher three pointer.Just like two previous quarter TMP opened the fourth with a big
run, outscoring Rawlins County 11-4 to take a 52-35 lead. They closed with the 62-41 victory, their 19th
straight.<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/1460180935&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-814667509/3-2-2023-tmp-boys-bkb-vs-rawlins-co-highlights" title="3 - 2-2023 TMP Boys BKB Vs Rawlins Co HIGHLIGHTS" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">3 - 2-2023 TMP Boys BKB Vs Rawlins Co HIGHLIGHTS</a></div></div>Kade Harris led TMP with a career-high 21 points. Luke Rome
and Dylan Werth both finished with 14 points and 10 rebounds for TMP.The Monarchs will take on Hoxie in the sub-state
championship game Saturday after the Indians edged Hill City 45-43.

🏀TMP rallies from early deficit to take down Rawlins Co.

The TMP-Marian Monarchs take on the&nbsp;Rawlins County Buffaloes in the 2A Ellis sub-state semifinals Thursday in Ellis.

Click the player below or click&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/539421">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the game. You can also download the Team1Sports app for your phone or connected device, including smart TVs.

The TMP-Marian Monarchs take on the&nbsp;Rawlins County Buffaloes in the 2A Ellis sub-state semifinals Thursday in Ellis.The game is set to tipoff at 6:00 p.m. at Ellis High School.Our coverage begins at 5:40 p.m. with the Hertz Rental Car Pregame Show on 99.5 KHAZ.Click the player below or click&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/539421">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the game. You can also download the Team1Sports app for your phone or connected device, including smart TVs.<div><iframe src="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/539421?autoplay=1" width="640" height="360" allow="fullscreen;" style="border:0;overflow:hidden;"></iframe></div>

🏀🎥 WATCH LIVE Thomas More Prep-Marian v Rawlins County

By DUSTIN ARMBRUSTER Hays Post

Each of the three Hays High seniors that signed to play football at Fort Hays State University could have walked away from the game. They each had excuses. They each had the chance to do so.

Keamonie Archie, Kyreese Groen and Deondre Broom however chose the harder road. The one that required time, patience, and hard work. Lots and lots of hard work.

Thursday they each signed a National Letter of Intent to stay in Hays and play for the Tigers.

Archie is the newest of the three to town. The soft spoken 6'4" three sport athlete moved to Hays, Kansas before his junior year. He was ruled ineligible before he had a chance to step on the football field. That didn't stop him from showing up everyday to weights and every practice as well.

Every time he showed up, he improved. He had to. Archie never had the opportunity to play football prior to his move to Kansas. His first ever football game was when he took the field for his senior campaign.&nbsp;

Archie played wide receiver and hauled in 2o receptions, eight of them for touchdowns. He averaged just under 19 yards per catch. Fort Hays State projects him at defensive back. Archie believes that playing wide receiver will help his move to the other side of the ball.

The guy throwing him the ball was a wide receiver in 2021. Kyreese Groen was an all league receiver as a junior where he compiled over 400 yards of total offense and scored five times. Groen made the switch to help the team. Help he did.

Groen threw for 805 yards and 14 scores while running for 1004 yards and scoring 13 times.

Fort Hays State plans on moving him back to wide receiver.

The coaching staff didn't know what to expect out of Groen early on. He was always smaller than the others in his class. The coaches knew if he would grow he would be special. Playing at 6'1" and 175 pounds this past season, Groen knows he needs to get bigger, faster and stronger for college.&nbsp;

Deondre Broom fully admits that his grades weren't where they were supposed to be. At the end of his sophomore year Broom was told if he didn't improve his academics he wouldn't graduate. Football was a saving grace.

Broom's friends and coaching staff gave him a chance, but only if his grades improved. Broom is now pulls A's and B's out of his classes.

During this past summer Broom noticed that the hard work he had put in was paying off during the FHSU football camp. It made him realize that college football could be a real goal for him.

As a cornerback this past season Broom collected 33 tackles, five for loss, recovered a fumble and intercepted a pass. He was part of defense that allowed just 16 points per game and 113 yards through the air.

Multiple coaches talked about the groups selflessness and willingness to be team players. Each also mentioned how all three had to go through so much to get to this point.

Groen and Archie are starters on the basketball team that will play in the sub-state championship game on Saturday.

All three will be on the track team in the spring.

