MANHTATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Kansas State hired Jerome Tang to be its next basketball coach Monday, entrusting a program that's had plenty of recent success but fallen on hard times to one of the architects of Baylor's rise to national prominence.

The Wildcats hired Tang to replace Bruce Weber two days after the top-seeded Bears were eliminated from the NCAA Tournament by North Carolina in overtime. Kansas State athletic director Gene Taylor flew to Texas to meet with Tang on Sunday and the two sides finalized a six-year contract that will pay more than $14 million the next morning.

“I am beyond excited to be the next head basketball coach at Kansas State,” Tang said. “Having the opportunity to build on a program with a rich basketball history at a prestigious university is truly a blessing. We look forward to bringing an exciting style of basketball to K-State while helping our student-athletes succeed on the court and in life.”

Tang will be paid $2.1 million in his first season with a $100,000 increase in base salary each of the next five years, making his compensation $2.6 million for the 2027-28 season. His contract is expected to include several incentives, too.

“As we conducted a national search to find our next head coach, we wanted to identify an individual who can lead our program to consistently high levels while maintaining the integrity that our program is known for," Taylor said. "When we first met with Jerome, he was very impressive, and that continued throughout the duration of our search.”

Tang was part of Scott Drew's initial staff at Baylor in 2003, when the program was reeling from crippling NCAA penalties that included an inability to play a nonconference schedule. Together the two built a juggernaut in Waco, an unprecedented rise that culminated last season with Baylor beating Gonzaga 86-70 in the national title game.

The Bears also won their first Big 12 title last season — their first championship in any conference in 71 years — and shared the award with Kansas this season before an early exit in the league tournament.

“Coach Tang and I have been together for 19 years, and he’s had opportunities before,” Drew said over the weekend, “but obviously each year those opportunities grow, and deservedly so. He’s done a remarkable job.”

Tang, who previously spent 10 seasons at powerhouse Heritage Christian Academy in Texas, is also known for his recruiting ability. Among those Tang brought to Baylor were Ishmael Wainright, Al Freeman and Johnathan Motley as part of his 2013 class, and Kendall Brown, Langston Love and Jeremy Sochan in last year's No. 4-ranked recruiting class.

“He's a terrific coach,” Drew said, “and there's a big reason why we've been successful: Because we have a great staff. And he's a big part of it. So when he chooses to go, I know he will do a great job — and hopefully we won't have to play him."

It appears Drew won't get his wish in that respect.

Drew's coaching tree is quickly becoming one of the most impressive in basketball. Matt Driscoll is in his 13th season at North Florida and has been to the NCAA Tournament; Grant McCasland took North Texas to the tourney last year and was thought to be in the running for the Kansas State job; and Paul Mills took Oral Roberts to the Sweet 16 last season.

The Wildcats would welcome that kind of success the way the past few years have gone.

Weber resigned under pressure after three straight losing seasons, capped by a loss to West Virginia on the opening night of the Big 12 Tournament. All the goodwill earned over five NCAA Tournament trips and an Elite Eight was gone amid a 34-58 overall record and 13-41 mark in conference play the past three years.

Yet if nothing else, Weber underscored that it's possible to win in Manhattan, where there is no fertile recruiting base and the nearest major city — and major airport — is a 2-hour car trip down Interstate 70.

The Wildcats won a share of the Big 12 title in 2013 with a team that Weber largely inherited from Frank Martin, then they did again in 2019 with a team of his own construction. They also have appeared in nine NCAA tournaments since 2008, the year Martin ended a 12-year-long drought by taking Kansas State to the second round.

Martin also had the Wildcats in the Elite Eight in 2010 during four NCAA tourney trips in his five seasons.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647893053756.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>MANHTATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Kansas State hired Jerome Tang to be its next basketball coach Monday, entrusting a program that's had plenty of recent success but fallen on hard times to one of the architects of Baylor's rise to national prominence.The Wildcats hired Tang to replace Bruce Weber two days after the top-seeded Bears were eliminated from the NCAA Tournament by North Carolina in overtime. Kansas State athletic director Gene Taylor flew to Texas to meet with Tang on Sunday and the two sides finalized a six-year contract that will pay more than $14 million the next morning.“I am beyond excited to be the next head basketball coach at Kansas State,” Tang said. “Having the opportunity to build on a program with a rich basketball history at a prestigious university is truly a blessing. We look forward to bringing an exciting style of basketball to K-State while helping our student-athletes succeed on the court and in life.”Tang will be paid $2.1 million in his first season with a $100,000 increase in base salary each of the next five years, making his compensation $2.6 million for the 2027-28 season. His contract is expected to include several incentives, too.“As we conducted a national search to find our next head coach, we wanted to identify an individual who can lead our program to consistently high levels while maintaining the integrity that our program is known for," Taylor said. "When we first met with Jerome, he was very impressive, and that continued throughout the duration of our search.”Tang was part of Scott Drew's initial staff at Baylor in 2003, when the program was reeling from crippling NCAA penalties that included an inability to play a nonconference schedule. Together the two built a juggernaut in Waco, an unprecedented rise that culminated last season with Baylor beating Gonzaga 86-70 in the national title game.The Bears also won their first Big 12 title last season — their first championship in any conference in 71 years — and shared the award with Kansas this season before an early exit in the league tournament.“Coach Tang and I have been together for 19 years, and he’s had opportunities before,” Drew said over the weekend, “but obviously each year those opportunities grow, and deservedly so. He’s done a remarkable job.”Tang, who previously spent 10 seasons at powerhouse Heritage Christian Academy in Texas, is also known for his recruiting ability. Among those Tang brought to Baylor were Ishmael Wainright, Al Freeman and Johnathan Motley as part of his 2013 class, and Kendall Brown, Langston Love and Jeremy Sochan in last year's No. 4-ranked recruiting class.“He's a terrific coach,” Drew said, “and there's a big reason why we've been successful: Because we have a great staff. And he's a big part of it. So when he chooses to go, I know he will do a great job — and hopefully we won't have to play him."It appears Drew won't get his wish in that respect.Drew's coaching tree is quickly becoming one of the most impressive in basketball. Matt Driscoll is in his 13th season at North Florida and has been to the NCAA Tournament; Grant McCasland took North Texas to the tourney last year and was thought to be in the running for the Kansas State job; and Paul Mills took Oral Roberts to the Sweet 16 last season.The Wildcats would welcome that kind of success the way the past few years have gone.Weber resigned under pressure after three straight losing seasons, capped by a loss to West Virginia on the opening night of the Big 12 Tournament. All the goodwill earned over five NCAA Tournament trips and an Elite Eight was gone amid a 34-58 overall record and 13-41 mark in conference play the past three years.Yet if nothing else, Weber underscored that it's possible to win in Manhattan, where there is no fertile recruiting base and the nearest major city — and major airport — is a 2-hour car trip down Interstate 70.The Wildcats won a share of the Big 12 title in 2013 with a team that Weber largely inherited from Frank Martin, then they did again in 2019 with a team of his own construction. They also have appeared in nine NCAA tournaments since 2008, the year Martin ended a 12-year-long drought by taking Kansas State to the second round.Martin also had the Wildcats in the Elite Eight in 2010 during four NCAA tourney trips in his five seasons.

🏀 K-State hires Baylor assistant Jerome Tang as hoops coach

<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/index.aspx">FHSU Athletics</a>

HAYS, Kan. - The Fort Hays State tennis team has announced an alteration in its schedule for this week due to the weather forecast in the area. The Tigers were originally scheduled to face off with Tabor College and Bethany College in a pair of non-conference matches Tuesday (March 22) in Lindsborg, Kan. The match with Tabor has been canceled and will not be rescheduled, while the contest against Bethany has been postponed with a make-up date to be determined. The Tigers are next scheduled to hit the court Saturday (March 26) when they face off with Northwest Missouri State in Maryville, Mo. FHSU's next home action is slated for March 30 when the Tigers host Nebraska-Kearney beginning at 3 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/index.aspx">FHSU Athletics</a>HAYS, Kan. - The Fort Hays State tennis team has announced an alteration in its schedule for this week due to the weather forecast in the area. The Tigers were originally scheduled to face off with Tabor College and Bethany College in a pair of non-conference matches Tuesday (March 22) in Lindsborg, Kan. The match with Tabor has been canceled and will not be rescheduled, while the contest against Bethany has been postponed with a make-up date to be determined. The Tigers are next scheduled to hit the court Saturday (March 26) when they face off with Northwest Missouri State in Maryville, Mo. FHSU's next home action is slated for March 30 when the Tigers host Nebraska-Kearney beginning at 3 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🎾 Tigers alter midweek schedule

NEW ORLEANS - Fort Hays State's&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6513">Ryan Stanley</a>&nbsp;has been named the USTFCCCA Central Region Indoor Field Athlete of the Year, announced Friday by the coach's organization. The junior pole vaulter wrapped up the indoor season with his second national title after clearing the 17-9.25 bar on his first attempt. That mark was seven inches past his prior indoor school record of 17-2.25 set just two weeks earlier when he won his first MIAA championship. He is now the defending champion in both the indoor and outdoor national championships. Stanley finished first in six out of his nine competitions throughout the indoor season, including four clearances over 17 feet. He placed second due to total misses in his first event of the year after tying for the top height, with his only other losses coming against four Division I athletes. His clearance at the DII National Championships&nbsp;was the 17th best clearance across all divisions this season. It was the fifth-best mark all-time in Division II and the third-best at the DII Indoor Championships. Member coaches voted on these honors following the completion of the 2022 NCAA DII Indoor Track &amp; Field Championships in Pittsburg, Kansas, but considered performances from both that meet as well as during the regular season. Stanley is the first Tiger to earn the distinguished honor of regional athlete of the year since 2009 when Bryan Haynes was named South Central Indoor Track Athlete of the Year.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647879079334.jpeg" alt="FHSU Athletics" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/index.aspx">FHSU Athletics</a>NEW ORLEANS - Fort Hays State's&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6513">Ryan Stanley</a>&nbsp;has been named the USTFCCCA Central Region Indoor Field Athlete of the Year, announced Friday by the coach's organization. The junior pole vaulter wrapped up the indoor season with his second national title after clearing the 17-9.25 bar on his first attempt. That mark was seven inches past his prior indoor school record of 17-2.25 set just two weeks earlier when he won his first MIAA championship. He is now the defending champion in both the indoor and outdoor national championships. Stanley finished first in six out of his nine competitions throughout the indoor season, including four clearances over 17 feet. He placed second due to total misses in his first event of the year after tying for the top height, with his only other losses coming against four Division I athletes. His clearance at the DII National Championships&nbsp;was the 17th best clearance across all divisions this season. It was the fifth-best mark all-time in Division II and the third-best at the DII Indoor Championships. Member coaches voted on these honors following the completion of the 2022 NCAA DII Indoor Track &amp; Field Championships in Pittsburg, Kansas, but considered performances from both that meet as well as during the regular season. Stanley is the first Tiger to earn the distinguished honor of regional athlete of the year since 2009 when Bryan Haynes was named South Central Indoor Track Athlete of the Year.&nbsp;&nbsp;

👟 FHSU's Stanley Central Region Field Athlete of the Year

HAYS, Kan. - Due to the precipitation in the forecast over the next 36 hours, the Fort Hays State baseball team has postponed its doubleheader scheduled for Tuesday (March 22) against Colorado Christian. A potential make-up date is to be determined. The Tigers will now return to the diamond Friday (March 25) when they open a conference series at Pittsburg State. FHSU will return to Larks Park next Tuesday (March 29) when the Tigers host Newman in an MIAA matchup beginning at 5 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/index.aspx">FHSU Athletics</a>HAYS, Kan. - Due to the precipitation in the forecast over the next 36 hours, the Fort Hays State baseball team has postponed its doubleheader scheduled for Tuesday (March 22) against Colorado Christian. A potential make-up date is to be determined. The Tigers will now return to the diamond Friday (March 25) when they open a conference series at Pittsburg State. FHSU will return to Larks Park next Tuesday (March 29) when the Tigers host Newman in an MIAA matchup beginning at 5 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

