McPHERSON - Hays stepped out of Western Athletic Conference play when they traveled to McPherson on Tuesday to take on the state ranked Bullpups.

Girls: #2-4A McPherson 52, Hays 34 Hays was outscored 26-10 in the second and third quarters combined during a 52-34 loss to McPherson.

The game was tied twice at five and eight points but the Indians were never able to secure a lead. McPherson led 13-11 after one quarter with the Indians having three opportunities to tie or take the advantage.

Hays started the game 4-4 from the field but missed their next 11 attempts to end the first half down 21-15. Free throws kept the Indians in the game through the first half, making five of eight.

McPherson controlled the third quarter outscoring Hays 18-6 and led by 18 going the fourth.

Hays scored a season low in points in the 52-34 loss.

It was a tough night shooting for Hays as they shot a season low field goal percentage and grabbed a season low 21 rebounds. Katie Linenberger led the Indians with 13 points. She was 9-10 from the stripe. Hays as a team made 15 of 18 free throw attempts.

McPherson was led by Karter Alvord with 17 and Jordan Sears at 16 points. The Bullpups are 13-2 on the year.

Hays falls to 9-6 and loses back-to-back games for just the second time. They host #9-6A Liberal Friday. It will be the seventh state ranked team Hays has face this season.

Boys: #3-4A McPherson 56,&nbsp;Hays 50 McPherson scored the first ten points of the game and held the lead for all but nine seconds on their way to 56-50 win over Hays.

Hays trailed by double figures four minutes into the game as the Bullpups scored the first ten points. Hays was still down seven at 16-9 heading into the fourth quarter.&nbsp;

The Indians trimmed the deficit down to 20-19 forcing McPherson to take a timeout. The Bullpups ended the half on a 6-2 spurt for a 26-21 halftime advantage.

Hays again clawed back in the third quarter pulling within one point at 32-31 and again forcing a McPherson time out. The Bullpups scored seven straight for a 39-31 advantage and led 41-34 going to the fourth.

The Indians scored on their first three possessions of the fourth quarter to close within one at 41-40. Hays took their first lead with 2:35 left on a Jack Weimer three point play, but McPherson responded with their own just nine second later.

The Indians scored just two points on a pair of free throws over the final 2:35 as McPherson took the 56-50 victory.

Hays put three into double figures led by Jack Weimer with 14. Chason VanDerWege added 12 and Edwin Muller scored 11. McPherson also put three in double figures led by Cory Muehler at 12.

Hays falls to 8-7 while McPherson improves to 12-3.

McPHERSON - Hays stepped out of Western Athletic Conference play when they traveled to McPherson on Tuesday to take on the state ranked Bullpups.Girls: #2-4A McPherson 52, Hays 34 Hays was outscored 26-10 in the second and third quarters combined during a 52-34 loss to McPherson.The game was tied twice at five and eight points but the Indians were never able to secure a lead. McPherson led 13-11 after one quarter with the Indians having three opportunities to tie or take the advantage.Hays started the game 4-4 from the field but missed their next 11 attempts to end the first half down 21-15. Free throws kept the Indians in the game through the first half, making five of eight.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/1442184991&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-814667509/02-07-23-hhs-wbkb-vs-mcpherson-highlights" title="02 - 07 - 23 HHS WBKB Vs McPherson Highlights" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">02 - 07 - 23 HHS WBKB Vs McPherson Highlights</a></div></div>McPherson controlled the third quarter outscoring Hays 18-6 and led by 18 going the fourth.Hays scored a season low in points in the 52-34 loss.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/1442184910&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-814667509/02-07-23-coach-len-melvin-interview" title="02 - 07 - 23 Coach Len Melvin Interview" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">02 - 07 - 23 Coach Len Melvin Interview</a></div></div>It was a tough night shooting for Hays as they shot a season low field goal percentage and grabbed a season low 21 rebounds. Katie Linenberger led the Indians with 13 points. She was 9-10 from the stripe. Hays as a team made 15 of 18 free throw attempts.McPherson was led by Karter Alvord with 17 and Jordan Sears at 16 points. The Bullpups are 13-2 on the year.Hays falls to 9-6 and loses back-to-back games for just the second time. They host #9-6A Liberal Friday. It will be the seventh state ranked team Hays has face this season.Boys: #3-4A McPherson 56,&nbsp;Hays 50 McPherson scored the first ten points of the game and held the lead for all but nine seconds on their way to 56-50 win over Hays.Hays trailed by double figures four minutes into the game as the Bullpups scored the first ten points. Hays was still down seven at 16-9 heading into the fourth quarter.&nbsp;The Indians trimmed the deficit down to 20-19 forcing McPherson to take a timeout. The Bullpups ended the half on a 6-2 spurt for a 26-21 halftime advantage.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/1442184961&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-814667509/02-07-23-hhs-mbkb-vs-mcpherson-highlights" title="02 - 07 - 23 HHS MBKB Vs McPherson Highlights" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">02 - 07 - 23 HHS MBKB Vs McPherson Highlights</a></div></div>Hays again clawed back in the third quarter pulling within one point at 32-31 and again forcing a McPherson time out. The Bullpups scored seven straight for a 39-31 advantage and led 41-34 going to the fourth.The Indians scored on their first three possessions of the fourth quarter to close within one at 41-40. Hays took their first lead with 2:35 left on a Jack Weimer three point play, but McPherson responded with their own just nine second later.The Indians scored just two points on a pair of free throws over the final 2:35 as McPherson took the 56-50 victory.Coach Sean Dreiling<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1442184928&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-814667509/02-07-23-coach-sean-dreiling-interview" title="02 - 07 - 23 Coach Sean Dreiling Interview" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">02 - 07 - 23 Coach Sean Dreiling Interview</a></div></div>Hays put three into double figures led by Jack Weimer with 14. Chason VanDerWege added 12 and Edwin Muller scored 11. McPherson also put three in double figures led by Cory Muehler at 12.Hays falls to 8-7 while McPherson improves to 12-3.Hays hosts Liberal on Friday.

🏀 Both Hays teams fall to state ranked Bullpups

Several area wrestlers are represented again this week in the
latest Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association rankings released late Tuesday.

<a href="https://cdn1.sportngin.com/attachments/document/42b6-2322294/321A_Boys_Week_10v2.pdf?_gl=1*wqok1w*_ga*MjU3MDczOTczLjE2NzQ2NDYwODg.*_ga_PQ25JN9PJ8*MTY3NTg2Nzc3NC40LjEuMTY3NTg2Nzc3NC4wLjAuMA..">321A Boys Rankings 02/07/2023</a> <a href="https://cdn1.sportngin.com/attachments/document/c67c-2562176/5A_Boys_Week_10.pdf?_gl=1*17i8djs*_ga*MjU3MDczOTczLjE2NzQ2NDYwODg.*_ga_PQ25JN9PJ8*MTY3NTg2Nzc3NC40LjEuMTY3NTg2OTAxMy4wLjAuMA..">5A Boys Rankings 02/07/2023</a> <a href="https://cdn1.sportngin.com/attachments/document/4f9a-2322299/4-1A_Girls_Week_10.pdf?_gl=1*31ijgi*_ga*MjU3MDczOTczLjE2NzQ2NDYwODg.*_ga_PQ25JN9PJ8*MTY3NTg2Nzc3NC40LjEuMTY3NTg2NzkyNi4wLjAuMA..">4-1A Girls Rankings 02/07/2023</a> <a href="https://cdn1.sportngin.com/attachments/document/a087-2322302/6-5A_Girls_Week_10.pdf?_gl=1*1ssm1kq*_ga*MjU3MDczOTczLjE2NzQ2NDYwODg.*_ga_PQ25JN9PJ8*MTY3NTg2Nzc3NC40LjEuMTY3NTg2Nzk0My4wLjAuMA..">6-5A Girls Rankings 02/07/2023</a>

The Hays High boys have four ranked. Harley Zimmerman remains
No. 1 at 132, freshman Grady Lind is ranked fifth at 106, junior Elijah
McCullough is sixth at 113 and senior Cyrus Vajner is sixth at 126.

The Hays girls have two ranked. Senior Sarah Zimmarman is third
at 110 and sophomore Tionna Napue is fourth at 115.

Mason Younger of Ellis remains No. 1 at 126 in 3-2-1A with
teammate Jarrett Mader second at 144. Plainville senior Kyle Werner is second
at 190 and Cohen Kaiser is fourth at 132. Hill City has four ranked. Sophomore
Alexander Hamel is fourth at 106, sophomore Dayton Stephens fourth at 150, junior
Aiden Amrein fifth at 165 and senior Conner Dinkel sixth at 190.

Trego junior Adrian Wynn is ranked fourth at 115 in 4-1A
girls. Stockton sophomore Ashlyn Hahn is fourth at 120, Quinter freshman Cali
Wagoner fourth at 135 and Plainville sophomore Zoe Brown fourth at 145.

The Hoxie boys continue to hold down the top spot in the 321A
team rankings. Norton is third, Smith Center fourth, Hill City eighth and Ellis
ninth.