By DUSTIN ARMBRUSTER Hays PostEach of the three Hays High seniors that signed to play football at Fort Hays State University could have walked away from the game. They each had excuses. They each had the chance to do so.Keamonie Archie, Kyreese Groen and Deondre Broom however chose the harder road. The one that required time, patience, and hard work. Lots and lots of hard work.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1677784211028.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Thursday they each signed a National Letter of Intent to stay in Hays and play for the Tigers.Archie is the newest of the three to town. The soft spoken 6'4" three sport athlete moved to Hays, Kansas before his junior year. He was ruled ineligible before he had a chance to step on the football field. That didn't stop him from showing up everyday to weights and every practice as well.Every time he showed up, he improved. He had to. Archie never had the opportunity to play football prior to his move to Kansas. His first ever football game was when he took the field for his senior campaign.&nbsp;Keamonie Archie<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/1459964323&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/keamonie-archie" title="Keamonie Archie" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Keamonie Archie</a></div></div>Archie played wide receiver and hauled in 2o receptions, eight of them for touchdowns. He averaged just under 19 yards per catch. Fort Hays State projects him at defensive back. Archie believes that playing wide receiver will help his move to the other side of the ball.The guy throwing him the ball was a wide receiver in 2021. Kyreese Groen was an all league receiver as a junior where he compiled over 400 yards of total offense and scored five times. Groen made the switch to help the team. Help he did.Groen threw for 805 yards and 14 scores while running for 1004 yards and scoring 13 times.Fort Hays State plans on moving him back to wide receiver.Kyreese Groen<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/1459964263&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/kyreese-groen" title="Kyreese Groen" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Kyreese Groen</a></div></div>The coaching staff didn't know what to expect out of Groen early on. He was always smaller than the others in his class. The coaches knew if he would grow he would be special. Playing at 6'1" and 175 pounds this past season, Groen knows he needs to get bigger, faster and stronger for college.&nbsp;Deondre Broom fully admits that his grades weren't where they were supposed to be. At the end of his sophomore year Broom was told if he didn't improve his academics he wouldn't graduate. Football was a saving grace.Broom's friends and coaching staff gave him a chance, but only if his grades improved. Broom is now pulls A's and B's out of his classes.Deondre Broom<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/1459964308&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/deondre-broom" title="Deondre Broom" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Deondre Broom</a></div></div>During this past summer Broom noticed that the hard work he had put in was paying off during the FHSU football camp. It made him realize that college football could be a real goal for him.As a cornerback this past season Broom collected 33 tackles, five for loss, recovered a fumble and intercepted a pass. He was part of defense that allowed just 16 points per game and 113 yards through the air.Multiple coaches talked about the groups selflessness and willingness to be team players. Each also mentioned how all three had to go through so much to get to this point.Coach Tony Crough<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/1459964233&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/tony-crough-on-the-fhsu-3" title="Tony Crough On The FHSU 3" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Tony Crough On The FHSU 3</a></div></div>Groen and Archie are starters on the basketball team that will play in the sub-state championship game on Saturday.All three will be on the track team in the spring.

It wasn't easy: Three Hays High Indians become Tigers

FHSU Athletics HAYS, Kan. - The Fort Hays State baseball team dropped both ends of a non-conference doubleheader Wednesday (March 1) against Wayne State, losing 8-4 and 3-1. The Tigers (7-10) collected just one fewer base hit than the Wildcats (5-4), 11-10, but the visitors took advantage of 19 free trips to first base via walk or hit by pitch to secure the sweep.

Trey DeGarmo collected three of FHSU's 10 hits on the day, while Daniel Bebee and Andrew Hansen combined to toss seven scoreless innings of relief across the two games.

The Tigers will return to conference play this weekend (March 3-5) when they travel to Emporia, Kan. to take on Emporia State. First pitch is set for 3 p.m. on Friday before a pair of 1 p.m. starts on Saturday and Sunday.

Game 1 - Wayne State 8, Fort Hays State 4 The Wildcats manufactured two runs in the top of the first on two hits, two walks and a sacrifice fly before the Tigers tied things up in the home half of the inning.

DeGarmo tallied his first home run of the season in the second at bat of the frame, lifting a 2-1 pitch over the wall down the right-field line. Isaiah Ural, Zane Knox and Emile Boies then followed with back-to-back-to-back singles, with Boies tying the game with an RBI.

