MANHATTAN, Kan. -&nbsp;Jared Butler scored 20 points and No. 1 Baylor extended its school-record winning streak to 19 games, beating Kansas State 73-67. 

MaCio Teague added 15 points and Davion Mitchell scored 13 for the Bears, who are 9-0 in Big 12 play. That's the best start in league play by any Big 12 team since 2011. 

Xavier Sneed tied a career high with 23 points, Cartier Diarra scored 11 and Makol Mawien had 10 for the Wildcats, who lost to Baylor for the first time since 2017.

MANHATTAN, Kan. -&nbsp;Jared Butler scored 20 points and No. 1 Baylor extended its school-record winning streak to 19 games, beating Kansas State 73-67. MaCio Teague added 15 points and Davion Mitchell scored 13 for the Bears, who are 9-0 in Big 12 play. That's the best start in league play by any Big 12 team since 2011. Xavier Sneed tied a career high with 23 points, Cartier Diarra scored 11 and Makol Mawien had 10 for the Wildcats, who lost to Baylor for the first time since 2017.

No. 1 Baylor beats Kansas State for 19th straight win

By AARON BEARD, AP Basketball Writer

Baylor has strengthened its hold on No. 1 in The Associated Press men's college basketball poll. 

The Bears received 49 of 65 first-place votes in the latest poll to stay comfortably ahead of No. 2 Gonzaga and No. 3 Kansas. That's up from 44 first-place votes from the previous week. 

The Bears are atop the rankings for a third straight week. The Zags got 15 first-place votes after having 19 a week earlier. 

No. 9 Maryland and No. 11 Auburn made the week's biggest jumps. Each rose six spots. No. 21 Creighton and No. 23 Arizona re-entered the poll. Wichita State and Rutgers fell out of the top 25.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576864975440.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By AARON BEARD, AP Basketball WriterBaylor has strengthened its hold on No. 1 in The Associated Press men's college basketball poll. The Bears received 49 of 65 first-place votes in the latest poll to stay comfortably ahead of No. 2 Gonzaga and No. 3 Kansas. That's up from 44 first-place votes from the previous week. The Bears are atop the rankings for a third straight week. The Zags got 15 first-place votes after having 19 a week earlier. No. 9 Maryland and No. 11 Auburn made the week's biggest jumps. Each rose six spots. No. 21 Creighton and No. 23 Arizona re-entered the poll. Wichita State and Rutgers fell out of the top 25.

Jayhawks No. 3 in latest AP poll, while Shockers drop out

MIAMI (AP) -&nbsp;The Kansas City Chiefs had struggled all night to pick up their fizzling offense, and fans who had watched their defense let them down for years looked as if they were going to rue its performance once more on the game's biggest stage. 

That's when new coordinator Steve Spagnuolo's defense penned a different ending to the script. 

The Chiefs forced the San Francisco 49ers into a pair of punts in the fourth quarter, when they were facing a double-digit deficit for the third straight game, and that gave Patrick Mahomes and Co. a chance to rally for a 31-20 victory — the first championship for the long-suffering franchise in 50 years.

MIAMI (AP) -&nbsp;The Kansas City Chiefs had struggled all night to pick up their fizzling offense, and fans who had watched their defense let them down for years looked as if they were going to rue its performance once more on the game's biggest stage. That's when new coordinator Steve Spagnuolo's defense penned a different ending to the script. The Chiefs forced the San Francisco 49ers into a pair of punts in the fourth quarter, when they were facing a double-digit deficit for the third straight game, and that gave Patrick Mahomes and Co. a chance to rally for a 31-20 victory — the first championship for the long-suffering franchise in 50 years.

Chiefs defense comes through in Super Bowl triumph



HAYS, Kan. - The Fort Hays State baseball team completed the series sweep of MSU Denver on Sunday, scoring early and late in a 5-3 win at Larks Park. The sweep was the first for the Tigers since the start of the 2018 season (at UT Permian Basin) and was their first four-game sweep since April 2015 (at Lincoln).

The Tigers (4-0) collected nine hits on the day, their most in a game so far this season.

After MSU Denver (0-4) pushed one across in the top of the first, the Tigers responded with a three-spot in the home half. Roadrunner starter Cade Crader issued free bases to&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5274">Traelon Yarbrough</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5289">Grant Schmidt</a>&nbsp;on a dropped third strike and a walk, setting the stage for&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5298">Corbin Truslow</a>. The cleanup hitter came through with a single to left, plating Yarbrough to tie things up at 1-1.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5267">Tyler Olson</a>&nbsp;broke things open with a two-out double to left center, bringing home Truslow and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5291">Garrett Stephens</a>&nbsp;to put FHSU in front 3-1.

The Roadrunners chipped away over the next three innings, tying things up by the fourth inning with single runs in the third and fourth.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5272">Cole Zimmerman</a>&nbsp;came on in relief in the fifth and immediately cooled off the MSU Denver bats, retiring the side in order.

Crader settled in after the first inning, retiring eight-straight batters. Olson and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5266">Jared Maneth</a>&nbsp;gave the Tigers a chance to score with a pair of infield singles in the fourth, but Crader got out of the jam with a strikeout and groundout.

Zimmerman tossed another scoreless frame in the sixth before giving way to&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5555">Dylan Hamilton</a>, who did not allow a hit in his one inning of work.

Connor Nantkes (0-1) came on in relief for the Roadrunners in the seventh and quickly retired the side in order, but the heart of the lineup got to the lefty in the eighth. Schmidt led off with a double down the third-base line before Truslow worked a walk, forcing MSU Denver to change pitchers once again.

Carter Akerfelds came on and nearly escaped the jam, retiring the first two batters he faced. But Maneth had other plans, punching the first pitch he saw into right field, just out of the reach of a diving Roadrunner. Schmidt came around to score from second, allowing the Tigers to regain a 4-3 lead.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5276">Griffin Brunson</a>&nbsp;followed with a clutch single up the middle, driving in Truslow to pad the lead to 5-3.

<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5293">Jaxson Webb</a>&nbsp;nearly made the score 6-3 with a single of his own, but a perfect throw from center fielder Owen Reynolds ended the inning with a play at the plate.

After retiring the side in order with two strikeouts in the eighth,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5280">Cade Flaherty</a>&nbsp;(1-0) stayed in the game to try and seal the win for the Tigers in the ninth. Brice Martinez reached on a bunt single, but was retired for the final out of the game two batters later when Truslow dove to his right to keep a sharp ground ball on the infield. Second baseman Olson made the quick decision to grab the ball and fire towards second, where Brunson was covering to record the final out.

Flaherty earned the win after throwing two scoreless innings, allowing one hit and striking out two. Zimmerman struck out three Roadrunners in his two innings of work.

Maneth finished the day 3-for-4 at the plate while driving in the game-winning run. Olson was 2-for-4 with a pair of RBI, while Truslow was the only Tiger to score multiple runs with two.

Crader struck out eight Tigers over six innings of work, giving up three runs on five hits and one walk.

Fort Hays State will hit the road for the first time in 2020 next weekend when they travel to Golden, Colo. for a four-game series against No. 23 Colorado School of Mines. The series begins Friday with a 4 p.m. CT (3 p.m. MT) first pitch.



HAYS, Kan. - The Fort Hays State baseball team completed the series sweep of MSU Denver on Sunday, scoring early and late in a 5-3 win at Larks Park. The sweep was the first for the Tigers since the start of the 2018 season (at UT Permian Basin) and was their first four-game sweep since April 2015 (at Lincoln).The Tigers (4-0) collected nine hits on the day, their most in a game so far this season.After MSU Denver (0-4) pushed one across in the top of the first, the Tigers responded with a three-spot in the home half. Roadrunner starter Cade Crader issued free bases to&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5274">Traelon Yarbrough</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5289">Grant Schmidt</a>&nbsp;on a dropped third strike and a walk, setting the stage for&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5298">Corbin Truslow</a>. The cleanup hitter came through with a single to left, plating Yarbrough to tie things up at 1-1.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5267">Tyler Olson</a>&nbsp;broke things open with a two-out double to left center, bringing home Truslow and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5291">Garrett Stephens</a>&nbsp;to put FHSU in front 3-1.The Roadrunners chipped away over the next three innings, tying things up by the fourth inning with single runs in the third and fourth.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5272">Cole Zimmerman</a>&nbsp;came on in relief in the fifth and immediately cooled off the MSU Denver bats, retiring the side in order.Crader settled in after the first inning, retiring eight-straight batters. Olson and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5266">Jared Maneth</a>&nbsp;gave the Tigers a chance to score with a pair of infield singles in the fourth, but Crader got out of the jam with a strikeout and groundout.Zimmerman tossed another scoreless frame in the sixth before giving way to&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5555">Dylan Hamilton</a>, who did not allow a hit in his one inning of work.Connor Nantkes (0-1) came on in relief for the Roadrunners in the seventh and quickly retired the side in order, but the heart of the lineup got to the lefty in the eighth. Schmidt led off with a double down the third-base line before Truslow worked a walk, forcing MSU Denver to change pitchers once again.Carter Akerfelds came on and nearly escaped the jam, retiring the first two batters he faced. But Maneth had other plans, punching the first pitch he saw into right field, just out of the reach of a diving Roadrunner. Schmidt came around to score from second, allowing the Tigers to regain a 4-3 lead.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5276">Griffin Brunson</a>&nbsp;followed with a clutch single up the middle, driving in Truslow to pad the lead to 5-3.<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5293">Jaxson Webb</a>&nbsp;nearly made the score 6-3 with a single of his own, but a perfect throw from center fielder Owen Reynolds ended the inning with a play at the plate.After retiring the side in order with two strikeouts in the eighth,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5280">Cade Flaherty</a>&nbsp;(1-0) stayed in the game to try and seal the win for the Tigers in the ninth. Brice Martinez reached on a bunt single, but was retired for the final out of the game two batters later when Truslow dove to his right to keep a sharp ground ball on the infield. Second baseman Olson made the quick decision to grab the ball and fire towards second, where Brunson was covering to record the final out.Flaherty earned the win after throwing two scoreless innings, allowing one hit and striking out two. Zimmerman struck out three Roadrunners in his two innings of work.Maneth finished the day 3-for-4 at the plate while driving in the game-winning run. Olson was 2-for-4 with a pair of RBI, while Truslow was the only Tiger to score multiple runs with two.Crader struck out eight Tigers over six innings of work, giving up three runs on five hits and one walk.Fort Hays State will hit the road for the first time in 2020 next weekend when they travel to Golden, Colo. for a four-game series against No. 23 Colorado School of Mines. The series begins Friday with a 4 p.m. CT (3 p.m. MT) first pitch.