Girls regionals are this Saturday (February. 11). The boys regionals are the following weekend (February 17-18).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1604497727867.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Several area wrestlers are represented again this week in the
latest Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association rankings released late Tuesday.<a href="https://cdn1.sportngin.com/attachments/document/42b6-2322294/321A_Boys_Week_10v2.pdf?_gl=1*wqok1w*_ga*MjU3MDczOTczLjE2NzQ2NDYwODg.*_ga_PQ25JN9PJ8*MTY3NTg2Nzc3NC40LjEuMTY3NTg2Nzc3NC4wLjAuMA..">321A Boys Rankings 02/07/2023</a> <a href="https://cdn1.sportngin.com/attachments/document/c67c-2562176/5A_Boys_Week_10.pdf?_gl=1*17i8djs*_ga*MjU3MDczOTczLjE2NzQ2NDYwODg.*_ga_PQ25JN9PJ8*MTY3NTg2Nzc3NC40LjEuMTY3NTg2OTAxMy4wLjAuMA..">5A Boys Rankings 02/07/2023</a> <a href="https://cdn1.sportngin.com/attachments/document/4f9a-2322299/4-1A_Girls_Week_10.pdf?_gl=1*31ijgi*_ga*MjU3MDczOTczLjE2NzQ2NDYwODg.*_ga_PQ25JN9PJ8*MTY3NTg2Nzc3NC40LjEuMTY3NTg2NzkyNi4wLjAuMA..">4-1A Girls Rankings 02/07/2023</a> <a href="https://cdn1.sportngin.com/attachments/document/a087-2322302/6-5A_Girls_Week_10.pdf?_gl=1*1ssm1kq*_ga*MjU3MDczOTczLjE2NzQ2NDYwODg.*_ga_PQ25JN9PJ8*MTY3NTg2Nzc3NC40LjEuMTY3NTg2Nzk0My4wLjAuMA..">6-5A Girls Rankings 02/07/2023</a>The Hays High boys have four ranked. Harley Zimmerman remains
No. 1 at 132, freshman Grady Lind is ranked fifth at 106, junior Elijah
McCullough is sixth at 113 and senior Cyrus Vajner is sixth at 126.The Hays girls have two ranked. Senior Sarah Zimmarman is third
at 110 and sophomore Tionna Napue is fourth at 115.Mason Younger of Ellis remains No. 1 at 126 in 3-2-1A with
teammate Jarrett Mader second at 144. Plainville senior Kyle Werner is second
at 190 and Cohen Kaiser is fourth at 132. Hill City has four ranked. Sophomore
Alexander Hamel is fourth at 106, sophomore Dayton Stephens fourth at 150, junior
Aiden Amrein fifth at 165 and senior Conner Dinkel sixth at 190.Trego junior Adrian Wynn is ranked fourth at 115 in 4-1A
girls. Stockton sophomore Ashlyn Hahn is fourth at 120, Quinter freshman Cali
Wagoner fourth at 135 and Plainville sophomore Zoe Brown fourth at 145.The Hoxie boys continue to hold down the top spot in the 321A
team rankings. Norton is third, Smith Center fourth, Hill City eighth and Ellis
ninth.Girls regionals are this Saturday (February. 11). The boys regionals are the following weekend (February 17-18).

🤼‍♂️ Area wrestlers represented in latest KWCA rankings

The Hays High Indians step out of league play Tuesday night for a matchup with the McPherson Bullpups.

The girls game will tipoff at approximately 6:00 with the boys to follow from McPherson High School.

Click the player below or click&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/480663">HERE&nbsp;</a>to view the game. You can also download the Team1Sports app for your phone or connected device, including smart TVs.

The Hays High Indians step out of league play Tuesday night for a matchup with the McPherson Bullpups.The girls game will tipoff at approximately 6:00 with the boys to follow from McPherson High School.Click the player below or click&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/480663">HERE&nbsp;</a>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/480663?autoplay=1" width="640" height="360" allow="fullscreen;" style="border:0;overflow:hidden;"></iframe></div>

🏀🎥 WATCH LIVE Hays High at McPherson

The TMP-Marian Monarchs are on the road Tuesday for a Mid-Continent League matchup with Russell.

The girls game is scheduled to tipoff at 6:00 p.m. with the boys to follow at approximately 7:30 p.m.

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/522827">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 are on the road Tuesday for a Mid-Continent League matchup with Russell.The girls game is scheduled to tipoff at 6:00 p.m. with the boys to follow at approximately 7:30 p.m.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/522827">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/522827?autoplay=1" width="640" height="360" allow="fullscreen;" style="border:0;overflow:hidden;"></iframe></div>

🏀🎥 WATCH LIVE Thomas More Prep-Marian v Russell

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Fort Hays State multi-athlete&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/mattie-rossi/7135">Mattie Rossi</a>&nbsp;has been named the latest MIAA Field Athlete of the Week, announced Tuesday (Feb. 7) by the league office. Rossi posted national qualifying marks in a pair of events over the weekend, setting a new season-high in the pentathlon while surpassing the NCAA Division II national qualifying mark in the 60m hurdles three times. The senior opened the weekend at the Bearcat Invite&nbsp;in Maryville, Mo., where she racked up 3,730 points in the pentathlon to move into 10th on the NCAA DII performance chart. Rossi picked up a single-event high of 976 points in the 60m hurdles with a provisional qualifying time of 8.69 before matching that time in the preliminary round of the 60m hurdles at the Washburn Open &amp; Multis. The Yampa, Colo. native ran the finals in the 60m hurdles in 8.73 before wrapping&nbsp;up the weekend with a personal-best time of 57.35 in the 400m dash, second-best at FHSU during the NCAA DII era. A six-time All-American and three-time All-MIAA honoree, this is the first weekly honor in Rossi's career. She is the first Tiger to earn the award this season. With the MIAA Championships looming in just two weeks, the Tigers will continue their season in Pittsburg, Kan. this weekend (Feb. 10-11) at the Gorilla Classic.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1675857123142.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsKANSAS CITY, Mo. - Fort Hays State multi-athlete&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/mattie-rossi/7135">Mattie Rossi</a>&nbsp;has been named the latest MIAA Field Athlete of the Week, announced Tuesday (Feb. 7) by the league office. Rossi posted national qualifying marks in a pair of events over the weekend, setting a new season-high in the pentathlon while surpassing the NCAA Division II national qualifying mark in the 60m hurdles three times. The senior opened the weekend at the Bearcat Invite&nbsp;in Maryville, Mo., where she racked up 3,730 points in the pentathlon to move into 10th on the NCAA DII performance chart. Rossi picked up a single-event high of 976 points in the 60m hurdles with a provisional qualifying time of 8.69 before matching that time in the preliminary round of the 60m hurdles at the Washburn Open &amp; Multis. The Yampa, Colo. native ran the finals in the 60m hurdles in 8.73 before wrapping&nbsp;up the weekend with a personal-best time of 57.35 in the 400m dash, second-best at FHSU during the NCAA DII era. A six-time All-American and three-time All-MIAA honoree, this is the first weekly honor in Rossi's career. She is the first Tiger to earn the award this season. With the MIAA Championships looming in just two weeks, the Tigers will continue their season in Pittsburg, Kan. this weekend (Feb. 10-11) at the Gorilla Classic.

👟 FHSU's Rossi named MIAA Field Athlete of the Week

NEW ORLEANS - The Fort Hays State men's track and field team is ranked 16th in the latest USTFCCCA NCAA Division II rating index, released Tuesday (Feb. 7) by the coaches association. The Tigers have three student-athletes that rank in the top 10 nationally, including a pair of pole vaulters in&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/ryan-stanley/7194">Ryan Stanley</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/jacob-clark/7169">Jacob Clark</a>&nbsp;that achieved the second-best mark in the country at 17-2.75.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/nolan-churchman/7168">Nolan Churchman</a>&nbsp;also ranks in the top 10, sitting in eighth in the heptathlon with a season-high total of 5,303 points. The Tiger men currently rank seventh in the central region and sixth in the MIAA computerized rankings, while the women are 10th in the region and seventh in the conference. Seven Tiger event squads rank in the top 10 nationally this week, including three from the men's team and four from the women's team. The men's 800m crew still ranks first in Division II, while the men's heptathlon group is second nationally and the men's pole vault team is fifth. The women's pentathlon group also ranks second in the country, with the women's 60m hurdles team ranked fifth, the women's 5,000m squad ranked eighth and the women's 400m troop ranked ninth. Next up for the Tiger track and field teams is a trip to Pittsburg, Kan. for the Gorilla Classic this Friday and Saturday (Feb. 10-11).&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1675802525661.jpeg" alt="Fort Hays State's Nolan Churchman clears a hurdle at the Jayhawk Classic on Lawrence, Kan. on Jan. 27, 2023. (FHSU Athletics photo/Madison Shapland)" />
 <figcaption>Fort Hays State's Nolan Churchman clears a hurdle at the Jayhawk Classic on Lawrence, Kan. on Jan. 27, 2023. (FHSU Athletics photo/Madison Shapland)</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsNEW ORLEANS - The Fort Hays State men's track and field team is ranked 16th in the latest USTFCCCA NCAA Division II rating index, released Tuesday (Feb. 7) by the coaches association. The Tigers have three student-athletes that rank in the top 10 nationally, including a pair of pole vaulters in&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/ryan-stanley/7194">Ryan Stanley</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/jacob-clark/7169">Jacob Clark</a>&nbsp;that achieved the second-best mark in the country at 17-2.75.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/nolan-churchman/7168">Nolan Churchman</a>&nbsp;also ranks in the top 10, sitting in eighth in the heptathlon with a season-high total of 5,303 points. The Tiger men currently rank seventh in the central region and sixth in the MIAA computerized rankings, while the women are 10th in the region and seventh in the conference. Seven Tiger event squads rank in the top 10 nationally this week, including three from the men's team and four from the women's team. The men's 800m crew still ranks first in Division II, while the men's heptathlon group is second nationally and the men's pole vault team is fifth. The women's pentathlon group also ranks second in the country, with the women's 60m hurdles team ranked fifth, the women's 5,000m squad ranked eighth and the women's 400m troop ranked ninth. Next up for the Tiger track and field teams is a trip to Pittsburg, Kan. for the Gorilla Classic this Friday and Saturday (Feb. 10-11).&nbsp;&nbsp;

