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High School Sports LIVE STREAMS

SURPRISE, Ariz.—The Kansas City Royals today announced they have acquired right-handed pitcher&nbsp;Mitch Spence&nbsp;from the Athletics for right-handed pitcher&nbsp;A.J. Causey, who was in camp as a non-roster invite. Spence was designated for assignment by the A’s on Tuesday.

To make room on the 40-man roster for Spence, the Royals placed right-handed pitcher&nbsp;Alec Marsh&nbsp;on the 60-day Injured List.

Spence, 27, pitched the last two seasons with the Athletics. Prior to the 2024 season, he was selected 1st overall from the Yankees in the Rule 5 Draft and spent his entire Major League debut season on the A’s roster, making 35 appearances (24 starts). He made his 1st 11 appearances in relief, before moving to the starting rotation in May.

In 2025 with the Athletics, Spence made 32 appearances (8 starts). He made his 1st 22 appearances in relief, during which he posted a 4.38 ERA (19 ER in 39.0 IP). He moved into the starting rotation on June 5 and made 7 starts before being optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas. He remained there until returning to the big league team on Sept. 10.

In 236.0 innings over two big league seasons, Spence has issued just 70 walks (2.7 BB/9). He was originally selected by the Yankees in the 10th round of the 2019 Draft.

SURPRISE, Ariz.—The Kansas City Royals today announced they have acquired right-handed pitcher&nbsp;Mitch Spence&nbsp;from the Athletics for right-handed pitcher&nbsp;A.J. Causey, who was in camp as a non-roster invite. Spence was designated for assignment by the A’s on Tuesday.To make room on the 40-man roster for Spence, the Royals placed right-handed pitcher&nbsp;Alec Marsh&nbsp;on the 60-day Injured List.Spence, 27, pitched the last two seasons with the Athletics. Prior to the 2024 season, he was selected 1st overall from the Yankees in the Rule 5 Draft and spent his entire Major League debut season on the A’s roster, making 35 appearances (24 starts). He made his 1st 11 appearances in relief, before moving to the starting rotation in May.In 2025 with the Athletics, Spence made 32 appearances (8 starts). He made his 1st 22 appearances in relief, during which he posted a 4.38 ERA (19 ER in 39.0 IP). He moved into the starting rotation on June 5 and made 7 starts before being optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas. He remained there until returning to the big league team on Sept. 10.In 236.0 innings over two big league seasons, Spence has issued just 70 walks (2.7 BB/9). He was originally selected by the Yankees in the 10th round of the 2019 Draft.

⚾️ Royals Acquire Right-Handed Pitcher Mitch Spence from Athletics

LAWRENCE, Kan. --&nbsp;The University of Kansas, Kansas Athletics, KU Student Affairs and the KU Alumni announced several important dates for the 2026 Kansas football season, as the school's Family Weekend game will take place the weekend of Oct. 3 against Middle Tennessee State and the University of Kansas’ 114th&nbsp;Homecoming presented by Central Bank will take place the weekend of Oct. 24 against Baylor.

The pair of events will welcome Jayhawks of all ages back to David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, which features six home games in 2026, including games against Long Island (Friday, Sept. 4), Missouri (Sept. 12), Middle Tennessee (Oct. 3), Baylor (Oct. 24), UCF (Nov. 7) and BYU (Nov. 21).

More information regarding Family Weekend will be released by the Office of Family Engagement as the schedule develops. Single game tickets are not yet available, but if you are interested in tickets for that game specifically, fill out the form&nbsp;<a href="https://forms.fanthreesixty.com/2026_family_weekend?mnemonic=ku" target="_blank">here</a>&nbsp;and we will contact you with more information when available.

Celebrating their 114th&nbsp;Homecoming, the Jayhawks will host the Baylor Bears on Saturday, Oct. 24 at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. As planning continues, the KU Alumni will update Homecoming information on their website at&nbsp;<a href="http://kualumni.org/homecoming" target="_blank">kualumni.org/homecoming</a>.

Under sixth year head coach Lance Leipold, the Jayhawks have won their last four homecoming games, including a 38-21 win over Oklahoma State on Homecoming in 2025. The Jayhawks bring back vital pieces in offensive tackle&nbsp;Calvin Clements, wide receiver&nbsp;Cam Pickett, linebacker&nbsp;Trey Lathan, defensive tackle&nbsp;Blake Herold&nbsp;and cornerbacks&nbsp;Jalen Todd&nbsp;and&nbsp;Austin Alexander, among others. The Jayhawks also welcome a talented transfer portal class and group of incoming freshmen who are looking to make their impact in their first season in Lawrence.

Fans looking to purchase or renew season tickets for the 2026 season can do so by clicking here or by calling 800-34-HAWKS. The full 2026 Kansas football schedule&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/football/schedule" target="_blank">can be viewed here</a>&nbsp;and the full season promotional schedule will be announced as the season gets closer.

LAWRENCE, Kan. --&nbsp;The University of Kansas, Kansas Athletics, KU Student Affairs and the KU Alumni announced several important dates for the 2026 Kansas football season, as the school's Family Weekend game will take place the weekend of Oct. 3 against Middle Tennessee State and the University of Kansas’ 114th&nbsp;Homecoming presented by Central Bank will take place the weekend of Oct. 24 against Baylor.The pair of events will welcome Jayhawks of all ages back to David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, which features six home games in 2026, including games against Long Island (Friday, Sept. 4), Missouri (Sept. 12), Middle Tennessee (Oct. 3), Baylor (Oct. 24), UCF (Nov. 7) and BYU (Nov. 21).More information regarding Family Weekend will be released by the Office of Family Engagement as the schedule develops. Single game tickets are not yet available, but if you are interested in tickets for that game specifically, fill out the form&nbsp;<a href="https://forms.fanthreesixty.com/2026_family_weekend?mnemonic=ku" target="_blank">here</a>&nbsp;and we will contact you with more information when available.Celebrating their 114th&nbsp;Homecoming, the Jayhawks will host the Baylor Bears on Saturday, Oct. 24 at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. As planning continues, the KU Alumni will update Homecoming information on their website at&nbsp;<a href="http://kualumni.org/homecoming" target="_blank">kualumni.org/homecoming</a>.Under sixth year head coach Lance Leipold, the Jayhawks have won their last four homecoming games, including a 38-21 win over Oklahoma State on Homecoming in 2025. The Jayhawks bring back vital pieces in offensive tackle&nbsp;Calvin Clements, wide receiver&nbsp;Cam Pickett, linebacker&nbsp;Trey Lathan, defensive tackle&nbsp;Blake Herold&nbsp;and cornerbacks&nbsp;Jalen Todd&nbsp;and&nbsp;Austin Alexander, among others. The Jayhawks also welcome a talented transfer portal class and group of incoming freshmen who are looking to make their impact in their first season in Lawrence.Fans looking to purchase or renew season tickets for the 2026 season can do so by clicking here or by calling 800-34-HAWKS. The full 2026 Kansas football schedule&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/football/schedule" target="_blank">can be viewed here</a>&nbsp;and the full season promotional schedule will be announced as the season gets closer.

🏈 Kansas Sets 2026 Homecoming, Family Weekend Dates

The Kansas Wesleyan men shot 56 percent from the field the second half and got within one point twice the final 34 seconds but couldn't get over the hump.

Bethel made 3 of 4 free throws the final 8.6 seconds sandwiched around a Coyote turnover and hung on for a 68-64 Kansas Conference victory Wednesday night inside Mabee Arena.

KWU dropped to 11-14, 9-10 in the conference while Bethel improved to 18-7 and 13-6.

The game was a seesaw battle, the lead changing hands eight times along with six ties.

The Coyotes trailed 29-26 at halftime after committing 11 turnovers but kept battling throughout the final 20 minutes. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/cda1f486-0e54-46f3-8902-45b0c49d67d3?elinkdata=37482">Stefan Spray's</a> basket with 12:02 left in the game gave KWU a 43-42 lead but Bethel responded with an 11-2 run and led 53-45 with 7½ minutes left. Wesleyan promptly answered with a 7-0 burst and was within 53-52 with 4½ minutes remaining.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/9ea0efdb-d663-4d7b-bb01-aeda358a611d?elinkdata=37482">Caiden Punt's</a> four-point play got Coyotes within 63-62 with 33.9 seconds left and a Spray dunk with 15.3 seconds left made it 65-64 before the Threshers closed it out.

"We're sitting at 19 turnovers, and we've got to make sure we get that under control," coach <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f6a77770-b358-49f1-b179-0a00a68f2752?elinkdata=37482">Jordan Murdock</a> said on the postgame radio show. "But I thought we fought to the very end and that's what it's about for me. We're learning lessons through these games, especially when we do things like turning the ball over and missing all those bunnies (easy shots) around the basket. That will cost you games."

Bethel scored 20 points off KWU's turnovers, but the Coyotes tallied 16 points off the Threshers' 15 turnovers. Wesleyan outscored Bethel 36-32 in the paint and got 21 points from the bench.

"With the number of freshmen we've got on the floor it's about building our mentality, understanding that we can't control everything on the court like the referees, missed shots ... you're not going to be perfect out there," Murdock said. "I want them to understand that they've got to be present and they've got to understand that we have to move on to the next play. I think we're getting that."

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/055a6180-3d89-4e55-9421-93bebfd3238e?elinkdata=37482">Brandon Avedon</a> led KWU with 17 points and five assists while Spray, the team's backup center, had 12 points, eight rebounds and two blocks off the bench. Punt added 10 points and five rebounds.

"Stef gave us that boost off the bench, especially with Evens (Appolon) having a tough night, especially in the first half," Murdock said. "(Spray) has been reliable and dependable in that area, and he's done what seniors are supposed to do. He's a big part of our team."