Tiger baseball completes sweep of MSU Denver

MIAMI (AP) — After more than 4,000 plays, 1,000 points and 125 touchdowns between them, there are countless numbers that tell the story of how the San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs made it to the Super Bowl.

The Chiefs have relied on a big-play passing game led by Patrick Mahomes, while the Niners have had plenty of success on the defensive side.

Here’s a look at some key numbers for both teams that could help determine which team wins the game. (All stats courtesy of SportRadar unless otherwise specified):

64.6. The Chiefs passed the ball on 64.6% of first and second-down plays in the first 28 minutes of games this season, situations when the time and score have the least impact on play-calling. That’s the second highest rate in the NFL over the past 20 seasons to the 66.6% for the Steelers in 2018.

74.8. The 49ers have run the ball on 74.8% of plays so far this postseason, the second highest rate in the Super Bowl era to the 82.3% for the Miami Dolphins on the way to winning the title in the 1973 season.

6.65. The Niners led the NFL this season in first-down production, averaging 6.65 yards per play. That’s a staple of coach Kyle Shanahan’s offenses. The best performing first-down team in the past 20 seasons was the 2016 Falcons, who averaged 7.58 yards per play with Shanahan as offensive coordinator. Five of the top 24 teams in the past 20 years were coached by Shanahan.

4. The Chiefs have rallied to win four games they trailed by at least 10 points this season, including twice in the playoffs. They are the second team in that past 25 seasons win multiple games in a postseason when trailing by double digits, joining the 2014 Patriots, who did it vs. Baltimore and Seattle. San Francisco was tied for the second-most double-digit comebacks this season with three.

32. No team threw the ball deep fewer times this season than the 49ers. Their 32 pass attempts at least 20 yards downfield were the second fewest in the NFL in the past 13 seasons. They were successful when they did throw deep with the 106.8 rating on deep throws ranking second in the NFL to Kansas City’s 122.6.

37. The Chiefs ranked second in the NFL this season with 37 pass completions on throws that traveled at least 20 yards downfield. But no team was stingier against deep passes than the Niners, who allowed only eight all regular season. That’s the fewest in the NFL over the past 14 seasons.

44. Kansas City hasn’t lost a game by more than eight points in its last 44 contests, including the postseason. The only teams to have longer streaks are Seattle (46 from 2011-14, Green Bay (45 from 2009-12) and New England (45 from 2010-13). The last time the Chiefs lost by more than eight came in a 28-17 defeat to Dallas on Nov. 5, 2017, with Alex Smith at QB. Garoppolo has lost by more than eight just once in 28 career starts, a 38-27 defeat at Kansas City last season.

22. San Francisco and Kansas City were tied for the NFL lead with 22 sacks on third down this season. Mahomes has the second-lowest third-down sack rate the past two seasons among players with at least 200 passes on third downs at 7.3%.

31. The 49ers used play action on 31% of dropbacks, the highest rate in the league, according to NFL NextGen starts. Garoppolo averaged 10.3 yards per attempt on play action compared to 7.4 ypa on other passes.

4.17. The Chiefs have allowed only 4.17 yards per carry over the past six games, a marked improvement from the start of the season. Kansas City allowed 5.11 ypc over the first 12 games, the third worst mark in the league in that span. The Niners are averaging 4.73 ypc for the season.

MIAMI (AP) — After more than 4,000 plays, 1,000 points and 125 touchdowns between them, there are countless numbers that tell the story of how the San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs made it to the Super Bowl.The Chiefs have relied on a big-play passing game led by Patrick Mahomes, while the Niners have had plenty of success on the defensive side.Here’s a look at some key numbers for both teams that could help determine which team wins the game. (All stats courtesy of SportRadar unless otherwise specified):64.6. The Chiefs passed the ball on 64.6% of first and second-down plays in the first 28 minutes of games this season, situations when the time and score have the least impact on play-calling. That’s the second highest rate in the NFL over the past 20 seasons to the 66.6% for the Steelers in 2018.74.8. The 49ers have run the ball on 74.8% of plays so far this postseason, the second highest rate in the Super Bowl era to the 82.3% for the Miami Dolphins on the way to winning the title in the 1973 season.6.65. The Niners led the NFL this season in first-down production, averaging 6.65 yards per play. That’s a staple of coach Kyle Shanahan’s offenses. The best performing first-down team in the past 20 seasons was the 2016 Falcons, who averaged 7.58 yards per play with Shanahan as offensive coordinator. Five of the top 24 teams in the past 20 years were coached by Shanahan.4. The Chiefs have rallied to win four games they trailed by at least 10 points this season, including twice in the playoffs. They are the second team in that past 25 seasons win multiple games in a postseason when trailing by double digits, joining the 2014 Patriots, who did it vs. Baltimore and Seattle. San Francisco was tied for the second-most double-digit comebacks this season with three.32. No team threw the ball deep fewer times this season than the 49ers. Their 32 pass attempts at least 20 yards downfield were the second fewest in the NFL in the past 13 seasons. They were successful when they did throw deep with the 106.8 rating on deep throws ranking second in the NFL to Kansas City’s 122.6.37. The Chiefs ranked second in the NFL this season with 37 pass completions on throws that traveled at least 20 yards downfield. But no team was stingier against deep passes than the Niners, who allowed only eight all regular season. That’s the fewest in the NFL over the past 14 seasons.44. Kansas City hasn’t lost a game by more than eight points in its last 44 contests, including the postseason. The only teams to have longer streaks are Seattle (46 from 2011-14, Green Bay (45 from 2009-12) and New England (45 from 2010-13). The last time the Chiefs lost by more than eight came in a 28-17 defeat to Dallas on Nov. 5, 2017, with Alex Smith at QB. Garoppolo has lost by more than eight just once in 28 career starts, a 38-27 defeat at Kansas City last season.22. San Francisco and Kansas City were tied for the NFL lead with 22 sacks on third down this season. Mahomes has the second-lowest third-down sack rate the past two seasons among players with at least 200 passes on third downs at 7.3%.31. The 49ers used play action on 31% of dropbacks, the highest rate in the league, according to NFL NextGen starts. Garoppolo averaged 10.3 yards per attempt on play action compared to 7.4 ypa on other passes.4.17. The Chiefs have allowed only 4.17 yards per carry over the past six games, a marked improvement from the start of the season. Kansas City allowed 5.11 ypc over the first 12 games, the third worst mark in the league in that span. The Niners are averaging 4.73 ypc for the season.

A look at some key stats and numbers for the Super Bowl



HAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State picked up its second straight win at home and snapped a three-game skid in MIAA play with a 69-56 win over Nebraska-Kearney on Saturday at Gross Memorial Coliseum. The Tigers moved to 9-11 overall, 2-9 in the MIAA, while the Lopers moved to 12-8 overall, 6-5 in the MIAA.

The Lopers scored the first seven points of the game, but the Tigers answered right back with a 7-0 run of their own. With a 14-13 lead, the Tigers started to break away from the Lopers with a 9-0 run fueled by seven points from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5318">Perry Carroll</a>.&nbsp;FHSU led by as many as 13 in the first half before taking a nine-point advantage into halftime, 37-28. Carroll had 12 of his team-best 14 points by halftime.

The Lopers scored the first basket of the second half, but the Tigers answered with an 11-0 run.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5315">Jared Vitztum</a>&nbsp;had four of the first five points in the run, while&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5316">Nyjee Wright</a>&nbsp;buried a three-pointer and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5311">Devin Davis</a>&nbsp;picked up an old-fashioned three-point play on the back end of the run. FHSU led by 18, 48-30, with 16:57 remaining. It turned out to be the biggest lead of the game.

A 9-0 burst by the Lopers in the middle of the second half brought the Tiger advantage down to eight, but a pair of Carroll free throws pushed the lead back into double figures and it remained throughout the rest of the game with the final margin settling at 13.