👟 Tiger men ranked 16th in latest Rating Index

The TMP-Marian boys basketball team continues to hold down the No. 2 ranking in Class 2A in the latest Kansas Basketball Coaches Association rankings which were released Tuesday. Hill City, who was ranked eighth last week, dropped out.

Three MCL girls teams remain ranked. Phillipsburg is No. 2 in 3A, Smith Center fifth and Hoxie seventh in Class 2A.

The Osborne girls move up two spots to No. 2 in Class 1A Division I. The Bulldog boys hold at No. 8

Below are the complete rankings for all classifications.

GIRLS RANKINGS Class 6A 1. Shawnee Mission South 2. Blue Valley North 3. Derby 4. Topeka High 5. Wichita South 6. Topeka -Washburn Rural 7. Blue Valley 8. Lawrence 9. Liberal 10. Wichita Southeast

Class 5A 1. Topeka Seaman 2. Bishop Carroll 3. Bonner Springs 4. Andover 5. St. Thomas Aquinas 6. Emporia 7. Andover Central 8. Maize South 9. Basehor-Linwood 10. Lenexa - St. James Academy

Class 4A 1. Wamego 2. McPherson 3. Wellington 4. Bishop Miege 5. Independence 6. Andale 7. Fort Scott 8. Topeka - Hayden 9. Louisburg &nbsp;10. Rock Creek

Class 3A 1. Goodland 2. Phillipsburg 3. Silver Lake 4. Nemaha Central 5. Effingham-Atchison County Community HS 6. Cheney 7. Eureka 8. Southeast of Saline 9. Haven 10. Cimarron

Class 2A 1. St. Mary's Colgan 2. Elbing-Berean Academy 3. Riverside 4. Hillsboro 5. Smith Center 6. Mission Valley 7. Hoxie 8. Jackson Heights 9. The Independent 10. Bluestem

Class 1A-Div 1 1. Little River 2. Osborne 3. Pretty Prairie 4. Central Plains 5. Quinter 6. Frankfort 7. Clifton-Clyde 8. Hodgeman County 9. Madison-Hamilton 10. Elyria Christian

Class 1A-Div 2 1. Hanover 2. Lebo 3. Bucklin 4. Attica 5. Beloit-St. John's/Tipton 6. Golden Plains 7. South Haven 8. Wallace County 9. Hutchinson-Central Christian 10. Wilson

BOYS RANKINGS Class 6A 1. Wichita Heights 2. Blue Valley North 3. Olathe West 4. Olathe North 5. Garden City 6. Blue Valley Northwest 7. Lawrence 8. Derby 9. Mill Valley 10. Topeka-Washburn Rural

Class 5A 1. Highland Park 2. Hutchinson 3. Kapaun Mt. Carmel 4. Maize South 5. Andover Central 6. Andover 7. DeSoto 8. Topeka West 9. Lenexa-St. James Academy 10. KC Piper

Class 4A 1. Atchison 2. Bishop Miege 3. McPherson 4. Eudora 5. Towanda-Circle 6. Hugoton 7. Baldwin 8. Augusta 9. Chanute 10. Abilene

Class 3A 1. Sabetha 2. Haven 3. Southeast of Saline 4. Galena 5. Hesston 6. Wichita Collegiate 7. Bishop Ward 8. Marysville T9. Colby T9. Humboldt

Class 2A 1. Wichita Independent 2. Hays-Thomas More Prep 3. Ellinwood 4. Lyndon 5. Moundridge 6. Bennington 7. Inman 8. Sterling 9. Sedan 10. Southeast-Cherokee

Class 1A-Div 1 1. Olpe 2. Clifton-Clyde 3. Macksville 4. Wichita Classical School 5. Randolph-Blue Valley 6. Burlingame 7. McPherson - Elyria Christian 8. Osborne 9. Montezuma-South Gray 10. Troy

Class 1A-Div 2 1. Greeley County 2. Northern Valley 3. Axtell 4. Hanover 5. Pawnee Heights 6. Lebo 7. Stafford 8. Cheylin 9. South Central 10. Cunningham

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589370660905.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The TMP-Marian boys basketball team continues to hold down the No. 2 ranking in Class 2A in the latest Kansas Basketball Coaches Association rankings which were released Tuesday. Hill City, who was ranked eighth last week, dropped out.Three MCL girls teams remain ranked. Phillipsburg is No. 2 in 3A, Smith Center fifth and Hoxie seventh in Class 2A.The Osborne girls move up two spots to No. 2 in Class 1A Division I. The Bulldog boys hold at No. 8Below are the complete rankings for all classifications.GIRLS RANKINGS Class 6A 1. Shawnee Mission South 2. Blue Valley North 3. Derby 4. Topeka High 5. Wichita South 6. Topeka -Washburn Rural 7. Blue Valley 8. Lawrence 9. Liberal 10. Wichita Southeast Class 5A 1. Topeka Seaman 2. Bishop Carroll 3. Bonner Springs 4. Andover 5. St. Thomas Aquinas 6. Emporia 7. Andover Central 8. Maize South 9. Basehor-Linwood 10. Lenexa - St. James Academy Class 4A 1. Wamego 2. McPherson 3. Wellington 4. Bishop Miege 5. Independence 6. Andale 7. Fort Scott 8. Topeka - Hayden 9. Louisburg &nbsp;10. Rock CreekClass 3A 1. Goodland 2. Phillipsburg 3. Silver Lake 4. Nemaha Central 5. Effingham-Atchison County Community HS 6. Cheney 7. Eureka 8. Southeast of Saline 9. Haven 10. Cimarron Class 2A 1. St. Mary's Colgan 2. Elbing-Berean Academy 3. Riverside 4. Hillsboro 5. Smith Center 6. Mission Valley 7. Hoxie 8. Jackson Heights 9. The Independent 10. Bluestem Class 1A-Div 1 1. Little River 2. Osborne 3. Pretty Prairie 4. Central Plains 5. Quinter 6. Frankfort 7. Clifton-Clyde 8. Hodgeman County 9. Madison-Hamilton 10. Elyria Christian Class 1A-Div 2 1. Hanover 2. Lebo 3. Bucklin 4. Attica 5. Beloit-St. John's/Tipton 6. Golden Plains 7. South Haven 8. Wallace County 9. Hutchinson-Central Christian 10. Wilson BOYS RANKINGS Class 6A 1. Wichita Heights 2. Blue Valley North 3. Olathe West 4. Olathe North 5. Garden City 6. Blue Valley Northwest 7. Lawrence 8. Derby 9. Mill Valley 10. Topeka-Washburn Rural Class 5A 1. Highland Park 2. Hutchinson 3. Kapaun Mt. Carmel 4. Maize South 5. Andover Central 6. Andover 7. DeSoto 8. Topeka West 9. Lenexa-St. James Academy 10. KC PiperClass 4A 1. Atchison 2. Bishop Miege 3. McPherson 4. Eudora 5. Towanda-Circle 6. Hugoton 7. Baldwin 8. Augusta 9. Chanute 10. Abilene Class 3A 1. Sabetha 2. Haven 3. Southeast of Saline 4. Galena 5. Hesston 6. Wichita Collegiate 7. Bishop Ward 8. Marysville T9. Colby T9. Humboldt Class 2A 1. Wichita Independent 2. Hays-Thomas More Prep 3. Ellinwood 4. Lyndon 5. Moundridge 6. Bennington 7. Inman 8. Sterling 9. Sedan 10. Southeast-Cherokee Class 1A-Div 1 1. Olpe 2. Clifton-Clyde 3. Macksville 4. Wichita Classical School 5. Randolph-Blue Valley 6. Burlingame 7. McPherson - Elyria Christian 8. Osborne 9. Montezuma-South Gray 10. Troy Class 1A-Div 2 1. Greeley County 2. Northern Valley 3. Axtell 4. Hanover 5. Pawnee Heights 6. Lebo 7. Stafford 8. Cheylin 9. South Central 10. Cunningham

🏀 Area teams remain ranked in latest KBCA poll

72,000 miles. Diego Muller wrote an essay that Hays High Soccer coach Daniel Kelly referenced on Tuesday morning during the senior's signing day. Muller wrote that he had traveled 72,000 miles during his four year high school career playing soccer, traveling for camps, and training.