KWU shot 46 percent for the game (26 of 57), was 6 of 19 from 3-point range but 6 of 11 at the free throw line. Bethel shot 42 percent (26 of 62), 6 of 14 from deep and 10 of 13 at the foul line.

The Kansas Wesleyan men shot 56 percent from the field the second half and got within one point twice the final 34 seconds but couldn't get over the hump.Bethel made 3 of 4 free throws the final 8.6 seconds sandwiched around a Coyote turnover and hung on for a 68-64 Kansas Conference victory Wednesday night inside Mabee Arena.KWU dropped to 11-14, 9-10 in the conference while Bethel improved to 18-7 and 13-6.The game was a seesaw battle, the lead changing hands eight times along with six ties.The Coyotes trailed 29-26 at halftime after committing 11 turnovers but kept battling throughout the final 20 minutes. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/cda1f486-0e54-46f3-8902-45b0c49d67d3?elinkdata=37482">Stefan Spray's</a> basket with 12:02 left in the game gave KWU a 43-42 lead but Bethel responded with an 11-2 run and led 53-45 with 7½ minutes left. Wesleyan promptly answered with a 7-0 burst and was within 53-52 with 4½ minutes remaining.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/9ea0efdb-d663-4d7b-bb01-aeda358a611d?elinkdata=37482">Caiden Punt's</a> four-point play got Coyotes within 63-62 with 33.9 seconds left and a Spray dunk with 15.3 seconds left made it 65-64 before the Threshers closed it out."We're sitting at 19 turnovers, and we've got to make sure we get that under control," coach <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f6a77770-b358-49f1-b179-0a00a68f2752?elinkdata=37482">Jordan Murdock</a> said on the postgame radio show. "But I thought we fought to the very end and that's what it's about for me. We're learning lessons through these games, especially when we do things like turning the ball over and missing all those bunnies (easy shots) around the basket. That will cost you games."Bethel scored 20 points off KWU's turnovers, but the Coyotes tallied 16 points off the Threshers' 15 turnovers. Wesleyan outscored Bethel 36-32 in the paint and got 21 points from the bench."With the number of freshmen we've got on the floor it's about building our mentality, understanding that we can't control everything on the court like the referees, missed shots ... you're not going to be perfect out there," Murdock said. "I want them to understand that they've got to be present and they've got to understand that we have to move on to the next play. I think we're getting that."<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/055a6180-3d89-4e55-9421-93bebfd3238e?elinkdata=37482">Brandon Avedon</a> led KWU with 17 points and five assists while Spray, the team's backup center, had 12 points, eight rebounds and two blocks off the bench. Punt added 10 points and five rebounds."Stef gave us that boost off the bench, especially with Evens (Appolon) having a tough night, especially in the first half," Murdock said. "(Spray) has been reliable and dependable in that area, and he's done what seniors are supposed to do. He's a big part of our team."KWU shot 46 percent for the game (26 of 57), was 6 of 19 from 3-point range but 6 of 11 at the free throw line. Bethel shot 42 percent (26 of 62), 6 of 14 from deep and 10 of 13 at the foul line.

🏀 Coyote Men's Basketball comes up short in 68-64 loss to Bethel

Kansas Wesleyan Women's Basketball faced the Bethel College Threshers on Wednesday night inside Mabee Arena, but the Coyotes could not overcome shooting struggles in the third quarter, dropping a 58-52 decision to the Threshers.

Wesleyan also played without freshman phenom <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f1ea0793-8c1b-4059-901f-ab89acb4fe26?elinkdata=37446">Anna Jueneman</a> who missed the game due to an injury.

The Coyotes were just 2 of 16 from the field in the third period and were outscored 18-7 after heading into the half tied at 30.

Wesleyan went scoreless for four and a half minutes in the quarter when <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/881b8472-beaa-4ad5-a289-22a1b3adac0f?elinkdata=37446">Charley Baxter</a> hit a 3-pointer to stop the drought with 3:57 left in the quarter, bringing the Coyotes back within 10 at 45-35.

The Coyotes opened the fourth quarter on fire, outscoring Bethel 13-1 to start the quarter and take a 50-49 lead with 6:47 left on a bucket by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/986bde33-cfc3-48ca-9c71-4de63d3a5fdc?elinkdata=37446">Emma Gertken</a>.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/df5c834b-533a-481d-92b5-ab2db3f7a237?elinkdata=37446">Izzy McCool</a> gave the Coyotes a 52-51 lead with 5:33 left in the game, but it was the last points KWU would score the rest of the night, as Bethel finished the game on a 7-0 run to come away with the 58-52 win.

It was a back and forth battle all night as the Coyotes built an 11-6 lead in the first quarter on a free throw by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4c1440df-2a6e-4e81-903f-fe5f1a574e86?elinkdata=37446">Jadyn Mangan</a> with 3:12 left. Bethel would score the last seven points of the quarter to take a 13-11 lead after one.

Bethel led 24-18 with 5:47 left in the second quarter, but the Coyotes used a 9-0 run capped by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/9a3d8c66-32e9-4640-ae5d-9bc0bdd5cfcb?elinkdata=37446">Odessa Ozuna's</a> bucket with 4:22 left in the half to take a 27-24 lead.

Ozuna's free throw right before the half would send the game into intermission tied.

Ozuna led the Coyotes with 15 points while <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/308a09bb-cf8d-4a54-b6b9-0423eae0da1b?elinkdata=37446">Adriana DiPrima</a> had nine and McCool had eight. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/04e679de-129a-4da2-8004-7ccf63fdfc17?elinkdata=37446">Jocelyn Hall</a> had seven points and pulled down 10 rebounds and had three blocks for the Coyotes.

Wesleyan was 21 of 61 from the field for 34.4 percent for the game.

Kansas Wesleyan Women's Basketball faced the Bethel College Threshers on Wednesday night inside Mabee Arena, but the Coyotes could not overcome shooting struggles in the third quarter, dropping a 58-52 decision to the Threshers.Wesleyan also played without freshman phenom <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f1ea0793-8c1b-4059-901f-ab89acb4fe26?elinkdata=37446">Anna Jueneman</a> who missed the game due to an injury.The Coyotes were just 2 of 16 from the field in the third period and were outscored 18-7 after heading into the half tied at 30.Wesleyan went scoreless for four and a half minutes in the quarter when <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/881b8472-beaa-4ad5-a289-22a1b3adac0f?elinkdata=37446">Charley Baxter</a> hit a 3-pointer to stop the drought with 3:57 left in the quarter, bringing the Coyotes back within 10 at 45-35.The Coyotes opened the fourth quarter on fire, outscoring Bethel 13-1 to start the quarter and take a 50-49 lead with 6:47 left on a bucket by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/986bde33-cfc3-48ca-9c71-4de63d3a5fdc?elinkdata=37446">Emma Gertken</a>.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/df5c834b-533a-481d-92b5-ab2db3f7a237?elinkdata=37446">Izzy McCool</a> gave the Coyotes a 52-51 lead with 5:33 left in the game, but it was the last points KWU would score the rest of the night, as Bethel finished the game on a 7-0 run to come away with the 58-52 win.It was a back and forth battle all night as the Coyotes built an 11-6 lead in the first quarter on a free throw by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4c1440df-2a6e-4e81-903f-fe5f1a574e86?elinkdata=37446">Jadyn Mangan</a> with 3:12 left. Bethel would score the last seven points of the quarter to take a 13-11 lead after one.Bethel led 24-18 with 5:47 left in the second quarter, but the Coyotes used a 9-0 run capped by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/9a3d8c66-32e9-4640-ae5d-9bc0bdd5cfcb?elinkdata=37446">Odessa Ozuna's</a> bucket with 4:22 left in the half to take a 27-24 lead.Ozuna's free throw right before the half would send the game into intermission tied.Ozuna led the Coyotes with 15 points while <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/308a09bb-cf8d-4a54-b6b9-0423eae0da1b?elinkdata=37446">Adriana DiPrima</a> had nine and McCool had eight. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/04e679de-129a-4da2-8004-7ccf63fdfc17?elinkdata=37446">Jocelyn Hall</a> had seven points and pulled down 10 rebounds and had three blocks for the Coyotes.Wesleyan was 21 of 61 from the field for 34.4 percent for the game.

🏀 Third quarter struggles doom KWU Women’s Basketball against Bethel

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Jizzle James scored 24 points, Baba Miller had a 16-point, 12-rebound double-double, and Cincinnati rolled past Kansas State 91-62 on Wednesday night.

Miller also recorded six assists and&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/GoBearcatsMBB/status/2021790579873460443">four blocked shots</a>. He has 11 double-doubles this season and is one of three players nationally with the stat line of at least 13 points, 10 rebounds and three assists per game.

James buried 6 of 8 3-pointers and Jalen Celestine, who scored 18 points, made 4 of 6 3s. The Bearcats hit on 16 of 28 3-pointers.

Sencire Harris scored 12 points, and Day Day Thomas added 10 for Cincinnati (13-12, 5-7 Big 12).

Needing 31 points to reach 2,000 for his career, K-State’s P.J. Haggerty scored 24. With seven more points, he will join Gonzaga’s Graham Ike, Indiana’s Tucker DeVries and Oklahoma’s Nijel Pack as the only active Division I players with 2,000 points.

Celestine, Miller and James all hit two 3-pointers as Cincinnati opened the game with 6 of 8 3s, building a 30-11 lead in the first eight minutes. The Bearcats led 53-31 at halftime after shooting 57% from the floor and making 9 of 14 3-pointers.