Carroll was 3-of-4 from the field, including a 2-of-2 effort beyond the 3-point line, and 6-of-6 at the free-throw line to lead the Tigers in scoring. Viztum added 13, while&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5313">Aaron Nicholson</a>&nbsp;had 11 and a team-high four assists. Vitztum pulled down 10 rebounds, good for his third double-double of the season. FHSU shot 52.3 percent as a team and were 16-of-18 at the free-throw line.

AJ Jackson led UNK with a career-high 23 points. Morgan Soucie was the only other Loper in double figures with 14. UNK shot 44 percent from the field as a team.

Fort Hays State continues its home stand with Newman on Thursday and Central Oklahoma next week Saturday.



HAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State picked up its second straight win at home and snapped a three-game skid in MIAA play with a 69-56 win over Nebraska-Kearney on Saturday at Gross Memorial Coliseum. The Tigers moved to 9-11 overall, 2-9 in the MIAA, while the Lopers moved to 12-8 overall, 6-5 in the MIAA.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/753532948&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe>


<iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/753533158&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe>


<iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/753532645&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe></div>The Lopers scored the first seven points of the game, but the Tigers answered right back with a 7-0 run of their own. With a 14-13 lead, the Tigers started to break away from the Lopers with a 9-0 run fueled by seven points from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5318">Perry Carroll</a>.&nbsp;FHSU led by as many as 13 in the first half before taking a nine-point advantage into halftime, 37-28. Carroll had 12 of his team-best 14 points by halftime.The Lopers scored the first basket of the second half, but the Tigers answered with an 11-0 run.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5315">Jared Vitztum</a>&nbsp;had four of the first five points in the run, while&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5316">Nyjee Wright</a>&nbsp;buried a three-pointer and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5311">Devin Davis</a>&nbsp;picked up an old-fashioned three-point play on the back end of the run. FHSU led by 18, 48-30, with 16:57 remaining. It turned out to be the biggest lead of the game.A 9-0 burst by the Lopers in the middle of the second half brought the Tiger advantage down to eight, but a pair of Carroll free throws pushed the lead back into double figures and it remained throughout the rest of the game with the final margin settling at 13.Carroll was 3-of-4 from the field, including a 2-of-2 effort beyond the 3-point line, and 6-of-6 at the free-throw line to lead the Tigers in scoring. Viztum added 13, while&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5313">Aaron Nicholson</a>&nbsp;had 11 and a team-high four assists. Vitztum pulled down 10 rebounds, good for his third double-double of the season. FHSU shot 52.3 percent as a team and were 16-of-18 at the free-throw line.AJ Jackson led UNK with a career-high 23 points. Morgan Soucie was the only other Loper in double figures with 14. UNK shot 44 percent from the field as a team.Fort Hays State continues its home stand with Newman on Thursday and Central Oklahoma next week Saturday.

FHSU Sports Information

Tigers solid in win over Lopers

ELLIS- It was a special Saturday edition of the Area Game of the Week that took place in Ellis, as the hometown Railroaders took on the Hill City Ringnecks. This was a make up game from January 17th.&nbsp;

The afternoon's games began with a 6-6 Ellis girls team taking on a Hill City squad that was searching for their first win of the season.

The first quarter was a regular back-and-forth battle and things were knotted at 9 after a quarter. The second quarter was more of the same, but Hill City was able to build a small 20-17 lead by the half.

The Ringnecks came out of the break on fire, scoring the first 10 points for a 30-17 lead. The lead would balloon to as much as 14 before the quarter ended with the score 40-29 in favor of Hill City.

Ellis cut the lead to as little as 6 in the final period, but Hill City was able to ride out the storm en-route to a 54-40 win. The Ringnecks had captured their first win of the season!

Junior Allisa Keith led the charge for Hill City with 22 points and 4 rebounds. Junior Breckan Born had 17 points to go with a game-high 8 rebounds. Junior Grace Eck and senior Rylee Werth both had 11 points for Ellis.

The Ringnecks move to 1-10 on the year. Ellis fell to 6-7.

The boys game was next on the docket. The Ringnecks came into the game looking to end a 4 game losing streak. Ellis was trying to reach double digit wins on the season.

Hill City came out strong, scoring the first 4 points and holding Ellis scoreless for nearly the first 4 minutes of the game. However, Ellis closed the quarter on an 11-0 run. The second quarter was competitive, allowing Ellis to slightly extend their lead to 23-14 by the break. Junior Brady Frickey had 14 of Ellis's 23 points at the half.

The Ringknecks put up their best fight in the second half, but the will of Frickey and the Railroaders was just to much. Ellis led by as much as 20 and held the lead for a 56-42 final.

Frickey had a monster night, finishing with 29 points. Senior Dalen Journigan had 9 points and 5 boards for Hill City. Fellow senior Jacob Lindenman also had 9 points.

Ellis reaches double digit wins, as they are&nbsp; now 10-3 on the year. Ellis hosts Quinter on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Hill City falls to 5-7. They'll try to put an end to a 5 game losing streak on Tuesday when they travel to Ness City.&nbsp;

ELLIS- It was a special Saturday edition of the Area Game of the Week that took place in Ellis, as the hometown Railroaders took on the Hill City Ringnecks. This was a make up game from January 17th.&nbsp;The afternoon's games began with a 6-6 Ellis girls team taking on a Hill City squad that was searching for their first win of the season.The first quarter was a regular back-and-forth battle and things were knotted at 9 after a quarter. The second quarter was more of the same, but Hill City was able to build a small 20-17 lead by the half.The Ringnecks came out of the break on fire, scoring the first 10 points for a 30-17 lead. The lead would balloon to as much as 14 before the quarter ended with the score 40-29 in favor of Hill City.Ellis cut the lead to as little as 6 in the final period, but Hill City was able to ride out the storm en-route to a 54-40 win. The Ringnecks had captured their first win of the season!Junior Allisa Keith led the charge for Hill City with 22 points and 4 rebounds. Junior Breckan Born had 17 points to go with a game-high 8 rebounds. Junior Grace Eck and senior Rylee Werth both had 11 points for Ellis.The Ringnecks move to 1-10 on the year. Ellis fell to 6-7.The boys game was next on the docket. The Ringnecks came into the game looking to end a 4 game losing streak. Ellis was trying to reach double digit wins on the season.Hill City came out strong, scoring the first 4 points and holding Ellis scoreless for nearly the first 4 minutes of the game. However, Ellis closed the quarter on an 11-0 run. The second quarter was competitive, allowing Ellis to slightly extend their lead to 23-14 by the break. Junior Brady Frickey had 14 of Ellis's 23 points at the half.The Ringknecks put up their best fight in the second half, but the will of Frickey and the Railroaders was just to much. Ellis led by as much as 20 and held the lead for a 56-42 final.Frickey had a monster night, finishing with 29 points. Senior Dalen Journigan had 9 points and 5 boards for Hill City. Fellow senior Jacob Lindenman also had 9 points.Ellis reaches double digit wins, as they are&nbsp; now 10-3 on the year. Ellis hosts Quinter on Tuesday.&nbsp;Hill City falls to 5-7. They'll try to put an end to a 5 game losing streak on Tuesday when they travel to Ness City.&nbsp;

Area Game of the Week: Hill City vs. Ellis



HAYS, Kan. - The Fort Hays State baseball team hit five home runs including a walk-off solo shot in game one from Grant Schmidt and take both ends of their Saturday doubleheader with Metro State-Denver at Larks..&nbsp; The Tigers (3-0) will look to complete the series sweep on Sunday when the teams meet up for game four at noon.

Game One: Fort Hays State 5, MSU Denver 4 After three scoreless innings,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5291">Garrett Stephens</a>&nbsp;broke things open with his second home run in as many games in the bottom of the fourth inning, driving in&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5289">Grant Schmidt</a>&nbsp;with the two-run bomb. Chase Anderson would answer back in the sixth with a solo home run to cut the Hays lead in half. Stephens countered in the next half inning with another two-run shot over the left-center wall to push the lead to 4-1.&nbsp;

The Roadrunners got things going in the seventh, delivering three runs of damage to tie things up.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5301">Cade Peters</a>&nbsp;led off with a solo home run to right before the next two runners also reached.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5268">Ryan Ruder</a>&nbsp;came on in relief for the Tigers with two runners on and no outs. The senior nearly escaped the inning, but Logan Soole delivered a two-out, game-tying single. Ruder was able to get out of a bases loaded jam later in the inning, giving the Tigers a chance to end it in the home half. After the first two batters were retired, Schmidt walked up to the plate looking to keep the inning going. On the first pitch he saw, Schmidt sent a high-flying ball over the left field wall to secure the walk-off win for the Tigers.&nbsp;

<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5299">Padraic Walsh</a>&nbsp;started game one for FHSU, going five innings and only allowing one run on four hits. Walsh also recorded four strikeouts.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5270">Jake Steinbring</a>&nbsp;was the first out of the pen tossing one inning and allowing three runs on two hits.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5268">Ryan Ruder</a>&nbsp;(1-0) was credited with the win after throwing one scoreless inning and allowing one hit.&nbsp;

Game Two: Fort Hays State 4, MSU Denver 2 The Roadrunners took their first lead of the weekend in the top of the first after Logan Soole knocked in a one-run double. In the second inning, FHSU was able to tie things up when a single by&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5274">Traelon Yarbrough</a>&nbsp;drove in&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5276">Griffin Brunson</a>.