Just over 800 miles away is the next destination for the four-time Western Athletic Conference honoree. University of the Incarnate Word is a NCAA Division I program that is home to the Cardinals and now Diego Muller.

Muller attended a camp at the college years ago and they had remained in contact with him ever since. Other colleges had interest, but in the end the combination of athletics, academics and culture won.

Muller was named to second team WAC his freshman season and first team the last three years.

Muller played club soccer with FC Wichita Soccer Club since 2017. His team was National Runner-Up in Dallas, Texas, last summer.

He finished his high school career as the sixth highest all-time leading scorer with 26 goals and 18 assists.&nbsp;

72,000 miles. Diego Muller wrote an essay that Hays High Soccer coach Daniel Kelly referenced on Tuesday morning during the senior's signing day. Muller wrote that he had traveled 72,000 miles during his four year high school career playing soccer, traveling for camps, and training.Just over 800 miles away is the next destination for the four-time Western Athletic Conference honoree. University of the Incarnate Word is a NCAA Division I program that is home to the Cardinals and now Diego Muller.Diego Muller<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/1441908883&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/diego-muller" title="Diego Muller" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Diego Muller</a></div></div>Muller attended a camp at the college years ago and they had remained in contact with him ever since. Other colleges had interest, but in the end the combination of athletics, academics and culture won.Muller was named to second team WAC his freshman season and first team the last three years.Coach Daniel Kelly<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/1441908517&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/daniel-kelly-about-diego-muller" title="Daniel Kelly About Diego Muller" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Daniel Kelly About Diego Muller</a></div></div>Muller played club soccer with FC Wichita Soccer Club since 2017. His team was National Runner-Up in Dallas, Texas, last summer.He finished his high school career as the sixth highest all-time leading scorer with 26 goals and 18 assists.&nbsp;

⚽️ Hays to Texas; Muller signs with UIW

🎥🏀 Watch This Week's Tiger Talk

PHOENIX (AP) — Donna Kelce brought cookies to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/phoenix-suns-new-england-patriots-philadelphia-eagles-nfl-sports-a852e5186367a81c436033a556c0ce82">Super Bowl opening night</a>.

The mother of All-Pros Travis and Jason Kelce surprised her sons during an interview with NFL Network's Michael Irvin with two batches of cookies — one for each.

"It's just been amazing that they've both been able to get to this point in their careers and both enjoy the Super Bowl together," Donna Kelce said. “It's just so amazing.”

The Kelces are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-kelce-vs-kelce-19a9a9ec7957b4647e48398a2d056acb">the first brothers to face each other in the Super Bowl</a>, Travis as a tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs, Jason as a center for the Philadelphia Eagles.

Donna and her husband, Ed, have mostly kept private over the years, but she's become a minor celebrity as she crisscrosses the country to watch her boys — often in a jersey with Travis’ front stitched to Jason’s back.

More than 150,000 fans signed a petition for the NFL to have her do the Super Bowl coin toss, but she said in a social media post that the NFL already had someone in place.

PHOENIX (AP) — Donna Kelce brought cookies to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/phoenix-suns-new-england-patriots-philadelphia-eagles-nfl-sports-a852e5186367a81c436033a556c0ce82">Super Bowl opening night</a>.The mother of All-Pros Travis and Jason Kelce surprised her sons during an interview with NFL Network's Michael Irvin with two batches of cookies — one for each."It's just been amazing that they've both been able to get to this point in their careers and both enjoy the Super Bowl together," Donna Kelce said. “It's just so amazing.”The Kelces are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-kelce-vs-kelce-19a9a9ec7957b4647e48398a2d056acb">the first brothers to face each other in the Super Bowl</a>, Travis as a tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs, Jason as a center for the Philadelphia Eagles.Donna and her husband, Ed, have mostly kept private over the years, but she's become a minor celebrity as she crisscrosses the country to watch her boys — often in a jersey with Travis’ front stitched to Jason’s back.More than 150,000 fans signed a petition for the NFL to have her do the Super Bowl coin toss, but she said in a social media post that the NFL already had someone in place.

🏈 Donna Kelce brings cookies for sons at Super Bowl opener

GIRLS PREP BASKETBALL Centralia 47, Marysville 37 Clearwater 51, Wichita Trinity 36 Herington 54, Peabody-Burns 13 Northeast Christian Homeschool 62, Shawnee Mission Christian 34 Smith Center 70, Superior, Neb. 58 TMP-Marian 57, Hill City 28 Uniontown 40, Jayhawk Linn 32 Wallace County 64, Dighton 48 Wilson 34, Tescott 24

BOYS PREP BASKETBALL Cimarron 60, Otis-Bison 29 Dighton 68, Wallace County 48 Flint Hills Christian 69, Topeka Heritage Christian 32 Jayhawk Linn 39, Uniontown 36 La Crosse 64, Victoria 44 Marysville 62, Centralia 39 TMP-Marian 47, Hill City 30 Wilson 68, Tescott 47

GIRLS PREP BASKETBALL Centralia 47, Marysville 37 Clearwater 51, Wichita Trinity 36 Herington 54, Peabody-Burns 13 Northeast Christian Homeschool 62, Shawnee Mission Christian 34 Smith Center 70, Superior, Neb. 58 TMP-Marian 57, Hill City 28 Uniontown 40, Jayhawk Linn 32 Wallace County 64, Dighton 48 Wilson 34, Tescott 24BOYS PREP BASKETBALL Cimarron 60, Otis-Bison 29 Dighton 68, Wallace County 48 Flint Hills Christian 69, Topeka Heritage Christian 32 Jayhawk Linn 39, Uniontown 36 La Crosse 64, Victoria 44 Marysville 62, Centralia 39 TMP-Marian 47, Hill City 30 Wilson 68, Tescott 47

🏀 Monday's high school scores

By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports Writer

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Dajuan Harris Jr. was willing to acknowledge that Kansas was facing something rare when fifth-ranked and Big 12-leading Texas arrived at Allen Fieldhouse on Monday night: a must-win game.

The defending national champs played like it.

Gradey Dick scored 21 points, Harris had 17 points, six rebounds and five assists, and the ninth-ranked Jayhawks held on after blowing a 14-point first-half lead to beat the Longhorns 88-80 and tighten the league race.

Kevin McCullar Jr. added 16 points, Joseph Yesufu scored 14 off the bench and KJ Adams finished with 10, helping the Jayhawks (19-5, 7-4) overcome an off night from Jalen Wilson. The league's leading scorer at 21.5 points per game battled foul trouble and was held to just two, ending his streak of 25 straight double-figure games.

“We knew we had to come in here and get a win,” said Dick, who had the Jayhawks' only two 3-pointers. “The big thing, just in preparation for the week, was coming out with energy. When we do that, we're a scary team."

The Jayhawks needed everyone's help holding off the Longhorns' Marcus Carr.

The Minnesota transfer, who had a game-high 29 points, kept answering Kansas baskets down the stretch. His 3-pointer got the Longhorns within 77-68 with 2:25 left, three free throws made it 78-71 with 1:31 to go, and his three-point play got the Longhorns (19-5, 8-3) within 86-80 with 23.5 seconds remaining.

Texas quickly fouled Dick at the other end, and his free throw with 18 seconds left helped to put the game away.

“It was as close to a must-win as you could have this early in the season to win the league,” Kansas coach Bill Self said. “You go down three games with seven left, you’d have to win out and get a lot of help from others. Now, we still have as hard a schedule as everybody, but we can kind of control our own destiny where if we play well, we have a shot.”

Timmy Allen finished with 18 points for the Longhorns. Sir'Jabari Rice had 12 before fouling out.

“It was their night tonight in terms of what they got done,” Texas interim coach Rodney Terry said.

The Longhorns have made a habit of overcoming double-digit deficits: 18 down to beat TCU, 12 down to beat Texas Tech and 14 down to beat No. 12 Kansas State last Saturday in a game played just down the road.

So it wasn't that surprising when Texas dug another 14-point hole Monday night.

Just like the Longhorns did in Manhattan, though, they began to rally. Texas shook off 10 first-half turnovers to get within 42-35 by the break, then kept coming in the second half. Hunter hit a 3-pointer, Carr added a couple of buckets and it was 43-all when Self called a timeout to slow Texas' momentum.

Unlike the Horned Frogs, Red Raiders and Wildcats, the Jayhawks rose to the challenge.