A 10-0 run helped Cincinnati stretch the lead to 28 points early in the second half, and the margin peaked at 32 when Jordi Rodriguez hit a 3 with about 3 minutes remaining.

The Bearcats won on the road for the first time this season after being 0-6 in true road games.

The Wildcats (10-14, 1-10) have lost five straight.

Kansas State: The Wildcats hit the road to play No. 3 Houston on Saturday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770894686819.png" alt="Kansas State guard P.J. Haggerty (4) drives to the basket against Cincinnati's Halvine Dzellat (65) Thursday, February 11, 2026 in Manhattan, Kan. (Kansas State Athletics photo)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State guard P.J. Haggerty (4) drives to the basket against Cincinnati's Halvine Dzellat (65) Thursday, February 11, 2026 in Manhattan, Kan. (Kansas State Athletics photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Jizzle James scored 24 points, Baba Miller had a 16-point, 12-rebound double-double, and Cincinnati rolled past Kansas State 91-62 on Wednesday night.Miller also recorded six assists and&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/GoBearcatsMBB/status/2021790579873460443">four blocked shots</a>. He has 11 double-doubles this season and is one of three players nationally with the stat line of at least 13 points, 10 rebounds and three assists per game.James buried 6 of 8 3-pointers and Jalen Celestine, who scored 18 points, made 4 of 6 3s. The Bearcats hit on 16 of 28 3-pointers.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770867020069.png" alt="Photo University of Cincinnati Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo University of Cincinnati Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>Sencire Harris scored 12 points, and Day Day Thomas added 10 for Cincinnati (13-12, 5-7 Big 12).Needing 31 points to reach 2,000 for his career, K-State’s P.J. Haggerty scored 24. With seven more points, he will join Gonzaga’s Graham Ike, Indiana’s Tucker DeVries and Oklahoma’s Nijel Pack as the only active Division I players with 2,000 points.Celestine, Miller and James all hit two 3-pointers as Cincinnati opened the game with 6 of 8 3s, building a 30-11 lead in the first eight minutes. The Bearcats led 53-31 at halftime after shooting 57% from the floor and making 9 of 14 3-pointers.A 10-0 run helped Cincinnati stretch the lead to 28 points early in the second half, and the margin peaked at 32 when Jordi Rodriguez hit a 3 with about 3 minutes remaining.The Bearcats won on the road for the first time this season after being 0-6 in true road games.The Wildcats (10-14, 1-10) have lost five straight.<h2>Up next</h2>Kansas State: The Wildcats hit the road to play No. 3 Houston on Saturday.

🏀 James and Miller lead the way as Cincinnati dumps Kansas State 

The 2026 softball season is beginning later than Kansas Wesleyan coach <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/5933bf39-40e3-41ec-bbe6-0af8c12d73b6?elinkdata=37410">Ryan Cooper</a> expected but he isn't disappointed having some extra time to prepare, especially with Coyotes able to get work outdoors.

"We're covering everything that we need to cover moving into the season rather than like 'we did this stuff in the fall, but we've got to translate it to the game because we haven't been able to get outside to work on it,"' said Cooper who enters his fourth season. "That's out the door this year, which is great."

The Coyotes open Thursday with a doubleheader against Oklahoma Panhandle State in Goodwell, Okla.

KWU finished with a 23-23 record, 14-12 in the Kansas Conference in 2025. Several athletes departed but there is returning experience led by All-KCAC honorees <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/2698c4bd-b46a-4792-8ba3-c91e16213b84?elinkdata=37410">Alli Mickelsen</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/af8ea328-41d2-4a3e-9a65-25a8a5f79245?elinkdata=37410">Keira Hammen</a>. Hammen was a First Team utility player and Mickelsen a Second Team pitcher; both are juniors this spring.

Cooper is relying on other returners and newcomers to fill the gaps.

"Obviously every year having new players you hope it's going to go the way you think but the work they've put in in the past two three weeks has been really impressive," he said. "We did a lot of good stuff in the fall, but they've really locked in and focused. Very excited to see some of our new players play and contribute to our team."

Mickelsen (10-6, 3.30 earned run average) is joined in the pitching circle by sophomore <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/858d036c-a88c-469b-9f30-bd24c734c3de?elinkdata=37410">Bella Allen</a> (3-6, 4.07) and give KWU two solid starters.

"Londyn (Ysidro) is moving up from developmental (team) this year and then <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e08b3a92-290e-4195-81e8-e0de58d150a9?elinkdata=37410">Addie Herrera</a> won a state championship at McPherson High School last year," Cooper said. "With those additions to what we already had from last year there's no reason we don't have a solid core."

Hitting should be a strength according to Cooper.

"I'll be honest, offensively we've gotten better," he said.

Hammen, who will play first base, hit .367 and led the team with nine home runs and 28 runs batted in. Senior third baseman <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/28dfc477-8943-4895-a74e-38cf01f1eb00?elinkdata=37410">Cadence Mallet</a> (.333), senior outfielder <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/be8efe13-48ed-4711-881b-ec61887b9d70?elinkdata=37410">Deja Rubio</a> (.290), sophomore catcher <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/d2600046-9652-4a6f-bfd8-ace19e76be49?elinkdata=37410">Brooklyn Lange</a> (.280), junior catcher <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a1b17a35-d28d-46c0-881b-50bb2a86f36e?elinkdata=37410">Grace Pierce</a> (.256) and senior shortstop <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/47c88854-d404-4b75-b51a-cfc2ccfa51be?elinkdata=37410">Elli Han</a> (.271) return as well.

Freshman <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/2d3f716e-a2ff-42f0-bb59-b3ff6b803e19?elinkdata=37410">Kendell Wilcox</a> is slated for second base. Others in the infield mix are sophomore <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4e3017a1-2466-41d8-8c28-874a15c2e2e4?elinkdata=37410">Morgan Rasmussen</a> and freshman <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/eb343796-cb6e-45ab-a4a6-831ce96818bb?elinkdata=37410">Madison Geer</a>. The outfield will consist of Rubio, junior <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/45ff5dc8-6e31-49b8-8fca-0be50e846e9b?elinkdata=37410">Becca Kennon</a> and junior transfer <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/80a1ef24-eb0d-4258-8b93-54991d473dc8?elinkdata=37410">MacKenzie Vela</a>.

Brooklyn Smith, a transfer, and freshman <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/170f3e67-f5d9-4c5e-9eea-3fc35128fcda?elinkdata=37410">Kama Seminavage</a> from Hawaii will handle designated player duties.

Cooper said defense is a work in progress.

"You don't learn in one day, you don't get the experience in one day but having a lot of practice and intrasquad games is going to give us a leg up," he said.

Cooper expects the KCAC to shake out much like it has in recent seasons.

"Evangel is really good, Friends is always really good, OKW is always really good," he said. "There's always been three teams that are good then it's the four through ten. I'm not scared of the top; we already know who that is. It is that four through 10 where we're all the same."

The KCAC Championships will be played at Salina South High School April 29-May 1 which should benefit the Coyotes.

"Home field advantage in any sport is it's a real thing," Cooper said. "Playing there, practicing there on a day in day out basis, knowing the field, knowing the wind, knowing the conditions ... And there's a thing about sleeping in your own bed, the comfortability, the routine, all of that.

The 2026 softball season is beginning later than Kansas Wesleyan coach <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/5933bf39-40e3-41ec-bbe6-0af8c12d73b6?elinkdata=37410">Ryan Cooper</a> expected but he isn't disappointed having some extra time to prepare, especially with Coyotes able to get work outdoors."We're covering everything that we need to cover moving into the season rather than like 'we did this stuff in the fall, but we've got to translate it to the game because we haven't been able to get outside to work on it,"' said Cooper who enters his fourth season. "That's out the door this year, which is great."The Coyotes open Thursday with a doubleheader against Oklahoma Panhandle State in Goodwell, Okla.KWU finished with a 23-23 record, 14-12 in the Kansas Conference in 2025. Several athletes departed but there is returning experience led by All-KCAC honorees <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/2698c4bd-b46a-4792-8ba3-c91e16213b84?elinkdata=37410">Alli Mickelsen</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/af8ea328-41d2-4a3e-9a65-25a8a5f79245?elinkdata=37410">Keira Hammen</a>. Hammen was a First Team utility player and Mickelsen a Second Team pitcher; both are juniors this spring.Cooper is relying on other returners and newcomers to fill the gaps."Obviously every year having new players you hope it's going to go the way you think but the work they've put in in the past two three weeks has been really impressive," he said. "We did a lot of good stuff in the fall, but they've really locked in and focused. Very excited to see some of our new players play and contribute to our team."Mickelsen (10-6, 3.30 earned run average) is joined in the pitching circle by sophomore <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/858d036c-a88c-469b-9f30-bd24c734c3de?elinkdata=37410">Bella Allen</a> (3-6, 4.07) and give KWU two solid starters."Londyn (Ysidro) is moving up from developmental (team) this year and then <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e08b3a92-290e-4195-81e8-e0de58d150a9?elinkdata=37410">Addie Herrera</a> won a state championship at McPherson High School last year," Cooper said. "With those additions to what we already had from last year there's no reason we don't have a solid core."Hitting should be a strength according to Cooper."I'll be honest, offensively we've gotten better," he said.Hammen, who will play first base, hit .367 and led the team with nine home runs and 28 runs batted in. Senior third baseman <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/28dfc477-8943-4895-a74e-38cf01f1eb00?elinkdata=37410">Cadence Mallet</a> (.333), senior outfielder <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/be8efe13-48ed-4711-881b-ec61887b9d70?elinkdata=37410">Deja Rubio</a> (.290), sophomore catcher <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/d2600046-9652-4a6f-bfd8-ace19e76be49?elinkdata=37410">Brooklyn Lange</a> (.280), junior catcher <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a1b17a35-d28d-46c0-881b-50bb2a86f36e?elinkdata=37410">Grace Pierce</a> (.256) and senior shortstop <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/47c88854-d404-4b75-b51a-cfc2ccfa51be?elinkdata=37410">Elli Han</a> (.271) return as well.Freshman <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/2d3f716e-a2ff-42f0-bb59-b3ff6b803e19?elinkdata=37410">Kendell Wilcox</a> is slated for second base. Others in the infield mix are sophomore <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4e3017a1-2466-41d8-8c28-874a15c2e2e4?elinkdata=37410">Morgan Rasmussen</a> and freshman <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/eb343796-cb6e-45ab-a4a6-831ce96818bb?elinkdata=37410">Madison Geer</a>. The outfield will consist of Rubio, junior <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/45ff5dc8-6e31-49b8-8fca-0be50e846e9b?elinkdata=37410">Becca Kennon</a> and junior transfer <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/80a1ef24-eb0d-4258-8b93-54991d473dc8?elinkdata=37410">MacKenzie Vela</a>.Brooklyn Smith, a transfer, and freshman <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/170f3e67-f5d9-4c5e-9eea-3fc35128fcda?elinkdata=37410">Kama Seminavage</a> from Hawaii will handle designated player duties.Cooper said defense is a work in progress."You don't learn in one day, you don't get the experience in one day but having a lot of practice and intrasquad games is going to give us a leg up," he said.Cooper expects the KCAC to shake out much like it has in recent seasons."Evangel is really good, Friends is always really good, OKW is always really good," he said. "There's always been three teams that are good then it's the four through ten. I'm not scared of the top; we already know who that is. It is that four through 10 where we're all the same."The KCAC Championships will be played at Salina South High School April 29-May 1 which should benefit the Coyotes."Home field advantage in any sport is it's a real thing," Cooper said. "Playing there, practicing there on a day in day out basis, knowing the field, knowing the wind, knowing the conditions ... And there's a thing about sleeping in your own bed, the comfortability, the routine, all of that.