⚾ Tigers midweek doubleheader with Colorado Christian postponed

HAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State moved to 13-15 overall with a pair of run-rule wins over Bethany College on Sunday afternoon (Mar. 20) at Tiger Stadium. The Tigers took the opener in five innings by a score of 10-1, then walked off in the sixth inning with an 8-0 victory in game two. Fort Hays State 10, Bethany 1 The Tigers scored in each of the first four innings to build a lead big enough for the run rule, and made it hold up after keeping the Swedes scoreless in the fifth. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6339">Sara Breckbill</a>&nbsp;opened the scoring for the Tigers in the first with a towering two-run home run to left field. In the second inning,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6350">Kiana Blake</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6338">Loren Beggs</a>&nbsp;each had RBI singles and Breckbill added two more to her RBI total with a single. Beggs came in to score on a wild pitch later in the inning, and then the Tigers scored their only run of the third on a wild pitch as well. Blake added the runs necessary to put the run rule in play in the fourth with a two-RBI single. Breckbill finished with four RBIs, while Blake had three.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6635">Regan Curry</a>&nbsp;was a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6352">Savanah Egger</a>&nbsp;battled some control issues in her start and went just 1.2 innings. She struck out four, but walked two and allowed two hits. Bethany's only run was her responsibility in the second.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6351">Morgan Schmidt</a>&nbsp;relieved to strike out six and allowed four hits and two walks in 3.1 innings of relief. She picked up the win moving to 4-3 on the season. Sasha Martello took the loss for Bethany, allowing the first seven runs (two earned) in two innings of work. Fort Hays State 8, Bethany 0 The Tigers almost kept their trend of scoring in each inning alive in game two, but finally went scoreless in the fourth when already leading 6-0. FHSU scored twice in the first, three times in the second, then put up single runs in the third, fifth, and sixth innings to put the run rule on once again. A&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6339">Sara Breckbill</a>&nbsp;sacrifice fly RBI and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6344">Sarah Tiffany</a>&nbsp;RBI double in the first made it 2-0.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6338">Loren Beggs</a>&nbsp;picked up an RBI on a fielder's choice in the second and an extra run scored on the play by error. Tiffany added another RBI on a single making it 5-0. In the third,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6346">Lindsey Kelly</a>&nbsp;lined a pitch over the centerfielder's head that went all the way to the wall. Kelly turned the jets on and wheeled all the way around for an inside-the-park home run, making it 6-0 after three innings.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6342">Jessica Espinoza</a>&nbsp;made it 7-0 in the fifth with an RBI single, then&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6635">Regan Curry</a>&nbsp;got into the RBI act in the sixth, ending the game on an RBI single to center field. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6345">Bailey Carlson</a>&nbsp;threw a complete-game shutout in the circle, striking out six with three hits allowed and one walk. She is now 3-1 on the season. Bethany starter Ravin Moore took the loss in just two innings of work, allowing five runs (three earned). The Tigers return to MIAA play next weekend at Nebraska-Kearney (Mar. 26) for a doubleheader starting at 1 pm.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647815410769.jpeg" alt="Bailey Carlson threw a complete-game shutout in game two of FHSU's doubleheader sweep of Bethany College Sunday afternoon at Tiger Stadium (Courtesy FHSU Athletics, Ryan Prickett)" />
 <figcaption>Bailey Carlson threw a complete-game shutout in game two of FHSU's doubleheader sweep of Bethany College Sunday afternoon at Tiger Stadium (Courtesy FHSU Athletics, Ryan Prickett)</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsHAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State moved to 13-15 overall with a pair of run-rule wins over Bethany College on Sunday afternoon (Mar. 20) at Tiger Stadium. The Tigers took the opener in five innings by a score of 10-1, then walked off in the sixth inning with an 8-0 victory in game two. Fort Hays State 10, Bethany 1 The Tigers scored in each of the first four innings to build a lead big enough for the run rule, and made it hold up after keeping the Swedes scoreless in the fifth. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6339">Sara Breckbill</a>&nbsp;opened the scoring for the Tigers in the first with a towering two-run home run to left field. In the second inning,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6350">Kiana Blake</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6338">Loren Beggs</a>&nbsp;each had RBI singles and Breckbill added two more to her RBI total with a single. Beggs came in to score on a wild pitch later in the inning, and then the Tigers scored their only run of the third on a wild pitch as well. Blake added the runs necessary to put the run rule in play in the fourth with a two-RBI single. Breckbill finished with four RBIs, while Blake had three.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6635">Regan Curry</a>&nbsp;was a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6352">Savanah Egger</a>&nbsp;battled some control issues in her start and went just 1.2 innings. She struck out four, but walked two and allowed two hits. Bethany's only run was her responsibility in the second.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6351">Morgan Schmidt</a>&nbsp;relieved to strike out six and allowed four hits and two walks in 3.1 innings of relief. She picked up the win moving to 4-3 on the season. Sasha Martello took the loss for Bethany, allowing the first seven runs (two earned) in two innings of work. Fort Hays State 8, Bethany 0 The Tigers almost kept their trend of scoring in each inning alive in game two, but finally went scoreless in the fourth when already leading 6-0. FHSU scored twice in the first, three times in the second, then put up single runs in the third, fifth, and sixth innings to put the run rule on once again. A&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6339">Sara Breckbill</a>&nbsp;sacrifice fly RBI and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6344">Sarah Tiffany</a>&nbsp;RBI double in the first made it 2-0.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6338">Loren Beggs</a>&nbsp;picked up an RBI on a fielder's choice in the second and an extra run scored on the play by error. Tiffany added another RBI on a single making it 5-0. In the third,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6346">Lindsey Kelly</a>&nbsp;lined a pitch over the centerfielder's head that went all the way to the wall. Kelly turned the jets on and wheeled all the way around for an inside-the-park home run, making it 6-0 after three innings.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6342">Jessica Espinoza</a>&nbsp;made it 7-0 in the fifth with an RBI single, then&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6635">Regan Curry</a>&nbsp;got into the RBI act in the sixth, ending the game on an RBI single to center field. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6345">Bailey Carlson</a>&nbsp;threw a complete-game shutout in the circle, striking out six with three hits allowed and one walk. She is now 3-1 on the season. Bethany starter Ravin Moore took the loss in just two innings of work, allowing five runs (three earned). The Tigers return to MIAA play next weekend at Nebraska-Kearney (Mar. 26) for a doubleheader starting at 1 pm.

🥎 Tigers defeat Bethany twice by run-rule

<a href="https://okstate.com/index.aspx">Oklahoma State Athletics</a>

STILLWATER&nbsp;–&nbsp;<a href="https://okstate.com/staff.aspx?staff=3651">Jacie Hoyt</a>&nbsp;was introduced as the head coach of Oklahoma State women's basketball on March 20, 2022. She came to OSU after serving as head coach at Kansas City from 2017-22. Her roots in Big 12 country run deep. Her mother, Shelly Hoyt, is a Kansas High School coaching legend and Jacie, who played for her mother in high school at Hoxie, went on to play collegiately at Wichita State. In addition to leading the Kansas City program, Hoyt's coaching career includes stops at Fort Hays State, Nevada and Kansas State. "There are a million reasons to be excited about Oklahoma State," Hoyt said. "First and foremost, it's the people and the leadership there. Everyone I've had conversations with at OSU aligns with the beliefs and characteristics that lead to success. It's the community as well. OSU has a fan base that supports the program and we are passionate about giving them something to proud of." Her work at Kansas City was transformational. In her five seasons at the helm of the Roos, she compiled an 81-65 overall record (55.5 percent) and a 48-31 mark in conference play (60.8 percent). For perspective, the six Kansas City coaches before her combined to go 242-437 overall (35.6 percent) and 144-215 in conference play (40.1 percent). In 2021-22, she coached the Roos to their first postseason appearance in a decade. Hoyt led the Roos to the 2020 Western Athletic Conference regular season championship – the first in program history – and more than 20 wins in two of her final three seasons. She was honored as the 2020 WAC Coach of the Year to become the first Kansas City coach to ever receive such an honor and her top player, Ericka Mattingly, was named WAC Player of the Year. Despite moving to the more difficult Summit League in 2020-21, the Roos finished two spots better than predicted during their first year in the league and placed third in their second year. In 2018-19, the Roos led the WAC and ranked 24th nationally by averaging 76.0 points per game. Making that even more remarkable is that Hoyt inherited a Kansas City program that finished seventh, eighth and fifth in the WAC in scoring offense in the three years prior to her arrival. Twice during Hoyt's tenure did Kansas City finish among the top 50 nationally in scoring offense (2018-19 and 2021-22). "When we started the search for the next head coach of OSU Cowgirl Basketball, we were looking for a program builder, someone with high integrity and energy, a role model for our student-athletes and a recruiter with experience attracting Big 12 caliber players," OSU Athletic Director&nbsp;<a href="https://okstate.com/staff.aspx?staff=369">Chad Weiberg</a>&nbsp;said. "We believe we have found that in Jacie and I look forward to our players and fans getting to know her." A consistent trait the Roos displayed during Hoyt's time as head coach was the ability to shoot. Her 2021-22 squad ranked in the top 30 nationally in both three-point field goal percentage and free throw percentage and her 2020-21 squad finished 17th nationally in three-point field goals made per game. Kansas City ranked 62nd or better nationally in three-point field goals made in four of her five years as head coach and in her final two seasons, ranked 37th and 28th, respectively, in three-point field goal percentage. Another signature trait of Hoyt's Kansas City teams was sharing the ball. In four of her five seasons, the Roos ranked either first or second in the conference in assists per game, leading the league in 2018-19 and 2020-21. She took the reins of the Kansas City program after gaining three years of Big 12 experience as an assistant coach under Jeff Mittie at Kansas State from 2014-17. Hoyt helped the Wildcats to NCAA Tournament victories in back-to-back seasons. The 2016-17 squad won 22 games overall and 11 in Big 12 play, which marked the highest totals for the program in nine seasons. Hoyt recruited and coached seven All-Big 12 student-athletes, including two All-Defensive Team and two All-Freshman Team selections, headlined by Breanna Lewis, the 23rd pick in the 2017 WNBA Draft by the Dallas Wings. She assisted in all facets of recruiting, scouting, game planning and on-court coaching for the Wildcats. Hoyt also coordinated and managed all areas of the elite, overnight and day camps, in addition to the High School Coaching Academy. She was a Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) 30 Under 30 honoree in 2017. Prior to her time in Manhattan, Hoyt's first full-time Division I coaching job came at Nevada, where she was an assistant under her college coach, Jane Albright, from 2011-14. During her time there, Nevada achieved the program's first winning season in three years in 2013-14 and set a program record with 12 victories in Mountain West Conference play. She recruited and coached four all-conference players, including Mimi Mungedi, the 2013-14 Mountain West Co-Defensive Player of the Year and 25th selection in the 2015 WNBA Draft by the Tulsa Shock. Hoyt was a graduate assistant coach at Fort Hays State during the 2010-11 season, where she recruited and coached two All-MIAA selections. She earned a Master of Science in Communication from FHSU. As a student-athlete at Wichita State from 2006-09, Hoyt was a team captain for Albright and started every game at point guard during her final two seasons. In 2008-09, she ranked fourth in the Missouri Valley Conference in assists. She earned the 2009 Iron Shocker Award. Hoyt was also a standout in the classroom, earning a spot on the Missouri Valley Conference, WSU Athletic Director and WSU Dean's Honor Rolls. She graduated Cum Laude with a bachelor's degree in 2009. During her high school years, Hoyt enjoyed one of the most prolific scoring careers in Kansas prep history, finishing with 2,016 points in only three seasons at Hoxie (Kan.) HS. Her career average of 26.6 points per game ranks sixth in state history. As a senior, she averaged 28.4 points, 7.4 assists, 6.3 rebounds and 6.1 steals per game. She was a three-time all-state performer in basketball and volleyball, and was also a state champion in multiple track events. Hoyt comes from a family of educators. She is the daughter of Kansas high school coaching legend Shelly Hoyt, who at one point led Hoxie HS to a state record 107 straight wins and four consecutive state titles. Her mother is currently the head coach at Eureka (Kan.) HS. Her father, Scott, is the superintendent in Eureka and two of her sisters, Tabitha and Corinna, are teachers. A third sister, Terran, served as a graduate assistant on Jacie's staff at Kansas City. She is married to Daniel Heflin. Her appointment is subject to board approval and background check.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://okstate.com/index.aspx">Oklahoma State Athletics</a>STILLWATER&nbsp;–&nbsp;<a href="https://okstate.com/staff.aspx?staff=3651">Jacie Hoyt</a>&nbsp;was introduced as the head coach of Oklahoma State women's basketball on March 20, 2022. She came to OSU after serving as head coach at Kansas City from 2017-22. Her roots in Big 12 country run deep. Her mother, Shelly Hoyt, is a Kansas High School coaching legend and Jacie, who played for her mother in high school at Hoxie, went on to play collegiately at Wichita State. In addition to leading the Kansas City program, Hoyt's coaching career includes stops at Fort Hays State, Nevada and Kansas State. "There are a million reasons to be excited about Oklahoma State," Hoyt said. "First and foremost, it's the people and the leadership there. Everyone I've had conversations with at OSU aligns with the beliefs and characteristics that lead to success. It's the community as well. OSU has a fan base that supports the program and we are passionate about giving them something to proud of." Her work at Kansas City was transformational. In her five seasons at the helm of the Roos, she compiled an 81-65 overall record (55.5 percent) and a 48-31 mark in conference play (60.8 percent). For perspective, the six Kansas City coaches before her combined to go 242-437 overall (35.6 percent) and 144-215 in conference play (40.1 percent). In 2021-22, she coached the Roos to their first postseason appearance in a decade. Hoyt led the Roos to the 2020 Western Athletic Conference regular season championship – the first in program history – and more than 20 wins in two of her final three seasons. She was honored as the 2020 WAC Coach of the Year to become the first Kansas City coach to ever receive such an honor and her top player, Ericka Mattingly, was named WAC Player of the Year. Despite moving to the more difficult Summit League in 2020-21, the Roos finished two spots better than predicted during their first year in the league and placed third in their second year. In 2018-19, the Roos led the WAC and ranked 24th nationally by averaging 76.0 points per game. Making that even more remarkable is that Hoyt inherited a Kansas City program that finished seventh, eighth and fifth in the WAC in scoring offense in the three years prior to her arrival. Twice during Hoyt's tenure did Kansas City finish among the top 50 nationally in scoring offense (2018-19 and 2021-22). "When we started the search for the next head coach of OSU Cowgirl Basketball, we were looking for a program builder, someone with high integrity and energy, a role model for our student-athletes and a recruiter with experience attracting Big 12 caliber players," OSU Athletic Director&nbsp;<a href="https://okstate.com/staff.aspx?staff=369">Chad Weiberg</a>&nbsp;said. "We believe we have found that in Jacie and I look forward to our players and fans getting to know her." A consistent trait the Roos displayed during Hoyt's time as head coach was the ability to shoot. Her 2021-22 squad ranked in the top 30 nationally in both three-point field goal percentage and free throw percentage and her 2020-21 squad finished 17th nationally in three-point field goals made per game. Kansas City ranked 62nd or better nationally in three-point field goals made in four of her five years as head coach and in her final two seasons, ranked 37th and 28th, respectively, in three-point field goal percentage. Another signature trait of Hoyt's Kansas City teams was sharing the ball. In four of her five seasons, the Roos ranked either first or second in the conference in assists per game, leading the league in 2018-19 and 2020-21. She took the reins of the Kansas City program after gaining three years of Big 12 experience as an assistant coach under Jeff Mittie at Kansas State from 2014-17. Hoyt helped the Wildcats to NCAA Tournament victories in back-to-back seasons. The 2016-17 squad won 22 games overall and 11 in Big 12 play, which marked the highest totals for the program in nine seasons. Hoyt recruited and coached seven All-Big 12 student-athletes, including two All-Defensive Team and two All-Freshman Team selections, headlined by Breanna Lewis, the 23rd pick in the 2017 WNBA Draft by the Dallas Wings. She assisted in all facets of recruiting, scouting, game planning and on-court coaching for the Wildcats. Hoyt also coordinated and managed all areas of the elite, overnight and day camps, in addition to the High School Coaching Academy. She was a Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) 30 Under 30 honoree in 2017. Prior to her time in Manhattan, Hoyt's first full-time Division I coaching job came at Nevada, where she was an assistant under her college coach, Jane Albright, from 2011-14. During her time there, Nevada achieved the program's first winning season in three years in 2013-14 and set a program record with 12 victories in Mountain West Conference play. She recruited and coached four all-conference players, including Mimi Mungedi, the 2013-14 Mountain West Co-Defensive Player of the Year and 25th selection in the 2015 WNBA Draft by the Tulsa Shock. Hoyt was a graduate assistant coach at Fort Hays State during the 2010-11 season, where she recruited and coached two All-MIAA selections. She earned a Master of Science in Communication from FHSU. As a student-athlete at Wichita State from 2006-09, Hoyt was a team captain for Albright and started every game at point guard during her final two seasons. In 2008-09, she ranked fourth in the Missouri Valley Conference in assists. She earned the 2009 Iron Shocker Award. Hoyt was also a standout in the classroom, earning a spot on the Missouri Valley Conference, WSU Athletic Director and WSU Dean's Honor Rolls. She graduated Cum Laude with a bachelor's degree in 2009. During her high school years, Hoyt enjoyed one of the most prolific scoring careers in Kansas prep history, finishing with 2,016 points in only three seasons at Hoxie (Kan.) HS. Her career average of 26.6 points per game ranks sixth in state history. As a senior, she averaged 28.4 points, 7.4 assists, 6.3 rebounds and 6.1 steals per game. She was a three-time all-state performer in basketball and volleyball, and was also a state champion in multiple track events. Hoyt comes from a family of educators. She is the daughter of Kansas high school coaching legend Shelly Hoyt, who at one point led Hoxie HS to a state record 107 straight wins and four consecutive state titles. Her mother is currently the head coach at Eureka (Kan.) HS. Her father, Scott, is the superintendent in Eureka and two of her sisters, Tabitha and Corinna, are teachers. A third sister, Terran, served as a graduate assistant on Jacie's staff at Kansas City. She is married to Daniel Heflin. Her appointment is subject to board approval and background check.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀 Hoyt named new Oklahoma State women's coach