MSU Denver's Andrew Chavez responded with a solo shot to left to put the Roadrunners back on top, but not for long. The next half inning,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5289">Grant Schmidt</a>&nbsp;crushed his second home run of the day to left field, leveling things at 2-2

Fort Hays State took the lead for good thanks to a 2-run blast from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5298">Corbin Truslow</a>&nbsp;in the fifth. The Roadrunners would again threaten in the seventh, but&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5287">Jacob Douglas</a>&nbsp;held on and got out of a bases-loaded jam to secure the victory.

<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5282">Jake Campbell</a>&nbsp;started on the bump for Hays, throwing a solid four innings and allowing two runs on three hits.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5287">Jacob Douglas</a>&nbsp;(1-0) would come in relief and finish the job for the Tigers. Douglas tossed three scoreless innings on just three hits.

HAYS, Kan. - The Fort Hays State baseball team hit five home runs including a walk-off solo shot in game one from Grant Schmidt and take both ends of their Saturday doubleheader with Metro State-Denver at Larks..&nbsp; The Tigers (3-0) will look to complete the series sweep on Sunday when the teams meet up for game four at noon.Game One: Fort Hays State 5, MSU Denver 4 After three scoreless innings,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5291">Garrett Stephens</a>&nbsp;broke things open with his second home run in as many games in the bottom of the fourth inning, driving in&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5289">Grant Schmidt</a>&nbsp;with the two-run bomb. Chase Anderson would answer back in the sixth with a solo home run to cut the Hays lead in half. Stephens countered in the next half inning with another two-run shot over the left-center wall to push the lead to 4-1.&nbsp;The Roadrunners got things going in the seventh, delivering three runs of damage to tie things up.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5301">Cade Peters</a>&nbsp;led off with a solo home run to right before the next two runners also reached.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5268">Ryan Ruder</a>&nbsp;came on in relief for the Tigers with two runners on and no outs. The senior nearly escaped the inning, but Logan Soole delivered a two-out, game-tying single. Ruder was able to get out of a bases loaded jam later in the inning, giving the Tigers a chance to end it in the home half. After the first two batters were retired, Schmidt walked up to the plate looking to keep the inning going. On the first pitch he saw, Schmidt sent a high-flying ball over the left field wall to secure the walk-off win for the Tigers.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5299">Padraic Walsh</a>&nbsp;started game one for FHSU, going five innings and only allowing one run on four hits. Walsh also recorded four strikeouts.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5270">Jake Steinbring</a>&nbsp;was the first out of the pen tossing one inning and allowing three runs on two hits.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5268">Ryan Ruder</a>&nbsp;(1-0) was credited with the win after throwing one scoreless inning and allowing one hit.&nbsp;Game Two: Fort Hays State 4, MSU Denver 2 The Roadrunners took their first lead of the weekend in the top of the first after Logan Soole knocked in a one-run double. In the second inning, FHSU was able to tie things up when a single by&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5274">Traelon Yarbrough</a>&nbsp;drove in&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5276">Griffin Brunson</a>.MSU Denver's Andrew Chavez responded with a solo shot to left to put the Roadrunners back on top, but not for long. The next half inning,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5289">Grant Schmidt</a>&nbsp;crushed his second home run of the day to left field, leveling things at 2-2Fort Hays State took the lead for good thanks to a 2-run blast from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5298">Corbin Truslow</a>&nbsp;in the fifth. The Roadrunners would again threaten in the seventh, but&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5287">Jacob Douglas</a>&nbsp;held on and got out of a bases-loaded jam to secure the victory.<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5282">Jake Campbell</a>&nbsp;started on the bump for Hays, throwing a solid four innings and allowing two runs on three hits.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5287">Jacob Douglas</a>&nbsp;(1-0) would come in relief and finish the job for the Tigers. Douglas tossed three scoreless innings on just three hits.

Long ball lifts Tigers to Saturday sweep of Metro State



HAYS, Kan. - The No. 16 Fort Hays State women's basketball team came up short against Nebraska-Kearney on Saturday, falling 72-67. The loss snapped a 32-game regular season home winning streak spanning back more than two years.

The teams went back-and-forth for the first 18 minutes of action before UNK scored 13-straight before halftime, culminated by a deep buzzer-beating 3-pointer from Madison Dreckman. The flurry of points allowed the Lopers&nbsp;to turn a 38-35 deficit into a 48-38 halftime lead in just under two and a half minutes.

Nebraska-Kearney went on to score the first four points of the second half to go in front by as many as 14, stretching the run to 17-consecutive points, the longest given up by the Tigers this season. Fort Hays State outscored the Lopers over the final 18 minutes, 29-20, but UNK did enough over that less than four-minute stretch spanning halftime to hold on and win.

The Tigers closed within five with 3:55 to go after a bucket from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5442">Jaden Hobbs</a>, but Nebraska-Kearney went 9-of-12 from the free throw line down the stretch to keep the Tigers at bay. A&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5438">Taylor Rolfs</a>&nbsp;3-pointer sparked one final Tiger rally with 65 seconds remaining. Hobbs added two more on a pair of free throws before&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5434">Kacey Kennett</a>&nbsp;buried a deep 3-pointer from the right wing with 23 seconds left, making the score 71-64.

The Tiger defense then forced a five-second violation on the ensuing inbounds pass, returning possession to the home team.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5431">Cydney Bergmann</a>&nbsp;quickly navigated into the lane and made a driving layup through contact, nailing the free throw to claw within four with 15.7 seconds left, 71-67. UNK hit one of two free throws to go back up by five before two Tiger shots were off the mark in the waning seconds.

Fort Hays State struggled from the floor all afternoon, knocking down 37.3 percent of its shots (22-of-59). The Lopers buried 50 percent from the floor (27-of-54, including a 40 percent effort from deep (6-of-15). The Tigers took advantage at the free-throw line, knocking down 19-of-22 (86.4 percent).

Kennett matched her season-high with 22 points while adding eight rebounds and one steal.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5430">Belle Barbieri</a>&nbsp;recorded her seventh double-double of the season with 11 points and 12 rebounds. Hobbs totaled 12 points, six assists and one rebound.

Five Lopers scored in double figures, led by Brooke Carlson's 18 points.

The Tigers will look to start a new home winning streak on Thursday when they host Newman as a conference rival for the first time. Opening tip is set for 5:30 p.m. inside Gross Memorial Coliseum.

HAYS, Kan. - The No. 16 Fort Hays State women's basketball team came up short against Nebraska-Kearney on Saturday, falling 72-67. The loss snapped a 32-game regular season home winning streak spanning back more than two years.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/753482710&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe>

<iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/753482431&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe></div>The teams went back-and-forth for the first 18 minutes of action before UNK scored 13-straight before halftime, culminated by a deep buzzer-beating 3-pointer from Madison Dreckman. The flurry of points allowed the Lopers&nbsp;to turn a 38-35 deficit into a 48-38 halftime lead in just under two and a half minutes.Nebraska-Kearney went on to score the first four points of the second half to go in front by as many as 14, stretching the run to 17-consecutive points, the longest given up by the Tigers this season. Fort Hays State outscored the Lopers over the final 18 minutes, 29-20, but UNK did enough over that less than four-minute stretch spanning halftime to hold on and win.The Tigers closed within five with 3:55 to go after a bucket from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5442">Jaden Hobbs</a>, but Nebraska-Kearney went 9-of-12 from the free throw line down the stretch to keep the Tigers at bay. A&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5438">Taylor Rolfs</a>&nbsp;3-pointer sparked one final Tiger rally with 65 seconds remaining. Hobbs added two more on a pair of free throws before&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5434">Kacey Kennett</a>&nbsp;buried a deep 3-pointer from the right wing with 23 seconds left, making the score 71-64.The Tiger defense then forced a five-second violation on the ensuing inbounds pass, returning possession to the home team.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5431">Cydney Bergmann</a>&nbsp;quickly navigated into the lane and made a driving layup through contact, nailing the free throw to claw within four with 15.7 seconds left, 71-67. UNK hit one of two free throws to go back up by five before two Tiger shots were off the mark in the waning seconds.Fort Hays State struggled from the floor all afternoon, knocking down 37.3 percent of its shots (22-of-59). The Lopers buried 50 percent from the floor (27-of-54, including a 40 percent effort from deep (6-of-15). The Tigers took advantage at the free-throw line, knocking down 19-of-22 (86.4 percent).Kennett matched her season-high with 22 points while adding eight rebounds and one steal.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5430">Belle Barbieri</a>&nbsp;recorded her seventh double-double of the season with 11 points and 12 rebounds. Hobbs totaled 12 points, six assists and one rebound.Five Lopers scored in double figures, led by Brooke Carlson's 18 points.The Tigers will look to start a new home winning streak on Thursday when they host Newman as a conference rival for the first time. Opening tip is set for 5:30 p.m. inside Gross Memorial Coliseum.FHSU Sports Information

No. 16 Tiger women come up short against UNK

Nebraska-Kearney (12-7, 6-4 MIAA) at Fort Hays State (8-11, 1-9 MIAA) Saturday, February 1, 2020 - 4 pm Hays, Kan. - Gross Memorial Coliseum Game Sponsor: Eagle National Anthem: Washington Grade School Game Theme: Blackout the Coliseum Promotions: Kids K-12th grade get in FREE courtesy of Eagle and FHSU Athletics; Vision Dance performances at both halftimes Radio: KJLS (103.3-FM) <a href="https://streamdb7web.securenetsystems.net/cirrusencore/index.cfm?stationCallSign=KJLS">LISTEN LIVE</a>

Fort Hays State Men's Basketball returns to action on Saturday (Feb. 1) at home in its second meeting of the season with Nebraska-Kearney. Game time is 4 pm, which follows the women's contest at 2 pm. FHSU enters at 8-11 overall, 1-9 in the MIAA, while UNK is 12-7 overall, 6-4 in the MIAA.