🥎 Coyote softball eager to get season started after early delays

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.</a>&nbsp;–&nbsp;Coming off successful performance in the Panini Senior Bowl, Kansas State offensive lineman&nbsp;Sam Hecht&nbsp;and safety&nbsp;VJ Payne&nbsp;have earned invitations to the 2026 NFL Combine, the National Football League announced Wednesday.

Hecht and Payne were two of 319 total prospects invited to this year’s event, which will take place February 23 through March 2, at Lucas Oil Field in Indianapolis, Indiana. This is the fourth-straight season K-State has sent multiple players to the NFL Combine and the sixth-straight year at least one Wildcat has been showcased in the annual event.

A native of Shawnee, Kansas, Hecht was a two-time All-Big 12 honoree who picked up first-team accolades as a senior. He started each of the final 25 games at center and played in 42 career contests. As a senior, Hecht anchored an offensive line that saw the Wildcats rank 10th&nbsp;in the nation in fewest sacks allowed per game (1.08). The offensive line also paved the way for a school-record 472 rushing yards at Utah, breaking a school record that stood for 71 years.

Payne, a product of Gainesville, Georgia, played in 52 career games to rank 11th in school history, while he started 42 total games with a streak of 41 starts to close out his career. A two-time All-Big 12 pick, he had 207 career tackles with 10.5 tackles for loss, a sack, 14 passes defended – including four interceptions – four forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.</a>&nbsp;–&nbsp;Coming off successful performance in the Panini Senior Bowl, Kansas State offensive lineman&nbsp;Sam Hecht&nbsp;and safety&nbsp;VJ Payne&nbsp;have earned invitations to the 2026 NFL Combine, the National Football League announced Wednesday.Hecht and Payne were two of 319 total prospects invited to this year’s event, which will take place February 23 through March 2, at Lucas Oil Field in Indianapolis, Indiana. This is the fourth-straight season K-State has sent multiple players to the NFL Combine and the sixth-straight year at least one Wildcat has been showcased in the annual event.A native of Shawnee, Kansas, Hecht was a two-time All-Big 12 honoree who picked up first-team accolades as a senior. He started each of the final 25 games at center and played in 42 career contests. As a senior, Hecht anchored an offensive line that saw the Wildcats rank 10th&nbsp;in the nation in fewest sacks allowed per game (1.08). The offensive line also paved the way for a school-record 472 rushing yards at Utah, breaking a school record that stood for 71 years.Payne, a product of Gainesville, Georgia, played in 52 career games to rank 11th in school history, while he started 42 total games with a streak of 41 starts to close out his career. A two-time All-Big 12 pick, he had 207 career tackles with 10.5 tackles for loss, a sack, 14 passes defended – including four interceptions – four forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.

🏈 K-State’s Hecht, Payne Invited to NFL Combine

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Four Jayhawks have been invited to the 2026 NFL Combine, the NFL announced on Wednesday, including quarterback Jalon Daniels, wide receiver Emmanuel Henderson Jr., offensive lineman Enrique Cruz Jr. and kicker Laith Marjan as part of the NFL Combine Specialist Showcase.

A total of 319 prospects have been invited to attend this year's event, which will take place in Indianapolis from February 23 through March 2.

Kansas has had eight players invited to the NFL Combine over the last two seasons, which is the most over that span since at least 2000. In 2025, Kansas was represented at the NFL Combine by Logan Brown, Cobee Bryant, Devin Neal and Mello Dotson.

In addition, Kansas has now had an offensive lineman invited to the NFL Combine in each of the last four seasons, including Cruz (2026), Brown (2025), Dominick Puni (2024) and Earl Bostick Jr. (2023).

Quarterback Jalon Daniels becomes the first Kansas quarterback invited to the NFL Combine since at least 2000, while Henderson becomes the first Kansas wide receiver invited since Dezmon Briscoe in 2010.

The trio of Jayhawks are among 319 premier athletes that will participate in the combine, as they are on display in front of the NFL’s head coaches, assistant coaches, general managers, scouting personnel, and medical staffs from all 32 NFL teams.

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Four Jayhawks have been invited to the 2026 NFL Combine, the NFL announced on Wednesday, including quarterback Jalon Daniels, wide receiver Emmanuel Henderson Jr., offensive lineman Enrique Cruz Jr. and kicker Laith Marjan as part of the NFL Combine Specialist Showcase.A total of 319 prospects have been invited to attend this year's event, which will take place in Indianapolis from February 23 through March 2.Kansas has had eight players invited to the NFL Combine over the last two seasons, which is the most over that span since at least 2000. In 2025, Kansas was represented at the NFL Combine by Logan Brown, Cobee Bryant, Devin Neal and Mello Dotson.In addition, Kansas has now had an offensive lineman invited to the NFL Combine in each of the last four seasons, including Cruz (2026), Brown (2025), Dominick Puni (2024) and Earl Bostick Jr. (2023).Quarterback Jalon Daniels becomes the first Kansas quarterback invited to the NFL Combine since at least 2000, while Henderson becomes the first Kansas wide receiver invited since Dezmon Briscoe in 2010.The trio of Jayhawks are among 319 premier athletes that will participate in the combine, as they are on display in front of the NFL’s head coaches, assistant coaches, general managers, scouting personnel, and medical staffs from all 32 NFL teams.

🏈 Four Jayhawks Invited to 2026 NFL Combine

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina Post

The Southeast of Saline basketball teams dropped a pair of games to Beloit on Tuesday night, conceding the Trojan War on the season.

The Lady Trojans put up a strong showing in this game, but couldn’t overcome a monstrous night from Karlie Smith, who carried Beloit to a win with 26 points on the evening.

Southeast kept things close throughout, trailing by just four after one, and two at the half.

In the third quarter, Smith came alive, scoring nine points on four field goals to help push the Beloit lead to six.

Smith didn’t score from the field in the fourth quarter, but she didn’t need to, knocking down each of her eight fourth-quarter free throws to conclude her 26-point night, and help Beloit to a 61-52 victory.

Autumn Lorenz chipped in 15 points to help Beloit get over the finish line while on the Southeast side Kyiah Samuelson (15), Abigail Pearson (12) and Reese Heinrich (11) all finished in double digits.

With this win, Beloit moves to 13-4 overall and stays in the hunt for an NCAA title at 8-1 while Southeast drops to 13-5 and 5-4 respectively.

Southeast kept things closer than in their first meeting with Beloit this season, and had the game tied at the end of the first, but a slow second quarter doomed the Trojan effort as Beloit completed the season sweep.

The Trojans scored just six points and one field goal in the second, allowing Beloit to push their lead to ten at the half.

SES managed to match Beloit’s pace for the remainder of the game, but the damage was done as the Trojans in orange and black walked away with a 14-point victory.

Brody Litton led the way for Beloit with 18 points on a night where six of his teammates each chipped in four or more.

Adam Thiel (12) and Gannon Jacobson (10) topped the score sheet for Southeast in the loss.

With this result, Beloit improves to 13-3 overall and 8-1 in league play while SES slides to 5-13 and 4-7 respectively.

You can watch both games on demand below.