McCullar's three-point play while they were clinging to a 49-48 lead gave them a boost, and Dick added a couple of free throws. But it was back-to-back buckets by Harris, who is known more as a distributor than as a scorer, that pushed the lead to 58-50 with about 12 minutes to go.

Texas closed within 66-60 but, after the Jayhawks pulled down two offensive boards, Dick hit another 3-pointer. And when Yesufu bookended a couple of free throws by Harris, the lead had stretched to 75-62 with 3 minutes to go.

The Jayhawks were able to fend off Carr and the Longhorns from there.

“Give those guys credit. They came in and played at a very high level,” Terry said, “and we knew that would be the case.”

The Jayhawks were missing several backups. Zack Clemence has a hurt knee, Bobby Pettiford Jr. is dealing with a hamstring injury and Zuby Ejiofor a foot injury. Kyle Cuffe Jr. (knee) and Cam Martin (shoulder) also were out.

“I thought the bench was great. As good as they've been all year,” Self said. “We had nine guys we could put in the game.”

Texas has struggled to get off to good starts this season, and it seemed the energy the Longhorns expended climbing back into Monday night's game was missing by the end. Carr tried to carry them but he needed more help.

Kansas got the production it needed from the bench. Yesufu provided the scoring pop but big man Ernest Udeh Jr. and guard MJ Rice, both seldom-used freshmen, also provided important minutes for the Jayhawks.

Texas heads home after its Sunflower State swing to play West Virginia on Saturday.

Kansas has a two-game trip next with Oklahoma on Saturday and Oklahoma State on Tuesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1675768127868.png" alt="Kansas Jayhawk guard Joseph Yesufu (1) and forward Earnest Udeh, Jr. (23) celebrate following a basket in an NCAA basketball game vs. Texas in Lawrence, Kan., February 6, 2023. (Kansas Athletics photo)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Jayhawk guard Joseph Yesufu (1) and forward Earnest Udeh, Jr. (23) celebrate following a basket in an NCAA basketball game vs. Texas in Lawrence, Kan., February 6, 2023. (Kansas Athletics photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports WriterLAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Dajuan Harris Jr. was willing to acknowledge that Kansas was facing something rare when fifth-ranked and Big 12-leading Texas arrived at Allen Fieldhouse on Monday night: a must-win game.The defending national champs played like it.Gradey Dick scored 21 points, Harris had 17 points, six rebounds and five assists, and the ninth-ranked Jayhawks held on after blowing a 14-point first-half lead to beat the Longhorns 88-80 and tighten the league race.Kevin McCullar Jr. added 16 points, Joseph Yesufu scored 14 off the bench and KJ Adams finished with 10, helping the Jayhawks (19-5, 7-4) overcome an off night from Jalen Wilson. The league's leading scorer at 21.5 points per game battled foul trouble and was held to just two, ending his streak of 25 straight double-figure games.“We knew we had to come in here and get a win,” said Dick, who had the Jayhawks' only two 3-pointers. “The big thing, just in preparation for the week, was coming out with energy. When we do that, we're a scary team."The Jayhawks needed everyone's help holding off the Longhorns' Marcus Carr.The Minnesota transfer, who had a game-high 29 points, kept answering Kansas baskets down the stretch. His 3-pointer got the Longhorns within 77-68 with 2:25 left, three free throws made it 78-71 with 1:31 to go, and his three-point play got the Longhorns (19-5, 8-3) within 86-80 with 23.5 seconds remaining.Texas quickly fouled Dick at the other end, and his free throw with 18 seconds left helped to put the game away.“It was as close to a must-win as you could have this early in the season to win the league,” Kansas coach Bill Self said. “You go down three games with seven left, you’d have to win out and get a lot of help from others. Now, we still have as hard a schedule as everybody, but we can kind of control our own destiny where if we play well, we have a shot.”Timmy Allen finished with 18 points for the Longhorns. Sir'Jabari Rice had 12 before fouling out.“It was their night tonight in terms of what they got done,” Texas interim coach Rodney Terry said.The Longhorns have made a habit of overcoming double-digit deficits: 18 down to beat TCU, 12 down to beat Texas Tech and 14 down to beat No. 12 Kansas State last Saturday in a game played just down the road.So it wasn't that surprising when Texas dug another 14-point hole Monday night.Just like the Longhorns did in Manhattan, though, they began to rally. Texas shook off 10 first-half turnovers to get within 42-35 by the break, then kept coming in the second half. Hunter hit a 3-pointer, Carr added a couple of buckets and it was 43-all when Self called a timeout to slow Texas' momentum.Unlike the Horned Frogs, Red Raiders and Wildcats, the Jayhawks rose to the challenge.McCullar's three-point play while they were clinging to a 49-48 lead gave them a boost, and Dick added a couple of free throws. But it was back-to-back buckets by Harris, who is known more as a distributor than as a scorer, that pushed the lead to 58-50 with about 12 minutes to go.Texas closed within 66-60 but, after the Jayhawks pulled down two offensive boards, Dick hit another 3-pointer. And when Yesufu bookended a couple of free throws by Harris, the lead had stretched to 75-62 with 3 minutes to go.The Jayhawks were able to fend off Carr and the Longhorns from there.“Give those guys credit. They came in and played at a very high level,” Terry said, “and we knew that would be the case.”BANGED-UP BIRDSThe Jayhawks were missing several backups. Zack Clemence has a hurt knee, Bobby Pettiford Jr. is dealing with a hamstring injury and Zuby Ejiofor a foot injury. Kyle Cuffe Jr. (knee) and Cam Martin (shoulder) also were out.“I thought the bench was great. As good as they've been all year,” Self said. “We had nine guys we could put in the game.”BIG PICTURETexas has struggled to get off to good starts this season, and it seemed the energy the Longhorns expended climbing back into Monday night's game was missing by the end. Carr tried to carry them but he needed more help.Kansas got the production it needed from the bench. Yesufu provided the scoring pop but big man Ernest Udeh Jr. and guard MJ Rice, both seldom-used freshmen, also provided important minutes for the Jayhawks.UP NEXTTexas heads home after its Sunflower State swing to play West Virginia on Saturday.Kansas has a two-game trip next with Oklahoma on Saturday and Oklahoma State on Tuesday.

🏀 No. 9 Kansas blows lead, then holds off No. 5 Texas

HILL CITY – The TMP-Marian Monarchs boys and girls
basketball teams earned a doubleheader sweep of Hill City Monday night in a
pair of makeup games originally scheduled for before the Christmas break.

GIRLS: TMP 57, Hill City 28 The TMP girls used a 15-3 first quarter run to build a
double-digit lead and cruised to a 57-28 win Monday.

Hill City’s Grace Bieker gave Hill City an early 3-2 lead on
a three-pointer but that was the only lead the Ringnecks were hold as they
Monarchs answered with a 15-3 run to end the first quarter for a 17-6 lead.

TMP’s Jaci VonLintel scored 10 of her game-high 20 points in
the first quarter and Brooke Koenigsman added six more in the quarter helping
TMP lead by 11 after the first quarter.

The Monarchs built a 15-point lead, at 25-10, midway through
the second quarter on their way to a 29-19 lead at halftime.

TMP lead by 20 after three quarter and then they outscored
Hill City 14-5 in the fourth quarter on their way to the 57-28 victory.

Jaci VonLintel led all scorers with 20 points and she
finished with 10 rebounds. Brooke Koenigsman added 13 points.

BOYS: TMP 47, Hill City 30 The TMP boys held Hill City to just four fourth quarter
points while outscoring the Ringnecks 16-4 on their way to a 47-30 victory in a
battle of ranked teams.

Hill City opened the game with an early 4-0 lead but TMP’s
Landon Rozean hit a pair of early three pointers tying the game at six. Rozean match
his career-high with 10 first half points.

With Hill City up 9-6 TMP scored six quick points for a 12-9
lead, but it was short-lived and the two teams entered the second quarter tied
at 13.

In the second quarter the Monarchs got a pair of three’s
from Joey Mindrup and Griffin Schumacher as they outscored Hill City 12-6 for a
25-19 halftime lead.

Hill City closed the gap to just three, at 27-24 in the
third quarter but the Monarchs closed the second half on a 20-6 run on their
way to a 47-30 victory, their 12th straight.

Dylan Werth scored eight of his game-high 19 points in the fourth
quarter. Luke Rome added all six of his points in the fourth.

The Monarchs return to MCL action Tuesday at Russell.

