By TYLER HENRY Salina Post contributor

The Southeast of Saline Lady Trojans 2020-21 campaign came to a close tonight in a heartbreaking 49-39 loss at the hands of the Hesston Lady Swathers.

SES will finish its season at 15-7 while Hesston advances to the tournament final to take on Halstead, who defeated Haven tonight 37-27.

The Lady Trojans were led in scoring by Karsyn Schlesener and Maddie Harris, who put up 13 and 12 points in the loss.

Hesston was anchored by a 17 point night from Anna Humphreys and a 15 point performance by Katie Kueker.

At the end of the first quarter, the Lady Swathers had SES close to doubled up with a 13-7 lead.

Southeast chipped away at that lead with a three at the buzzer to close out the half, and a big push early in the fourth to cut the lead to six, but Hesston pulled away late to survive and advance.

While the loss stings for the Lady Trojans, the future has never been brighter for SES, who will lose a grand total of zero seniors between this season and next.

2020-21 saw the continued brilliance of Karsyn Schlesener, Alaina Yianakopulos and Mallorie Pearson, the emergence of young stars like Maddie Harris, Brielle Ptacek, Avery Caselman and Lexi Jacobson, and countless others who assembled a young corps that will be ready to run it back in 2021-22.

The SES Trojans will be up next with an 8pm tip against the Hesston boys team in tomorrow's semi final.

By TYLER HENRY Salina Post contributor<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599179528888.png" alt="This game recap is brought to you by Salina Ortho: Quality orthopedic care when you need it!" />
 <figcaption>This game recap is brought to you by Salina Ortho: Quality orthopedic care when you need it!</figcaption>
 </figure>The Southeast of Saline Lady Trojans 2020-21 campaign came to a close tonight in a heartbreaking 49-39 loss at the hands of the Hesston Lady Swathers.SES will finish its season at 15-7 while Hesston advances to the tournament final to take on Halstead, who defeated Haven tonight 37-27.The Lady Trojans were led in scoring by Karsyn Schlesener and Maddie Harris, who put up 13 and 12 points in the loss.Hesston was anchored by a 17 point night from Anna Humphreys and a 15 point performance by Katie Kueker.At the end of the first quarter, the Lady Swathers had SES close to doubled up with a 13-7 lead.Southeast chipped away at that lead with a three at the buzzer to close out the half, and a big push early in the fourth to cut the lead to six, but Hesston pulled away late to survive and advance.While the loss stings for the Lady Trojans, the future has never been brighter for SES, who will lose a grand total of zero seniors between this season and next.2020-21 saw the continued brilliance of Karsyn Schlesener, Alaina Yianakopulos and Mallorie Pearson, the emergence of young stars like Maddie Harris, Brielle Ptacek, Avery Caselman and Lexi Jacobson, and countless others who assembled a young corps that will be ready to run it back in 2021-22.The SES Trojans will be up next with an 8pm tip against the Hesston boys team in tomorrow's semi final.

Lady Trojans fall to Hesston 49-39, close out season at 15-7

By TYLER HENRY Salina Post contributor

Sub-state tournaments resumed today with nine of our area teams through to the second round and two in action on a relatively quiet Thursday evening.

The first game to go final featured the Sacred Heart boys team against Hutch Trinity in a game that saw the Celtics pull an upset of the Knights by a final score of 61-55.

Sacred Heart held a small lead at the half but it was taken back by Hutch Trinity who never relinquished it, thanks in large part to a 21 point night by Lucas Hammeke.

Jacob Gilliland led the Knights with 26 points but Sacred Heart wraps up its 2020-21 campaign with a final record of 15-4.

Hutch Trinity advances to face Hillsboro in the sub-state final on Saturday.

The only other game in the area saw the Southeast of Saline Lady Trojans on the road at Hesston, looking for a big win over the Lady Swathers.

SES trailed early but battled back and made a big push early in the fourth, but fell short by a final score of 49-39.

Southeast wraps up their season with an overall record of 15-7, made all the more impressive by the fact that they will not lose a single senior in the offseason.

Hesston advances to the tournament final to face Halstead at 2:00 on Saturday.

Tomorrow will feature a full slate of final and semi-final games beginning at 5:30pm.

5:30pm: Solomon boys vs. Sylvan-Lucas (semi final at Canton Galva) 7pm: Central girls vs. South girls (final at Central High School) 7pm: Abilene boys vs. Concordia (final at Abilene High School) 8pm: Southeast of Saline boys at Hesston (semi final at Hesston) 8pm: Sacred Heart girls at Moundridge (semi final at Ell-Saline High School)

The Salina South boys team will also be in action with a final at Hays on Saturday.

Be sure to stay tuned to the Salina Post for continuing coverage of our seven remaining area teams as we wrap up sub-state tournaments.

By TYLER HENRY Salina Post contributor<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599179528888.png" alt="This sub-state round up is presented by Salina Ortho: Quality orthopedic care when you need it!" />
 <figcaption>This sub-state round up is presented by Salina Ortho: Quality orthopedic care when you need it!</figcaption>
 </figure>Sub-state tournaments resumed today with nine of our area teams through to the second round and two in action on a relatively quiet Thursday evening.The first game to go final featured the Sacred Heart boys team against Hutch Trinity in a game that saw the Celtics pull an upset of the Knights by a final score of 61-55.Sacred Heart held a small lead at the half but it was taken back by Hutch Trinity who never relinquished it, thanks in large part to a 21 point night by Lucas Hammeke.Jacob Gilliland led the Knights with 26 points but Sacred Heart wraps up its 2020-21 campaign with a final record of 15-4.Hutch Trinity advances to face Hillsboro in the sub-state final on Saturday.The only other game in the area saw the Southeast of Saline Lady Trojans on the road at Hesston, looking for a big win over the Lady Swathers.SES trailed early but battled back and made a big push early in the fourth, but fell short by a final score of 49-39.Southeast wraps up their season with an overall record of 15-7, made all the more impressive by the fact that they will not lose a single senior in the offseason.Hesston advances to the tournament final to face Halstead at 2:00 on Saturday.Tomorrow will feature a full slate of final and semi-final games beginning at 5:30pm.5:30pm: Solomon boys vs. Sylvan-Lucas (semi final at Canton Galva) 7pm: Central girls vs. South girls (final at Central High School) 7pm: Abilene boys vs. Concordia (final at Abilene High School) 8pm: Southeast of Saline boys at Hesston (semi final at Hesston) 8pm: Sacred Heart girls at Moundridge (semi final at Ell-Saline High School)The Salina South boys team will also be in action with a final at Hays on Saturday.Be sure to stay tuned to the Salina Post for continuing coverage of our seven remaining area teams as we wrap up sub-state tournaments.