HAYS, Kan. - The Fort Hays State baseball team dropped Sunday's series finale against Central Oklahoma, 12-0, at Larks Park. Broncho starter Lawson Isaacs tossed a seven-inning perfect game, retiring all 21 batters he faced. The Tigers put the ball in play 16 times, including 11 flyouts and five ground outs. Fort Hays State turned a pair of double plays in the contest, including an around-the-horn double dip to end the first inning and a strike-em-out, throw-em-out double play to end the fifth. Half of Central Oklahoma's 12 runs were unearned after a pair of Tiger errors. UCO finished the game with 12 hits. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6310">Jake Campbell</a>&nbsp;(0-5) took the loss after allowing seven runs (three earned) on nine hits over 4.0 innings of work. The starter struck out one and did not walk a batter.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6313">Cade Flaherty</a>&nbsp;added two strikeouts in 2.0 innings of relief while giving up three runs on two hits and three walks.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6337">Cole Zimmerman</a>&nbsp;tossed the final inning out of the bullpen, allowing two unearned runs on one hit and two walks. The Tigers are scheduled to return to action Tuesday for a midweek doubleheader against Colorado Christian. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647813469183.jpeg" alt="Jake Campbell suffered the loss in the Tigers series finale with Central Oklahoma Sunday afternoon at Larks Park (Courtesy FHSU Athletics, Ryan Prickett)" />
 <figcaption>Jake Campbell suffered the loss in the Tigers series finale with Central Oklahoma Sunday afternoon at Larks Park (Courtesy FHSU Athletics, Ryan Prickett)</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/index.aspx">FHSU Athletics</a>HAYS, Kan. - The Fort Hays State baseball team dropped Sunday's series finale against Central Oklahoma, 12-0, at Larks Park. Broncho starter Lawson Isaacs tossed a seven-inning perfect game, retiring all 21 batters he faced. The Tigers put the ball in play 16 times, including 11 flyouts and five ground outs. Fort Hays State turned a pair of double plays in the contest, including an around-the-horn double dip to end the first inning and a strike-em-out, throw-em-out double play to end the fifth. Half of Central Oklahoma's 12 runs were unearned after a pair of Tiger errors. UCO finished the game with 12 hits. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6310">Jake Campbell</a>&nbsp;(0-5) took the loss after allowing seven runs (three earned) on nine hits over 4.0 innings of work. The starter struck out one and did not walk a batter.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6313">Cade Flaherty</a>&nbsp;added two strikeouts in 2.0 innings of relief while giving up three runs on two hits and three walks.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6337">Cole Zimmerman</a>&nbsp;tossed the final inning out of the bullpen, allowing two unearned runs on one hit and two walks. The Tigers are scheduled to return to action Tuesday for a midweek doubleheader against Colorado Christian. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

⚾ Tigers fall in series finale with Bronchos

HAYS, Kan. - The Fort Hays State baseball team rallied from 6-1 down to get the tying run 90 feet away in the ninth inning Saturday, but Central Oklahoma held on for the 6-5 win after back-to-back strikeouts closed things out. The Tigers (3-21, 2-10 MIAA) scored the final four runs in the game, but six Broncho (13-10, 7-5 MIAA) runs over the first four innings proved to be just enough. Central Oklahoma scored a pair of two-out runs in the top of the first before the Tigers cut the deficit in half in the home half. A solid single from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6328">Ed Scott</a>&nbsp;followed walks to&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6620">Jenner Kehe</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6318">Brady Kreutzer</a>, loading the bases with no outs.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6327">Grant Schmidt</a>&nbsp;came through with a sacrifice fly to center, plating Kehe, but the Bronchos got out of the jam with a strikeout, batter interference double play. Tiger starter&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6324">Hunter Parker</a>&nbsp;(0-5) retired the side in order in the second before the Bronchos put together another two-out rally in the third, scoring two more runs on three hits. UCO tacked on another two-spot in the fourth, pushing the lead to 6-1. Fort Hays State answered right back, scoring two runs of its own in the bottom of the fourth. Scott reached on an error to lead things off before Broncho starter Tucker Elliott (2-1) walked four consecutive batters, making the score 6-3. But Elliott finally got out of the jam with a strikeout and a double play ball to short. Parker worked around a hit in the fifth before&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6305">Zach Berg</a>&nbsp;came on to pitch in the sixth. The reliver tossed four scoreless innings, allowing just one hit while striking out two batters to give the Tigers the chance to complete the comeback. The Tigers scored one final run off Elliott in the fifth when Kehe worked his second walk of the game. The speedy second baseman took second on a wild pitch before advancing to third on a fly ball to right. He later scored on a wild pitch, helping the Tigers close within 6-4. Central Oklahoma went to the bullpen in the sixth, with the Tigers stranding runners on the corners before going down in order in the seventh against A.J. Ozorio-Brace. Fort Hays State closed within one in the bottom of the eighth on a solo home run from Schmidt, the senior's team-best seventh home run of the season. The Hastings, Neb. native swung at the first pitch thrown by reliever Beaux Bonvillain, sending a no-doubter sailing over the wall in dead center. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6333">Kade Wallace</a>&nbsp;followed with a single, but the hard-throwing lefty got out of the inning with a pop up, a strikeout and a ground out. After Berg retired the final six batters he faced, pinch hitter&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6313">Cade Flaherty</a>&nbsp;opened the bottom of the ninth with a base knock to left off UCO closer Kyler Patterson. Kehe followed with a single to center, putting the winning run on base with zero outs. Pinch runner&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6315">Dylan Hupfer</a>&nbsp;advanced to third on a hard-hit flyout from Kreutzer before Patterson locked down his fifth save of the season with back-to-back strikeouts. Parker struck out three batters across 5.0 innings of work, giving up six runs on seven hits and four walks. Schmidt scored two runs and drove in two more, while Wallace (2-for-3) was the lone Tiger with multiple hits. The Tigers and Bronchos will meet up in the series finale Sunday afternoon beginning at 1 p.m. at Larks Park.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647752281626.jpeg" alt="FHSU's Zach&nbsp; Berg pitched four scoreless innings vs. Central Oklahoma Saturday at Larks Park (Courtesy FHSU Athletics, Nicole Heitmann)" />
 <figcaption>FHSU's Zach&nbsp; Berg pitched four scoreless innings vs. Central Oklahoma Saturday at Larks Park (Courtesy FHSU Athletics, Nicole Heitmann)</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/index.aspx">FHSU Athletics</a>HAYS, Kan. - The Fort Hays State baseball team rallied from 6-1 down to get the tying run 90 feet away in the ninth inning Saturday, but Central Oklahoma held on for the 6-5 win after back-to-back strikeouts closed things out. The Tigers (3-21, 2-10 MIAA) scored the final four runs in the game, but six Broncho (13-10, 7-5 MIAA) runs over the first four innings proved to be just enough. Central Oklahoma scored a pair of two-out runs in the top of the first before the Tigers cut the deficit in half in the home half. A solid single from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6328">Ed Scott</a>&nbsp;followed walks to&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6620">Jenner Kehe</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6318">Brady Kreutzer</a>, loading the bases with no outs.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6327">Grant Schmidt</a>&nbsp;came through with a sacrifice fly to center, plating Kehe, but the Bronchos got out of the jam with a strikeout, batter interference double play. Tiger starter&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6324">Hunter Parker</a>&nbsp;(0-5) retired the side in order in the second before the Bronchos put together another two-out rally in the third, scoring two more runs on three hits. UCO tacked on another two-spot in the fourth, pushing the lead to 6-1. Fort Hays State answered right back, scoring two runs of its own in the bottom of the fourth. Scott reached on an error to lead things off before Broncho starter Tucker Elliott (2-1) walked four consecutive batters, making the score 6-3. But Elliott finally got out of the jam with a strikeout and a double play ball to short. Parker worked around a hit in the fifth before&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6305">Zach Berg</a>&nbsp;came on to pitch in the sixth. The reliver tossed four scoreless innings, allowing just one hit while striking out two batters to give the Tigers the chance to complete the comeback. The Tigers scored one final run off Elliott in the fifth when Kehe worked his second walk of the game. The speedy second baseman took second on a wild pitch before advancing to third on a fly ball to right. He later scored on a wild pitch, helping the Tigers close within 6-4. Central Oklahoma went to the bullpen in the sixth, with the Tigers stranding runners on the corners before going down in order in the seventh against A.J. Ozorio-Brace. Fort Hays State closed within one in the bottom of the eighth on a solo home run from Schmidt, the senior's team-best seventh home run of the season. The Hastings, Neb. native swung at the first pitch thrown by reliever Beaux Bonvillain, sending a no-doubter sailing over the wall in dead center. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6333">Kade Wallace</a>&nbsp;followed with a single, but the hard-throwing lefty got out of the inning with a pop up, a strikeout and a ground out. After Berg retired the final six batters he faced, pinch hitter&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6313">Cade Flaherty</a>&nbsp;opened the bottom of the ninth with a base knock to left off UCO closer Kyler Patterson. Kehe followed with a single to center, putting the winning run on base with zero outs. Pinch runner&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6315">Dylan Hupfer</a>&nbsp;advanced to third on a hard-hit flyout from Kreutzer before Patterson locked down his fifth save of the season with back-to-back strikeouts. Parker struck out three batters across 5.0 innings of work, giving up six runs on seven hits and four walks. Schmidt scored two runs and drove in two more, while Wallace (2-for-3) was the lone Tiger with multiple hits. The Tigers and Bronchos will meet up in the series finale Sunday afternoon beginning at 1 p.m. at Larks Park.&nbsp;&nbsp;

⚾ Tiger rally vs. Bronchos falls one run short

FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — Remy Martin hadn't led Kansas in scoring all season coming into the NCAA Tournament.