Nebraska-Kearney claimed the first meeting of the year between the teams in Kearney back on December 3, the MIAA opener for both teams. The Lopers won 74-60. Jake Walker led UNK with 20 points, while&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5311">Devin Davis</a>&nbsp;led the way for FHSU with a double-double of 15 points and 10 rebounds.

If the Tigers are going to make a run at the MIAA Tournament, they'll have to make a solid run through February. The schedule is favorable with six of their final nine games against teams currently in eighth place or lower in the MIAA standings. The three games remaining against teams within the top six, which includes Nebraska-Kearney, are all at home. FHSU is coming off a 90-49 win on Monday night against Kansas Wesleyan in the final non-conference game of the year.

<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5315">Jared Vitztum</a>&nbsp;continues to lead the Tigers at 13.4 points and 7.5 rebounds per game, shooting over 50 percent from the field overall and beyond the 3-point line. Davis (10.2) and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5317">Jake Hutchings</a>&nbsp;(10.1) also average double figures scoring per game.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5316">Nyjee Wright</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5313">Aaron Nicholson</a>&nbsp;both average 8.7 points and 2.1 assists per game.

Morgan Soucie leads the Lopers in scoring at 16.5 points per game. AJ Jackson (13.0) and Walker (12.7) both average double figures as well.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1580489681308.jpeg" alt="Courtesy FHSU Athletics / Allie Schweizer photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy FHSU Athletics / Allie Schweizer photo</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU Sports Information

Nebraska-Kearney (12-7, 6-4 MIAA) at Fort Hays State (8-11, 1-9 MIAA) Saturday, February 1, 2020 - 4 pm Hays, Kan. - Gross Memorial Coliseum Game Sponsor: Eagle National Anthem: Washington Grade School Game Theme: Blackout the Coliseum Promotions: Kids K-12th grade get in FREE courtesy of Eagle and FHSU Athletics; Vision Dance performances at both halftimes Radio: KJLS (103.3-FM) <a href="https://streamdb7web.securenetsystems.net/cirrusencore/index.cfm?stationCallSign=KJLS">LISTEN LIVE</a>Fort Hays State Men's Basketball returns to action on Saturday (Feb. 1) at home in its second meeting of the season with Nebraska-Kearney. Game time is 4 pm, which follows the women's contest at 2 pm. FHSU enters at 8-11 overall, 1-9 in the MIAA, while UNK is 12-7 overall, 6-4 in the MIAA.Nebraska-Kearney claimed the first meeting of the year between the teams in Kearney back on December 3, the MIAA opener for both teams. The Lopers won 74-60. Jake Walker led UNK with 20 points, while&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5311">Devin Davis</a>&nbsp;led the way for FHSU with a double-double of 15 points and 10 rebounds.If the Tigers are going to make a run at the MIAA Tournament, they'll have to make a solid run through February. The schedule is favorable with six of their final nine games against teams currently in eighth place or lower in the MIAA standings. The three games remaining against teams within the top six, which includes Nebraska-Kearney, are all at home. FHSU is coming off a 90-49 win on Monday night against Kansas Wesleyan in the final non-conference game of the year.<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5315">Jared Vitztum</a>&nbsp;continues to lead the Tigers at 13.4 points and 7.5 rebounds per game, shooting over 50 percent from the field overall and beyond the 3-point line. Davis (10.2) and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5317">Jake Hutchings</a>&nbsp;(10.1) also average double figures scoring per game.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5316">Nyjee Wright</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5313">Aaron Nicholson</a>&nbsp;both average 8.7 points and 2.1 assists per game.Morgan Soucie leads the Lopers in scoring at 16.5 points per game. AJ Jackson (13.0) and Walker (12.7) both average double figures as well.

Tigers tangle with Lopers Saturday in Hays



The 16th-ranked Fort Hays State women's basketball team opens a three-game home swing Saturday (Feb. 1) with a big conference matchup against Nebraska-Kearney. Opening tip in the rivalry matchup is slated for 2 p.m. inside Gross Memorial Coliseum.

Promotions Game Sponsor: Eagle National Anthem: Washington Grade School Student Section Theme: Black out the Lopers - wear black! Kids K-12th grade get in FREE courtesy of Eagle and FHSU Athletics Halftime performance: Vision Dance Radio: KJLS (103.3-FM) <a href="https://streamdb7web.securenetsystems.net/cirrusencore/index.cfm?stationCallSign=KJLS">LISTEN LIVE</a>

The Tigers (16-3, 7-3 MIAA) are looking to avenge one of this season's losses after falling to the Lopers (19-2, 8-2 MIAA) back in December.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5442">Jaden Hobbs</a>&nbsp;tallied 20 points and four assists in that contest, with&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5430">Belle Barbieri</a>&nbsp;nearly picking up a double-double (15 points, nine rebounds).

Fort Hays State is riding a 32 game regular season home winning streak, dating back more than two years. The Lopers were the last team to defeat FHSU at home during the regular season, winning 78-64 in January 2018.

Fort Hays State holds a 56-37 lead in the all-time series with UNK, including a 34-11 edge in games played in Hays. The Tigers have more games against and more wins over the Lopers than any other team in program history. FHSU has dominated the series of late, winning 17 of the last 19 meetings. Head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/coaches.aspx?rc=884">Tony Hobson</a>&nbsp;is 17-3 against the Lopers, including wins in eight of the 10 games played inside GMC. Hobson holds a 7-2 edge when coaching against his former player and assistant coach and current UNK head coach Carrie Eighmey.

Hobbs is currently averaging 4.6 assists per contest, which would tie for third-most in a single season in program history.

<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5434">Kacey Kennett</a>&nbsp;has been a scoring machine for the Tigers of late, averaging 16.8 points over the last four games.

Barbieri has been comfortable playing at home all season, knocking down 65.7 percent of her shots inside the Coliseum and leading the team with 12.0 points per home game.

Nebraska-Kearney currently sits in second in the MIAA standings with an overall record of 19-2 and an conference mark of 8-2. Both teams to defeat the Lopers this season are from the state of Kansas (Pittsburg State, Emporia State). They lead the league in both scoring offense with 79.4 points per game and scoring defense at 54.6 points allowed per contest. Their +24.8 scoring margin is fifth-best in the country. The Lopers sit just behind the Tigers in assist/turnover ratio, ranking fourth nationally at 1.46. They dish out 18.6 assists each night, fourth-most in the league. Haley Simental leads the team with 12.1 points per game, with Maegan Holt (10.8 ppg) and Brooke Carlson (10.7 ppg) also averaging in double figures. Simental's 3-point shooting percentage of 46.9 percent is 11th-best in the country.



<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1580488965396.jpeg" alt="Courtesy FHSU Athletics / Allie Schweizer photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy FHSU Athletics / Allie Schweizer photo</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU Sports Information

The 16th-ranked Fort Hays State women's basketball team opens a three-game home swing Saturday (Feb. 1) with a big conference matchup against Nebraska-Kearney. Opening tip in the rivalry matchup is slated for 2 p.m. inside Gross Memorial Coliseum.Promotions Game Sponsor: Eagle National Anthem: Washington Grade School Student Section Theme: Black out the Lopers - wear black! Kids K-12th grade get in FREE courtesy of Eagle and FHSU Athletics Halftime performance: Vision Dance Radio: KJLS (103.3-FM) <a href="https://streamdb7web.securenetsystems.net/cirrusencore/index.cfm?stationCallSign=KJLS">LISTEN LIVE</a>The Tigers (16-3, 7-3 MIAA) are looking to avenge one of this season's losses after falling to the Lopers (19-2, 8-2 MIAA) back in December.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5442">Jaden Hobbs</a>&nbsp;tallied 20 points and four assists in that contest, with&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5430">Belle Barbieri</a>&nbsp;nearly picking up a double-double (15 points, nine rebounds).Fort Hays State is riding a 32 game regular season home winning streak, dating back more than two years. The Lopers were the last team to defeat FHSU at home during the regular season, winning 78-64 in January 2018.Fort Hays State holds a 56-37 lead in the all-time series with UNK, including a 34-11 edge in games played in Hays. The Tigers have more games against and more wins over the Lopers than any other team in program history. FHSU has dominated the series of late, winning 17 of the last 19 meetings. Head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/coaches.aspx?rc=884">Tony Hobson</a>&nbsp;is 17-3 against the Lopers, including wins in eight of the 10 games played inside GMC. Hobson holds a 7-2 edge when coaching against his former player and assistant coach and current UNK head coach Carrie Eighmey.Hobbs is currently averaging 4.6 assists per contest, which would tie for third-most in a single season in program history.<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5434">Kacey Kennett</a>&nbsp;has been a scoring machine for the Tigers of late, averaging 16.8 points over the last four games.Barbieri has been comfortable playing at home all season, knocking down 65.7 percent of her shots inside the Coliseum and leading the team with 12.0 points per home game.Nebraska-Kearney currently sits in second in the MIAA standings with an overall record of 19-2 and an conference mark of 8-2. Both teams to defeat the Lopers this season are from the state of Kansas (Pittsburg State, Emporia State). They lead the league in both scoring offense with 79.4 points per game and scoring defense at 54.6 points allowed per contest. Their +24.8 scoring margin is fifth-best in the country. The Lopers sit just behind the Tigers in assist/turnover ratio, ranking fourth nationally at 1.46. They dish out 18.6 assists each night, fourth-most in the league. Haley Simental leads the team with 12.1 points per game, with Maegan Holt (10.8 ppg) and Brooke Carlson (10.7 ppg) also averaging in double figures. Simental's 3-point shooting percentage of 46.9 percent is 11th-best in the country.