Area school sub-state round up: Thursday 4/4

The Southeast of Saline Trojans will travel to Hesston for a showdown with the top-seeded Swathers on Friday at 8pm.

SES enters this contest with an overall record of 14-7 and fresh off of&nbsp; a 70-49 win over Ellsworth while Hesston comes in at 18-1 following a 60-22 win over Halstead.

While these sub-state games are supposed to take place at “neutral sites” the luck of the draw has gifted Hesston with home court advantage in this game.

“This will be the biggest crowd we’ve played against all season for sure so we can’t get shell-shocked,” SES head coach Bryson Flax said. “We have to continue to do what we’ve preached this entire season.”

These two teams met back in the first game of the season, with Hesston winning convincingly 71-34.

Since then however SES has improved greatly, and is well equipped to give the Swathers a run for their money on Friday night.

“We were awfully sloppy in that first game,” Flax said. “They were able to turn us over quite a bit and get out in transition on us. We also just took a lot of bad shots that turned into opportunities for them. Our shot selection has been much better but we’ll have to make sure that we’re efficient on Friday.”

Hesston is led by Cason Richardson who was a big contributor to the first Swather victory.

Beyond Richardson, Hesstons lineup is deep and dangerous with scoring coming from all five on the floor, and the defense stifling opponents all season long.

“What Hesston is doing on the defensive end has been absolutely incredible,” he said. “We’re going to have to share the ball and we’re going to have to be efficient. That means closing out on the glass and knocking down shots even if they’re contested.”

Tip off on Friday is scheduled for 8pm from Hesston High School with the winner advancing to face whoever comes out of the matchup between 15-5 Lyons and 15-5 Haven in the sub-state final on Saturday.

The game can be heard on KINA (910 AM or 107.5 FM) or streamed on Salina Post. 

Stay tuned to the Salina Post for continuing coverage of SES Trojan and Lady Trojan basketball as we continue the sub-state tournaments.

By TYLER HENRY Salina Post contributor<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599179528888.png" alt="This sub-state preview is brought to you by Salina Ortho: Quality orthopedic care when you need it!" />
 <figcaption>This sub-state preview is brought to you by Salina Ortho: Quality orthopedic care when you need it!</figcaption>
 </figure>The Southeast of Saline Trojans will travel to Hesston for a showdown with the top-seeded Swathers on Friday at 8pm.SES enters this contest with an overall record of 14-7 and fresh off of&nbsp; a 70-49 win over Ellsworth while Hesston comes in at 18-1 following a 60-22 win over Halstead.While these sub-state games are supposed to take place at “neutral sites” the luck of the draw has gifted Hesston with home court advantage in this game.“This will be the biggest crowd we’ve played against all season for sure so we can’t get shell-shocked,” SES head coach Bryson Flax said. “We have to continue to do what we’ve preached this entire season.”These two teams met back in the first game of the season, with Hesston winning convincingly 71-34.Since then however SES has improved greatly, and is well equipped to give the Swathers a run for their money on Friday night.“We were awfully sloppy in that first game,” Flax said. “They were able to turn us over quite a bit and get out in transition on us. We also just took a lot of bad shots that turned into opportunities for them. Our shot selection has been much better but we’ll have to make sure that we’re efficient on Friday.”Hesston is led by Cason Richardson who was a big contributor to the first Swather victory.Beyond Richardson, Hesstons lineup is deep and dangerous with scoring coming from all five on the floor, and the defense stifling opponents all season long.“What Hesston is doing on the defensive end has been absolutely incredible,” he said. “We’re going to have to share the ball and we’re going to have to be efficient. That means closing out on the glass and knocking down shots even if they’re contested.”Tip off on Friday is scheduled for 8pm from Hesston High School with the winner advancing to face whoever comes out of the matchup between 15-5 Lyons and 15-5 Haven in the sub-state final on Saturday.The game can be heard on KINA (910 AM or 107.5 FM) or streamed on Salina Post. Stay tuned to the Salina Post for continuing coverage of SES Trojan and Lady Trojan basketball as we continue the sub-state tournaments.

Trojans travel to Hesston for sub-state semi against Swathers

The Sacred Heart Lady Knights will continue their sub-state tournament run on Friday at 8pm when they travel to Brookeville to face the Moundridge Wildcats.

Sacred Heart comes into this semi final game at 11-7 overall after taking down Hutch-Trinity 48-35 on Tuesday while Moundridge enters at 15-5 following a 53-38 victory over Inman.

“The sense of urgency has never been higher for us,” Sacred Heart head coach Keenan Thompson said. “They realize that the postseason is here and it’s time for us to play our best basketball. Things are finally starting to click for us on offense and it all came together against Hutch Trinity.”

The Lady Knights now turn their attention to a Moundridge team that has won six of their last seven games.

“This is another game that we’re going to have to win on the defensive side,” Thompson said. “They have two studs that we’re probably not going to stop completely but if we can take them out of their rhythm and make their other three girls make plays we like our chances.”

The players in question are Ellen Durst and Kate Eichelberger, who have terrorized opposing defenses all season long with their dynamic inside-outside scoring.

Moundridge will also attempt to turn up the heat on defense, something Sacred Heart will have to be prepared for coming in.

“They’re going to play us with a lot of high pressure man-to-man defense so when we run our sets if we can handle the initial pressure and be confident with the ball we’ll be in great shape,” he said.

Tip off is scheduled for 8pm at Ell-Saline high school with the winner advancing to face whoever comes out of a matchup between 17-3 Hillsboro and 10-9 Sedgwick in the sub-state championship game on Saturday.

Stay tuned to the Salina Post for continuing coverage of the Knights and Lady Knights as we work our way through the sub-state tournament.