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina PostThe Southeast of Saline basketball teams dropped a pair of games to Beloit on Tuesday night, conceding the Trojan War on the season.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765031258309.jpeg" alt="Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here." />
 <figcaption>Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here.</figcaption>
 </figure>Girls: Beloit 61, SE of Saline 52The Lady Trojans put up a strong showing in this game, but couldn’t overcome a monstrous night from Karlie Smith, who carried Beloit to a win with 26 points on the evening.Southeast kept things close throughout, trailing by just four after one, and two at the half.In the third quarter, Smith came alive, scoring nine points on four field goals to help push the Beloit lead to six.Smith didn’t score from the field in the fourth quarter, but she didn’t need to, knocking down each of her eight fourth-quarter free throws to conclude her 26-point night, and help Beloit to a 61-52 victory.Autumn Lorenz chipped in 15 points to help Beloit get over the finish line while on the Southeast side Kyiah Samuelson (15), Abigail Pearson (12) and Reese Heinrich (11) all finished in double digits.With this win, Beloit moves to 13-4 overall and stays in the hunt for an NCAA title at 8-1 while Southeast drops to 13-5 and 5-4 respectively.Boys: Beloit 53, SE of Saline 39Southeast kept things closer than in their first meeting with Beloit this season, and had the game tied at the end of the first, but a slow second quarter doomed the Trojan effort as Beloit completed the season sweep.The Trojans scored just six points and one field goal in the second, allowing Beloit to push their lead to ten at the half.SES managed to match Beloit’s pace for the remainder of the game, but the damage was done as the Trojans in orange and black walked away with a 14-point victory.Brody Litton led the way for Beloit with 18 points on a night where six of his teammates each chipped in four or more.Adam Thiel (12) and Gannon Jacobson (10) topped the score sheet for Southeast in the loss.With this result, Beloit improves to 13-3 overall and 8-1 in league play while SES slides to 5-13 and 4-7 respectively.You can watch both games on demand below.<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-6AxbNFnck0"></iframe>
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🏀 Beloit takes down SES to claim Trojan War

The Sacred Heart basketball teams continued their domination of the NCAA on Friday night in a doubleheader sweep of Minneapolis on the road.

The Lady Cougars used strong free-throw shooting down the stretch and a big night for the starting five to pull away late and avenge a previous loss to the Maize Lady Eagles.

South held a 15-8 lead at the end of the first quarter, but a 9-0 Maize run quickly undid that good work, allowing the Lady Eagles to hold a three-point edge at the intermission.

Much of that damage was done by freshman phenom Heidi Williams, who dropped 12 points in the second quarter alone to help get her squad back out in front.

In the third quarter, the Lady Cougar defense turned up the heat, holding Williams to just three points, and Maize to just five, to reclaim a one-point advantage.

The final frame started close but South converted 16 free throws into 12 points, pulling away for a 51-45 victory.

The starting five accounted for all but two of the Cougar’s 51 points, with Paityn Fritz (19), Brooklyn Jordan (10), and Kyla Hamel (10) finishing in double digits.

Williams scored 26 in the losing effort, but didn’t get enough from her supporting cast to complete the sweep of Salina South.

With this win, the Lady Cougars improve to 12-7 while Maize drops to 7-11.

On the boys' side, the Cougars hung tough with the #8 team in class 6A for four full quarters, but in the end, Maize was able to use their length to pull away and complete the season sweep of South.

The Cougars led 13-12 after one, but managed just one field goal in the whole second quarter, falling behind 23-18 at the halftime break.

In the third quarter, the Cougars held Maize to just nine points, trimming the Eagle lead to three, but in the fourth, the Eagles put the game away behind a pair of Pearce George threes from the outside, and a strong Karson Miles effort on the inside.

George (17) and Miles (13) led the charge for Maize as the Eagles finished off a 48-39 victory.

Sawyer Walker led all Cougars with 11 points in the narrow defeat for South.

With this result, Maize improves to 14-4 while South slides to 13-6.

You can watch both of these games on-demand any time below.

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina PostThe Sacred Heart basketball teams continued their domination of the NCAA on Friday night in a doubleheader sweep of Minneapolis on the road.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765031258309.jpeg" alt="Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here." />
 <figcaption>Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here.</figcaption>
 </figure>Girls: Salina South 51, Maize 45The Lady Cougars used strong free-throw shooting down the stretch and a big night for the starting five to pull away late and avenge a previous loss to the Maize Lady Eagles.South held a 15-8 lead at the end of the first quarter, but a 9-0 Maize run quickly undid that good work, allowing the Lady Eagles to hold a three-point edge at the intermission.Much of that damage was done by freshman phenom Heidi Williams, who dropped 12 points in the second quarter alone to help get her squad back out in front.In the third quarter, the Lady Cougar defense turned up the heat, holding Williams to just three points, and Maize to just five, to reclaim a one-point advantage.The final frame started close but South converted 16 free throws into 12 points, pulling away for a 51-45 victory.The starting five accounted for all but two of the Cougar’s 51 points, with Paityn Fritz (19), Brooklyn Jordan (10), and Kyla Hamel (10) finishing in double digits.Williams scored 26 in the losing effort, but didn’t get enough from her supporting cast to complete the sweep of Salina South.With this win, the Lady Cougars improve to 12-7 while Maize drops to 7-11.Boys: Maize 48, Salina South 39On the boys' side, the Cougars hung tough with the #8 team in class 6A for four full quarters, but in the end, Maize was able to use their length to pull away and complete the season sweep of South.The Cougars led 13-12 after one, but managed just one field goal in the whole second quarter, falling behind 23-18 at the halftime break.In the third quarter, the Cougars held Maize to just nine points, trimming the Eagle lead to three, but in the fourth, the Eagles put the game away behind a pair of Pearce George threes from the outside, and a strong Karson Miles effort on the inside.George (17) and Miles (13) led the charge for Maize as the Eagles finished off a 48-39 victory.Sawyer Walker led all Cougars with 11 points in the narrow defeat for South.With this result, Maize improves to 14-4 while South slides to 13-6.You can watch both of these games on-demand any time below.<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/STB3jkVTHTI"></iframe>
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🏀 South splits set with Maize in Salina 

BY NOAH HELGET Salina Post Contributor

The Sacred Heart teams continue their dominance through the NCAA on Tuesday night in a doubleheader sweep over Lyons on the road.

Girls:#5 Sacred Heart 63, Lyons 32

The Lady Knights had things in bag early, taking a 15-6 lead into the second quarter, and a 38-18 lead going into intermission.

Lyons would try and get things rolling, getting to the free throw line and scoring from there as well as attacking the basket but the damage was done as Sacred Heart would take a 63-32 victory.

Sacred Heart was led in scoring by Addie Lee she compiled 22, while Skylar Douglas would excel and put 21 up for the Lady Knights.

Greta Showalter did her best to compete, scoring 15 in the loss.

With the win the 5th&nbsp;ranked Lady Knights move to 17-3 overall and 8-1 in league play while Lyons drops to 2-17 overall and 0-10 in league play.

Boys: #4 Sacred Heart 67, Lyons 38

Lyons would catch the Knights off guard to start the first quarter, hitting 4 big time shots to take a 7-2 lead midway through the first. The Knights would adjust and it would be even 9-9 going into the second. Maddox Wells and Noah Hines would help the Knights adjust and take a turn for the good leading 33-15 at the intermission.

Lyons would get things going offensively in the second half, but the damage was done as Sacred Heart would dominate the second half and be victorious 67-38.

Most of Sacred Heart’s damage was done by the trio of Noah Hines (18), Maddox Wells (17), and Kolten Sprague (10).

With the win the Knights move to 18-2 overall and 9-0 in league play, while Lyons falls to 8-11 overall and 3-7 in league play.

You can watch both games on-demand below.

BY NOAH HELGET Salina Post ContributorThe Sacred Heart teams continue their dominance through the NCAA on Tuesday night in a doubleheader sweep over Lyons on the road.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765031258309.jpeg" alt="Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here." />
 <figcaption>Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here.</figcaption>
 </figure>Girls:#5 Sacred Heart 63, Lyons 32The Lady Knights had things in bag early, taking a 15-6 lead into the second quarter, and a 38-18 lead going into intermission.Lyons would try and get things rolling, getting to the free throw line and scoring from there as well as attacking the basket but the damage was done as Sacred Heart would take a 63-32 victory.Sacred Heart was led in scoring by Addie Lee she compiled 22, while Skylar Douglas would excel and put 21 up for the Lady Knights.Greta Showalter did her best to compete, scoring 15 in the loss.With the win the 5th&nbsp;ranked Lady Knights move to 17-3 overall and 8-1 in league play while Lyons drops to 2-17 overall and 0-10 in league play.Boys: #4 Sacred Heart 67, Lyons 38Lyons would catch the Knights off guard to start the first quarter, hitting 4 big time shots to take a 7-2 lead midway through the first. The Knights would adjust and it would be even 9-9 going into the second. Maddox Wells and Noah Hines would help the Knights adjust and take a turn for the good leading 33-15 at the intermission.Lyons would get things going offensively in the second half, but the damage was done as Sacred Heart would dominate the second half and be victorious 67-38.Most of Sacred Heart’s damage was done by the trio of Noah Hines (18), Maddox Wells (17), and Kolten Sprague (10).With the win the Knights move to 18-2 overall and 9-0 in league play, while Lyons falls to 8-11 overall and 3-7 in league play.You can watch both games on-demand below.<figure>
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🏀 Sacred Heart sweeps Lyons on the road

HOBBS, N.M. - The Kansas Wesleyan Coyotes swept Tuesday's doubleheader with the University of the Southwest Mustangs at USW's The Jake field. The Coyotes won the opener 24-11 and followed with a 19-3 win in the second game.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/7b264592-57d7-4d0d-a7b0-5bc393456974?elinkdata=37374">Niko Olson</a> led off the first game with a homer and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b19c2e92-7593-49a3-ae40-9b77e8ebc563?elinkdata=37374">Logan Arndt's</a> 2-run homer in the second inning gave the Coyotes a 3-0 lead. The hit came after <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ba1482ca-417f-40ce-a0fb-68936ad6995a?elinkdata=37374">Coulson Riggs</a> led off the inning with a double.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/40d0436d-58c3-44af-86f1-02c223d799cf?elinkdata=37374">Joe Finder</a> led off the third with a homer, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1ae45487-7055-4a48-9571-9fdb575cc5aa?elinkdata=37374">Blake Dale</a> doubled and Riggs tripled. Arndt drove in a run with a sacrifice fly, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a88def45-b5e4-4686-a71c-99d2cfce8564?elinkdata=37374">Fernando Ruvalcaba</a> walked home a run and Finder reached on an error that allowed two runs to score to make it 9-0.