The fifth-year senior transfer from Arizona State is 2 for 2 on the big stage.

Martin scored 20 points, Ochai Agbaji put the Jayhawks ahead for good with his first basket early in the second half, and Kansas held off Creighton 79-72 on Saturday to advance to the Sweet 16.

A sore knee had Martin in and out of the lineup before he missed almost a month during Big 12 play. His first two double-figure games since December came in the Big 12 Tournament, helping the Jayhawks (30-6) win that title.

Now he's led them to their 32nd Sweet 16, where they will play either Richmond or Providence.

“With the guys and my family, the group, they’re a pretty tight-knit group,” Martin said. “They keep my confidence going. They keep my mental going. I always felt like I had something in me, but there’s nothing to it. I just keep it simple.”

The short-handed Bluejays (23-12) stayed close with an uncharacteristically hot showing from 3-point range. One of the worst teams in the country from beyond the arc, ninth-seeded Creighton went 12 of 28. Arthur Kaluma was 4 of 10 and scored 24 points.

The biggest 3 came from freshman Trey Alexander, who swished an off-balance heave from well behind the line as the shot clock was about to expire for a 73-70 deficit with 2:25 to go.&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/MarchMadnessMBB/status/1505296623164747777?s=20&amp;t=cUiVK96chx7joCL8OElyRQ" target="_blank">Keyshawn Feazell's bucket soon after</a>&nbsp;got Creighton within one.

The Bluejays had a chance to go ahead in the final minute, but Alexander's errant pass went off Alex O'Connell's hands. Agbaji scooped up the loose ball and took for a breakaway dunk, the last of his 13 second-half points.

Agbaji finished with 15 points, Christian Braun added 13 with a big 3 late in the second half and Jalen Wilson had 14 points and 14 rebounds.

Creighton, which reached the Sweet 16 last year, used just six players after losing 7-footer Ryan Kalkbrenner to a knee injury late in overtime of a 72-69 win over San Diego State on Thursday.

Point guard Ryan Nembhard, the Big East freshman of the year, was lost to wrist surgery late in the season, forcing the Bluejays to lean more on Alexander.

“Just to be resilient to come back and keep getting up every time you get knocked down, it’s just a silly little game, but I think it teaches you a lot about life in that regard,” senior Ryan Hawkins said. “I think this group’s got a lot of fire in them. I couldn’t be prouder of how we finished the season out.”

<a href="https://twitter.com/MarchMadnessMBB/status/1505269236129689603?s=20&amp;t=CWMpcXH5th1AabnN2zWJHw" target="_blank">Hawkins drained a 3-pointer</a>&nbsp;from well behind the arc 13 seconds into the game for Creighton and finished 3 of 6 from distance with 14 points. O’Connell was 3 of 8 and scored 16. Alexander finished with 14 points.

Martin, the 6-foot guard who scored 15 points in a blowout of Texas Southern in the opening round, had 16 in the first half off the bench. The Bluejays gave him room to shoot, and he went 2 of 4 from 3 and 6 of 9 overall before the break.

“You’ve got to have guys take some marginal shots and make them,” coach Bill Self said. “And Remy obviously took good shots, but you don’t expect a guy ... you don’t expect point guards to do that. But that kept us in the game. We’re a different team with him.”

Creighton: The Bluejays wouldn't go away in the second half despite having three players on the court the entire 40 minutes and another for 38. They struggled to get closer than six points before the surge that gave them a chance to pull the upset.

“It was a good chess match in that regard,” coach Greg McDermott said. “The only difference is (Self) had nine or 10 guys down there to choose from, and we had seven.”

Kansas: The go-ahead bucket by Agbaji early in the second half came after the Big 12 player of the year missed all four shots in the first half. He was 1 of 7 from the field when he soared for an offensive rebound and hit the putback. His only 3-pointer came later.

Kansas tied Kentucky in all-time wins and 30-win seasons. Each program has 2,353 wins and 16 seasons with at 30 victories. The milestones came two days after Kentucky lost to Saint Peter’s 85-79 in overtime as the second seed in the East Region.

O'Connell and Kaluma connected on alley-oop dunks twice, with O'Connell feeding Kaluma both times.&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/MarchMadnessMBB/status/1505278200414236672?s=20&amp;t=CWMpcXH5th1AabnN2zWJHw" target="_blank">The first was late in the first half</a>. The second came soon after halftime, and&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/MarchMadnessMBB/status/1505286613869367300?s=20&amp;t=CWMpcXH5th1AabnN2zWJHw" target="_blank">drew a smile from O'Connell</a>&nbsp;as he glanced toward his teammate on their way to the other end of the court.

FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — Remy Martin hadn't led Kansas in scoring all season coming into the NCAA Tournament.The fifth-year senior transfer from Arizona State is 2 for 2 on the big stage.Martin scored 20 points, Ochai Agbaji put the Jayhawks ahead for good with his first basket early in the second half, and Kansas held off Creighton 79-72 on Saturday to advance to the Sweet 16.A sore knee had Martin in and out of the lineup before he missed almost a month during Big 12 play. His first two double-figure games since December came in the Big 12 Tournament, helping the Jayhawks (30-6) win that title.Now he's led them to their 32nd Sweet 16, where they will play either Richmond or Providence.“With the guys and my family, the group, they’re a pretty tight-knit group,” Martin said. “They keep my confidence going. They keep my mental going. I always felt like I had something in me, but there’s nothing to it. I just keep it simple.”The short-handed Bluejays (23-12) stayed close with an uncharacteristically hot showing from 3-point range. One of the worst teams in the country from beyond the arc, ninth-seeded Creighton went 12 of 28. Arthur Kaluma was 4 of 10 and scored 24 points.The biggest 3 came from freshman Trey Alexander, who swished an off-balance heave from well behind the line as the shot clock was about to expire for a 73-70 deficit with 2:25 to go.&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/MarchMadnessMBB/status/1505296623164747777?s=20&amp;t=cUiVK96chx7joCL8OElyRQ" target="_blank">Keyshawn Feazell's bucket soon after</a>&nbsp;got Creighton within one.The Bluejays had a chance to go ahead in the final minute, but Alexander's errant pass went off Alex O'Connell's hands. Agbaji scooped up the loose ball and took for a breakaway dunk, the last of his 13 second-half points.Agbaji finished with 15 points, Christian Braun added 13 with a big 3 late in the second half and Jalen Wilson had 14 points and 14 rebounds.Creighton, which reached the Sweet 16 last year, used just six players after losing 7-footer Ryan Kalkbrenner to a knee injury late in overtime of a 72-69 win over San Diego State on Thursday.Point guard Ryan Nembhard, the Big East freshman of the year, was lost to wrist surgery late in the season, forcing the Bluejays to lean more on Alexander.“Just to be resilient to come back and keep getting up every time you get knocked down, it’s just a silly little game, but I think it teaches you a lot about life in that regard,” senior Ryan Hawkins said. “I think this group’s got a lot of fire in them. I couldn’t be prouder of how we finished the season out.”<a href="https://twitter.com/MarchMadnessMBB/status/1505269236129689603?s=20&amp;t=CWMpcXH5th1AabnN2zWJHw" target="_blank">Hawkins drained a 3-pointer</a>&nbsp;from well behind the arc 13 seconds into the game for Creighton and finished 3 of 6 from distance with 14 points. O’Connell was 3 of 8 and scored 16. Alexander finished with 14 points.Martin, the 6-foot guard who scored 15 points in a blowout of Texas Southern in the opening round, had 16 in the first half off the bench. The Bluejays gave him room to shoot, and he went 2 of 4 from 3 and 6 of 9 overall before the break.“You’ve got to have guys take some marginal shots and make them,” coach Bill Self said. “And Remy obviously took good shots, but you don’t expect a guy ... you don’t expect point guards to do that. But that kept us in the game. We’re a different team with him.”BIG PICTURECreighton: The Bluejays wouldn't go away in the second half despite having three players on the court the entire 40 minutes and another for 38. They struggled to get closer than six points before the surge that gave them a chance to pull the upset.“It was a good chess match in that regard,” coach Greg McDermott said. “The only difference is (Self) had nine or 10 guys down there to choose from, and we had seven.”Kansas: The go-ahead bucket by Agbaji early in the second half came after the Big 12 player of the year missed all four shots in the first half. He was 1 of 7 from the field when he soared for an offensive rebound and hit the putback. His only 3-pointer came later.FIT TO BE TIEDKansas tied Kentucky in all-time wins and 30-win seasons. Each program has 2,353 wins and 16 seasons with at 30 victories. The milestones came two days after Kentucky lost to Saint Peter’s 85-79 in overtime as the second seed in the East Region.ALLEY-OOPING PAIRO'Connell and Kaluma connected on alley-oop dunks twice, with O'Connell feeding Kaluma both times.&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/MarchMadnessMBB/status/1505278200414236672?s=20&amp;t=CWMpcXH5th1AabnN2zWJHw" target="_blank">The first was late in the first half</a>. The second came soon after halftime, and&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/MarchMadnessMBB/status/1505286613869367300?s=20&amp;t=CWMpcXH5th1AabnN2zWJHw" target="_blank">drew a smile from O'Connell</a>&nbsp;as he glanced toward his teammate on their way to the other end of the court.