By TYLER HENRY Salina Post contributor<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599179528888.png" alt="This sub-state preview is brought to you by Salina Ortho: Quality orthopedic care when you need it!" />
 <figcaption>This sub-state preview is brought to you by Salina Ortho: Quality orthopedic care when you need it!</figcaption>
 </figure>The Sacred Heart Lady Knights will continue their sub-state tournament run on Friday at 8pm when they travel to Brookeville to face the Moundridge Wildcats.Sacred Heart comes into this semi final game at 11-7 overall after taking down Hutch-Trinity 48-35 on Tuesday while Moundridge enters at 15-5 following a 53-38 victory over Inman.“The sense of urgency has never been higher for us,” Sacred Heart head coach Keenan Thompson said. “They realize that the postseason is here and it’s time for us to play our best basketball. Things are finally starting to click for us on offense and it all came together against Hutch Trinity.”The Lady Knights now turn their attention to a Moundridge team that has won six of their last seven games.“This is another game that we’re going to have to win on the defensive side,” Thompson said. “They have two studs that we’re probably not going to stop completely but if we can take them out of their rhythm and make their other three girls make plays we like our chances.”The players in question are Ellen Durst and Kate Eichelberger, who have terrorized opposing defenses all season long with their dynamic inside-outside scoring.Moundridge will also attempt to turn up the heat on defense, something Sacred Heart will have to be prepared for coming in.“They’re going to play us with a lot of high pressure man-to-man defense so when we run our sets if we can handle the initial pressure and be confident with the ball we’ll be in great shape,” he said.Tip off is scheduled for 8pm at Ell-Saline high school with the winner advancing to face whoever comes out of a matchup between 17-3 Hillsboro and 10-9 Sedgwick in the sub-state championship game on Saturday.Stay tuned to the Salina Post for continuing coverage of the Knights and Lady Knights as we work our way through the sub-state tournament.

Lady Knights face Moundridge on Friday in sub-state semis

The Abilene Cowboys will look to punch their ticket to state on Friday when they host the Concordia Panthers in the sub-state championship game at 7pm.

Abilene comes into this contest with an overall record of 11-5 and fresh off a 28-20 win over Chapman while Concordia enters at 10-10 after a 79-63 victory over Clay Center.

Chapman tried to hold the ball and give Abilene as few opportunities as possible with the score just 4-0 at the end of the first quarter. The Cowboys battled through it and pulled away late in an odd but definitive victory.

“I think they thought that holding the ball and trying to force us into bad shots was their best chance,” Abilene head coach Erik Graefe said. “But our guys did a great job of staying disciplined and closing it out, I’m really proud of them.”

With a short, four-team bracket, the Cowboys now find themselves just one win away from the state tournament, with only Concordia standing in their way.

“The biggest thing with Concordia that jumps out is their size,” Graefe said. “It’s tough to get easy looks against them with how often they change up their defense and they’re very well coached.”

Concordia has fallen to Abilene twice already this year by final scores of 59-57 and 49-33, but the addition of Chas Carlgren has made the Panthers a bit more dynamic down the stretch.

“His presence is huge for them and he adds a lot of confidence to the rest of their team,” he said. “They aren’t the same team that we beat earlier this season.”

Tip off between Abilene and Concordia is scheduled for 7pm and will be played at Abilene High School in front of a reasonably sized crowd that Coach Graefe hopes will have an impact.

“There was a time when we were 6-0 on the road and 2-3 at home,” he said. “But that’s changed for us and I want to give credit to some people in our student body who did some work to allow our students to be at games spaced out and masked up. I honestly think it’s changed the dynamic and made a difference for us.”

As this is the sub-state final no future matchups will be determined until the eight teams selected for the state tournament have punched their tickets. Abilene can become the first to do so with a win on Friday.

Stay tuned to the Salina Post for continuing coverage of Abilene Cowboys basketball throughout the sub-state tournament.

By TYLER HENRY Salina Post contributor<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599179528888.png" alt="This sub-state preview is brought to you by Salina Ortho: Quality orthopedic care when you need it!" />
 <figcaption>This sub-state preview is brought to you by Salina Ortho: Quality orthopedic care when you need it!</figcaption>
 </figure>The Abilene Cowboys will look to punch their ticket to state on Friday when they host the Concordia Panthers in the sub-state championship game at 7pm.Abilene comes into this contest with an overall record of 11-5 and fresh off a 28-20 win over Chapman while Concordia enters at 10-10 after a 79-63 victory over Clay Center.Chapman tried to hold the ball and give Abilene as few opportunities as possible with the score just 4-0 at the end of the first quarter. The Cowboys battled through it and pulled away late in an odd but definitive victory.“I think they thought that holding the ball and trying to force us into bad shots was their best chance,” Abilene head coach Erik Graefe said. “But our guys did a great job of staying disciplined and closing it out, I’m really proud of them.”With a short, four-team bracket, the Cowboys now find themselves just one win away from the state tournament, with only Concordia standing in their way.“The biggest thing with Concordia that jumps out is their size,” Graefe said. “It’s tough to get easy looks against them with how often they change up their defense and they’re very well coached.”Concordia has fallen to Abilene twice already this year by final scores of 59-57 and 49-33, but the addition of Chas Carlgren has made the Panthers a bit more dynamic down the stretch.“His presence is huge for them and he adds a lot of confidence to the rest of their team,” he said. “They aren’t the same team that we beat earlier this season.”Tip off between Abilene and Concordia is scheduled for 7pm and will be played at Abilene High School in front of a reasonably sized crowd that Coach Graefe hopes will have an impact.“There was a time when we were 6-0 on the road and 2-3 at home,” he said. “But that’s changed for us and I want to give credit to some people in our student body who did some work to allow our students to be at games spaced out and masked up. I honestly think it’s changed the dynamic and made a difference for us.”As this is the sub-state final no future matchups will be determined until the eight teams selected for the state tournament have punched their tickets. Abilene can become the first to do so with a win on Friday.Stay tuned to the Salina Post for continuing coverage of Abilene Cowboys basketball throughout the sub-state tournament.

Abilene to host Concordia on Friday in sub-state championship

The Solomon Gorillas will hit the road for Canton-Galva high school on Friday to take on Sylvan-Lucas in the sub-state semi final at 5:30pm.

The Gorillas enter at 16-5 overall after a double-overtime win against Rural-Vista last week while Sylvan-Lucas comes in at 14-3 fresh off a 67-39 win over Lincoln.

“Rural Vista is a good team with some great senior leaders and it’s really hard to beat a team three times,” Solomon head coach Andrew Johnson said. “They came out and really gave us a run.”

The attention for Solomon now shifts to a Sylvan-Lucas team that they have not faced all season long, and one which presents some unique challenges.

“They’re really scrappy and aggressive on defense,” Johnson said. “Offensively they want to push the tempo and they have a really athletic kid in Jonah Huehl. I think it should be a good matchup.”

Huehl, along with the rest of the Mustang offense, have been on a roll lately putting up big numbers from beyond the arc and winning nine of their last ten games.