No. 16 FHSU women's basketball back home against rival Lopers Saturday

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https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/1-31-20-gotw-mwbkb-hoxie-at-quinter

QUINTER- This weeks installment of the Area Game of the Week series played out just down I-70 in Quinter, Kansas. The hometown Quinter Bulldogs were set to do battle with the Hoxie Indians.

The girls game featured a very good Hoxie team that was 10-2 on the season and ranked 9th in the state at the 2A level. Quinter, who doesn't have a senior on their roster, came into the game with 5 wins and 8 losses.

Quinter took two early leads, 2 to 0 and then 4 to 2. However, Hoxie clamped down on defense and only allowed 6 points the rest of the half en-route to a 28-10 lead at the break.&nbsp;

The second half was all Hoxie as well. The defense continued to clamp down, only allowing a dozen second half points. The final score: Hoxie 48 Quinter 22.&nbsp;

Senior Macy Schamberger had 11 points and 5 rebounds for Hoxie. Senior Addi Campbell also had 11 points with 4 boards. Kayler Getz led the Bulldog scoring effort with 10 points. She also had a game-high 7 rebounds.&nbsp;

Hoxie moved to 11-2 on the year. Quinter fell to 5-9.&nbsp;

The boys game featured another ranked squad, as Hoxie was 10-2 on the year and ranked 3rd at the 2A level. However, Hoxie was without their leading scorer and rebounder, Harlan Obioha, who was out with illness. Quinter came into the game at 6-7.

The first half was a tight one and Hoxie led 14-10 after the first. The back-and-forth battle continued into the second half and there was little separation by the half. With 16 minutes in the books, Hoxie led 29-26.

The second half was a completely different story than the first. Quinter, who had only 7 turnovers before the break, had 16 after. The Bulldogs struggled on offense and Hoxie was able to steadily pull away, winning the second half 38-11 and the game 67-37.&nbsp;

Hoxie freshman Brady Jones led all scorers with 18 points. He also had 3 rebounds and 4 assists. Senior Parker Jones had 13 points, 9 of which came via 3 pointers. Caden White was strong off the bench for the Indians, pulling down a game high 9 rebounds to go with 8 points. Sophomore Jaden Boone paced the Bulldogs with 12 points and 8 rebounds.

This is the last time these two teams will meet as Northwest Kansas League members. Hoxie competed in the MCL tournament this year and will make the full transition to the league next season.&nbsp;

Hoxie averaged 61 points a game heading into the contest. They eclipsed that mark, without Harlan Obioha, who accounts for over one-third of their offense (21.1 ppg).&nbsp;

Just like the girls, the Quinter boys have no seniors on their roster.&nbsp;

Hoxie moves to 11-2 on the year. Hoxie will host Oakley next Tuesday.&nbsp;

Quinter falls to 6-8. They will travel to Ellis on Tuesday.&nbsp;

https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/1-31-20-gotw-mwbkb-hoxie-at-quinterQUINTER- This weeks installment of the Area Game of the Week series played out just down I-70 in Quinter, Kansas. The hometown Quinter Bulldogs were set to do battle with the Hoxie Indians.The girls game featured a very good Hoxie team that was 10-2 on the season and ranked 9th in the state at the 2A level. Quinter, who doesn't have a senior on their roster, came into the game with 5 wins and 8 losses.Quinter took two early leads, 2 to 0 and then 4 to 2. However, Hoxie clamped down on defense and only allowed 6 points the rest of the half en-route to a 28-10 lead at the break.&nbsp;The second half was all Hoxie as well. The defense continued to clamp down, only allowing a dozen second half points. The final score: Hoxie 48 Quinter 22.&nbsp;Senior Macy Schamberger had 11 points and 5 rebounds for Hoxie. Senior Addi Campbell also had 11 points with 4 boards. Kayler Getz led the Bulldog scoring effort with 10 points. She also had a game-high 7 rebounds.&nbsp;Hoxie moved to 11-2 on the year. Quinter fell to 5-9.&nbsp;The boys game featured another ranked squad, as Hoxie was 10-2 on the year and ranked 3rd at the 2A level. However, Hoxie was without their leading scorer and rebounder, Harlan Obioha, who was out with illness. Quinter came into the game at 6-7.The first half was a tight one and Hoxie led 14-10 after the first. The back-and-forth battle continued into the second half and there was little separation by the half. With 16 minutes in the books, Hoxie led 29-26.The second half was a completely different story than the first. Quinter, who had only 7 turnovers before the break, had 16 after. The Bulldogs struggled on offense and Hoxie was able to steadily pull away, winning the second half 38-11 and the game 67-37.&nbsp;Hoxie freshman Brady Jones led all scorers with 18 points. He also had 3 rebounds and 4 assists. Senior Parker Jones had 13 points, 9 of which came via 3 pointers. Caden White was strong off the bench for the Indians, pulling down a game high 9 rebounds to go with 8 points. Sophomore Jaden Boone paced the Bulldogs with 12 points and 8 rebounds.This is the last time these two teams will meet as Northwest Kansas League members. Hoxie competed in the MCL tournament this year and will make the full transition to the league next season.&nbsp;Hoxie averaged 61 points a game heading into the contest. They eclipsed that mark, without Harlan Obioha, who accounts for over one-third of their offense (21.1 ppg).&nbsp;Just like the girls, the Quinter boys have no seniors on their roster.&nbsp;Hoxie moves to 11-2 on the year. Hoxie will host Oakley next Tuesday.&nbsp;Quinter falls to 6-8. They will travel to Ellis on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Area Game of the Week: Hoxie at Quinter



HAYS, Kan. - The No. 22 Fort Hays State wrestling team fell behind early and was unable to bounce back against No. 6 Central Oklahoma Friday, losing 28-15. The Tigers now sit at 4-5 on the year and 1-1 in MIAA action, while the Bronchos improve to 10-1 overall and 2-0 in the league.

Central Oklahoma took a quick 10-0 lead through two matches before the Tigers were able to get on the board at 141. No. 2&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5381">Brandon Ball</a>&nbsp;maintained his undefeated record with a 7-2 decision over Nate Keim, picking up two reversals and a two-point nearfall.

The Bronchos captured nine points over the next two matches to lead 19-3 at the midway point before&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5554">Conrad Vajnar</a>&nbsp;helped the Tigers bounce back at 165 pounds. The sophomore picked up a late two-point nearfall to knock off Anthony DesVigne with an 8-6 decision.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5399">Marty Verhaeghe</a>&nbsp;kept things rolling with a 9-5 win over Gage McBride at 174 pounds, helping the Tigers close within 19-9 on the scoreboard.

<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5391">Aryus Jones</a>&nbsp;battled for seven tough minutes against Heath Gray, the top-ranked wrestler at 184 pounds, before suffering a 7-5 defeat. Jones took an early lead with a first-period takedown and picked up a late reversal to close within one, but Gray fought off any nearfall points and picked up a ride time point to secure the decision.

<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5387">A.J. Cooper</a>&nbsp;wrapped up the evening with his 13th pin of the season at 285 pounds, sticking Garrett Beier to the mat with 13 seconds left on the clock. Cooper was in full control at the time, leading 11-2 after nearly recording a pin in the second period.

The Tigers will take a break from conference action next Friday (Feb. 7) when they travel to Springfield, Mo. to take on the Drury Panthers.

#6 Central Oklahoma 28, #22 Fort Hays State 15

125| Studd Morris (UCO) over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5385">Colin Cole</a>&nbsp;(FHSU) (MD 12-4)

133| Cody Karstetter (UCO) over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5386">Conrad Cole</a>&nbsp;(FHSU) (Fall 2:30)

141| #2&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5381">Brandon Ball</a>&nbsp;(FHSU) over Nate Keim (UCO) (Dec 7-2)

149| Brik Filippo (UCO) over Unknown (FHSU) (For.)