HILL CITY – The TMP-Marian Monarchs boys and girls
basketball teams earned a doubleheader sweep of Hill City Monday night in a
pair of makeup games originally scheduled for before the Christmas break.GIRLS: TMP 57, Hill City 28 The TMP girls used a 15-3 first quarter run to build a
double-digit lead and cruised to a 57-28 win Monday.<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/1441438018&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-814667509/02-06-23-tmp-girls-coach-int" title="02 - 06 - 23 TMP coach Rose McFarland" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">02 - 06 - 23 TMP coach Rose McFarland</a></div></div>Hill City’s Grace Bieker gave Hill City an early 3-2 lead on
a three-pointer but that was the only lead the Ringnecks were hold as they
Monarchs answered with a 15-3 run to end the first quarter for a 17-6 lead.TMP’s Jaci VonLintel scored 10 of her game-high 20 points in
the first quarter and Brooke Koenigsman added six more in the quarter helping
TMP lead by 11 after the first quarter.The Monarchs built a 15-point lead, at 25-10, midway through
the second quarter on their way to a 29-19 lead at halftime.TMP lead by 20 after three quarter and then they outscored
Hill City 14-5 in the fourth quarter on their way to the 57-28 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/1441436884&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-814667509/02-06-23-tmp-v-hill-city-girls-highlights" title="02 - 06 - 23 Tmp V Hill City Girls Highlights" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">02 - 06 - 23 Tmp V Hill City Girls Highlights</a></div></div>Jaci VonLintel led all scorers with 20 points and she
finished with 10 rebounds. Brooke Koenigsman added 13 points.BOYS: TMP 47, Hill City 30 The TMP boys held Hill City to just four fourth quarter
points while outscoring the Ringnecks 16-4 on their way to a 47-30 victory in a
battle of ranked teams.<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/1441438855&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-814667509/02-06-23-tmp-boys-coach-int" title="02 - 06 - 23 TMP coach Bill Meagher" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">02 - 06 - 23 TMP coach Bill Meagher</a></div></div>Hill City opened the game with an early 4-0 lead but TMP’s
Landon Rozean hit a pair of early three pointers tying the game at six. Rozean match
his career-high with 10 first half points.With Hill City up 9-6 TMP scored six quick points for a 12-9
lead, but it was short-lived and the two teams entered the second quarter tied
at 13.In the second quarter the Monarchs got a pair of three’s
from Joey Mindrup and Griffin Schumacher as they outscored Hill City 12-6 for a
25-19 halftime lead.Hill City closed the gap to just three, at 27-24 in the
third quarter but the Monarchs closed the second half on a 20-6 run on their
way to a 47-30 victory, their 12th 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/1441438555&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-814667509/02-06-23-tmp-v-hill-city-boys-highlights" title="02 - 06 - 23 Tmp V Hill City Boys Highlights" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">02 - 06 - 23 Tmp V Hill City Boys Highlights</a></div></div>Dylan Werth scored eight of his game-high 19 points in the fourth
quarter. Luke Rome added all six of his points in the fourth.The Monarchs return to MCL action Tuesday at Russell.

🏀 TMP sweeps Hill City in MCL doubleheader.

The TMP-Marian Monarchs are on the road Monday for a Mid-Continent League matchup with Hill City.

Click the player below or click&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/521423">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 are on the road Monday for a Mid-Continent League matchup with Hill City.The girls game is scheduled to tipoff at 6:00 p.m. with the boys to follow at approximately 7:30 p.m.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/521423">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/521423?autoplay=1" width="640" height="360" allow="fullscreen;" style="border:0;overflow:hidden;"></iframe></div>

🏀🎥 WATCH LIVE Thomas More Prep-Marian v Hill City

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Fort Hays State baseball sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/elliott-herrmann/7260">Elliott Herrmann</a>&nbsp;has been named the first MIAA Hitter of the Week for the 2023 season, announced Monday by the league office. The Tiger first baseman was nearly impossible to retire at the plate during the opening series of the year, reaching base 13 times in 18 plate appearances for an on-base percentage of .722. Herrmann collected six hits, including two home runs and two doubles, while driving in eight RBI, scoring eight runs and slugging 1.273. Herrmann opened his Tiger career with a home run in his first at-bat of the season on Friday before recording another home run and a two-RBI double in the eighth inning of Saturday's FHSU victory. He did not record an error in the field, converting on all 28 chances at first base. Herrmann shared the honor with Newman's Jake Angelico. The Castle Rock, Colo. native is the first Tiger to earn MIAA Hitter of the Week honors since Garrett Stephens earned the award three years ago. The Tiger baseball team will head back out on the road next weekend to take on New Mexico Highlands in another four-game series Friday-Saturday (Feb. 10-11) in Las Vegas, N.M.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1675717929887.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsKANSAS CITY, Mo. - Fort Hays State baseball sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/elliott-herrmann/7260">Elliott Herrmann</a>&nbsp;has been named the first MIAA Hitter of the Week for the 2023 season, announced Monday by the league office. The Tiger first baseman was nearly impossible to retire at the plate during the opening series of the year, reaching base 13 times in 18 plate appearances for an on-base percentage of .722. Herrmann collected six hits, including two home runs and two doubles, while driving in eight RBI, scoring eight runs and slugging 1.273. Herrmann opened his Tiger career with a home run in his first at-bat of the season on Friday before recording another home run and a two-RBI double in the eighth inning of Saturday's FHSU victory. He did not record an error in the field, converting on all 28 chances at first base. Herrmann shared the honor with Newman's Jake Angelico. The Castle Rock, Colo. native is the first Tiger to earn MIAA Hitter of the Week honors since Garrett Stephens earned the award three years ago. The Tiger baseball team will head back out on the road next weekend to take on New Mexico Highlands in another four-game series Friday-Saturday (Feb. 10-11) in Las Vegas, N.M.&nbsp;&nbsp;

⚾ FHSU's Herrmann named Co-MIAA Hitter of the Week

Tiger Talk with Fort Hays State women's basketball coach Tony Hobson and men's coach Mark Johnson.

Tiger Talk airs live from Big Smoke Barbecue at noon on KAYS (94.3/1400).

Tiger Talk with Fort Hays State women's basketball coach Tony Hobson and men's coach Mark Johnson.Tiger Talk airs live from Big Smoke Barbecue at noon on KAYS (94.3/1400).<div><iframe title="Tiger Talk (Feb. 6, 2023)" allowtransparency="true" height="150" 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=fsq4b-1383514-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=2"></iframe></div>

🎧 Defend the Fort Podcast: Tiger Talk (Feb. 6, 2023)

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Zack Greinke can earn up to $15 million in his one-year contract to return to the Kansas City Royals.

The 2009 AL Cy Young Award winner rejoined the Royals last year for the first time since 2010 and went 4-9 with a 3.68 ERA in 26 starts and 137 innings. He had a $13 million salary last year and then became a free agent. His deal announced Friday includes an $8.5 million salary for this year.

If he pitches 135 innings, he would earn at least $13 million.

Greinke has $7.5 million in performance bonuses for innings. He would get $450,000 for 90 innings and each additional five innings through 135. He would get $300,000 for 140 innings and each additional five innings through 185.

The 39-year-old right-hander gets a full no-trade provision. He would get $100,000 for winning another Cy Young Award or winning an MVP award and he would get $50,000 for finishing second through fifth in the voting for either honor.

He would get $100,000 for World Series MVP and $50,000 each for League Championship Series MVP, a Gold Glove award or All-Star Game election or selection.

A six-time All-Star, Greinke allowed two runs or fewer in 17 of 26 starts last year.

He began his career in Kansas City as a first-round pick in the 2002 amateur draft. He made his big league debut two years later, beginning a 20-year career that has included time with the Brewers, Angels, Dodgers, Diamondbacks and Astros.

Greinke was later traded to Milwaukee in December 2010 for a package of players that helped to form the backbone of back-to-back American League pennant teams and the club that won the 2015 World Series.

Greinke twice helped the Astros to the World Series, pitched for the Brewers and Dodgers in the NL Championship Series and led the Diamondbacks to the playoffs.

He is first among active pitchers with 514 starts and 3,247 innings, and he’s second to Justin Verlander with 223 wins. Greinke is third in strikeouts (2,882) and has six Gold Gloves.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660256080548.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals pitcher Zack Greinke delivers to a Chicago White Sox batter during the first inning of a baseball game in Kansas City, Mo., Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals pitcher Zack Greinke delivers to a Chicago White Sox batter during the first inning of a baseball game in Kansas City, Mo., Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Zack Greinke can earn up to $15 million in his one-year contract to return to the Kansas City Royals.The 2009 AL Cy Young Award winner rejoined the Royals last year for the first time since 2010 and went 4-9 with a 3.68 ERA in 26 starts and 137 innings. He had a $13 million salary last year and then became a free agent. His deal announced Friday includes an $8.5 million salary for this year.If he pitches 135 innings, he would earn at least $13 million.Greinke has $7.5 million in performance bonuses for innings. He would get $450,000 for 90 innings and each additional five innings through 135. He would get $300,000 for 140 innings and each additional five innings through 185.The 39-year-old right-hander gets a full no-trade provision. He would get $100,000 for winning another Cy Young Award or winning an MVP award and he would get $50,000 for finishing second through fifth in the voting for either honor.He would get $100,000 for World Series MVP and $50,000 each for League Championship Series MVP, a Gold Glove award or All-Star Game election or selection.A six-time All-Star, Greinke allowed two runs or fewer in 17 of 26 starts last year.He began his career in Kansas City as a first-round pick in the 2002 amateur draft. He made his big league debut two years later, beginning a 20-year career that has included time with the Brewers, Angels, Dodgers, Diamondbacks and Astros.Greinke was later traded to Milwaukee in December 2010 for a package of players that helped to form the backbone of back-to-back American League pennant teams and the club that won the 2015 World Series.Greinke twice helped the Astros to the World Series, pitched for the Brewers and Dodgers in the NL Championship Series and led the Diamondbacks to the playoffs.He is first among active pitchers with 514 starts and 3,247 innings, and he’s second to Justin Verlander with 223 wins. Greinke is third in strikeouts (2,882) and has six Gold Gloves.