Three walks and a home run helped Wayne State regain the lead in the top of the second, 5-2. Ed Scott and DeGarmo tried to start a rally with consecutive singles, but the Wildcats got out of the jam with consecutive outs before retiring the side in order in the third.

Wayne State added to its lead with three runs in the top of the fourth before the Tigers answered back in the home half of the inning. FHSU took advantage of a pair of free runners, with Colter Maldonado reaching base on a hit by pitch and Brady Kreutzer reaching via walk. The pair moved up 90 feet on a Scott sacrifice bunt before the first run scored on a wild pitch. DeGarmo drove in his second run of the game with a groundout.

Bebee came on in relief to keep the Tigers in the mix, tossing four hitless innings. The junior struck out four batters and allowed only two of the 14 batters he faced reach base, both via a walk.

But the Wildcat bullpen kept the Tigers at bay, allowing only one runner to reach base over the final three innings to secure the win.

Game 2 - Wayne State 3, Fort Hays State 1 Two first-inning runs proved to be enough for the Wildcats in the nightcap after four WSC pitchers scattered four hits over seven innings, holding FHSU to one run.

The Tigers had runners in scoring position in four different innings, but could only push across one run. After leading off the fifth with a single through the left side, Colter Maldonado advanced all the way to third on wild pitch. He later came in to score on a balk.

FHSU had the tying run at the plate in the sixth after an Elliott Herrmann single, but the Wildcat bullpen got out of the jam before retiring the side in order in the seventh to seal the win.

Hansen tossed three scoreless innings of relief for the Tigers, allowing one hit and one walk while striking out two Wildcats. He helped the Tigers get out of a jam in the fifth, entering the game with the bases loaded before generating three outs on a pair of ground balls on the infield.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1677762946081.jpeg" alt="(FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett.)" />
 <figcaption>(FHSU Athletics photo/Ryan Prickett.)</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU Athletics HAYS, Kan. - The Fort Hays State baseball team dropped both ends of a non-conference doubleheader Wednesday (March 1) against Wayne State, losing 8-4 and 3-1. The Tigers (7-10) collected just one fewer base hit than the Wildcats (5-4), 11-10, but the visitors took advantage of 19 free trips to first base via walk or hit by pitch to secure the sweep.Trey DeGarmo collected three of FHSU's 10 hits on the day, while Daniel Bebee and Andrew Hansen combined to toss seven scoreless innings of relief across the two games.The Tigers will return to conference play this weekend (March 3-5) when they travel to Emporia, Kan. to take on Emporia State. First pitch is set for 3 p.m. on Friday before a pair of 1 p.m. starts on Saturday and Sunday.Game 1 - Wayne State 8, Fort Hays State 4 The Wildcats manufactured two runs in the top of the first on two hits, two walks and a sacrifice fly before the Tigers tied things up in the home half of the inning.DeGarmo tallied his first home run of the season in the second at bat of the frame, lifting a 2-1 pitch over the wall down the right-field line. Isaiah Ural, Zane Knox and Emile Boies then followed with back-to-back-to-back singles, with Boies tying the game with an RBI.Three walks and a home run helped Wayne State regain the lead in the top of the second, 5-2. Ed Scott and DeGarmo tried to start a rally with consecutive singles, but the Wildcats got out of the jam with consecutive outs before retiring the side in order in the third.Wayne State added to its lead with three runs in the top of the fourth before the Tigers answered back in the home half of the inning. FHSU took advantage of a pair of free runners, with Colter Maldonado reaching base on a hit by pitch and Brady Kreutzer reaching via walk. The pair moved up 90 feet on a Scott sacrifice bunt before the first run scored on a wild pitch. DeGarmo drove in his second run of the game with a groundout.Bebee came on in relief to keep the Tigers in the mix, tossing four hitless innings. The junior struck out four batters and allowed only two of the 14 batters he faced reach base, both via a walk.But the Wildcat bullpen kept the Tigers at bay, allowing only one runner to reach base over the final three innings to secure the win.Game 2 - Wayne State 3, Fort Hays State 1 Two first-inning runs proved to be enough for the Wildcats in the nightcap after four WSC pitchers scattered four hits over seven innings, holding FHSU to one run.The Tigers had runners in scoring position in four different innings, but could only push across one run. After leading off the fifth with a single through the left side, Colter Maldonado advanced all the way to third on wild pitch. He later came in to score on a balk.FHSU had the tying run at the plate in the sixth after an Elliott Herrmann single, but the Wildcat bullpen got out of the jam before retiring the side in order in the seventh to seal the win.Hansen tossed three scoreless innings of relief for the Tigers, allowing one hit and one walk while striking out two Wildcats. He helped the Tigers get out of a jam in the fifth, entering the game with the bases loaded before generating three outs on a pair of ground balls on the infield.