USW came back and tied it with three runs in the bottom of the frame and put six on the board in the bottom of the fourth to make it 9-9.

Back came the Coyotes as Olson walked, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a8b63d7f-e5ba-4810-9f8e-e0c53a9748cb?elinkdata=37374">Carter Allen</a> singled and the Ruvalcaba drove in a run with a hit. Dale singled to bring in a run and an error on the play allowed Ruvalcaba to score to make it 12-9 Coyotes.

Then came the sixth inning when KWU blew the game open with 12 runs. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/451e4e22-10d7-4c7b-988a-2226932fb7e0?elinkdata=37374">Jackson Harriger</a> was hit by a pitch to start the rally. Allen drove in the first run with a sacrifice fly, followed by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/9387edb7-430b-4f49-a42a-fd4d375d5d7c?elinkdata=37374">Garrett Garfield's</a> 2-run homer. A walk to Finder, Dale was hit by a pitch and Riggs walked to load the bases for Arndt who unloaded them with a grand slam to make it 19-9.

Wesleyan wasn't done yet. Harriger doubled in his second at bat in the inning, Olson walked and Allen singled in another run. After Garfield was hit, Ruvalcaba drove in two more runs with a single. A balk brought home Garfield, and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/9e49b896-f12d-4aa3-8517-50ebc756b8b1?elinkdata=37374">Isaac Hawthrone</a> reached on an error for the 12th run of the inning.

USW got two more in the sixth to cap the scoring.

Riggs had four hits for the Coyotes to lead the way, Allen had three, and several others had two each. Arndt brought in seven runs on two homers. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/caff2d92-a880-4bee-9421-231cfea87669?elinkdata=37374">Tyler Wise</a> got the game one win and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/0dc4fdec-ced7-421c-8d5a-7bbd6977981d?elinkdata=37374">Riley Gwin</a> got the three-inning save for the Coyotes with six strikeouts.

The Coyotes didn't mess around in the second game, closing the door early and not letting it reopen for the Mustangs.

Garfield got KWU on the board in the first with a two-run homer after Allen singled and the Coyotes added nine more in the second.

Arndt led off the inning with a homer, Allen drove in two runs with a single, Garfield homered for the second time in the game, this time a three-run shot, and Arndt then added his second homer of the inning, this one of the three-run variety to make it 11-0 Coyotes.

USW got three runs in the bottom of the second, but no more.

Arndt drove in a run in the fourth for the Coyotes to make it 12-3, Ruvalcaba homered in the sixth, as did <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/bf6132b3-a9ef-493e-8706-09a8a52920fb?elinkdata=37374">Zac Goldenberg</a> to make it 15-3.

The Coyotes added four more in the seventh. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/2aed0959-d986-4c0e-8a5c-693fd89fa404?elinkdata=37374">Chase Aurand</a> doubled to score Hawthrone who doubled earlier in the inning. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/58f6bacb-7833-49e3-908d-be4ceac15e4c?elinkdata=37374">Lakin Franz</a> drove in a run with a ground out, Aurand scored on a balk and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/61f380c1-3cac-4e65-a086-ea44edb727f3?elinkdata=37374">Tyler Nordyke</a> brought in a run with a single to make it 19-3.

Nordyke had four hits for the Coyotes, while Allen had three. Garfield and Arndt drove in five runs each.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/009893bc-31db-4ec5-ab31-677694833c91?elinkdata=37374">Daniel Turnham</a> got the win going five innings in relief, allowing only three hits.

HOBBS, N.M. - The Kansas Wesleyan Coyotes swept Tuesday's doubleheader with the University of the Southwest Mustangs at USW's The Jake field. The Coyotes won the opener 24-11 and followed with a 19-3 win in the second game.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/7b264592-57d7-4d0d-a7b0-5bc393456974?elinkdata=37374">Niko Olson</a> led off the first game with a homer and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b19c2e92-7593-49a3-ae40-9b77e8ebc563?elinkdata=37374">Logan Arndt's</a> 2-run homer in the second inning gave the Coyotes a 3-0 lead. The hit came after <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ba1482ca-417f-40ce-a0fb-68936ad6995a?elinkdata=37374">Coulson Riggs</a> led off the inning with a double.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/40d0436d-58c3-44af-86f1-02c223d799cf?elinkdata=37374">Joe Finder</a> led off the third with a homer, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1ae45487-7055-4a48-9571-9fdb575cc5aa?elinkdata=37374">Blake Dale</a> doubled and Riggs tripled. Arndt drove in a run with a sacrifice fly, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a88def45-b5e4-4686-a71c-99d2cfce8564?elinkdata=37374">Fernando Ruvalcaba</a> walked home a run and Finder reached on an error that allowed two runs to score to make it 9-0.USW came back and tied it with three runs in the bottom of the frame and put six on the board in the bottom of the fourth to make it 9-9.Back came the Coyotes as Olson walked, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a8b63d7f-e5ba-4810-9f8e-e0c53a9748cb?elinkdata=37374">Carter Allen</a> singled and the Ruvalcaba drove in a run with a hit. Dale singled to bring in a run and an error on the play allowed Ruvalcaba to score to make it 12-9 Coyotes.Then came the sixth inning when KWU blew the game open with 12 runs. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/451e4e22-10d7-4c7b-988a-2226932fb7e0?elinkdata=37374">Jackson Harriger</a> was hit by a pitch to start the rally. Allen drove in the first run with a sacrifice fly, followed by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/9387edb7-430b-4f49-a42a-fd4d375d5d7c?elinkdata=37374">Garrett Garfield's</a> 2-run homer. A walk to Finder, Dale was hit by a pitch and Riggs walked to load the bases for Arndt who unloaded them with a grand slam to make it 19-9.Wesleyan wasn't done yet. Harriger doubled in his second at bat in the inning, Olson walked and Allen singled in another run. After Garfield was hit, Ruvalcaba drove in two more runs with a single. A balk brought home Garfield, and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/9e49b896-f12d-4aa3-8517-50ebc756b8b1?elinkdata=37374">Isaac Hawthrone</a> reached on an error for the 12th run of the inning.USW got two more in the sixth to cap the scoring.Riggs had four hits for the Coyotes to lead the way, Allen had three, and several others had two each. Arndt brought in seven runs on two homers. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/caff2d92-a880-4bee-9421-231cfea87669?elinkdata=37374">Tyler Wise</a> got the game one win and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/0dc4fdec-ced7-421c-8d5a-7bbd6977981d?elinkdata=37374">Riley Gwin</a> got the three-inning save for the Coyotes with six strikeouts.The Coyotes didn't mess around in the second game, closing the door early and not letting it reopen for the Mustangs.Garfield got KWU on the board in the first with a two-run homer after Allen singled and the Coyotes added nine more in the second.Arndt led off the inning with a homer, Allen drove in two runs with a single, Garfield homered for the second time in the game, this time a three-run shot, and Arndt then added his second homer of the inning, this one of the three-run variety to make it 11-0 Coyotes.USW got three runs in the bottom of the second, but no more.Arndt drove in a run in the fourth for the Coyotes to make it 12-3, Ruvalcaba homered in the sixth, as did <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/bf6132b3-a9ef-493e-8706-09a8a52920fb?elinkdata=37374">Zac Goldenberg</a> to make it 15-3.The Coyotes added four more in the seventh. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/2aed0959-d986-4c0e-8a5c-693fd89fa404?elinkdata=37374">Chase Aurand</a> doubled to score Hawthrone who doubled earlier in the inning. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/58f6bacb-7833-49e3-908d-be4ceac15e4c?elinkdata=37374">Lakin Franz</a> drove in a run with a ground out, Aurand scored on a balk and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/61f380c1-3cac-4e65-a086-ea44edb727f3?elinkdata=37374">Tyler Nordyke</a> brought in a run with a single to make it 19-3.Nordyke had four hits for the Coyotes, while Allen had three. Garfield and Arndt drove in five runs each.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/009893bc-31db-4ec5-ab31-677694833c91?elinkdata=37374">Daniel Turnham</a> got the win going five innings in relief, allowing only three hits.

⚾️ KWU Baseball corrals Mustangs in pair of routs

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c3858fce-c99c-4b09-978d-db9defeb1271?elinkdata=37230" target="_blank">Fernando Ruvalcaba</a>&nbsp;of (RV) Kansas Wesleyan University has earned the KCAC Baseball Player of the Week honor, the conference office announced Monday. Student-athletes were selected for their performances from Feb. 2-8 by a vote of conference sports information directors. All KCAC Player of the Week honors are presented by&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/26afbf53-8356-4763-aa8a-4eaeca209111?elinkdata=37230" target="_blank">Athletic Solutions</a>.