“I think on the defensive end we’re going to have to run their guys off the three point line,” he said. “They shoot it well from deep so we have to make them play a different type of game. We also need to manage the boards a little bit.”

Tip off between Solomon and Sylvan-Lucas is scheduled for 5:30pm at Canton-Galva High School. The winner will advance to the sub-state championship game to face whoever takes the other semi-final between 19-1 Little River and 13-6 Goessel

Stay tuned to the Salina Post for continuing coverage of the Solomon Gorillas throughout the sub-state tournament.

By TYLER HENRY Salina Post contributor<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599179528888.png" alt="This sub-state preview is brought to you by Salina Ortho: Quality orthopedic care when you need it!" />
 <figcaption>This sub-state preview is brought to you by Salina Ortho: Quality orthopedic care when you need it!</figcaption>
 </figure>The Solomon Gorillas will hit the road for Canton-Galva high school on Friday to take on Sylvan-Lucas in the sub-state semi final at 5:30pm.The Gorillas enter at 16-5 overall after a double-overtime win against Rural-Vista last week while Sylvan-Lucas comes in at 14-3 fresh off a 67-39 win over Lincoln.“Rural Vista is a good team with some great senior leaders and it’s really hard to beat a team three times,” Solomon head coach Andrew Johnson said. “They came out and really gave us a run.”The attention for Solomon now shifts to a Sylvan-Lucas team that they have not faced all season long, and one which presents some unique challenges.“They’re really scrappy and aggressive on defense,” Johnson said. “Offensively they want to push the tempo and they have a really athletic kid in Jonah Huehl. I think it should be a good matchup.”Huehl, along with the rest of the Mustang offense, have been on a roll lately putting up big numbers from beyond the arc and winning nine of their last ten games.“I think on the defensive end we’re going to have to run their guys off the three point line,” he said. “They shoot it well from deep so we have to make them play a different type of game. We also need to manage the boards a little bit.”Tip off between Solomon and Sylvan-Lucas is scheduled for 5:30pm at Canton-Galva High School. The winner will advance to the sub-state championship game to face whoever takes the other semi-final between 19-1 Little River and 13-6 GoesselStay tuned to the Salina Post for continuing coverage of the Solomon Gorillas throughout the sub-state tournament.

Solomon squares off with Sylvan-Lucas in sub-state semis

CONCORDIA – A 14-7 deficit in points off turnovers and 19-5 deficit in bench points would ultimately be the difference on Wednesday night as the Cloud County men's basketball team would be the difference as the Cloud County men's basketball team would fall by a final score of 82-72 to Independence Community College inside of Arley Bryant Gymnasium. Dropping their fifth straight, Cloud County is now 4-8 overall and 2-8 in the Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference while Pirates bounce back from a 79-74 home loss to Butler in their last outing to improve to 9-4 overall and 7-4 in the KJCCC.

With Independence wanting to push the pace early on and play at a fast tempo, Cloud County would turn the Pirate game plan on its side in the opening minutes of the contest as the T-Birds would jump out to an 8-2 lead on a&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fcloudtbirds.com%2froster.aspx%3frp_id%3d435&amp;c=E,1,G1cCv02Q0uDh1cR_wxhqRFwLHa0Nd7EUyn4eh7632VM_kwUBgg7q6lsuitKKxrLez_vxKK7b8cYmrsFZq7P0gESL9RiWTeso_SyoFed6nxAG&amp;typo=1" target="_blank">Detavius Frierson</a>&nbsp;layup and free throw. The offensive struggles for Indy wouldn't last long however as ICC would respond by scoring 10 of the next 12 to take a 12-10 lead on CCCC with just over 12 minutes remaining in the first half. As Independence would start to see shots fall, the fast-paced action would begin to pick up even more as both teams would look to push the issue and get the ball into the frontcourt and create open shots. The two-point Independence lead would grow to seven at 21-14 as things would reach the first-half media timeout with just over nine minutes left before halftime as Cloud County would start to see offensive struggles of their own start to creep in. Out of the timeout, a two-minute scoring drought for both teams would take place before an Independence dunk would give the Pirates their largest lead of the half at 23-14 before seeing the T-Birds finally start to find some rhythm again. A 13-4 Cloud County run would be capped off by an&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fcloudtbirds.com%2froster.aspx%3frp_id%3d433&amp;c=E,1,LU9DXcZkNF0VkwLlnq8TtYixvq4z0zC5lAglVlFqMk0Bl5bNbmA0gFSjRkQp24yUbb0Z1FyZZq02nfvemV8f8TQzxSH4cKYM5_TsbeP6Dxu0kA,,&amp;typo=1" target="_blank">Ibrahim Drame</a>&nbsp;layup to tie things at 27-27 with 3:46 remaining before halftime as CCCC would once again find themselves back in the game. Despite getting back to even with just under four minutes before intermission, Cloud County would not reclaim the lead until 10 seconds left in the half as Dyelan reed would find Drame for a layup to put CCCC up 34-33. Independence would get a layup and free throw in the final seconds however as the Pirates would cling onto a 35-33 lead at the break. In the second half, Cloud County would manage to keep within striking distance of Indy in the opening minutes of the period before finally making a move five minutes into the half. Trailing 46-40, the T-Birds would get layups from Drame and Frierson to get within two as part of an 8-0 spurt in the span of 1:36 to take the lead once again at 48-46. Independence would have a response however by scoring the next six points and 14 of the next 16 to take their first double-digit lead of the contest with 10:22 remaining in the game. Cloud County would refuse to go away however as CCCC would battle their back yet again over the course of the next five minutes to slowly cut into the Pirate lead and eventually get within one at 69-68 on a&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fcloudtbirds.com%2froster.aspx%3frp_id%3d429&amp;c=E,1,LuLxunftNubDy5CNfp_9TAGBKJ3JkHO167En3AYPHyWEPZVAmW5XZdMB2luVzCcUAt4m_-vZuGV861ijUyaP7txw8sAOXi5S1gqxKfk6s7TyQ6pp0Sk,&amp;typo=1" target="_blank">Malang Athian</a>&nbsp;triple with 4:53 left in the second. A scoring drought for Cloud County in the final minutes however would allow ICC to score the next 13 points and put the game out of reach in the final minute as CCCC would score the final four points to see the final deficit sit at 10. Holding a 49-41 advantage in rebounds and 18-14 advantage in fast break points, turnovers would be an issue for the T-Birds as CCCC would cough up the ball 18 times with numerous unforced errors leading to the turnovers. For the game, Cloud County would shoot 38.9 percent (29-of-74) from the field and go eight-of-25 (30 percent) from three while shooting just eight total free throws (six-of-eight, 75 percent). CCCC would see three players finish in double-figures on the night as Drame would lead the way with a 23-point, 10-rebound outing while playing 36 in the game.&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fcloudtbirds.com%2froster.aspx%3frp_id%3d434&amp;c=E,1,ShXvx_BdNyypOa4NNugHbiTb9wyoDLlCImQjRU06HYx5FLMHvNrs_QHwBOu2ov89ESH1Jz-EV9XWHcDME7OE2albiPFgmUXPpC_fI6B3H0Lejc9qO4rqPVeIOjHB&amp;typo=1" target="_blank">Savian Edwards</a>&nbsp;(15 points) and&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fcloudtbirds.com%2froster.aspx%3frp_id%3d439&amp;c=E,1,IsWbEp1aBwkUy80aDc6KdIulymt7BNe0FquOGqdxKvvoHtXLDF65kmoT1TnoMNxUx4N1HzC67tbWWSAQJfcL5RJDs-KalFospOERerMv0J6399o,&amp;typo=1" target="_blank">Dyelan Reed</a>&nbsp;(13 points) would both join Drame in double-figures while Athian would score nine. Tim Dagler of Independence would lead all scorers with 25 in the contest as the Pirates would have four players reach the double-digit point mark. What's next? Cloud County will seek their first road victory of the season this weekend as the T-Birds will take on Neosho Community College in a 4 p.m. contest on Saturday. The Panthers were victim to a 96-79 road loss at Butler on Wednesday night and have dropped three of their last four games.&nbsp;&nbsp;