157| Zachary Moore (UCO) over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5543">Tristan Porsch</a>&nbsp;(FHSU) (Dec 10-8)

165|&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5554">Conrad Vajnar</a>&nbsp;(FHSU) over Anthony Des Vigne (UCO) (Dec 8-6)

174|&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5399">Marty Verhaeghe</a>&nbsp;(FHSU) over Gage McBride (UCO) (Dec 9-5)

184| Heath Gray (UCO) over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5391">Aryus Jones</a>&nbsp;(FHSU) (Dec 7-5)

197| Dalton Abney (UCO) over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5383">Tyler Boone</a>&nbsp;(FHSU) (Fall 2:44)

285|&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5387">A.J. Cooper</a>&nbsp;(FHSU) over Garrett Beier (UCO) (Fall 6:47)

FHSU Sports Information

HAYS, Kan. - The No. 22 Fort Hays State wrestling team fell behind early and was unable to bounce back against No. 6 Central Oklahoma Friday, losing 28-15. The Tigers now sit at 4-5 on the year and 1-1 in MIAA action, while the Bronchos improve to 10-1 overall and 2-0 in the league.Central Oklahoma took a quick 10-0 lead through two matches before the Tigers were able to get on the board at 141. No. 2&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5381">Brandon Ball</a>&nbsp;maintained his undefeated record with a 7-2 decision over Nate Keim, picking up two reversals and a two-point nearfall.The Bronchos captured nine points over the next two matches to lead 19-3 at the midway point before&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5554">Conrad Vajnar</a>&nbsp;helped the Tigers bounce back at 165 pounds. The sophomore picked up a late two-point nearfall to knock off Anthony DesVigne with an 8-6 decision.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5399">Marty Verhaeghe</a>&nbsp;kept things rolling with a 9-5 win over Gage McBride at 174 pounds, helping the Tigers close within 19-9 on the scoreboard.<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5391">Aryus Jones</a>&nbsp;battled for seven tough minutes against Heath Gray, the top-ranked wrestler at 184 pounds, before suffering a 7-5 defeat. Jones took an early lead with a first-period takedown and picked up a late reversal to close within one, but Gray fought off any nearfall points and picked up a ride time point to secure the decision.<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5387">A.J. Cooper</a>&nbsp;wrapped up the evening with his 13th pin of the season at 285 pounds, sticking Garrett Beier to the mat with 13 seconds left on the clock. Cooper was in full control at the time, leading 11-2 after nearly recording a pin in the second period.The Tigers will take a break from conference action next Friday (Feb. 7) when they travel to Springfield, Mo. to take on the Drury Panthers.#6 Central Oklahoma 28, #22 Fort Hays State 15125| Studd Morris (UCO) over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5385">Colin Cole</a>&nbsp;(FHSU) (MD 12-4)133| Cody Karstetter (UCO) over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5386">Conrad Cole</a>&nbsp;(FHSU) (Fall 2:30)141| #2&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5381">Brandon Ball</a>&nbsp;(FHSU) over Nate Keim (UCO) (Dec 7-2)149| Brik Filippo (UCO) over Unknown (FHSU) (For.)157| Zachary Moore (UCO) over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5543">Tristan Porsch</a>&nbsp;(FHSU) (Dec 10-8)165|&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5554">Conrad Vajnar</a>&nbsp;(FHSU) over Anthony Des Vigne (UCO) (Dec 8-6)174|&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5399">Marty Verhaeghe</a>&nbsp;(FHSU) over Gage McBride (UCO) (Dec 9-5)184| Heath Gray (UCO) over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5391">Aryus Jones</a>&nbsp;(FHSU) (Dec 7-5)197| Dalton Abney (UCO) over&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5383">Tyler Boone</a>&nbsp;(FHSU) (Fall 2:44)285|&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5387">A.J. Cooper</a>&nbsp;(FHSU) over Garrett Beier (UCO) (Fall 6:47)

No. 22 Tiger wrestling falls to No. 6 Bronchos

ABILENE -&nbsp;The TMP girls and boys basketball teams traveled to Abilene
on Friday night for a non-league matchup and both TMP teams would come home
with a victory.

Girls: TMP 49, Abilene 34 The TMP Lady Monarchs opened the game with a 14-2 run and opened
the second half with a 16-4 run on their way to a 49-34 win.

Megan Hamel scored the first five points of the game for TMP
as they rushed out to that 5-0 lead. Then with TMP leading 5-2 the Monarchs
held Abilene scoreless for the next four minutes and two second while going on
a 9-0 run to build a 14-2 lead. 

Abilene cut the deficit to eight at 14-6 but the Monarchs
built a 16-6 lead after the first quarter.

In the second quarter TMP took their largest lead of the
first half at 24-9 when Abilene was again held scoreless for more than four minutes.
TMP lead by 10 at the break 26-16.

TMP outscored Abilene 16-6 in the third quarter and lead by
20 through three quarters at 42-22.

The Monarchs would go on to earn the 49-34 victory. 

Kyleigh Allen led TMP with 15 points and Sophia Balthazor added
13. 

TMP improves to 5-8 while Abilene drops to 5-7.

The TMP boys outscored Abilene 15-6 to open the second
quarter and held off a late rally to end a 10-game losing streak at the hands
of the Cowboys with a 66-60 win in a battle of ranked teams.

After trading the lead back-and-forth in the first quarter
Abilene (#9 in 4A) took a 13-12 lead into the second quarter.

After knocking down three three-pointers in the first
quarter TMP (#6 in 3A) added three more in the second quarter and shot 50-percent
from three in the first half. 

TMP opened the second quarter on a 15-6 run and led by eight
at 27-18. Abilene cut the deficit back to three momentarily before the Monarchs
scored the final nine points of the first half to take a 36-24 lead into the
break. 

Mason Robbins hit his first career three pointer to open the
second half, followed by a Ryan Stoecklein three to put TMP up 42-26. 

The Monarchs built an 18-point lead early in the third
quarter at 45-27 but Abilene outscored TMP 16-3 to end the third quarter to cut
the deficit to 48-43.

With TMP leading by nine early in the fourth quarter Abilene
started sending TMP to the line with just under three minutes to play and while
the Monarchs were a bit shacky at the line they were able to hold off the
Cowboys and pick up the 66-60 win.

Jackson Schulte led three Monarchs in double-figures with 17
points. 

Travis Beetch led all scorers with 18 points.

TMP earned their 11th straight win and ended a 10-game
losing streak against the Cowboys as they improved to 11-1.

The Monarchs hosts Smith Center on Tuesday.

ABILENE -&nbsp;The TMP girls and boys basketball teams traveled to Abilene
on Friday night for a non-league matchup and both TMP teams would come home
with a victory.Girls: TMP 49, Abilene 34 The TMP Lady Monarchs opened the game with a 14-2 run and opened
the second half with a 16-4 run on their way to a 49-34 win.Rose McFarland postgame interview<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/753096343&color=%2345badb&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe></div>Megan Hamel scored the first five points of the game for TMP
as they rushed out to that 5-0 lead. Then with TMP leading 5-2 the Monarchs
held Abilene scoreless for the next four minutes and two second while going on
a 9-0 run to build a 14-2 lead. Abilene cut the deficit to eight at 14-6 but the Monarchs
built a 16-6 lead after the first quarter.In the second quarter TMP took their largest lead of the
first half at 24-9 when Abilene was again held scoreless for more than four minutes.
TMP lead by 10 at the break 26-16.TMP outscored Abilene 16-6 in the third quarter and lead by
20 through three quarters at 42-22.The Monarchs would go on to earn the 49-34 victory. Game highlights<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/753096367&color=%2345badb&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe></div>Kyleigh Allen led TMP with 15 points and Sophia Balthazor added
13. TMP improves to 5-8 while Abilene drops to 5-7.Boys: TMP 66, Abilene 60The TMP boys outscored Abilene 15-6 to open the second
quarter and held off a late rally to end a 10-game losing streak at the hands
of the Cowboys with a 66-60 win in a battle of ranked teams.Bill Meagher postgame interview<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/753096415&color=%2345badb&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe></div> After trading the lead back-and-forth in the first quarter
Abilene (#9 in 4A) took a 13-12 lead into the second quarter.After knocking down three three-pointers in the first
quarter TMP (#6 in 3A) added three more in the second quarter and shot 50-percent
from three in the first half. TMP opened the second quarter on a 15-6 run and led by eight
at 27-18. Abilene cut the deficit back to three momentarily before the Monarchs
scored the final nine points of the first half to take a 36-24 lead into the
break. Mason Robbins hit his first career three pointer to open the
second half, followed by a Ryan Stoecklein three to put TMP up 42-26. The Monarchs built an 18-point lead early in the third
quarter at 45-27 but Abilene outscored TMP 16-3 to end the third quarter to cut
the deficit to 48-43.With TMP leading by nine early in the fourth quarter Abilene
started sending TMP to the line with just under three minutes to play and while
the Monarchs were a bit shacky at the line they were able to hold off the
Cowboys and pick up the 66-60 win.Game Highlights<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/753096478&color=%2345badb&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe></div>Jackson Schulte led three Monarchs in double-figures with 17
points. Travis Beetch led all scorers with 18 points.TMP earned their 11th straight win and ended a 10-game
losing streak against the Cowboys as they improved to 11-1.Abilene drops to 7-5. The Monarchs hosts Smith Center on Tuesday.

TMP basketball sweeps Abilene

A 15-0 second quarter run lifted #5-5A Salina Central over Hays High 52-39 in Salina on Friday.&nbsp; Hays trailed 9-2 through the first five plus minutes of the game missing their first six shots.&nbsp; The Indians took their first and only lead at 14-13 following a 12-4 run that lasted into the second quarter.

Hays though didn't score for the remainder of the half and the Mustangs took advantage.&nbsp; A 15-0 run put Central up 28-14 at half time.&nbsp; That lead would extend to seventeen at the end of the third quarter after Hays cut it down to eleven.

The Indians would never be closer than twelve points rest of the game.

Sophomore Aubrie Kierscht had a career night for the Mustangs with a new high of 27 points including seven three pointers.&nbsp;

Tasiah Nunnery scored a season high 14 and Isabel Robben added 11.