🏀 Kansas holds off Creighton for trip to Sweet 16

HAYS, Kan. - The Fort Hays State baseball team fell behind early and couldn't quite complete the comeback, falling to Central Oklahoma 10-6 in the series opener Friday. Both sides went down in order in the first inning before Central Oklahoma plated five runs with two outs in the second inning. The Tigers got one run back in the home half when&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6623">Ty Campbell</a>&nbsp;plated Kate Wallace with a single to center. An RBI double off the bat of&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6327">Grant Schmidt</a>&nbsp;brought&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6318">Brady Kreutzer</a>&nbsp;in to score in the third before the Bronchos went back up by five with two runs in the fourth. Central Oklahoma then scored single runs in the fifth, sixth and seventh innings before the Tigers scored four runs down the stretch to close the gap. Schmidt picked up another RBI in the sixth inning when he crushed a solo home run over the fence in left center, his team-high sixth long ball of the season. Traelon Yarbough kept the inning going with a two-out infield single before coming in to score on a base hit from Campbell. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6620">Jenner Kehe</a>&nbsp;then led the seventh inning with a single, later scoring on a sacrifice fly from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6328">Ed Scott</a>. The Tigers closed within four in the bottom of the eighth with a solo home run from Kate Wallace, his first home run of the season. The Tigers later had the tying run on deck in the inning, but UCO got out of the jam with two strikeouts. Schmidt picked up his third hit on the day with a single in the ninth, before the Bronchos closed things out with a nice catch on the final out. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6625">Sammy Sanchez</a>&nbsp;(2-3) tossed 2.0 innings as the starter, giving up five runs on five hits and one walk.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6322">Dustin Menard</a>&nbsp;struck out a pair in 3.0 innings of relief while allowing three runs on five hits.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6319">Tanner Lukowski</a>&nbsp;gave up two runs on one hit and two walks over 2.0 innings of work, while&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6311">Jacob Douglas</a>&nbsp;tossed two scoreless innings in the final frames on two hits and two strikeouts. Schmidt finished a triple shy of the cycle, going 3-for-5 with two RBI and one run. Campbell also drove in a pair on a 2-for-3 day. Kreutzer, Wallace and Yarbrough also picked up two hits each. The Tigers and Bronchos will continue their conference series Saturday beginning at 1 p.m. at Larks Park.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/index.aspx">FHSU Athletics</a>HAYS, Kan. - The Fort Hays State baseball team fell behind early and couldn't quite complete the comeback, falling to Central Oklahoma 10-6 in the series opener Friday. Both sides went down in order in the first inning before Central Oklahoma plated five runs with two outs in the second inning. The Tigers got one run back in the home half when&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6623">Ty Campbell</a>&nbsp;plated Kate Wallace with a single to center. An RBI double off the bat of&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6327">Grant Schmidt</a>&nbsp;brought&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6318">Brady Kreutzer</a>&nbsp;in to score in the third before the Bronchos went back up by five with two runs in the fourth. Central Oklahoma then scored single runs in the fifth, sixth and seventh innings before the Tigers scored four runs down the stretch to close the gap. Schmidt picked up another RBI in the sixth inning when he crushed a solo home run over the fence in left center, his team-high sixth long ball of the season. Traelon Yarbough kept the inning going with a two-out infield single before coming in to score on a base hit from Campbell. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6620">Jenner Kehe</a>&nbsp;then led the seventh inning with a single, later scoring on a sacrifice fly from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6328">Ed Scott</a>. The Tigers closed within four in the bottom of the eighth with a solo home run from Kate Wallace, his first home run of the season. The Tigers later had the tying run on deck in the inning, but UCO got out of the jam with two strikeouts. Schmidt picked up his third hit on the day with a single in the ninth, before the Bronchos closed things out with a nice catch on the final out. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6625">Sammy Sanchez</a>&nbsp;(2-3) tossed 2.0 innings as the starter, giving up five runs on five hits and one walk.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6322">Dustin Menard</a>&nbsp;struck out a pair in 3.0 innings of relief while allowing three runs on five hits.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6319">Tanner Lukowski</a>&nbsp;gave up two runs on one hit and two walks over 2.0 innings of work, while&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6311">Jacob Douglas</a>&nbsp;tossed two scoreless innings in the final frames on two hits and two strikeouts. Schmidt finished a triple shy of the cycle, going 3-for-5 with two RBI and one run. Campbell also drove in a pair on a 2-for-3 day. Kreutzer, Wallace and Yarbrough also picked up two hits each. The Tigers and Bronchos will continue their conference series Saturday beginning at 1 p.m. at Larks Park.&nbsp;&nbsp;

⚾ Tigers fall in series opener against UCO

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs have agreed with former Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster on a $10.75 million deal for next season, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press on Friday.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the contract is pending a physical, which should be completed soon.

Smith-Schuster wasted little time in announcing the move himself, tweeting to Chiefs fans: "Let's Go!"

The Chiefs have been searching for a high-profile wide receiver to take the pressure off Tyreek Hill and tight end Travis Kelce in the passing game. They tried several bargain options last season, including Demarcus Robinson and Byron Pringle, but nobody has been able to fill the role since Sammy Watkins left for Baltimore after the 2020 season.

Pringle signed a $6 million deal with the Bears for next season on Thursday.

The 25-year-old Smith-Schuster, who caught 323 passes for 3,855 yards and 26 touchdowns during his first five seasons in Pittsburgh, should fill the void nicely. And he comes on a relatively low-risk one-year contract after he sustained a shoulder injury in Week 5 last season that ultimately limited him to just 15 catches for 129 yards in five games.

In a coincidence, though, Smith-Schuster managed to return from the injury in time for the wild-card round of the playoffs in Kansas City in January. He caught five passes for 26 yards in a 42-21 loss to the Chiefs.

In another social media post, Smith-Schuster thanked the Steelers and their fans for their support over the years.

“Thank you for taking me in and making me a part of the family from the moment that I was drafted,” he said. "You all took me in so quickly, and I really needed it. I was a wide-eyed 20-year-old who was sent to the East Coast away from my family for the first time in my life, and you made me feel right at home, despite all of the loneliness I should have felt.

“These have been the best five years of my life,” he added. “I owe so much to the fans who embraced me and who made playing on Sundays in Pittsburgh so special. It was an honor to wear the black and gold for you all.”

Smith-Schuster heads from Pittsburgh, where there is uncertainty at quarterback following the retirement of longtime stalwart Ben Roethlisberger, to the Chiefs, where Patrick Mahomes is under contract for most of the next decade. He also joins one of the NFL's most potent offenses with Hill, Kelce and running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire around him.

The Chiefs have now filled their two most pressing needs of free agency, adding a big-play wide receiver along with a safety to replace Tyrann Mathieu. The latter became official on Thursday, when the Chiefs signed ex-Texans safety Justin Reid to a $31.5 million, three-year contract.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs have agreed with former Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster on a $10.75 million deal for next season, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press on Friday.The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the contract is pending a physical, which should be completed soon.Smith-Schuster wasted little time in announcing the move himself, tweeting to Chiefs fans: "Let's Go!"The Chiefs have been searching for a high-profile wide receiver to take the pressure off Tyreek Hill and tight end Travis Kelce in the passing game. They tried several bargain options last season, including Demarcus Robinson and Byron Pringle, but nobody has been able to fill the role since Sammy Watkins left for Baltimore after the 2020 season.Pringle signed a $6 million deal with the Bears for next season on Thursday.The 25-year-old Smith-Schuster, who caught 323 passes for 3,855 yards and 26 touchdowns during his first five seasons in Pittsburgh, should fill the void nicely. And he comes on a relatively low-risk one-year contract after he sustained a shoulder injury in Week 5 last season that ultimately limited him to just 15 catches for 129 yards in five games.In a coincidence, though, Smith-Schuster managed to return from the injury in time for the wild-card round of the playoffs in Kansas City in January. He caught five passes for 26 yards in a 42-21 loss to the Chiefs.In another social media post, Smith-Schuster thanked the Steelers and their fans for their support over the years.“Thank you for taking me in and making me a part of the family from the moment that I was drafted,” he said. "You all took me in so quickly, and I really needed it. I was a wide-eyed 20-year-old who was sent to the East Coast away from my family for the first time in my life, and you made me feel right at home, despite all of the loneliness I should have felt.“These have been the best five years of my life,” he added. “I owe so much to the fans who embraced me and who made playing on Sundays in Pittsburgh so special. It was an honor to wear the black and gold for you all.”Smith-Schuster heads from Pittsburgh, where there is uncertainty at quarterback following the retirement of longtime stalwart Ben Roethlisberger, to the Chiefs, where Patrick Mahomes is under contract for most of the next decade. He also joins one of the NFL's most potent offenses with Hill, Kelce and running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire around him.The Chiefs have now filled their two most pressing needs of free agency, adding a big-play wide receiver along with a safety to replace Tyrann Mathieu. The latter became official on Thursday, when the Chiefs signed ex-Texans safety Justin Reid to a $31.5 million, three-year contract.

🏈AP source: Chiefs agree with Smith-Schuster on $10.75M deal

Hays High senior Gavin Nutting had options after high school. The opportunity to play football or continue a wrestling career were both on the table. In the end, wrestling won out.

Last week, Nutting committed to wrestle at Cloud County Community College in Concordia.&nbsp;

During his high school career, Nutting posted three seasons of 30-plus wins. Each of those seasons ended with an appearance at the 5A State Tournament. His freshman campaign ended with a 31-15 record, sophomore 36-11 and senior 39-5. Nutting's junior year was limited and finished at 8-1. A 114-32 overall record was the result.

The final season of his prep career might have been the most impressive when you look past the record. Nutting wrestled in the 285 pound weight class and was routinely outweighed. The wins came as a result of his growth from freshman to senior year according to wrestling coach Heath Meder, noting that Nutting learned to scout his opponents better and had a plan of attack. 

The coach also pointed out that when most athletes have a game plan until they get hit in the mouth, Nutting seemed to thrive at the point that things when off script.

Nutting was also a key part of the Hays High football team as a two way starter for three seasons and started on the defensive line for the second half of his freshman season. As an interior defensive lineman he compiled 188 tackles, 22 tackles for loss, one interception, two fumble recoveries and forced two fumbles.

Coach Tony Crough spoke about Nutting's endless work ethic and how for three seasons his defensive/offensive standout on the line would log 120 to 140 snaps per game.

Nutting plans to use the two years at Cloud CC to develop as a wrestler at 195 pounds and earn the opportunity to wrestle beyond his time in Concordia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647624683032.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hays High senior Gavin Nutting had options after high school. The opportunity to play football or continue a wrestling career were both on the table. In the end, wrestling won out.Last week, Nutting committed to wrestle at Cloud County Community College in Concordia.&nbsp;During his high school career, Nutting posted three seasons of 30-plus wins. Each of those seasons ended with an appearance at the 5A State Tournament. His freshman campaign ended with a 31-15 record, sophomore 36-11 and senior 39-5. Nutting's junior year was limited and finished at 8-1. A 114-32 overall record was the result.Gavin Nutting<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/1234661671&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/gavin-nutting-interview" title="Gavin Nutting Interview" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Gavin Nutting Interview</a></div></div>The final season of his prep career might have been the most impressive when you look past the record. Nutting wrestled in the 285 pound weight class and was routinely outweighed. The wins came as a result of his growth from freshman to senior year according to wrestling coach Heath Meder, noting that Nutting learned to scout his opponents better and had a plan of attack. The coach also pointed out that when most athletes have a game plan until they get hit in the mouth, Nutting seemed to thrive at the point that things when off script.Wrestling Coach Heath Meder<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/1234661974&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/heath-meder-on-gavin-nutting" title="Heath Meder On Gavin Nutting" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Heath Meder On Gavin Nutting</a></div></div>Nutting was also a key part of the Hays High football team as a two way starter for three seasons and started on the defensive line for the second half of his freshman season. As an interior defensive lineman he compiled 188 tackles, 22 tackles for loss, one interception, two fumble recoveries and forced two fumbles.Coach Tony Crough spoke about Nutting's endless work ethic and how for three seasons his defensive/offensive standout on the line would log 120 to 140 snaps per game.Football 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/1234662304&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-gavin-nutting" title="Tony Crough on Gavin Nutting" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Tony Crough on Gavin Nutting</a></div></div>Nutting plans to use the two years at Cloud CC to develop as a wrestler at 195 pounds and earn the opportunity to wrestle beyond his time in Concordia.

Hays High's Gavin Nutting chooses Cloud CC wrestling

FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) - Top-seeded Kansas opened its 50th NCAA Tournament the way it has so many times in the past, with a lopsided victory. 

Remy Martin had 15 points and Christian Braun 14 to pace five Jayhawks scoring in double figures in an 83-56 victory over Texas Southern on Thursday night. 

"It was a good team win, certainly one that I'm glad we got, especially in this crazy tournament and this crazy day," said Kansas coach Bill Self after one of the last of games to finish on a wild opening tourney day when a No. 11 seed, two No. 12s and a No. 15 won games.

Southwestern Athletic Conference champion Texas Southern (19-13), the No. 16 seed which won a First Four game two nights earlier, had its only lead against the Big 12 champs after Bryson Etienne made its first shot of the game. 

Once the Jayhawks finally got on the board on a tying layup by Dajuan Harris after missing their first three shots, they got on a roll. They made their next six shots, and soon after that had a stretch of seven makes in a row. There were several highlight dunks throughout the game, and Kansas made 11 3-pointers.

“The first four minutes, everybody was a little nervous, little tight. We loosened up a little bit and started playing well," Braun said. 

“We did a lot of really good things in the first half,” Self said. “I thought we shared it, defended, rebounded the ball pretty well, and after we kind calmed our nerves down a little bit, we were very efficient first half.” 

Kansas (29-6) plays its second-round Midwest Regional game Saturday against ninth-seeded Creighton, which opened with a 72-69 overtime victory over San Diego State and will try to get to the Sweet 16 for the second year in a row. 

John Walker III had 13 points for the Tigers. 

Big 12 player of the year Ochai Agbagi had a relatively quiet night with 11 points for Kansas, but he had a short scoring outburst in the first half and his last points were a highlight play, scoring on an alley-oop pass from Harris, who finished with 12 points. Jalen Wilson had 11 points.

The Jayhawks led 47-19 after scoring five points in the final 4 seconds of the first half. It was their largest halftime lead in an NCAA Tournament game since they led by 29 over Marquette in the 2003 national semifinals. 

“I didn’t think we played well there in the first half, but I thought in the second half we played, continued to fight and made some plays and looked more resembling the type of team that we had most of the time throughout the year,” Tigers coach Johnny Jones said. "Unfortunately, we ran into a team that’s very efficient, coached extremely well. 

After Texas Southern got a putback layup from Joirdon Karl Nicholas with 15 seconds left in the half, Self called timeout. 