--<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com">cloudtbirds.com</a>--

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614897516539.jpeg" alt="Savian Edwards was one of three T-Birds to reach double-figures. Photo by Jessica LeDuc courtesy <a href="http://cloudtbirds.com">cloudtbirds.com</a>" />
 <figcaption>Savian Edwards was one of three T-Birds to reach double-figures. Photo by Jessica LeDuc courtesy <a href="http://cloudtbirds.com">cloudtbirds.com</a></figcaption>
 </figure>CONCORDIA – A 14-7 deficit in points off turnovers and 19-5 deficit in bench points would ultimately be the difference on Wednesday night as the Cloud County men's basketball team would be the difference as the Cloud County men's basketball team would fall by a final score of 82-72 to Independence Community College inside of Arley Bryant Gymnasium. Dropping their fifth straight, Cloud County is now 4-8 overall and 2-8 in the Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference while Pirates bounce back from a 79-74 home loss to Butler in their last outing to improve to 9-4 overall and 7-4 in the KJCCC. With Independence wanting to push the pace early on and play at a fast tempo, Cloud County would turn the Pirate game plan on its side in the opening minutes of the contest as the T-Birds would jump out to an 8-2 lead on a&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fcloudtbirds.com%2froster.aspx%3frp_id%3d435&amp;c=E,1,G1cCv02Q0uDh1cR_wxhqRFwLHa0Nd7EUyn4eh7632VM_kwUBgg7q6lsuitKKxrLez_vxKK7b8cYmrsFZq7P0gESL9RiWTeso_SyoFed6nxAG&amp;typo=1" target="_blank">Detavius Frierson</a>&nbsp;layup and free throw. The offensive struggles for Indy wouldn't last long however as ICC would respond by scoring 10 of the next 12 to take a 12-10 lead on CCCC with just over 12 minutes remaining in the first half. As Independence would start to see shots fall, the fast-paced action would begin to pick up even more as both teams would look to push the issue and get the ball into the frontcourt and create open shots. The two-point Independence lead would grow to seven at 21-14 as things would reach the first-half media timeout with just over nine minutes left before halftime as Cloud County would start to see offensive struggles of their own start to creep in. Out of the timeout, a two-minute scoring drought for both teams would take place before an Independence dunk would give the Pirates their largest lead of the half at 23-14 before seeing the T-Birds finally start to find some rhythm again. A 13-4 Cloud County run would be capped off by an&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fcloudtbirds.com%2froster.aspx%3frp_id%3d433&amp;c=E,1,LU9DXcZkNF0VkwLlnq8TtYixvq4z0zC5lAglVlFqMk0Bl5bNbmA0gFSjRkQp24yUbb0Z1FyZZq02nfvemV8f8TQzxSH4cKYM5_TsbeP6Dxu0kA,,&amp;typo=1" target="_blank">Ibrahim Drame</a>&nbsp;layup to tie things at 27-27 with 3:46 remaining before halftime as CCCC would once again find themselves back in the game. Despite getting back to even with just under four minutes before intermission, Cloud County would not reclaim the lead until 10 seconds left in the half as Dyelan reed would find Drame for a layup to put CCCC up 34-33. Independence would get a layup and free throw in the final seconds however as the Pirates would cling onto a 35-33 lead at the break. In the second half, Cloud County would manage to keep within striking distance of Indy in the opening minutes of the period before finally making a move five minutes into the half. Trailing 46-40, the T-Birds would get layups from Drame and Frierson to get within two as part of an 8-0 spurt in the span of 1:36 to take the lead once again at 48-46. Independence would have a response however by scoring the next six points and 14 of the next 16 to take their first double-digit lead of the contest with 10:22 remaining in the game. Cloud County would refuse to go away however as CCCC would battle their back yet again over the course of the next five minutes to slowly cut into the Pirate lead and eventually get within one at 69-68 on a&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fcloudtbirds.com%2froster.aspx%3frp_id%3d429&amp;c=E,1,LuLxunftNubDy5CNfp_9TAGBKJ3JkHO167En3AYPHyWEPZVAmW5XZdMB2luVzCcUAt4m_-vZuGV861ijUyaP7txw8sAOXi5S1gqxKfk6s7TyQ6pp0Sk,&amp;typo=1" target="_blank">Malang Athian</a>&nbsp;triple with 4:53 left in the second. A scoring drought for Cloud County in the final minutes however would allow ICC to score the next 13 points and put the game out of reach in the final minute as CCCC would score the final four points to see the final deficit sit at 10. Holding a 49-41 advantage in rebounds and 18-14 advantage in fast break points, turnovers would be an issue for the T-Birds as CCCC would cough up the ball 18 times with numerous unforced errors leading to the turnovers. For the game, Cloud County would shoot 38.9 percent (29-of-74) from the field and go eight-of-25 (30 percent) from three while shooting just eight total free throws (six-of-eight, 75 percent). CCCC would see three players finish in double-figures on the night as Drame would lead the way with a 23-point, 10-rebound outing while playing 36 in the game.&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fcloudtbirds.com%2froster.aspx%3frp_id%3d434&amp;c=E,1,ShXvx_BdNyypOa4NNugHbiTb9wyoDLlCImQjRU06HYx5FLMHvNrs_QHwBOu2ov89ESH1Jz-EV9XWHcDME7OE2albiPFgmUXPpC_fI6B3H0Lejc9qO4rqPVeIOjHB&amp;typo=1" target="_blank">Savian Edwards</a>&nbsp;(15 points) and&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fcloudtbirds.com%2froster.aspx%3frp_id%3d439&amp;c=E,1,IsWbEp1aBwkUy80aDc6KdIulymt7BNe0FquOGqdxKvvoHtXLDF65kmoT1TnoMNxUx4N1HzC67tbWWSAQJfcL5RJDs-KalFospOERerMv0J6399o,&amp;typo=1" target="_blank">Dyelan Reed</a>&nbsp;(13 points) would both join Drame in double-figures while Athian would score nine. Tim Dagler of Independence would lead all scorers with 25 in the contest as the Pirates would have four players reach the double-digit point mark. What's next? Cloud County will seek their first road victory of the season this weekend as the T-Birds will take on Neosho Community College in a 4 p.m. contest on Saturday. The Panthers were victim to a 96-79 road loss at Butler on Wednesday night and have dropped three of their last four games.&nbsp;&nbsp;--<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com">cloudtbirds.com</a>--