⚾ Wildcats Top Tigers in Midweek Doubleheader

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Keyontae Johnson and Markquis Nowell have been the savvy seniors leading Kansas State's basketball renaissance all season, a nearly inseparable duo helping to put the No. 11 Wildcats in position to make a deep March run.

Desi Sills shined every bit as bright as them Wednesday night.

The often-overlooked Arkansas State transfer flirted with a triple-double in his own Bramlage Coliseum farwell, joining Johnson and Nowell in leading the Wildcats to an 85-69 victory over Oklahoma. Sills finished with 15 points, nine rebounds and eight assists before riling up the student section with a fiery postgame speech.

“I wanted to leave a legacy. Leave it all on the floor,” Sills said afterward. “I was shy of a triple-double but that doesn't matter. I'm just glad we got the win.”

Johnson finished with 16 points and Nowell added 11 points and 10 assists, helping the Wildcats (23-7, 11-6 Big 12) end a three-game skid against the Sooners. Nae'Qwan Tomlin also scored 19 points for Kansas State, which led by as many as 20 early in the second half before holding on down the stretch.

Then the party started: Jerome Tang sent his entire team pouring into the student section, where they danced the “Wabash Cannonball,” while the first-year coach headed to the pep band and joined right in.

“I was just so thankful and grateful that I decided to finish my career here at k-state,” Nowell said. “I've been on both sides of the deal, the losing side and now the winning side, so I'm just thankful for it all.”

The Sooners (14-16, 4-13) applied a little pressure late, getting within 75-65 with just under 2 minutes to go. But that's when Tanner Groves was ejected for hitting Sills with an errant elbow, and his free throws put the game away.

“It definitely wasn't intentional,” Oklahoma coach Porter Moser said. “It was an unfortunate play. I don't think it was malicious. I know the kid; that's not who he is. It was a high-elbow play. An unfortunate play.”

Milos Uzan had 20 points to lead the Sooners. Otega Oweh finished with 18.

Oklahoma spent most of the first half mired in foul trouble. Groves and Oweh took a seat with two apiece 5 minutes into the game, and Kansas State spent the last 15 minutes parading to the line in the bonus.

Yet it wasn't until the closing stretch that the Wildcats established some breathing room.

The game was tied 25-all when Tomlin began a 9-0 run to carry Kansas State into the locker room. David N'Guessan added a bucket a couple of minutes later, Johnson drilled a 3-pointer off a nifty behind-the-back pass from Sills, and N'Guessan added a punctuating dunk off Nowell's feed for a 34-25 advantage.

“The wheels fell off,” Moser said. "Not that you can't overcome a 9-0 run to end the half, but we were up and up, and back and forth. Next thing we know we're down nine.”

It wasn't long until they were down much more than that.

After a bucket by Groves to start the second half, the Wildcats ripped off seven straight points — dunks by Tomlin bookending Nowell's 3-pointer. And after Nowell hit another 3 from well beyond the arc, he saved a steal as he fell out of bounds, starting a fastbreak that ended with Sills' reverse layup for a 48-31 lead with 16 minutes to go.

The lead stretched to 53-33 before the Oklahoma began to mount its failed comeback bid.

We all bought in," Sill said. “We all committed on the defensive end, we got easy transition buckets. I thought that was the key to the game. We took off from there.”

Oklahoma is the only Big 12 team that must win next week's conference tournament to earn an NCAA tourney berth, though three others are teetering on the brink. But the Sooners proved in wins over the Wildcats, Iowa State and No. 2 Alabama that they are capable, and they showed glimpses of it again Wednesday night.

Kansas State remains in the mix for a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament, which would match the 2010 team for its best since seeding began in 1979. But the Wildcats likely have to beat West Virginia on Saturday and win a couple of Big 12 tourney games to make that happen.

UP NEXT The regular season wraps Saturday when Oklahoma plays No. 22 TCU and Kansas State visits West Virginia.