Ruvalcaba had a stellar start to the season for the Coyotes, hitting .538 in the first five games of the season. He also had a 1.385 slugging average and a .750 on base percentage. He had a hit in every game, which included three home runs, and drove in 11 runs, helping KWU go 4-1 to start the year. He also drew 10 walks as teams pitched around him many times, and showed patience at the plate. He only had one strikeout the entire week.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c3858fce-c99c-4b09-978d-db9defeb1271?elinkdata=37230" target="_blank">Fernando Ruvalcaba</a>&nbsp;of (RV) Kansas Wesleyan University has earned the KCAC Baseball Player of the Week honor, the conference office announced Monday. Student-athletes were selected for their performances from Feb. 2-8 by a vote of conference sports information directors. All KCAC Player of the Week honors are presented by&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/26afbf53-8356-4763-aa8a-4eaeca209111?elinkdata=37230" target="_blank">Athletic Solutions</a>.Ruvalcaba had a stellar start to the season for the Coyotes, hitting .538 in the first five games of the season. He also had a 1.385 slugging average and a .750 on base percentage. He had a hit in every game, which included three home runs, and drove in 11 runs, helping KWU go 4-1 to start the year. He also drew 10 walks as teams pitched around him many times, and showed patience at the plate. He only had one strikeout the entire week.

⚾️ Ruvalcaba named KCAC Baseball Player of the Week

LUBBOCK, Texas –&nbsp;The Kansas Jayhawks remained winless against ranked opponents this season as they dropped a close, 70-65 decision to No. 16 Texas Tech on Tuesday night at United Supermarkets Arena.

S’Mya Nichols tied the game at 59-59 with a three-point play with 1:34 to play, but Texas Tech outscored the Jayhawks 11-6 from that point on to secure the victory. Nichols led the Jayhawks with 15 points, while Jaliya Davis had 14, Elle Evans had 11 and Regan Williams added 10.&nbsp;

Kansas shot 45.5 percent (20-44) from the field, but committed 20 turnovers, which allowed Texas Tech to have 16 more field goal attempts. KU held the Lady Raiders to 35.0 percent (21-60) shooting, but Tech hit 22-of-27 free throw attempts and outrebounded KU by two.&nbsp;

Kansas (15-11, 5-9 Big 12) is back home at Allen Fieldhouse on Saturday, Feb. 14 to host Houston for a matchup with tip off scheduled for 4 p.m. CT on ESPN+.

Davis scored KU’s first eight points of the game, hitting two of her first three field goal attempts and four free throws to give the Jayhawks an early 8-3 lead at the 5:55 mark of the first quarter. Tech scored the next two baskets, closing to within one before Kansas used a 7-0 run to take a 15-7 lead, forcing TTU to call a timeout with 2:31 to play in the quarter. Evans started the run with a three-pointer before Davis and Lilly Meister each added baskets of their own. Laia Conesa scored to make it a 10-point advantage, but Tech scored the final four points of the first to cut KU’s lead to 17-11 at the end of one.&nbsp;

Tech scored the first nine points of the second quarter, hitting a trio of three-pointers to regain the lead, 20-17, at the 6:23 mark. Davis broke KU’s scoreless streak with a basket at 5:38 and Evans tied the game at 21-21 with a driving basket at 4:21. Tech scored the next five points and maintained a five-point edge until Brittany Harshaw scored her first points of the game, sending the game to halftime with Tech leading 28-25.

Kansas used a 6-0 run to get within one at 32-31 early in the third quarter, but the Jayhawks were unable to take the lead. Tech went back on top by eight, using a 9-2 run to take a 41-33lead with 2:20 to play, but Evans answered once again with a three-pointer, cutting it back to five. Nichols hit a pair of free throws and Williams hit a layup on the final possession to get KU within five, 45-40, at the end of three.&nbsp;

Evans opened the fourth quarter with another three - her third of the night - as Kansas again got within two at 45-43. The next six Jayhawk points came from the free throw line before Harshaw again hit a driving jumper to get KU within two. Meister closed off a 5-0 run by hitting one of two from the stripe, making it 53-52 with 5:21 to play.&nbsp;

Kansas tied the game for the only time in the second half at 59-all after Nichols completed a traditional three-point play with 1:34 to play. Texas Tech scored 11 points - all free throws - from that point on. While KU got another three-pointer from Harshaw and a pair of free throws by Williams, Tech was able to hold on for the home win.&nbsp;

LUBBOCK, Texas –&nbsp;The Kansas Jayhawks remained winless against ranked opponents this season as they dropped a close, 70-65 decision to No. 16 Texas Tech on Tuesday night at United Supermarkets Arena.S’Mya Nichols tied the game at 59-59 with a three-point play with 1:34 to play, but Texas Tech outscored the Jayhawks 11-6 from that point on to secure the victory. Nichols led the Jayhawks with 15 points, while Jaliya Davis had 14, Elle Evans had 11 and Regan Williams added 10.&nbsp;Kansas shot 45.5 percent (20-44) from the field, but committed 20 turnovers, which allowed Texas Tech to have 16 more field goal attempts. KU held the Lady Raiders to 35.0 percent (21-60) shooting, but Tech hit 22-of-27 free throw attempts and outrebounded KU by two.&nbsp;Kansas (15-11, 5-9 Big 12) is back home at Allen Fieldhouse on Saturday, Feb. 14 to host Houston for a matchup with tip off scheduled for 4 p.m. CT on ESPN+.Davis scored KU’s first eight points of the game, hitting two of her first three field goal attempts and four free throws to give the Jayhawks an early 8-3 lead at the 5:55 mark of the first quarter. Tech scored the next two baskets, closing to within one before Kansas used a 7-0 run to take a 15-7 lead, forcing TTU to call a timeout with 2:31 to play in the quarter. Evans started the run with a three-pointer before Davis and Lilly Meister each added baskets of their own. Laia Conesa scored to make it a 10-point advantage, but Tech scored the final four points of the first to cut KU’s lead to 17-11 at the end of one.&nbsp;Tech scored the first nine points of the second quarter, hitting a trio of three-pointers to regain the lead, 20-17, at the 6:23 mark. Davis broke KU’s scoreless streak with a basket at 5:38 and Evans tied the game at 21-21 with a driving basket at 4:21. Tech scored the next five points and maintained a five-point edge until Brittany Harshaw scored her first points of the game, sending the game to halftime with Tech leading 28-25.Kansas used a 6-0 run to get within one at 32-31 early in the third quarter, but the Jayhawks were unable to take the lead. Tech went back on top by eight, using a 9-2 run to take a 41-33lead with 2:20 to play, but Evans answered once again with a three-pointer, cutting it back to five. Nichols hit a pair of free throws and Williams hit a layup on the final possession to get KU within five, 45-40, at the end of three.&nbsp;Evans opened the fourth quarter with another three - her third of the night - as Kansas again got within two at 45-43. The next six Jayhawk points came from the free throw line before Harshaw again hit a driving jumper to get KU within two. Meister closed off a 5-0 run by hitting one of two from the stripe, making it 53-52 with 5:21 to play.&nbsp;Kansas tied the game for the only time in the second half at 59-all after Nichols completed a traditional three-point play with 1:34 to play. Texas Tech scored 11 points - all free throws - from that point on. While KU got another three-pointer from Harshaw and a pair of free throws by Williams, Tech was able to hold on for the home win.&nbsp;NOTES<ul>
 <li>With 14 points, freshman Jaliya Davis has scored in double digits in all 17 games she has played in this season.&nbsp;</li><li>Lilly Meister recorded her fourth multi-block game of the season with two.</li><li>S’Mya Nichols’ 15 points&nbsp;tonight puts her at 1,529 in her career, moving her two spots on the all-time scoring list in the game. Nichols passed Angie Snider (1982-84) and Chelsea Gardner (2012-15) during the game to move up to 13th in program history.&nbsp;</li><li>Elle Evans made three three-pointers, tabbing her 12th game of the season with three or more.&nbsp;</li><li>Sania Copeland recorded a season high four rebounds, surpassing her previous mark of three against BYU on Feb. 4.</li>
 </ul>

🏀 Jayhawk WBB Falls Short in Upset Bid at #16 Texas Tech

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Junior guard P.J. Haggerty was among 20 players to be listed on the John R. Wooden Award Late Midseason Top 20 Watch List as announced by the Los Angeles Athletic Club on ESPN2 on Tuesday night.

The John R. Wooden Award is given annually to the most outstanding player in college basketball and is awarded based on votes considering a player’s performance on and off the court.

Haggerty is one of eight Big 12 players on the list, including Arizona’s Jaden Bradley, BYU’s AJ Dybansta, Houston’s Kingston Fleming, Iowa State’s Joshua Jefferson, Kansas’ Darryn Peterson and Texas Tech’s Christian Anderson and JT Toppin.

This marks the second straight season that Haggerty has advanced to the Late Midseason Top 20 Watch List for the Wooden Award. He now advances to the national ballot, which will include 15 candidates selected by the National Advisory Board by the end of February.

Others on the Watch List include Arkansas’ Darius Acuff Jr., Duke’s Cameron Boozer, Michigan State’s Jeremy Fears, Florida’s Thomas Haugh, Gonzaga’s Graham Ike, Michigan’s Yaxel Lendeborg, Alabama’s Labaron Philon Jr., Purdue’s Braden Smith, Iowa’s Bennet Stirtz, Vanderbilt’s Tyler Tanner, Illinois’ Keaton Wagler and North Carolina’s Caleb Wilson.

The No. 2 scorer in the Division I ranks at 23.3 points per game, Haggerty has scored in double figures in all 23 games this season, which includes 17 games of 20 or more points and four games of 30 or more points. He is the first Wildcat since Jacob Pullen in 2009-10 to score in double figures in the first 23 games, while his 536 points are the second-most through the first 23 games since Michael Beasley’s 577 points in 2007-08. His 17 games of 20 or more points already rank sixth on the single-season list, while his four 30-point games are the most since Beasley set the school record with 13 in 2007-08.