Turnovers, bench points send T-Bird men's hoops to 82-72 home loss

The Kansas City Chiefs and GEHA (pronounced G.E.H.A.) today announced that GEHA will be the exclusive naming rights partner for Arrowhead Stadium. 

Beginning with the 2021 NFL season, the home of the Chiefs will be GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. GEHA and the Chiefs are committed to ensuring Arrowhead Stadium remains the identity of the stadium.

“We are extremely proud and excited to announce our naming rights agreement with GEHA. When we set out to find a partner for the field at Arrowhead, it was critical to identify a national leader that shares our core values, as well as a deep connection to the local community and respect for Chiefs Kingdom,” Chiefs President Mark Donovan said. “Our relationship with GEHA over the last few years has only served to reinforce the alignment between our two organizations and proven their strong, long-standing relationship with the local community. This expanded partnership will continue to build lasting health and wellness programs that support the team, GEHA and our community.”

Today’s announcement marks an expansion of the already robust partnership between GEHA and the Kansas City Chiefs, which has grown significantly since the relationship was first announced in July 2019, when GEHA became the club’s Exclusive Health, Dental and Vision Plan Partner. GEHA is a national leader in providing medical and dental plans to more than 2 million federal employees, retired military and their families worldwide. Both GEHA and the Chiefs are deeply committed to promoting their missions of driving and supporting health and wellness. The naming rights deal provides a highly visible platform to support

GEHA’s efforts to empower its members to be healthy and well.

“Expanding our commitment to the team and community with naming rights for GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium is the natural extension of the partnership we first put in place with the Chiefs in 2019,” said

Shannon Horgan, GEHA’s chief growth officer. “Through our relationship with the Chiefs, we have been able to accelerate awareness of GEHA’s mission, the breadth of our provider networks, and the quality of our health plans. The opportunity to grow our brand helps us reinvest in the families and individuals we serve and will be an invaluable benefit to current and future GEHA members. Expanding this partnership will help GEHA do what we do best – serve those who serve us.”

The long-term contract runs through the end of the current lease agreement with Jackson County Sports Complex Authority.

Stadium staff will begin integrating GEHA branding and logo assets throughout the venue in the coming months, and stadium signage will be in place by the kickoff to the 2021 Chiefs season in September – the 50th season for the Chiefs in iconic Arrowhead Stadium.

About GEHA GEHA (Government Employees Health Association, Inc., pronounced G.E.H.A.) is a nonprofit provider of medical and dental plans for federal employees. For 83 years, GEHA has been dedicated to providing products and services that empower our members to be healthy and well through access to quality, affordable health care. Approximately 5.2 million active and retired federal employees participate in federal medical and dental plans and GEHA is one of the largest providers, covering more than 2 million federal employees, retirees, military retirees and their dependents. The company employs 1,500 people in the Kansas City area and nationwide and is headquartered in Lee’s Summit, Mo. GEHA is one of the largest employers in the Kansas City metro area and is actively involved in the community through the investment of time, resources and goodwill. For more information, visit <a href="http://geha.com">geha.com</a>.

--<a href="http://chiefs.com">CHIEFS</a>--

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614896681378.jpeg" alt="GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Photo courtesy <a href="http://chiefs.com">Chiefs</a>" />
 <figcaption>GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Photo courtesy <a href="http://chiefs.com">Chiefs</a></figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas City Chiefs and GEHA (pronounced G.E.H.A.) today announced that GEHA will be the exclusive naming rights partner for Arrowhead Stadium. Beginning with the 2021 NFL season, the home of the Chiefs will be GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. GEHA and the Chiefs are committed to ensuring Arrowhead Stadium remains the identity of the stadium.“We are extremely proud and excited to announce our naming rights agreement with GEHA. When we set out to find a partner for the field at Arrowhead, it was critical to identify a national leader that shares our core values, as well as a deep connection to the local community and respect for Chiefs Kingdom,” Chiefs President Mark Donovan said. “Our relationship with GEHA over the last few years has only served to reinforce the alignment between our two organizations and proven their strong, long-standing relationship with the local community. This expanded partnership will continue to build lasting health and wellness programs that support the team, GEHA and our community.”Today’s announcement marks an expansion of the already robust partnership between GEHA and the Kansas City Chiefs, which has grown significantly since the relationship was first announced in July 2019, when GEHA became the club’s Exclusive Health, Dental and Vision Plan Partner. GEHA is a national leader in providing medical and dental plans to more than 2 million federal employees, retired military and their families worldwide. Both GEHA and the Chiefs are deeply committed to promoting their missions of driving and supporting health and wellness. The naming rights deal provides a highly visible platform to supportGEHA’s efforts to empower its members to be healthy and well.“Expanding our commitment to the team and community with naming rights for GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium is the natural extension of the partnership we first put in place with the Chiefs in 2019,” saidShannon Horgan, GEHA’s chief growth officer. “Through our relationship with the Chiefs, we have been able to accelerate awareness of GEHA’s mission, the breadth of our provider networks, and the quality of our health plans. The opportunity to grow our brand helps us reinvest in the families and individuals we serve and will be an invaluable benefit to current and future GEHA members. Expanding this partnership will help GEHA do what we do best – serve those who serve us.”The long-term contract runs through the end of the current lease agreement with Jackson County Sports Complex Authority.Stadium staff will begin integrating GEHA branding and logo assets throughout the venue in the coming months, and stadium signage will be in place by the kickoff to the 2021 Chiefs season in September – the 50th season for the Chiefs in iconic Arrowhead Stadium.About GEHA GEHA (Government Employees Health Association, Inc., pronounced G.E.H.A.) is a nonprofit provider of medical and dental plans for federal employees. For 83 years, GEHA has been dedicated to providing products and services that empower our members to be healthy and well through access to quality, affordable health care. Approximately 5.2 million active and retired federal employees participate in federal medical and dental plans and GEHA is one of the largest providers, covering more than 2 million federal employees, retirees, military retirees and their dependents. The company employs 1,500 people in the Kansas City area and nationwide and is headquartered in Lee’s Summit, Mo. GEHA is one of the largest employers in the Kansas City metro area and is actively involved in the community through the investment of time, resources and goodwill. For more information, visit <a href="http://geha.com">geha.com</a>.--<a href="http://chiefs.com">CHIEFS</a>--