Joseph Yesufu passed to true freshman Zach Clemence, who split through two defenders for a layup while being fouled with 4 seconds left. Clemence missed the free throw, but Jalen Coleman-Lands got the rebound and hit a half-ending 3-pointer from the right corner. 

Agbaji had all seven of his first-half points by making three shots in row in a span of less than two minutes. He had a jumper, 3-pointer and then a layup that made it 14-7 before Braun's 3-pointer for the first double-digit lead with 12:43 left in the half.

The Jayhawks later had an 18-2 run in which Martin scored nine points, including a steal and breakaway dunk. 

“I didn’t know Remy could dunk a basketball, so that was a big moment,” Self said. “The pass that he gave David in transition was pretty special.” 

Martin had ignited that spurt with an emphatic bounce pass to David McCormack for a thunderous one-handed slam dunk and a 21-12 lead. 

“Scoring is not what I came here for. Came here to change pace and help my teammates,” Martin said. “If I have an open look, I’m there to take it. If not, find these guys." 

Texas Southern: It was the second consecutive March and the third NCAA Tournament appearance in a row in which the Tigers won a First Four game before falling in the next game — they beat Texas A&amp;M-Corpus Christi 76-67 on Tuesday. Texas Southern has made six of the last nine NCAA tourneys. 

Kansas: The Jayhawks are in their record 32nd NCAA tourney in a row. The three-time national champions are 110-48 overall in NCAA games and have won their last 15 tourney openers since losing to Bradley in 2006. They also fell to Bucknell in their 2005 opener, but those are the only first-round losses in their 32 straight appearances. 

Kansas and Creighton have played in the NCAA Tournament only once, when the Jayhawks won 55-54 in 1974. Their only meeting since was another one-point victory for Kansas on Dec. 8, 2020.

FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) - Top-seeded Kansas opened its 50th NCAA Tournament the way it has so many times in the past, with a lopsided victory. Remy Martin had 15 points and Christian Braun 14 to pace five Jayhawks scoring in double figures in an 83-56 victory over Texas Southern on Thursday night. "It was a good team win, certainly one that I'm glad we got, especially in this crazy tournament and this crazy day," said Kansas coach Bill Self after one of the last of games to finish on a wild opening tourney day when a No. 11 seed, two No. 12s and a No. 15 won games.Southwestern Athletic Conference champion Texas Southern (19-13), the No. 16 seed which won a First Four game two nights earlier, had its only lead against the Big 12 champs after Bryson Etienne made its first shot of the game. Once the Jayhawks finally got on the board on a tying layup by Dajuan Harris after missing their first three shots, they got on a roll. They made their next six shots, and soon after that had a stretch of seven makes in a row. There were several highlight dunks throughout the game, and Kansas made 11 3-pointers.“The first four minutes, everybody was a little nervous, little tight. We loosened up a little bit and started playing well," Braun said. “We did a lot of really good things in the first half,” Self said. “I thought we shared it, defended, rebounded the ball pretty well, and after we kind calmed our nerves down a little bit, we were very efficient first half.” Kansas (29-6) plays its second-round Midwest Regional game Saturday against ninth-seeded Creighton, which opened with a 72-69 overtime victory over San Diego State and will try to get to the Sweet 16 for the second year in a row. John Walker III had 13 points for the Tigers. Big 12 player of the year Ochai Agbagi had a relatively quiet night with 11 points for Kansas, but he had a short scoring outburst in the first half and his last points were a highlight play, scoring on an alley-oop pass from Harris, who finished with 12 points. Jalen Wilson had 11 points.The Jayhawks led 47-19 after scoring five points in the final 4 seconds of the first half. It was their largest halftime lead in an NCAA Tournament game since they led by 29 over Marquette in the 2003 national semifinals. “I didn’t think we played well there in the first half, but I thought in the second half we played, continued to fight and made some plays and looked more resembling the type of team that we had most of the time throughout the year,” Tigers coach Johnny Jones said. "Unfortunately, we ran into a team that’s very efficient, coached extremely well. After Texas Southern got a putback layup from Joirdon Karl Nicholas with 15 seconds left in the half, Self called timeout. Joseph Yesufu passed to true freshman Zach Clemence, who split through two defenders for a layup while being fouled with 4 seconds left. Clemence missed the free throw, but Jalen Coleman-Lands got the rebound and hit a half-ending 3-pointer from the right corner. Agbaji had all seven of his first-half points by making three shots in row in a span of less than two minutes. He had a jumper, 3-pointer and then a layup that made it 14-7 before Braun's 3-pointer for the first double-digit lead with 12:43 left in the half.The Jayhawks later had an 18-2 run in which Martin scored nine points, including a steal and breakaway dunk. “I didn’t know Remy could dunk a basketball, so that was a big moment,” Self said. “The pass that he gave David in transition was pretty special.” Martin had ignited that spurt with an emphatic bounce pass to David McCormack for a thunderous one-handed slam dunk and a 21-12 lead. “Scoring is not what I came here for. Came here to change pace and help my teammates,” Martin said. “If I have an open look, I’m there to take it. If not, find these guys." BIG PICTURETexas Southern: It was the second consecutive March and the third NCAA Tournament appearance in a row in which the Tigers won a First Four game before falling in the next game — they beat Texas A&amp;M-Corpus Christi 76-67 on Tuesday. Texas Southern has made six of the last nine NCAA tourneys. Kansas: The Jayhawks are in their record 32nd NCAA tourney in a row. The three-time national champions are 110-48 overall in NCAA games and have won their last 15 tourney openers since losing to Bradley in 2006. They also fell to Bucknell in their 2005 opener, but those are the only first-round losses in their 32 straight appearances. UP NEXT Kansas and Creighton have played in the NCAA Tournament only once, when the Jayhawks won 55-54 in 1974. Their only meeting since was another one-point victory for Kansas on Dec. 8, 2020.

🏀 Top seed Kansas opens 50th NCAA with win over TSU

The TMP-Marian Monarchs took on Southeast of Saline in the third place game of week's 3A state basketball tournament in Hutchinson.

Click the player or click&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/373506">HERE&nbsp;</a>to view the game. You can also download the Team1Sports app for your phone or connected device, including smart TVs.

Due to KSHSAA regulations, Hays Post was not allowed to stream video of the game live.

The TMP-Marian Monarchs took on Southeast of Saline in the third place game of week's 3A state basketball tournament in Hutchinson.<div><iframe src="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/373506?autoplay=1" width="640" height="360" allow="fullscreen;" style="border:0;overflow:hidden;"></iframe></div>Click the player or click&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/373506">HERE&nbsp;</a>to view the game. You can also download the Team1Sports app for your phone or connected device, including smart TVs.Due to KSHSAA regulations, Hays Post was not allowed to stream video of the game live.

🏀🎥 REPLAY: Thomas More Prep-Marian vs Southeast of Saline

The TMP-Marian girls had three players named to the 2022 All
Mid-Continent League team Thursday.

The Monarchs senior Emilee Lane and junior Jaci VonLintel
were joined on the first-team by Phillipsburg junior Taryn Sides and seniors
Tallon Rentschler from Smith Center and Oakley’s Liberty Booker.

Lane led the Monarchs in both scoring (14.0 points per game)
and rebounds (7.3 rpg).

VonLintel finished third on the team in scoring (13.1ppg)
and rebounding (6.8rpg). She also led the Monarchs forcing more than 2.5 steals
and 1.3 blocks per game.

The Monarchs second-leading scorer, senior Sophia Balthazor
(13.4ppg) was named to the second-team.

She was joined on the second-team by Stockton senior Olivia Dix,
Ellis junior Emily Eck and Hoxie sophomore’s Josey Kennedy and Kinley Rogers.

Seniors Madison Walt of Trego, Ashlyn Long from Smith Center
and Phillipsburg’s Abby Babcock were named to the third-team. They were joined
by sophomores Dakota Kattenberg from Smith Center and Norton’s Jenessa Ruder.

Russell seniors Rylan Reeves, Aniya Stierlen and Camille
Dortland were all named to the honorable mention team. They were joined by juniors
Maile Hrabe from Smith Center and Jaelle Johnson from Oakley.

TMP, Phillipsburg and Smith Center shared the regular season
MCL title. It was the second straight season that TMP and Phillipsburg shared
the title.

The Monarchs won the MCL tournament title for the first time
since 2018 and their fifth time since joining the MCL.

The TMP-Marian girls had three players named to the 2022 All
Mid-Continent League team Thursday.The Monarchs senior Emilee Lane and junior Jaci VonLintel
were joined on the first-team by Phillipsburg junior Taryn Sides and seniors
Tallon Rentschler from Smith Center and Oakley’s Liberty Booker.Lane led the Monarchs in both scoring (14.0 points per game)
and rebounds (7.3 rpg).VonLintel finished third on the team in scoring (13.1ppg)
and rebounding (6.8rpg). She also led the Monarchs forcing more than 2.5 steals
and 1.3 blocks per game.The Monarchs second-leading scorer, senior Sophia Balthazor
(13.4ppg) was named to the second-team.She was joined on the second-team by Stockton senior Olivia Dix,
Ellis junior Emily Eck and Hoxie sophomore’s Josey Kennedy and Kinley Rogers.Seniors Madison Walt of Trego, Ashlyn Long from Smith Center
and Phillipsburg’s Abby Babcock were named to the third-team. They were joined
by sophomores Dakota Kattenberg from Smith Center and Norton’s Jenessa Ruder.Russell seniors Rylan Reeves, Aniya Stierlen and Camille
Dortland were all named to the honorable mention team. They were joined by juniors
Maile Hrabe from Smith Center and Jaelle Johnson from Oakley.TMP, Phillipsburg and Smith Center shared the regular season
MCL title. It was the second straight season that TMP and Phillipsburg shared
the title.The Monarchs won the MCL tournament title for the first time
since 2018 and their fifth time since joining the MCL.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647529424064.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647529442008.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

🏀Three TMP girls named to All MCL team

The TMP-Marian boys basketball team had four players named to the 2022 All Mid-Continent League team released Thursday.

After averaging 12.2 points per game and 6.1 rebounds per
game TMP junior Dylan Werth was named to the first-team. Werth averaged 14.8 points
and 7.7 rebounds per game against MCL opponents.

Werth – the only underclassmen on the first-team – was
joined by Trego’s Charlie Russell, Derek Keith of Hill City, Norton’s Nolan Juenemann
and Anders Dewey from Plainville.

Juniors Jackson Cross from Russell, Trent Long from Hill
City and Miles Baalman of Hoxie were named to the second-team along with
Phillipsburg senior Joel Ford.

TMP senior’s Gavin Unrein and Jace Wentling were joined on
the third-team by seniors Tyson Jimenez of Ellis, Cole Feldt of Trego and
Oakley junior Will Schmidt.

Senior’s Kaden Solorio of Ellis and Smith Center’s Nolan
Lehmann were named to the honorable mention team along with TMP junior Kade
Harris, Trego junior Owen Day and Norton sophomore Roman Hauser.

TMP won both the MCL regular season and tournament
championship for the fourth time since joining the league. 