⚾ Zack Greinke can earn $15M this year in deal with Royals

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs activated running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire from injured reserve Monday and placed wide receiver Mecole Hardman on the list for the second time as they finalize their roster for the Super Bowl.

Edwards-Helaire, a 2020 first-round pick, has been out since sustaining a high ankle sprain during a win over the Chargers on Nov. 20. He was designated to return on Jan. 17, opening a three-week window in which he could be activated.

Edwards-Helaire started the first six games of the season before ceding time to seventh-round pick Isiah Pacheco, who has become one of the Chiefs' breakout stars. Edwards-Helaire has run 71 times for 302 yards and three touchdowns and caught 17 passes for 151 yards and three more scores this season.

The emergence of Pacheco, along with veteran Jerick McKinnon, took pressure off the Chiefs to activate Edwards-Helaire before he was ready. Pacheco ran for 830 yards and five TDs during the regular season along with 121 combined rushing yards in playoff wins over Jacksonville and Cincinnati, while McKinnon scored 10 combined touchdowns in the regular season.

Hardman, who will be a free agent after the season, initially hurt his pelvis Nov. 6 during a game against the Titans. He was activated from IR on Jan. 4 but struggled to get healthy enough to appear in games, missing the Chiefs' regular-season finale against the Raiders and their divisional win over the Jaguars.

He finally suited up for the AFC title game against the Bengals, and he ran a couple of jet sweeps while catching two passes for 10 yards. It was while getting tackled on his second reception that Hardman reinjured the pelvis.

Hardman was among three wide receivers hurt in the game, forcing the Chiefs to use a patchwork group down the stretch.

JuJu Smith-Schuster had one catch for 7 yards before inflammation in his knee forced him to the sideline, and Kadarius Toney had one catch for 9 yards before spraining his ankle while attempting to make a cut.

Neither participated in practice last week before the team departed Sunday for Phoenix, though coach Andy Reid expressed optimism that they would be available for the Super Bowl.

The Chiefs also should get back wide receiver Justin Watson, who was inactive for the AFC title game because of an illness.

“(Smith-Schuster) is in a good place,” Reid said. “The main thing is that we let that calm down. And right now, it's doing great, so very optimistic right now. And his want-to is all in there. But we'll just see where it goes.”

By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports WriterKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs activated running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire from injured reserve Monday and placed wide receiver Mecole Hardman on the list for the second time as they finalize their roster for the Super Bowl.Edwards-Helaire, a 2020 first-round pick, has been out since sustaining a high ankle sprain during a win over the Chargers on Nov. 20. He was designated to return on Jan. 17, opening a three-week window in which he could be activated.Edwards-Helaire started the first six games of the season before ceding time to seventh-round pick Isiah Pacheco, who has become one of the Chiefs' breakout stars. Edwards-Helaire has run 71 times for 302 yards and three touchdowns and caught 17 passes for 151 yards and three more scores this season.The emergence of Pacheco, along with veteran Jerick McKinnon, took pressure off the Chiefs to activate Edwards-Helaire before he was ready. Pacheco ran for 830 yards and five TDs during the regular season along with 121 combined rushing yards in playoff wins over Jacksonville and Cincinnati, while McKinnon scored 10 combined touchdowns in the regular season.Hardman, who will be a free agent after the season, initially hurt his pelvis Nov. 6 during a game against the Titans. He was activated from IR on Jan. 4 but struggled to get healthy enough to appear in games, missing the Chiefs' regular-season finale against the Raiders and their divisional win over the Jaguars.He finally suited up for the AFC title game against the Bengals, and he ran a couple of jet sweeps while catching two passes for 10 yards. It was while getting tackled on his second reception that Hardman reinjured the pelvis.Hardman was among three wide receivers hurt in the game, forcing the Chiefs to use a patchwork group down the stretch.JuJu Smith-Schuster had one catch for 7 yards before inflammation in his knee forced him to the sideline, and Kadarius Toney had one catch for 9 yards before spraining his ankle while attempting to make a cut.Neither participated in practice last week before the team departed Sunday for Phoenix, though coach Andy Reid expressed optimism that they would be available for the Super Bowl.The Chiefs also should get back wide receiver Justin Watson, who was inactive for the AFC title game because of an illness.“(Smith-Schuster) is in a good place,” Reid said. “The main thing is that we let that calm down. And right now, it's doing great, so very optimistic right now. And his want-to is all in there. But we'll just see where it goes.”

🏈 Chiefs activate RB Edwards-Helaire off IR for Super Bowl

By DAVE BRANDT AP Sports Writer

PHOENIX (AP) — A few minutes after the Kansas City Chiefs and quarterback Patrick Mahomes landed in Phoenix, the pilot hung a “Chiefs Kingdom” flag out of the window as players, coaches and staff got off the plane and walked across the runway.

About an hour later, it was the Philadelphia Eagles who arrived in Arizona, with an “It's a Philly Thing” flag fluttering in the runway as quarterback Jalen Hurts, coach Nick Sirianni and others made their way to a fleet of buses.

The Chiefs will face the Eagles on Feb. 12 in Glendale, Arizona.

Both teams landed at Goldwater Air National Guard Base in ideal Phoenix winter weather — bright sunshine and temperatures in the low 70s. Team personnel occasionally stopped to take pictures and videos on the runway.

Former Chiefs star Christian Okoye was on hand to pass out hats to Kansas City's players as they got off the plane. The former star running back lives in Southern California and made the short trip to Phoenix.

“They called me and wanted me to come over here and welcome the team,” Okoye said. “So I said ‘Yes, of course' — my team's over here getting ready to win the Super Bowl.”

Oddsmakers are expecting a good game, though they disagree with Okoye and are giving the Eagles a slight edge. Philadelphia opened as a 1 1/2-point favorite,&nbsp;<a href="https://sportsbook.fanduel.com/navigation/nfl">according to FanDuel Sportsbook</a>.

The Chiefs advanced to their third Super Bowl in four seasons when Harrison Butker made a 45-yard field goal with 3 seconds left to push Kansas City past the Cincinnati Bengals 23-20 in the AFC championship game last weekend.

The Eagles routed the San Francisco 49ers 31-7 in the NFC title game. They’ve looked dominant in the playoffs so far, also beating the New York Giants 38-7 in the divisional round.

Philadelphia is back in the Super Bowl five years after beating the New England Patriots 41-33.

Now a mostly new generation of Eagles — led by Hurts and Sirianni — will come to Arizona to try and win another title.

The teams will both take part in the “Super Bowl LVII Opening Night” on Monday in downtown Phoenix, where all the players and coaches from both teams are available for the annual media extravaganza.

Then it's down to business. The Chiefs will practice throughout the week at Arizona State's football facilities while the Eagles will do their preparation at the Arizona Cardinals' practice facility.

There are no shortage of storylines: Kansas City coach Andy Reid goes against his former team — which he led to Super Bowl 39 — in a game that’s also&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/superbowl-black-quarterbacks-faceoff-1ac07534cd91fd06c70424ec3b1ce7cf">the first matchup of Black starting quarterbacks</a>&nbsp;in the Super Bowl with Mahomes and Hurts.