Chiefs: GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium

NEW YORK (AP) — Philadelphia Phillies managing partner John Middleton and Kansas City Royals Chairman John Sherman have joined Major League Baseball's eight-man executive council. 

They joined the council in January when the terms of Houston Astros chairman Jim Crane and San Diego Padres vice chairman Ron Fowler expired. The council also includes Milwaukee Brewers chairman Mark Attanasio and Chicago White Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf (whose terms expire in 2022), Boston Red Sox principal owner John Henry and Colorado chairman &nbsp;Dick Monfort (2023), and Los Angeles Dodgers chairman Mark Walter and Detroit Tigers chairman Christopher Ilitch (2024).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574368757521.jpeg" alt="John Sherman. Photo courtesy Royals" />
 <figcaption>John Sherman. Photo courtesy Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Philadelphia Phillies managing partner John Middleton and Kansas City Royals Chairman John Sherman have joined Major League Baseball's eight-man executive council. They joined the council in January when the terms of Houston Astros chairman Jim Crane and San Diego Padres vice chairman Ron Fowler expired. The council also includes Milwaukee Brewers chairman Mark Attanasio and Chicago White Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf (whose terms expire in 2022), Boston Red Sox principal owner John Henry and Colorado chairman &nbsp;Dick Monfort (2023), and Los Angeles Dodgers chairman Mark Walter and Detroit Tigers chairman Christopher Ilitch (2024).

Phils' Middleton, Royals' Sherman join MLB executive council

LINDSBORG – Bethany College has announced that Tyrone Carter has been named the head football coach and dean of student athlete success.

 Carter has served as the interim head football coach since September. 

As the dean of student athlete success he will provide key leadership in the areas of student engagement, retention, student athlete personal and professional development, and college completion for all student athletes at Bethany College.

“I am very excited for Tyrone to start this dual role. The focus of the new Dean of Student Athlete Success will be identifying the needs of student athletes to succeed academically at Bethany. Tyrone’s previous experience with coaching and retention will be incredibly valuable in this position,” said Dr. Elizabeth Mauch, Bethany College president.

Carter has more than 12 years of coaching experience. Prior to becoming interim in September, he served as the offensive line coach and run game coordinator at fellow KCAC member University of St. Mary. During the 2019 season Carter served as the offensive coordinator and offensive line coach for Grinnell College.

Carter's experience also includes a previous two-year coaching stint at Bethany College where he served as the assistant head coach, offensive line coach, run game coordinator, and academic coordinator. Prior to originally coming to Bethany College, Carter served as the offensive line coach and assistant head coach at East Los Angeles College for two seasons. Before joining the collegiate coaching ranks Carter spent six total seasons as a successful high school coach in the greater Los Angeles area the last four of which he served as the associate head coach at Manual Arts High School.

Carter’s teaching experience in higher education began when he was an adjunct professor for the Los Angeles City College District teaching Intro to Business in the dual enrollment program. While at East Los Angeles City College, Carter worked with the Men’s Academy, a program built to work with the underserved minority population of the campus in academics and non-academic needs. Carter than came to Bethany where he was an adjunct professor working with academic assistance courses: writing, academic success, first year freshman orientation class, and general business courses. Carter was later promoted to visiting professor of business.

“My family is very excited to be back at Bethany College. I am very grateful for this opportunity and I am excited to work with all of the students, faculty and staff,” said Carter. 

Carter is currently working on his D.B.A. (Doctor of Business Administration) at Felician University. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in sports management from the University of Phoenix where he also received a master’s degree in management. Prior to the University of Phoenix, Carter attended Fresno State University where he was a member of the football team as a defensive lineman. During his time at Fresno State, Carter was a member of the Bulldogs’ Western Athletic Conference co-championship team.