The TMP-Marian boys basketball team had four players named to the 2022 All Mid-Continent League team released Thursday.After averaging 12.2 points per game and 6.1 rebounds per
game TMP junior Dylan Werth was named to the first-team. Werth averaged 14.8 points
and 7.7 rebounds per game against MCL opponents.Werth – the only underclassmen on the first-team – was
joined by Trego’s Charlie Russell, Derek Keith of Hill City, Norton’s Nolan Juenemann
and Anders Dewey from Plainville.Juniors Jackson Cross from Russell, Trent Long from Hill
City and Miles Baalman of Hoxie were named to the second-team along with
Phillipsburg senior Joel Ford.TMP senior’s Gavin Unrein and Jace Wentling were joined on
the third-team by seniors Tyson Jimenez of Ellis, Cole Feldt of Trego and
Oakley junior Will Schmidt.Senior’s Kaden Solorio of Ellis and Smith Center’s Nolan
Lehmann were named to the honorable mention team along with TMP junior Kade
Harris, Trego junior Owen Day and Norton sophomore Roman Hauser.TMP won both the MCL regular season and tournament
championship for the fourth time since joining the league. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647528374549.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647528388144.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

🏀TMP boys land four on All Mid-Continent League team

HAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State split its home-opening doubleheader with Oklahoma Baptist on Wednesday (Mar. 16) at Tiger Stadium. The Tigers scored a season-high 16 runs to win the first contest 16-9 before falling in the second game 2-0. The Tigers are now 11-15 overall on the season, while the Bison moved to 17-10 overall. Fort Hays State 16, Oklahoma Baptist 9 Fort Hays State jumped out to a comfortable 5-0 lead after scoring two runs in the second and three in the third.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6635">Regan Curry</a>&nbsp;opened the scoring with a sacrifice fly RBI and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6347">Adysen Burghart</a>&nbsp;followed with an RBI single. An inning later,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6342">Jessica Espinoza</a>&nbsp;notched an RBI single and Curry added two more RBIs on a single. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6352">Savanah Egger</a>&nbsp;held the Bison hitless through the first three innings, but things started to unravel in the fourth when she hit a batter and gave up a double. Two straight walks forced the first run in for OBU, then a Tiger throwing error on a play that would have cut down the runner at the plate allowed two more to score.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6353">Erika Flynn</a>&nbsp;then entered to get a line out and pop out, which should have been the end of the inning, but with the earlier error extended the inning. The Bison drove home three more runs on a pair of singles, taking a 6-5 lead. The Tigers fought right back in the bottom half of the fourth and got all six runs back, pushing the run total in the fourth inning to 12 overall between the two teams. Three straight singles by&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6350">Kiana Blake</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6346">Lindsey Kelly</a>, and Espinoza (her second RBI single) put the Tigers back even at 6-6.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6338">Loren Beggs</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6339">Sara Breckbill</a>&nbsp;were both hit by pitches to put the Tigers back on top 7-6. A pair of wild pitches plated two more runs for the Tigers, Curry picked up her fourth RBI on a fielder's choice, and the Tigers capped the inning by scoring on a passed ball. FHSU led 11-6 after four innings. The Bison scored twice in the fifth and once in the sixth to get back within two.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/coaches.aspx?rc=1030">Adrian Pilkington</a>&nbsp;turned the ball back over to Egger with one out and she went on to retire OBU's last five batters of the game to preserve the win. Since she didn't throw enough innings in the start to qualify for a win, she ended up saving the game she started and Flynn picked up her second win of the season. It was Egger's second save of the season. The Tigers gave Egger plenty of cushion to work with in the seventh as they tacked on five extra runs. Blake had a two-RBI double. She later scored on a dropped throw by the second baseman covering first on an infield single by Kelly. Beggs jumped into the RBI act with a pair on a single up the middle. Four Tigers finished with multiple RBIs in the game, while Espinoza and Kelly led the hitting effort for FHSU with three each. Both also scored three runs each. Aspen Younce took the loss for OBU by giving up eight runs in three innings of work. Shianne Eddings relieved for an inning and gave up three, while Aileen Avelar gave up the final five in two innings of work. Oklahoma Baptist 2, Fort Hays State 0 With all the offense the Tigers put up in game one, they could not find much against a nemesis that has had their number for two straight years now. Kayleigh Jones threw her fourth-consecutive shutout against the Tigers (two this year and two last year), running her scoreless streak against the Tigers to 28 innings with 36 strikeouts. She struck out 11 Tigers on Wednesday in her winning effort, moving to 12-5 on the season. The Tigers managed only three hits against Jones, though they did draw three walks as well. Baserunning mistakes in both the third and fourth innings cost the Tigers potential opportunities to score runs, but Jones retired the final seven batters of the game to secure a low-scoring win for the Bison. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6351">Morgan Schmidt</a>&nbsp;had a strong outing in the pitching circle, allowing just one earned run of two total to the Bison. She notched six strikeouts, while allowing eight hits and three walks. The loss put her at 3-3 on the season. The Tigers return to action on Sunday at Tiger Stadium when they play host to Bethany College in another non-conference doubleheader. First pitch is set for 12 pm.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647480470455.jpeg" alt="Kelly Lindsey had three hits and scored three runs in the Tigers game one win over Oklahoma Baptist Wednesday at Tiger Stadium (Courtesy FHSU Athletics, Ryan Prickett)" />
 <figcaption>Kelly Lindsey had three hits and scored three runs in the Tigers game one win over Oklahoma Baptist Wednesday at Tiger Stadium (Courtesy FHSU Athletics, Ryan Prickett)</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/index.aspx">FHSU Athletics</a>HAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State split its home-opening doubleheader with Oklahoma Baptist on Wednesday (Mar. 16) at Tiger Stadium. The Tigers scored a season-high 16 runs to win the first contest 16-9 before falling in the second game 2-0. The Tigers are now 11-15 overall on the season, while the Bison moved to 17-10 overall. Fort Hays State 16, Oklahoma Baptist 9 Fort Hays State jumped out to a comfortable 5-0 lead after scoring two runs in the second and three in the third.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6635">Regan Curry</a>&nbsp;opened the scoring with a sacrifice fly RBI and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6347">Adysen Burghart</a>&nbsp;followed with an RBI single. An inning later,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6342">Jessica Espinoza</a>&nbsp;notched an RBI single and Curry added two more RBIs on a single. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6352">Savanah Egger</a>&nbsp;held the Bison hitless through the first three innings, but things started to unravel in the fourth when she hit a batter and gave up a double. Two straight walks forced the first run in for OBU, then a Tiger throwing error on a play that would have cut down the runner at the plate allowed two more to score.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6353">Erika Flynn</a>&nbsp;then entered to get a line out and pop out, which should have been the end of the inning, but with the earlier error extended the inning. The Bison drove home three more runs on a pair of singles, taking a 6-5 lead. The Tigers fought right back in the bottom half of the fourth and got all six runs back, pushing the run total in the fourth inning to 12 overall between the two teams. Three straight singles by&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6350">Kiana Blake</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6346">Lindsey Kelly</a>, and Espinoza (her second RBI single) put the Tigers back even at 6-6.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6338">Loren Beggs</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6339">Sara Breckbill</a>&nbsp;were both hit by pitches to put the Tigers back on top 7-6. A pair of wild pitches plated two more runs for the Tigers, Curry picked up her fourth RBI on a fielder's choice, and the Tigers capped the inning by scoring on a passed ball. FHSU led 11-6 after four innings. The Bison scored twice in the fifth and once in the sixth to get back within two.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/coaches.aspx?rc=1030">Adrian Pilkington</a>&nbsp;turned the ball back over to Egger with one out and she went on to retire OBU's last five batters of the game to preserve the win. Since she didn't throw enough innings in the start to qualify for a win, she ended up saving the game she started and Flynn picked up her second win of the season. It was Egger's second save of the season. The Tigers gave Egger plenty of cushion to work with in the seventh as they tacked on five extra runs. Blake had a two-RBI double. She later scored on a dropped throw by the second baseman covering first on an infield single by Kelly. Beggs jumped into the RBI act with a pair on a single up the middle. Four Tigers finished with multiple RBIs in the game, while Espinoza and Kelly led the hitting effort for FHSU with three each. Both also scored three runs each. Aspen Younce took the loss for OBU by giving up eight runs in three innings of work. Shianne Eddings relieved for an inning and gave up three, while Aileen Avelar gave up the final five in two innings of work. Oklahoma Baptist 2, Fort Hays State 0 With all the offense the Tigers put up in game one, they could not find much against a nemesis that has had their number for two straight years now. Kayleigh Jones threw her fourth-consecutive shutout against the Tigers (two this year and two last year), running her scoreless streak against the Tigers to 28 innings with 36 strikeouts. She struck out 11 Tigers on Wednesday in her winning effort, moving to 12-5 on the season. The Tigers managed only three hits against Jones, though they did draw three walks as well. Baserunning mistakes in both the third and fourth innings cost the Tigers potential opportunities to score runs, but Jones retired the final seven batters of the game to secure a low-scoring win for the Bison. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6351">Morgan Schmidt</a>&nbsp;had a strong outing in the pitching circle, allowing just one earned run of two total to the Bison. She notched six strikeouts, while allowing eight hits and three walks. The loss put her at 3-3 on the season. The Tigers return to action on Sunday at Tiger Stadium when they play host to Bethany College in another non-conference doubleheader. First pitch is set for 12 pm.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🥎 Tigers split home opener with Bison

The TMP-Marian Monarchs took on the defending 3A state champions in the state semifinals last week at the&nbsp;3A state basketball tournament in Hutchinson.

Click the player or click&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/373500">HERE&nbsp;</a>to view the game. You can also download the Team1Sports app for your phone or connected device, including smart TVs.

The TMP-Marian Monarchs took on the defending 3A state champions in the state semifinals last week at the&nbsp;3A state basketball tournament in Hutchinson.<div><iframe src="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/373500?autoplay=1" width="640" height="360" allow="fullscreen;" style="border:0;overflow:hidden;"></iframe></div>Click the player or click&nbsp;<a href="https://vcloud.blueframetech.com/broadcast/embed/373500">HERE&nbsp;</a>to view the game. You can also download the Team1Sports app for your phone or connected device, including smart TVs.Due to KSHSAA regulations, Hays Post was not allowed to stream video of the game live.

🏀🎥 REPLAY: Thomas More Prep-Marian vs Hesston

Former Fort Hays State All-American defensive lineman Nathan Shepherd has re-signed with the New York Jets. Terms of the deal were not released.

Shepherd played in all 17 games this past season and had 28 tackles and eight quarterback hits while playing a career-high 495 defensive snaps.

Shepherd was a third-round draft pick in 2018 and has played in 56 games with nine starts, all with the Jets. The Ajax, Ontario, Canada native has totaled 71 tackles, nine tackles for loss and has 27 quarterback hits and 4 1/2 sacks.

Former Fort Hays State All-American defensive lineman Nathan Shepherd has re-signed with the New York Jets. Terms of the deal were not released.Shepherd played in all 17 games this past season and had 28 tackles and eight quarterback hits while playing a career-high 495 defensive snaps.Shepherd was a third-round draft pick in 2018 and has played in 56 games with nine starts, all with the Jets. The Ajax, Ontario, Canada native has totaled 71 tackles, nine tackles for loss and has 27 quarterback hits and 4 1/2 sacks.

🏈 Former Tiger Shepherd re-signs with Jets

LARNED — The baseball&nbsp; world is mourning the death of Ralph Terry who died Wednesday in Larned where he lived for many years following a successful major league baseball career with the New York Yankees, Kansas City A's, Cleveland Indians and New York Mets.

He led the American League with 23 victories in 1962 and was the MVP of the&nbsp;1962 World Series, according to the Yankee web site.

Terry is also best known for pitching the walk-off home run to&nbsp;Bill Mazeroski&nbsp;that won the&nbsp;1960 World Series&nbsp;for the&nbsp;Pittsburgh Pirates. Terry was 86.

LARNED — The baseball&nbsp; world is mourning the death of Ralph Terry who died Wednesday in Larned where he lived for many years following a successful major league baseball career with the New York Yankees, Kansas City A's, Cleveland Indians and New York Mets.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The Royals mourn the loss of Kansas resident, World Series hero, and former Yankees and Kansas City A&#39;s pitcher Ralph Terry. <a href="https://t.co/BIG9WbRAol">pic.twitter.com/BIG9WbRAol</a>&mdash; Kansas City Royals (@Royals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Royals/status/1504168316209795072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>He led the American League with 23 victories in 1962 and was the MVP of the&nbsp;1962 World Series, according to the Yankee web site.Terry is also best known for pitching the walk-off home run to&nbsp;Bill Mazeroski&nbsp;that won the&nbsp;1960 World Series&nbsp;for the&nbsp;Pittsburgh Pirates. Terry was 86.

World Series hero Ralph Terry dies in Larned

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Royals agreed with six-time All-Star Zack Greinke on a $13 million contract for this season, reuniting the left-hander with the club that drafted him in the first round two decades ago, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press.

The person, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal was pending a successful physical, said that Greinke could earn up to $2 million in performance bonuses. The Athletic first reported a deal had been reached.

The 38-year-old Greinke was the sixth overall pick of the Royals in the 2002 amateur draft, and he spent his first six-plus seasons with the club, winning the Cy Young Award during his standout 2009 season. He was traded to the Brewers the following year for a package of players that ultimately formed the basis of the Royals' back-to-back AL champion teams.

Greinke spent just over a season in Milwaukee before his he was traded to the Angels, then he spent three seasons across town with the Dodgers, where he finished second in Cy Young voting in 2015. Greinke went on to pitch four seasons for the Diamondbacks before spending the past three seasons with the Astros.

He went 11-6 with a 4.16 ERA and one complete game in 29 starts for Houston last season.

Greinke left the Royals as an up-and-coming star just hitting his prime years, and he returns to provide veteran leadership for a rotation that figures to be among the youngest in baseball. Brad Keller had been the elder statesman at 26 years old, while Brady Singer, Kris Bubic, Daniel Lynch, Carlos Hernandez and Jackson Kowar are even younger.

The move to sign Greinke came hours after the Royals traded left-hander Mike Minor to the Reds for reliever Amir Garrett on Wednesday. The Reds also would get $500,000 from the Royals if Minor’s mutual option for 2023 is declined.

Minor is due $10 million this season in the second year of an $18 million, two-year contract. The deal originally included a $13 million club option for 2023 with a $1 million buyout but the contract contains a provision converting it to a mutual option because of the trade.