Hays falls to 4-8 and Salina Central is now 10-2.

Salina Central used a 17-5 run in the first quarter to build a big lead and beat Hays High 54-33.&nbsp; The Indians led three times in the first quarter but never by more than two points.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Indians had two long scoring droughts through the night.&nbsp; A 7:45 drought lasted through the second and third quarter that led to a 17 points deficit.&nbsp; Hays fought back with a 9-0 run to get within eight but missed a three pointer.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Indians trailed 42-31 a minute into the fourth quarter but missed shots on their next two possessions.&nbsp; Hays went scoreless for the next 5:10 while the Mustangs scored ten points.

Hays had a season low in field goal percentage, three point percentage and free throw percentage while turning the ball over a season low seven times.&nbsp; The Indians thirteen field goals matched a season low.

Hays falls to 8-4 while Salina Central moves to 5-7.

The Indians are back home Tuesday for the only time during a month span on the road to take on Salina South.

A 15-0 second quarter run lifted #5-5A Salina Central over Hays High 52-39 in Salina on Friday.&nbsp; Hays trailed 9-2 through the first five plus minutes of the game missing their first six shots.&nbsp; The Indians took their first and only lead at 14-13 following a 12-4 run that lasted into the second quarter.Hays though didn't score for the remainder of the half and the Mustangs took advantage.&nbsp; A 15-0 run put Central up 28-14 at half time.&nbsp; That lead would extend to seventeen at the end of the third quarter after Hays cut it down to eleven.The Indians would never be closer than twelve points rest of the game.Highlights<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/753041206&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe></div>Sophomore Aubrie Kierscht had a career night for the Mustangs with a new high of 27 points including seven three pointers.&nbsp;Tasiah Nunnery scored a season high 14 and Isabel Robben added 11.Coach Kyle Porter<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/753057013&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe></div>Hays falls to 4-8 and Salina Central is now 10-2.BoysSalina Central used a 17-5 run in the first quarter to build a big lead and beat Hays High 54-33.&nbsp; The Indians led three times in the first quarter but never by more than two points.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Indians had two long scoring droughts through the night.&nbsp; A 7:45 drought lasted through the second and third quarter that led to a 17 points deficit.&nbsp; Hays fought back with a 9-0 run to get within eight but missed a three pointer.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Indians trailed 42-31 a minute into the fourth quarter but missed shots on their next two possessions.&nbsp; Hays went scoreless for the next 5:10 while the Mustangs scored ten points.Highlights<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/753075340&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe></div>Hays had a season low in field goal percentage, three point percentage and free throw percentage while turning the ball over a season low seven times.&nbsp; The Indians thirteen field goals matched a season low.Coach Alex Hutchins<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/753074068&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe></div>Hays falls to 8-4 while Salina Central moves to 5-7.The Indians are back home Tuesday for the only time during a month span on the road to take on Salina South.

Big runs by Salina Central as Mustangs sweep Hays



HAYS, Kan. - The Fort Hays State baseball team opened the 2020 season with a 4-3 win over MSU Denver on Friday at Larks Park, 4-3. The Tigers used a combination of strong pitching and timely hits to hold off the Roadrunners.

Starting pitcher&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5290">Zach Berg</a>&nbsp;(1-0) gave the Tigers a chance with five solid innings, surrendering three runs on five hits while striking out six.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5283">Jacob Ensz</a>&nbsp;then came in to slam the door, tossing four shutout innings to pick up the save. The lefty mowed through the Roadrunner lineup, striking out five batters and allowing just three hits.

The Tigers never trailed in the contest, taking a 1-0 lead in the home half of the second inning. It took&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5291">Garrett Stephens</a>&nbsp;all of three pitches into the season to find one to crush, homering to right center in his first at bat as a Tiger.

The Roadrunners tied things up with a run in the fourth, but Fort Hays State quickly went back in front with a three-spot in the bottom of the inning.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5298">Corbin Truslow</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5291">Garrett Stephens</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5267">Tyler Olson</a>&nbsp;opened the inning with three straight singles, loading the bases for&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5266">Jared Maneth</a>. The senior came through with a base knock to center, plating a pair after Stephens slid in under the tag at the plate. Olson made a heads up play advancing to third while the catcher was distracted and ended up scoring on a&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5293">Jaxson Webb</a>&nbsp;groundout in the ensuing at bat.

MSU Denver responded with a two-run home run in the fifth, but the Roadrunner bats went silent when Ensz stepped on the mound. The lefty struck out the side in the sixth inning before striking out two more in the eighth. He allowed just three baserunners on three singles and did not allow a baserunner past second base.

Stephens turned in a 2-for-4 day at the plate, scoring two runs and driving in another while gunning down two would-be base stealers from behind the dish. Olson also picked up a pair of hits, going 2-for-4 with a run scored.

The teams are slated to resume the series with a doubleheader on Saturday beginning at noon.

STRANGE BUT TRUE: Dating back to 2015, the Tigers have won on opening day in the even years (2016, 2018, 2020) and lost in the first game of the season in the odd years (2015, 2017, 2019).

FHSU Sports Information

HAYS, Kan. - The Fort Hays State baseball team opened the 2020 season with a 4-3 win over MSU Denver on Friday at Larks Park, 4-3. The Tigers used a combination of strong pitching and timely hits to hold off the Roadrunners.Starting pitcher&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5290">Zach Berg</a>&nbsp;(1-0) gave the Tigers a chance with five solid innings, surrendering three runs on five hits while striking out six.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5283">Jacob Ensz</a>&nbsp;then came in to slam the door, tossing four shutout innings to pick up the save. The lefty mowed through the Roadrunner lineup, striking out five batters and allowing just three hits.The Tigers never trailed in the contest, taking a 1-0 lead in the home half of the second inning. It took&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5291">Garrett Stephens</a>&nbsp;all of three pitches into the season to find one to crush, homering to right center in his first at bat as a Tiger.The Roadrunners tied things up with a run in the fourth, but Fort Hays State quickly went back in front with a three-spot in the bottom of the inning.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5298">Corbin Truslow</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5291">Garrett Stephens</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5267">Tyler Olson</a>&nbsp;opened the inning with three straight singles, loading the bases for&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5266">Jared Maneth</a>. The senior came through with a base knock to center, plating a pair after Stephens slid in under the tag at the plate. Olson made a heads up play advancing to third while the catcher was distracted and ended up scoring on a&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5293">Jaxson Webb</a>&nbsp;groundout in the ensuing at bat.MSU Denver responded with a two-run home run in the fifth, but the Roadrunner bats went silent when Ensz stepped on the mound. The lefty struck out the side in the sixth inning before striking out two more in the eighth. He allowed just three baserunners on three singles and did not allow a baserunner past second base.Stephens turned in a 2-for-4 day at the plate, scoring two runs and driving in another while gunning down two would-be base stealers from behind the dish. Olson also picked up a pair of hits, going 2-for-4 with a run scored.The teams are slated to resume the series with a doubleheader on Saturday beginning at noon.STRANGE BUT TRUE: Dating back to 2015, the Tigers have won on opening day in the even years (2016, 2018, 2020) and lost in the first game of the season in the odd years (2015, 2017, 2019).

FHSU baseball captures Opening Day victory

Basketball Scoreboard-Boys, January 31

North Central Athletic Association

Basketball Scoreboard-Boys, January 31Western Athletic Conference*Hays 33 Salina Central 54*Hugoton 43 Liberal 48Dodge City 55 Great Bend 77Central Kansas LeagueMid-Continent League*TMP 66 Abilene 60Smith Center 30 Stockton 61Plainville 50 Ellis 61 (Thur.)Trego 48 Hill City 41*Goodland 44 Norton 66Northwest Kansas LeagueHoxie 67 Quinter 37Central PrairieVictoria 32 Lacrosse 55*Lyons 53 Ellinwood 50Western Kansas Liberty LeagueNorthern Valley 62 Logan 58North Central Athletic AssociationRussell 58 Beloit 82Solomon 41 Republic County 46Southeast of Saline 50 Ellsworth 47Great Western Athletic ConferenceHolcomb 52 Colby 56Basketball Scoreboard-Girls, January 31Western Athletic Conference*Hays 39 Salina Central 52*Hugoton 40 Liberal 41Dodge City 54&nbsp; Bishop Carroll 35*Kapaun Mt. Carmel 44 Garden City 49Central Kansas LeagueHoisington&nbsp; 36 Pratt 41Mid-Continent League*TMP 49 Abilene 34Smith Center 54 Stockton 51Trego 53 Hill City 21Goodland 45 Norton 51Phillipsburg 41 Oakley 42Northwest Kansas LeagueDighton 61 Greeley County 57Hoxie 48 Quinter 22Central PrairieVictoria 51 Lacrosse 33*Lyons 43 Ellinwood 37*Sylvan-Lucas 28 Otis-Bison 56Western Kansas Liberty LeagueNorthern Valley 22 Logan 65Golden Plains 54 Brewster/Triplains&nbsp; 16North Central Athletic AssociationRussell 33 Beloit 44Solomon 24 Republic County 64Southeast of Saline 48 Ellsworth 32Northern Plains LeagueWilson 15 Rock Hills 42Thunder Ridge 57 Southern Cloud 25Lakeside 47 Osborne 40Tescott 31 St. John’s/Tipton 36Lincoln 41 Natoma 21Great Western Athletic Conference*Lakin 27 Scott City 64