Haggerty is nearing a career milestone, as he is 31 points away from eclipsing 2,000 career points. He could become the fourth current Division I player to top the mark, joining Ike, Indiana’s Tucker DeVries and Oklahoma’s Nijel Pack.

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Junior guard P.J. Haggerty was among 20 players to be listed on the John R. Wooden Award Late Midseason Top 20 Watch List as announced by the Los Angeles Athletic Club on ESPN2 on Tuesday night.The John R. Wooden Award is given annually to the most outstanding player in college basketball and is awarded based on votes considering a player’s performance on and off the court.Haggerty is one of eight Big 12 players on the list, including Arizona’s Jaden Bradley, BYU’s AJ Dybansta, Houston’s Kingston Fleming, Iowa State’s Joshua Jefferson, Kansas’ Darryn Peterson and Texas Tech’s Christian Anderson and JT Toppin.This marks the second straight season that Haggerty has advanced to the Late Midseason Top 20 Watch List for the Wooden Award. He now advances to the national ballot, which will include 15 candidates selected by the National Advisory Board by the end of February.Others on the Watch List include Arkansas’ Darius Acuff Jr., Duke’s Cameron Boozer, Michigan State’s Jeremy Fears, Florida’s Thomas Haugh, Gonzaga’s Graham Ike, Michigan’s Yaxel Lendeborg, Alabama’s Labaron Philon Jr., Purdue’s Braden Smith, Iowa’s Bennet Stirtz, Vanderbilt’s Tyler Tanner, Illinois’ Keaton Wagler and North Carolina’s Caleb Wilson.The No. 2 scorer in the Division I ranks at 23.3 points per game, Haggerty has scored in double figures in all 23 games this season, which includes 17 games of 20 or more points and four games of 30 or more points. He is the first Wildcat since Jacob Pullen in 2009-10 to score in double figures in the first 23 games, while his 536 points are the second-most through the first 23 games since Michael Beasley’s 577 points in 2007-08. His 17 games of 20 or more points already rank sixth on the single-season list, while his four 30-point games are the most since Beasley set the school record with 13 in 2007-08.Haggerty is nearing a career milestone, as he is 31 points away from eclipsing 2,000 career points. He could become the fourth current Division I player to top the mark, joining Ike, Indiana’s Tucker DeVries and Oklahoma’s Nijel Pack.

🏀 Haggerty Named to John R. Wooden Late Midseason Top 20 Watch List

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Flory Bidunga had a double-double and No. 9 Kansas defeated top-ranked and previously unbeaten Arizona 82-78 on Monday night.

Arizona (23-1, 10-1 Big 12) entered Allen Fieldhouse with the second-longest winning streak in Division I men’s basketball. The loss ended a 23-game run for the Wildcats, second to Miami (Ohio), which has won 24 straight.

Kansas (19-5, 9-2) played without freshman guard Darryn Peterson,&nbsp;<a href="https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fapnews.com%2Farticle%2Fkansas-darryn-peterson-out-5966d6858bfe475b09471c82a6d58759&amp;data=05%7C02%7Csportsdesk%40ap.org%7C8b6e0747c4cc41a69f6b08de685bd103%7Ce442e1abfd6b4ba3abf3b020eb50df37%7C1%7C0%7C639062940723389660%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=kPMhkI4JnYgnGY6SmAjT2F3C3gAORicDYmpc3CZ4Rkw%3D&amp;reserved=0">who was a late scratch</a>&nbsp;with flu-like symptoms. Peterson has missed 11 games with a combination of hamstring, calf and ankle issues.

Arizona held a three-point lead at halftime and led by as many as 11 before Kansas took its first lead of the game at the 9:32 mark in the second half.

Bidunga put the Jayhawks ahead with a layup, which capped a personal seven-point run. He finished with 23 points on 8-for-11 shooting and added 10 rebounds.

Arizona closed within one point with 34 seconds left in the game, but senior guard Melvin Council Jr. shot 3 of 4 from the line in the final minute and 10 of 11 in the game to help seal the victory for Kansas. He finished with 23 points. Tre White also added a pair of late free throws.

Four Kansas players scored double digits. Bryson Tiller finished with 18 points and Jamari McDowell added 10.

Freshman guard Brayden Burries led Arizona with 25 points. Motiejus Krivas scored 14 and Ivan Kharchenkov 13.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770724529380.jpeg" alt="Kansas guard Melvin Council Jr. (14) is hugged by Kansas head coach Bill Self, right, as they celebrate after their team's upset over Arizona in an NCAA college basketball game, Monday, Feb. 9, 2026, in Lawrence, Kan. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas guard Melvin Council Jr. (14) is hugged by Kansas head coach Bill Self, right, as they celebrate after their team's upset over Arizona in an NCAA college basketball game, Monday, Feb. 9, 2026, in Lawrence, Kan. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Flory Bidunga had a double-double and No. 9 Kansas defeated top-ranked and previously unbeaten Arizona 82-78 on Monday night.Arizona (23-1, 10-1 Big 12) entered Allen Fieldhouse with the second-longest winning streak in Division I men’s basketball. The loss ended a 23-game run for the Wildcats, second to Miami (Ohio), which has won 24 straight.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770724586756.jpeg" alt="Kansas guard Melvin Council Jr. (14) reacts after scoring during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Arizona, Monday, Feb. 9, 2026, in Lawrence, Kan. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas guard Melvin Council Jr. (14) reacts after scoring during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Arizona, Monday, Feb. 9, 2026, in Lawrence, Kan. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas (19-5, 9-2) played without freshman guard Darryn Peterson,&nbsp;<a href="https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fapnews.com%2Farticle%2Fkansas-darryn-peterson-out-5966d6858bfe475b09471c82a6d58759&amp;data=05%7C02%7Csportsdesk%40ap.org%7C8b6e0747c4cc41a69f6b08de685bd103%7Ce442e1abfd6b4ba3abf3b020eb50df37%7C1%7C0%7C639062940723389660%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=kPMhkI4JnYgnGY6SmAjT2F3C3gAORicDYmpc3CZ4Rkw%3D&amp;reserved=0">who was a late scratch</a>&nbsp;with flu-like symptoms. Peterson has missed 11 games with a combination of hamstring, calf and ankle issues.Arizona held a three-point lead at halftime and led by as many as 11 before Kansas took its first lead of the game at the 9:32 mark in the second half.Bidunga put the Jayhawks ahead with a layup, which capped a personal seven-point run. He finished with 23 points on 8-for-11 shooting and added 10 rebounds.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Goodnight 🤧 <a href="https://t.co/JqEcn92QzS">pic.twitter.com/JqEcn92QzS</a>&mdash; Kansas Men’s Basketball (@KUHoops) <a href="https://twitter.com/KUHoops/status/2021102449600118911?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 10, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">⬇️ <a href="https://t.co/Ubk9RJoRCv">pic.twitter.com/Ubk9RJoRCv</a>&mdash; Kansas Jayhawks (@KUAthletics) <a href="https://twitter.com/KUAthletics/status/2021089411702612300?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 10, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Arizona closed within one point with 34 seconds left in the game, but senior guard Melvin Council Jr. shot 3 of 4 from the line in the final minute and 10 of 11 in the game to help seal the victory for Kansas. He finished with 23 points. Tre White also added a pair of late free throws.Four Kansas players scored double digits. Bryson Tiller finished with 18 points and Jamari McDowell added 10.Freshman guard Brayden Burries led Arizona with 25 points. Motiejus Krivas scored 14 and Ivan Kharchenkov 13.<h2>Up next</h2>Kansas: At Iowa State on Saturday.Arizona: Hosts Texas Tech on Saturday.

🏀 No Peterson, no problem; KU knocks off No. 1 Arizona

RILEY COUNTY —A member of the Kansas State University men's basketball staff is under investigation for alleged violent crimes.

Just before 1:30a.m. Monday, 29-year-old Mark Vital was booked into the Riley County Jail on requested charges of&nbsp;&nbsp;domestic battery; knowing rude physical contact with family member or dating relationship, according to the Riley County Police Department arrest report. 

On Monday afternoon, K-State Athletics released a statement on the arrest.

"We are aware of Mark Vital's arrest on Sunday night. He has been removed from all team responsibilities until the judicial process runs its course."

Just after 3a.m. Monday, Vital met the requirement of a $2,000 bond and is no longer in custody.

He is in his first season as a graduate student manager at K-State, according to his online bio. Vital was a three-time All-Big 12 selection and a member of Baylor’s 2021 National Championship team where K-State head coach Jerome Tang was an assistant.&nbsp; Vital is working towards a master’s in counseling and student development at K-State.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770655588483.png" alt="Vital photo K-State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Vital photo K-State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>RILEY COUNTY —A member of the Kansas State University men's basketball staff is under investigation for alleged violent crimes.Just before 1:30a.m. Monday, 29-year-old Mark Vital was booked into the Riley County Jail on requested charges of&nbsp;&nbsp;domestic battery; knowing rude physical contact with family member or dating relationship, according to the Riley County Police Department arrest report. On Monday afternoon, K-State Athletics released a statement on the arrest."We are aware of Mark Vital's arrest on Sunday night. He has been removed from all team responsibilities until the judicial process runs its course."Just after 3a.m. Monday, Vital met the requirement of a $2,000 bond and is no longer in custody.He is in his first season as a graduate student manager at K-State, according to his online bio. Vital was a three-time All-Big 12 selection and a member of Baylor’s 2021 National Championship team where K-State head coach Jerome Tang was an assistant.&nbsp; Vital is working towards a master’s in counseling and student development at K-State.