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Keyontae Johnson and Markquis Nowell have been the savvy seniors leading Kansas State's basketball renaissance all season, a nearly inseparable duo helping to put the No. 11 Wildcats in position to make a deep March run.Desi Sills shined every bit as bright as them Wednesday night.The often-overlooked Arkansas State transfer flirted with a triple-double in his own Bramlage Coliseum farwell, joining Johnson and Nowell in leading the Wildcats to an 85-69 victory over Oklahoma. Sills finished with 15 points, nine rebounds and eight assists before riling up the student section with a fiery postgame speech.“I wanted to leave a legacy. Leave it all on the floor,” Sills said afterward. “I was shy of a triple-double but that doesn't matter. I'm just glad we got the win.”Johnson finished with 16 points and Nowell added 11 points and 10 assists, helping the Wildcats (23-7, 11-6 Big 12) end a three-game skid against the Sooners. Nae'Qwan Tomlin also scored 19 points for Kansas State, which led by as many as 20 early in the second half before holding on down the stretch.Then the party started: Jerome Tang sent his entire team pouring into the student section, where they danced the “Wabash Cannonball,” while the first-year coach headed to the pep band and joined right in.“I was just so thankful and grateful that I decided to finish my career here at k-state,” Nowell said. “I've been on both sides of the deal, the losing side and now the winning side, so I'm just thankful for it all.”The Sooners (14-16, 4-13) applied a little pressure late, getting within 75-65 with just under 2 minutes to go. But that's when Tanner Groves was ejected for hitting Sills with an errant elbow, and his free throws put the game away.“It definitely wasn't intentional,” Oklahoma coach Porter Moser said. “It was an unfortunate play. I don't think it was malicious. I know the kid; that's not who he is. It was a high-elbow play. An unfortunate play.”Milos Uzan had 20 points to lead the Sooners. Otega Oweh finished with 18.Oklahoma spent most of the first half mired in foul trouble. Groves and Oweh took a seat with two apiece 5 minutes into the game, and Kansas State spent the last 15 minutes parading to the line in the bonus.Yet it wasn't until the closing stretch that the Wildcats established some breathing room.The game was tied 25-all when Tomlin began a 9-0 run to carry Kansas State into the locker room. David N'Guessan added a bucket a couple of minutes later, Johnson drilled a 3-pointer off a nifty behind-the-back pass from Sills, and N'Guessan added a punctuating dunk off Nowell's feed for a 34-25 advantage.“The wheels fell off,” Moser said. "Not that you can't overcome a 9-0 run to end the half, but we were up and up, and back and forth. Next thing we know we're down nine.”It wasn't long until they were down much more than that.After a bucket by Groves to start the second half, the Wildcats ripped off seven straight points — dunks by Tomlin bookending Nowell's 3-pointer. And after Nowell hit another 3 from well beyond the arc, he saved a steal as he fell out of bounds, starting a fastbreak that ended with Sills' reverse layup for a 48-31 lead with 16 minutes to go.The lead stretched to 53-33 before the Oklahoma began to mount its failed comeback bid.We all bought in," Sill said. “We all committed on the defensive end, we got easy transition buckets. I thought that was the key to the game. We took off from there.”THE TAKEAWAYOklahoma is the only Big 12 team that must win next week's conference tournament to earn an NCAA tourney berth, though three others are teetering on the brink. But the Sooners proved in wins over the Wildcats, Iowa State and No. 2 Alabama that they are capable, and they showed glimpses of it again Wednesday night.Kansas State remains in the mix for a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament, which would match the 2010 team for its best since seeding began in 1979. But the Wildcats likely have to beat West Virginia on Saturday and win a couple of Big 12 tourney games to make that happen.UP NEXT The regular season wraps Saturday when Oklahoma plays No. 22 TCU and Kansas State visits West Virginia.

🏀 Sills, seniors lead No. 11 K-State to 85-69 win over Sooners

GIRLS PREP BASKETBALL= Sub-State Semifinal= Class 4A East= Sub-State 1= Bishop Miege 57, Ottawa 17 Wamego 73, Iola 17

Sub-State 2= Fort Scott 48, Coffeyville 29 Topeka Hayden 55, Atchison 35

Sub-State 3= Independence 37, Eudora 29 Labette County 46, Baldwin 38

Sub-State 4= Louisburg 51, Chanute 39 Parsons 63, Holton 54

Class 4A West= Sub-State 1= Chapman 47, Clay Center 30 Wellington 44, Abilene 24

Sub-State 2= McPherson 71, El Dorado 12 Rock Creek 62, Pratt 51

Sub-State 3= Andale 60, Augusta 49 Mulvane 45, Clearwater 39

Sub-State 4= Circle 47, Buhler 39 Hugoton 64, Winfield 18

Class 5A East= Sub-State 1= KC Piper 63, KC Sumner 38 Topeka Seaman 73, KC Schlagle 11