Garrett is eligible for arbitration and likely will have a salary in the $2 million range.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Royals agreed with six-time All-Star Zack Greinke on a $13 million contract for this season, reuniting the left-hander with the club that drafted him in the first round two decades ago, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press.The person, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal was pending a successful physical, said that Greinke could earn up to $2 million in performance bonuses. The Athletic first reported a deal had been reached.The 38-year-old Greinke was the sixth overall pick of the Royals in the 2002 amateur draft, and he spent his first six-plus seasons with the club, winning the Cy Young Award during his standout 2009 season. He was traded to the Brewers the following year for a package of players that ultimately formed the basis of the Royals' back-to-back AL champion teams.Greinke spent just over a season in Milwaukee before his he was traded to the Angels, then he spent three seasons across town with the Dodgers, where he finished second in Cy Young voting in 2015. Greinke went on to pitch four seasons for the Diamondbacks before spending the past three seasons with the Astros.He went 11-6 with a 4.16 ERA and one complete game in 29 starts for Houston last season.Greinke left the Royals as an up-and-coming star just hitting his prime years, and he returns to provide veteran leadership for a rotation that figures to be among the youngest in baseball. Brad Keller had been the elder statesman at 26 years old, while Brady Singer, Kris Bubic, Daniel Lynch, Carlos Hernandez and Jackson Kowar are even younger.The move to sign Greinke came hours after the Royals traded left-hander Mike Minor to the Reds for reliever Amir Garrett on Wednesday. The Reds also would get $500,000 from the Royals if Minor’s mutual option for 2023 is declined.Minor is due $10 million this season in the second year of an $18 million, two-year contract. The deal originally included a $13 million club option for 2023 with a $1 million buyout but the contract contains a provision converting it to a mutual option because of the trade.Garrett is eligible for arbitration and likely will have a salary in the $2 million range.

⚾AP Source: Royals sign RHP Greinke to $13M contract for 2022

AUSTIN, Texas –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6439">Whitney Randall</a>&nbsp;of Fort Hays State Women's Basketball was named to the CoSIDA Academic All-America Second Team on Wednesday. Randall is one of just 16&nbsp;student-athletes in NCAA Division II women's basketball nationwide&nbsp;to receive the honor. Sports Information and Athletic Communication professionals from across the country vote on the Academic All-America Team, which honors a combination of academic and athletic accomplishments of the individuals selected. Randall has maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA over five years of college as a Health &amp; Human Performance major at FHSU, with an emphasis in Teaching and Coaching. The Alva, Oklahoma native is a five-time recipient of the MIAA Academic Excellence Award and a two-time recipient of the MIAA Scholar-Athlete Award for gaining All-MIAA honors on the court in both 2021 and 2022. In 2021, Randall was named the MIAA Women's Winter Student-Athlete of the Year, an award is based on the athletic, academic, and campus/community service accomplishments of an individual. On the court, Randall was an All-MIAA First Team selection in 2021 and a third-team selection in 2022. She helped FHSU Women's Basketball to MIAA Regular Season Championships in 2019, 2021, and 2022, the No. 1 seed in the NCAA Central Regional all three of those years as well, and two MIAA Tournament titles. In 2022, she helped the Tigers to their seventh appearance in the NCAA Tournament in the last eight years, while averaging 10.7 points and 4.6 rebounds per game. She finished her five-year career at FHSU with 1,396 points, 515 rebounds, 167 assists, and 104 steals. Randall is the eighth CoSIDA Academic All-America selection in program history and just the second to receive the honor in multiple years, joining Jamie Heiman (2002 &amp; 2003). Already with her undergraduate degree in hand, Randall has started working on a master's degree at FHSU. Randall joins men's basketball senior Jared Vitztum as CoSIDA Academic All-America selections for two straight years. FHSU was one of four schools in Division II with a representative on both the men's and women's teams.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647459957729.jpeg" alt="Courtesy FHSU Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy FHSU Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/index.aspx">FHSU Athletics</a>AUSTIN, Texas –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6439">Whitney Randall</a>&nbsp;of Fort Hays State Women's Basketball was named to the CoSIDA Academic All-America Second Team on Wednesday. Randall is one of just 16&nbsp;student-athletes in NCAA Division II women's basketball nationwide&nbsp;to receive the honor. Sports Information and Athletic Communication professionals from across the country vote on the Academic All-America Team, which honors a combination of academic and athletic accomplishments of the individuals selected. Randall has maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA over five years of college as a Health &amp; Human Performance major at FHSU, with an emphasis in Teaching and Coaching. The Alva, Oklahoma native is a five-time recipient of the MIAA Academic Excellence Award and a two-time recipient of the MIAA Scholar-Athlete Award for gaining All-MIAA honors on the court in both 2021 and 2022. In 2021, Randall was named the MIAA Women's Winter Student-Athlete of the Year, an award is based on the athletic, academic, and campus/community service accomplishments of an individual. On the court, Randall was an All-MIAA First Team selection in 2021 and a third-team selection in 2022. She helped FHSU Women's Basketball to MIAA Regular Season Championships in 2019, 2021, and 2022, the No. 1 seed in the NCAA Central Regional all three of those years as well, and two MIAA Tournament titles. In 2022, she helped the Tigers to their seventh appearance in the NCAA Tournament in the last eight years, while averaging 10.7 points and 4.6 rebounds per game. She finished her five-year career at FHSU with 1,396 points, 515 rebounds, 167 assists, and 104 steals. Randall is the eighth CoSIDA Academic All-America selection in program history and just the second to receive the honor in multiple years, joining Jamie Heiman (2002 &amp; 2003). Already with her undergraduate degree in hand, Randall has started working on a master's degree at FHSU. Randall joins men's basketball senior Jared Vitztum as CoSIDA Academic All-America selections for two straight years. FHSU was one of four schools in Division II with a representative on both the men's and women's teams.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀 Randall named to CoSIDA Academic All-America Second Team

NCK Tech March Mania 3-in-1 Bracket Challenge

Make your picks for each game before the tournament starts for a chance to win.

<div><script type="text/javascript" src="https://hayspostcollegehoops.upickem.net/shared/embedcode/talker-v1.0.0.js"></script>
<script type="text/javascript" src="https://hayspostcollegehoops.upickem.net/shared/embedcode/embed.js" data-ss-embed="contest" data-routing="hash" data-contest-id="32"></script></div><h2>NCK Tech March Mania 3-in-1 Bracket Challenge</h2>Make your picks for each game before the tournament starts for a chance to win.

SURPRISE,
Ariz.—The Kansas City Royals
announced today that they have acquired left-handed pitcher Amir Garrett from the Cincinnati Reds for left-handed pitcher Mike Minor and a conditional cash consideration.

Garrett,
29, went 0-4 last season in Cincinnati with a career-best seven saves, a 6.04
ERA (32 ER in 47.2 IP) and 61 strikeouts (11.5 K/9), leading the Reds with 63
relief appearances. In 90 appearances from 2019-20, he went 6-3 with a 3.03 ERA
(25 ER in 74.1 IP) and 104 strikeouts (12.6 K/9). His strikeout rate during
those two years ranked sixth among National League pitchers (min. 70.0 IP). 

In
2020, Garrett was named the Joe Nuxhall Good Guy Award in voting of the local
chapter of the BBWAA. In five big league seasons, Garrett is 10-17 with a 5.10
ERA (145 ER in 255.2 IP) and 299 strikeouts (10.5 K/9). After starting 14 of
his 16 outings as a rookie in 2017, all 219 of his appearances since 2018 have
come in relief.

Minor,
34, went 8-12 with a 5.50 ERA (89 ER in 158.2 IP) across 28 starts with Kansas
City last year.

Kansas City RoyalsSURPRISE,
Ariz.—The Kansas City Royals
announced today that they have acquired left-handed pitcher Amir Garrett from the Cincinnati Reds for left-handed pitcher Mike Minor and a conditional cash consideration.Garrett,
29, went 0-4 last season in Cincinnati with a career-best seven saves, a 6.04
ERA (32 ER in 47.2 IP) and 61 strikeouts (11.5 K/9), leading the Reds with 63
relief appearances. In 90 appearances from 2019-20, he went 6-3 with a 3.03 ERA
(25 ER in 74.1 IP) and 104 strikeouts (12.6 K/9). His strikeout rate during
those two years ranked sixth among National League pitchers (min. 70.0 IP). In
2020, Garrett was named the Joe Nuxhall Good Guy Award in voting of the local
chapter of the BBWAA. In five big league seasons, Garrett is 10-17 with a 5.10
ERA (145 ER in 255.2 IP) and 299 strikeouts (10.5 K/9). After starting 14 of
his 16 outings as a rookie in 2017, all 219 of his appearances since 2018 have
come in relief.Minor,
34, went 8-12 with a 5.50 ERA (89 ER in 158.2 IP) across 28 starts with Kansas
City last year.

⚾ Royals acquire pitcher Amir Garrett from Reds for Mike Minor

The Hays High boys basketball team landed four players on the
All-Western Athletic Conference team released Tuesday, led by senior Jace Linenberger
who was named WAC Player of the Year. He’s joined on the first team by Carson
Kieffer. Jordan Dale and Noah Wiemer were named to the second team.

Linenberger averaged 18.9 points, 8.7 rebounds and 1.0
blocks per game this season while shooting 61-percent from the floor and
71-percent from the free throw line. Linenberger scored in double figures in
all 22 games and had seven double-doubles. He finished his career with 938
points, fifth most in program history. His 461 career rebounds ranks eighth
most in school history.

Kieffer averaged 12.4 points, 3.4 rebounds and 5.8 assists
per game this season. He led the Indians with 26 made 3-pointers. Kieffer finished
his career with a new HHS record 392 assists. He is the only player in HHS
history to land in the top 10 twice in single season assists and the only
player to land in the top 25 three times.

Dale averaged 6.4 points, 2.9 rebounds and 2.3 assists per
game. Weimer averaged 6.7 points, 2.2 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game and was
second on the team with 23 made 3-pointers.

Alex Hutchins was named the WAC Coach of the Year for the second
year in a row.

The Indians finished 20-2 with the two losses coming to 5A
state champ Topeka Seaman in the sub-state finals and Lawrence-Free State who
finished third at the 6A state tournament.

FIRST TEAM Jace Linenberger, Hays (Sr.) Carson Kieffer, Hays (Sr.) Cooper Scheck, Dodge City (Sr.) Tae Rosales, Garden City (Sr.)&nbsp; Stefan Spray, Great Bend (Sr.)

Player of the Year:&nbsp;Jace Linenberger, Hays Coach of the Year:&nbsp;Alex Hutchins, Hays

SECOND TEAM Dawson Taylor, Dodge City (Sr.) Sage Koelsch, Great Bend (Sr.) Jordan Dale, Hays (Sr.) Isaiah Taylor, Dodge City (Jr.) *Jace Steinmetz, Garden City (Jr.) *Noah Weimer, Hays (Sr.) *Caleb Wiese, Garden City (Jr.)

The Hays High boys basketball team landed four players on the
All-Western Athletic Conference team released Tuesday, led by senior Jace Linenberger
who was named WAC Player of the Year. He’s joined on the first team by Carson
Kieffer. Jordan Dale and Noah Wiemer were named to the second team.Linenberger averaged 18.9 points, 8.7 rebounds and 1.0
blocks per game this season while shooting 61-percent from the floor and
71-percent from the free throw line. Linenberger scored in double figures in
all 22 games and had seven double-doubles. He finished his career with 938
points, fifth most in program history. His 461 career rebounds ranks eighth
most in school history.Kieffer averaged 12.4 points, 3.4 rebounds and 5.8 assists
per game this season. He led the Indians with 26 made 3-pointers. Kieffer finished
his career with a new HHS record 392 assists. He is the only player in HHS
history to land in the top 10 twice in single season assists and the only
player to land in the top 25 three times.Dale averaged 6.4 points, 2.9 rebounds and 2.3 assists per
game. Weimer averaged 6.7 points, 2.2 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game and was
second on the team with 23 made 3-pointers.Alex Hutchins was named the WAC Coach of the Year for the second
year in a row.The Indians finished 20-2 with the two losses coming to 5A
state champ Topeka Seaman in the sub-state finals and Lawrence-Free State who
finished third at the 6A state tournament.FIRST TEAM Jace Linenberger, Hays (Sr.) Carson Kieffer, Hays (Sr.) Cooper Scheck, Dodge City (Sr.) Tae Rosales, Garden City (Sr.)&nbsp; Stefan Spray, Great Bend (Sr.)Player of the Year:&nbsp;Jace Linenberger, Hays Coach of the Year:&nbsp;Alex Hutchins, HaysSECOND TEAM Dawson Taylor, Dodge City (Sr.) Sage Koelsch, Great Bend (Sr.) Jordan Dale, Hays (Sr.) Isaiah Taylor, Dodge City (Jr.) *Jace Steinmetz, Garden City (Jr.) *Noah Weimer, Hays (Sr.) *Caleb Wiese, Garden City (Jr.)* Tie for last spot