There’s also a brother-against-brother showdown between Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce and Philadelphia center Jason Kelce.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1675680634233.jpeg" alt="Former Kansas City Chiefs running back Christian Okoye greets the team as they arrive in Phoenix Sunday, Feb. 5, 2023 in preparation for Super Bowl XVII. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)" />
 <figcaption>Former Kansas City Chiefs running back Christian Okoye greets the team as they arrive in Phoenix Sunday, Feb. 5, 2023 in preparation for Super Bowl XVII. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVE BRANDT AP Sports WriterPHOENIX (AP) — A few minutes after the Kansas City Chiefs and quarterback Patrick Mahomes landed in Phoenix, the pilot hung a “Chiefs Kingdom” flag out of the window as players, coaches and staff got off the plane and walked across the runway.About an hour later, it was the Philadelphia Eagles who arrived in Arizona, with an “It's a Philly Thing” flag fluttering in the runway as quarterback Jalen Hurts, coach Nick Sirianni and others made their way to a fleet of buses.Super Bowl 57 is just one week away.The Chiefs will face the Eagles on Feb. 12 in Glendale, Arizona.Both teams landed at Goldwater Air National Guard Base in ideal Phoenix winter weather — bright sunshine and temperatures in the low 70s. Team personnel occasionally stopped to take pictures and videos on the runway.Former Chiefs star Christian Okoye was on hand to pass out hats to Kansas City's players as they got off the plane. The former star running back lives in Southern California and made the short trip to Phoenix.“They called me and wanted me to come over here and welcome the team,” Okoye said. “So I said ‘Yes, of course' — my team's over here getting ready to win the Super Bowl.”Oddsmakers are expecting a good game, though they disagree with Okoye and are giving the Eagles a slight edge. Philadelphia opened as a 1 1/2-point favorite,&nbsp;<a href="https://sportsbook.fanduel.com/navigation/nfl">according to FanDuel Sportsbook</a>.The Chiefs advanced to their third Super Bowl in four seasons when Harrison Butker made a 45-yard field goal with 3 seconds left to push Kansas City past the Cincinnati Bengals 23-20 in the AFC championship game last weekend.The Eagles routed the San Francisco 49ers 31-7 in the NFC title game. They’ve looked dominant in the playoffs so far, also beating the New York Giants 38-7 in the divisional round.Philadelphia is back in the Super Bowl five years after beating the New England Patriots 41-33.Now a mostly new generation of Eagles — led by Hurts and Sirianni — will come to Arizona to try and win another title.The teams will both take part in the “Super Bowl LVII Opening Night” on Monday in downtown Phoenix, where all the players and coaches from both teams are available for the annual media extravaganza.Then it's down to business. The Chiefs will practice throughout the week at Arizona State's football facilities while the Eagles will do their preparation at the Arizona Cardinals' practice facility.There are no shortage of storylines: Kansas City coach Andy Reid goes against his former team — which he led to Super Bowl 39 — in a game that’s also&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/superbowl-black-quarterbacks-faceoff-1ac07534cd91fd06c70424ec3b1ce7cf">the first matchup of Black starting quarterbacks</a>&nbsp;in the Super Bowl with Mahomes and Hurts.There’s also a brother-against-brother showdown between Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce and Philadelphia center Jason Kelce.

🏈 Chiefs, Eagles land in Phoenix, prepare for Super Bowl 57

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Clark Hunt proudly held aloft the AFC championship trophy bearing his father's name, the one signifying that his Kansas City Chiefs were headed back to the Super Bowl for the third time in four years, and reflected that not so long ago, success seemed elusive.

It had been 50 years between Super Bowl trips when Chiefs coach Andy Reid and quarterback Patrick Mahomes led them back the NFL's apex in 2020 — five full decades of heartbreak, disappointment and oftentimes despair.

The always-pragmatic Hunt uses the stretch in football's wilderness to keep the current ride in perspective.

“I don't know that it gets better,” Hunt said this week, "but we do know not to take it for granted. One of the things about going 50 years between Super Bowls is it teaches you how to appreciate it. You know, certainly over the last five years, we've been blessed playing in five straight AFC championship games, all here at home, and the three Super Bowls you mentioned.

“It's special, but we're not going to take it for granted,” he said.

Nor does his counterpart, Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie, who purchased the franchise in the 1990s and lost four conference title games and a Super Bowl before finally winning his first Lombardi Trophy. The Eagles reached two more playoffs before sliding to a 4-11-1 record two years ago.

Most of those years of excruciating letdowns came while Reid was the coach, which only adds to the subplots in the Feb. 12 Super Bowl in Glendale, Arizona.

“Jeffrey is a phenomenal owner,” said Reid, whose affinity for the man who gave him a chance to be a head coach was hardly harmed by Lurie firing him. “He did a great job for me, my family, everything.”

In truth, both owners have done well for their franchises and their cities.

Hunt had unimaginably large shoes to fill when his father, Texas businessman Lamar Hunt, died in 2006. The elder Hunt remains a beloved figure in Kansas City. He helped found the AFL, established the Chiefs and even coined the term “Super Bowl.” He also was one of the key figures in the creation of Major League Soccer.

Clark Hunt made plenty of missteps early, including a series of coaches and general managers that he hired with great fanfare but produced little results. Slowly, steadily and often behind the scenes, Hunt was becoming one of the NFL's most respected owners, sitting on important committees and even helping to end the 2011 lockout.

Two years later, Hunt changed the Chiefs' entire trajectory with a trip to Philadelphia.

Reid had just been fired when Hunt, who had just fired Romeo Crennel, picked up the phone and set up a meeting. The interview came Jan. 2, 2013, in a conference room in a Philadelphia-area airport, where a plane sent by the Cardinals to ferry Reid to Arizona for another interview was waiting on the tarmac.

Hunt proved two things that day: He was an astute businessman and exceptional salesman. The owner convinced Reid they could build a winner in Kansas City — he never did get on that other plane. Over the past decade, they have done just that: seven straight AFC West titles, four conference titles and, they hope, a second Lombardi Trophy.

By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports WriterKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Clark Hunt proudly held aloft the AFC championship trophy bearing his father's name, the one signifying that his Kansas City Chiefs were headed back to the Super Bowl for the third time in four years, and reflected that not so long ago, success seemed elusive.It had been 50 years between Super Bowl trips when Chiefs coach Andy Reid and quarterback Patrick Mahomes led them back the NFL's apex in 2020 — five full decades of heartbreak, disappointment and oftentimes despair.The always-pragmatic Hunt uses the stretch in football's wilderness to keep the current ride in perspective.“I don't know that it gets better,” Hunt said this week, "but we do know not to take it for granted. One of the things about going 50 years between Super Bowls is it teaches you how to appreciate it. You know, certainly over the last five years, we've been blessed playing in five straight AFC championship games, all here at home, and the three Super Bowls you mentioned.“It's special, but we're not going to take it for granted,” he said.Nor does his counterpart, Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie, who purchased the franchise in the 1990s and lost four conference title games and a Super Bowl before finally winning his first Lombardi Trophy. The Eagles reached two more playoffs before sliding to a 4-11-1 record two years ago.Most of those years of excruciating letdowns came while Reid was the coach, which only adds to the subplots in the Feb. 12 Super Bowl in Glendale, Arizona.“Jeffrey is a phenomenal owner,” said Reid, whose affinity for the man who gave him a chance to be a head coach was hardly harmed by Lurie firing him. “He did a great job for me, my family, everything.”In truth, both owners have done well for their franchises and their cities.Hunt had unimaginably large shoes to fill when his father, Texas businessman Lamar Hunt, died in 2006. The elder Hunt remains a beloved figure in Kansas City. He helped found the AFL, established the Chiefs and even coined the term “Super Bowl.” He also was one of the key figures in the creation of Major League Soccer.Clark Hunt made plenty of missteps early, including a series of coaches and general managers that he hired with great fanfare but produced little results. Slowly, steadily and often behind the scenes, Hunt was becoming one of the NFL's most respected owners, sitting on important committees and even helping to end the 2011 lockout.Two years later, Hunt changed the Chiefs' entire trajectory with a trip to Philadelphia.Reid had just been fired when Hunt, who had just fired Romeo Crennel, picked up the phone and set up a meeting. The interview came Jan. 2, 2013, in a conference room in a Philadelphia-area airport, where a plane sent by the Cardinals to ferry Reid to Arizona for another interview was waiting on the tarmac.Hunt proved two things that day: He was an astute businessman and exceptional salesman. The owner convinced Reid they could build a winner in Kansas City — he never did get on that other plane. Over the past decade, they have done just that: seven straight AFC West titles, four conference titles and, they hope, a second Lombardi Trophy.“Internally we had high expectations,” Hunt said, "but if you listen to much of the national media, you know, you would've thought that we had no chance this season. I remember Andy commenting in response to a questions that, ‘We’re not going to be too bad ourselves,' because people were talking about these other teams in the AFC West.“Obviously, really, the credit goes to Andy and the coaching staff.”Along with the owner.In Philadelphia, Reid's firing gave way to ultra-successful college coach Chip Kelly taking the reins. When that experiment failed, Lurie, a movie producer, plucked away Reid's offensive coordinator, Doug Pederson. Within two years, Pederson had done what Reid could not: win the Super Bowl.Pederson went to two more playoffs before things fell apart. He was fired, too. Lurie's off-the-radar replacement was Nick Sirianni, then the offensive coordinator of the Colts.If Hunt's hiring of Reid underscored his salesmanship and business acumen, Lurie's decision highlighted his keen eye for talent and willingness to take a gamble.The Eagles lost in in the wild-card round in Sirianni's first season, and in his second, they are back in the big game.“I can't overestimate the value of the coaches,” Lurie said. “Nick is outstanding — smart, connects with everybody, cares, is passionate. And at the same time, his staff is outstanding. They are all similar age, they are young, they get along great. You have to have a great culture of a coaching staff. He has that.”Yet it's Lurie who has established a culture of success within the Eagles organization. Just like Hunt has done with the Chiefs.“I’ve been out to eat with him a few times. I talk to him when he’s around the building because he’s here a lot," Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert said of Lurie. “Just really thankful for him and everything he gives the team so we can be as successful as we have been. He fits right along with the Philadelphia culture. He knows how important Eagles football is to the city.”