Sub-State 2= Spring Hill 50, Basehor-Linwood 39 St. Thomas Aquinas 67, Lansing 33

Sub-State 3= Highland Park 53, Leavenworth 38 Shawnee Heights 38, DeSoto 35

Sub-State 4= Bonner Springs 65, BV Southwest 50 St. James Academy 80, KC Washington 4

Class 6A East= Sub-State 1= SM South 58, SM North 28 SM West 49, KC Wyandotte 13

GIRLS PREP BASKETBALL= Sub-State Semifinal= Class 4A East= Sub-State 1= Bishop Miege 57, Ottawa 17 Wamego 73, Iola 17Sub-State 2= Fort Scott 48, Coffeyville 29 Topeka Hayden 55, Atchison 35Sub-State 3= Independence 37, Eudora 29 Labette County 46, Baldwin 38Sub-State 4= Louisburg 51, Chanute 39 Parsons 63, Holton 54Class 4A West= Sub-State 1= Chapman 47, Clay Center 30 Wellington 44, Abilene 24Sub-State 2= McPherson 71, El Dorado 12 Rock Creek 62, Pratt 51Sub-State 3= Andale 60, Augusta 49 Mulvane 45, Clearwater 39Sub-State 4= Circle 47, Buhler 39 Hugoton 64, Winfield 18Class 5A East= Sub-State 1= KC Piper 63, KC Sumner 38 Topeka Seaman 73, KC Schlagle 11Sub-State 2= Spring Hill 50, Basehor-Linwood 39 St. Thomas Aquinas 67, Lansing 33Sub-State 3= Highland Park 53, Leavenworth 38 Shawnee Heights 38, DeSoto 35Sub-State 4= Bonner Springs 65, BV Southwest 50 St. James Academy 80, KC Washington 4Class 6A East= Sub-State 1= SM South 58, SM North 28 SM West 49, KC Wyandotte 13Sub-State 2= BV North 77, SM East 47 SM Northwest 59, Olathe South 33Sub-State 3= Olathe North 50, BV West 37 Olathe Northwest 35, Olathe East 31Sub-State 4= Blue Valley 41, BV Northwest 32 Olathe West 49, Gardner-Edgerton 32Class 6A West= Sub-State 1= Derby 80, Lawrence Free State 9 Wichita East 39, Wichita Heights 34Sub-State 2= Liberal 46, Junction City 16 Wichita Southeast 38, Dodge City 32Sub-State 3= Lawrence 65, Wichita North 39 Wichita South 50, Wichita Northwest 48Sub-State 4= Topeka 68, Garden City 44 Washburn Rural 43, Manhattan 30BOYS PREP BASKETBALL= Sub-State Semifinal= Class 4A West= Sub-State 1= Hugoton 97, Winfield 61 Rock Creek 54, Abilene 50Sub-State 2= Andale 55, Rose Hill 44 McPherson 71, Chapman 39Sub-State 3= Circle 59, Ulysses 51 Wellington 50, Buhler 40Sub-State 4= Clay Center 62, Augusta 60, OT Pratt 56, Mulvane 40Class 5A East= Sub-State 1= Highland Park 90, Lansing 26 St. James Academy 51, Topeka Seaman 41Sub-State 2= BV Southwest 86, Bonner Springs 55 DeSoto 61, Leavenworth 40Sub-State 3= Basehor-Linwood 57, KC Piper 53 KC Sumner 59, St. Thomas Aquinas 54Sub-State 4= Pittsburg 65, Spring Hill 47 Shawnee Heights 67, KC Washington 29Class 5A West= Sub-State 1= Hays 46, Great Bend 42 Kapaun Mount Carmel 84, Valley Center 40Sub-State 2= Hutchinson 53, Salina Central 37 Topeka West 61, Arkansas City 51Sub-State 3= Andover 63, Goddard 30 Emporia 56, Wichita Bishop Carroll 53 Sub-State 4= Andover Central 48, Maize 38 Maize South 75, Goddard-Eisenhower 54