--<a href="http://www.bethanylb.edu">Bethany</a>--

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614891351693.jpeg" alt="Bethany Head Football Coach Tyrone Carter. Photo by&nbsp;Jim Turner Photography courtesy Bethany College" />
 <figcaption>Bethany Head Football Coach Tyrone Carter. Photo by&nbsp;Jim Turner Photography courtesy Bethany College</figcaption>
 </figure>LINDSBORG – Bethany College has announced that Tyrone Carter has been named the head football coach and dean of student athlete success. Carter has served as the interim head football coach since September. As the dean of student athlete success he will provide key leadership in the areas of student engagement, retention, student athlete personal and professional development, and college completion for all student athletes at Bethany College.“I am very excited for Tyrone to start this dual role. The focus of the new Dean of Student Athlete Success will be identifying the needs of student athletes to succeed academically at Bethany. Tyrone’s previous experience with coaching and retention will be incredibly valuable in this position,” said Dr. Elizabeth Mauch, Bethany College president.Carter has more than 12 years of coaching experience. Prior to becoming interim in September, he served as the offensive line coach and run game coordinator at fellow KCAC member University of St. Mary. During the 2019 season Carter served as the offensive coordinator and offensive line coach for Grinnell College.Carter's experience also includes a previous two-year coaching stint at Bethany College where he served as the assistant head coach, offensive line coach, run game coordinator, and academic coordinator. Prior to originally coming to Bethany College, Carter served as the offensive line coach and assistant head coach at East Los Angeles College for two seasons. Before joining the collegiate coaching ranks Carter spent six total seasons as a successful high school coach in the greater Los Angeles area the last four of which he served as the associate head coach at Manual Arts High School.Carter’s teaching experience in higher education began when he was an adjunct professor for the Los Angeles City College District teaching Intro to Business in the dual enrollment program. While at East Los Angeles City College, Carter worked with the Men’s Academy, a program built to work with the underserved minority population of the campus in academics and non-academic needs. Carter than came to Bethany where he was an adjunct professor working with academic assistance courses: writing, academic success, first year freshman orientation class, and general business courses. Carter was later promoted to visiting professor of business.“My family is very excited to be back at Bethany College. I am very grateful for this opportunity and I am excited to work with all of the students, faculty and staff,” said Carter. Carter is currently working on his D.B.A. (Doctor of Business Administration) at Felician University. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in sports management from the University of Phoenix where he also received a master’s degree in management. Prior to the University of Phoenix, Carter attended Fresno State University where he was a member of the football team as a defensive lineman. During his time at Fresno State, Carter was a member of the Bulldogs’ Western Athletic Conference co-championship team.--<a href="http://www.bethanylb.edu">Bethany</a>--

Carter named head football coach and more at Bethany

FHSU to host semis, championship this weekend

HAYS -- The No. 5 Fort Hays State women's basketball team left little doubt in Wednesday's MIAA quarterfinal matchup against Missouri Southern, leading wire-to-wire in a 71-44 victory (March 3). 

As the top overall seed, Fort Hays State will now host the semifinal and championship rounds of the 2021 MIAA Championship Tournament, presented by Citizens Bank and Trust on Saturday and Sunday (March 6-7). <a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/471e5d2e-59d8-410c-b125-4c9c5b028d8a?elinkdata=158399" target="_blank">Whitney Randall</a>&nbsp;got the Tigers started with a 3-pointer from the top of the key just 46 seconds into the game before adding a fast break layup on the next possession, pushing the senior over the 1,000-point plateau. Randall is the 22nd Tiger to eclipse 1,000 points and the seventh to do so under head coach&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/873109cb-68ed-4e65-a5f7-3cc449826f7e?elinkdata=158399" target="_blank">Tony Hobson</a>. FHSU has had a player reach 1,000 career points in each of the last three seasons. The Alva, Okla. senior added another bucket on the next trip down the floor, scoring seven points in less than two minutes. Missouri Southern would struggle to match that total throughout the first quarter, with the Tigers holding the Lions to just seven points over the first 10 minutes, tied for FHSU's fewest points allowed in a quarter this season. The Tigers limited Missouri Southern to just two field goals while forcing seven turnovers in the opening quarter. After Randall got things started for the Tigers,&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/98e24a69-914b-4bb9-891b-46026acf195c?elinkdata=158399" target="_blank">Olivia Hollenbeck</a>&nbsp;took over for the rest of the quarter, scoring 11 points and grabbing four boards before the end of the first period. Fort Hays State continued to play stingy defense in the second quarter, forcing a total of 15 turnovers and holding the Lions to a shooting percentage of 20 percent (5-of-25) before halftime. The Tigers took full advantage of those miscues, scoring 18 points off turnovers in the first half alone.&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/e87e2a52-a45d-4c99-ae42-77df37a92115?elinkdata=158399" target="_blank">Madison Mittie</a>&nbsp;helped the Tigers stretch the lead to 37-17 at the break with a pair of 3-pointers in the second quarter. It was the fifth time this season the Tigers have held their opponents to 20 or fewer points before halftime. Hollenbeck and Randall both scored five more points in the third quarter, with&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/24aaafbe-93b8-420c-9ce1-4c23451746f9?elinkdata=158399" target="_blank">Katie Wagner</a>&nbsp;adding five more to stretch the advantage to 24 points, 57-33. Six different players scored for the Tigers in the fourth quarter, including Hollenbeck, Randall, Mittie, Wagner,&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/78a421a9-f574-4624-b5ca-81f4175bd3bf?elinkdata=158399" target="_blank">Lauryn Reither</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/b765b9b7-e4b0-4d3b-a071-29651373ef4e?elinkdata=158399" target="_blank">Allison McFarren</a>. The Tigers led by as many as 29 after a pair of McFarren free throws in the final minute before two MSSU free throws made the final score 71-44. Hollenbeck led the team with a career-high 20 points after hitting 7-of-13 from the floor and 6-of-8 from the charity stripe. The honorable mention All-MIAA selection added five rebounds, two steals and three blocks in the win. Randall finished with 16 points, six rebounds, one assist and one steal. Mittie matched Randall with a team-high six rebounds alongside 10 points and four assists, matching her career high. Wagner tallied 11 points, four rebounds, one assist and one steal.&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/f88a2685-5fc5-4d0d-a8d9-d21c8050ee39?elinkdata=158399" target="_blank">Jaden Hobbs</a>&nbsp;distributed seven assists and poked away four steals while adding three points and one block. Fort Hays State finished the game with 28 points off 22 Lion turnovers, its second highest output of points off turnovers this season (29 at UCO, 12/15/20). The Tigers hit 43.1 percent from the floor (25-of-58) and 72.7 percent from the line (16-of-22) while holding the Lions to just 28.3 percent shooting (15-of-53). It's the fifth time the Tigers have held an opponent below 30 percent shooting this season. The Tigers will now host fourth-seeded Emporia State in the semifinals of the MIAA Tournament on Saturday (March 6) at 2 p.m. Nebraska-Kearney, the No. 3 seed, will then face off with seventh-seeded Washburn at approximately 4 p.m. The winners of those semifinal matchups will then play for the 2021 MIAA Tournament Championship on Sunday (March 7) at 2 p.m. inside Gross Memorial Coliseum. Tickets for Saturday will go on sale to season ticket holders at 8 a.m. Thursday morning, with tickets becoming available to the general public at 8 a.m. Friday. Notables -FHSU has now reached the semifinals of the MIAA Championship Tournament eight of the last nine seasons, more than any other school during that stretch. -The Tigers are 4-0 in MIAA Championship games played in Hays -FHSU is 6-1 as the top-ranked team in the MIAA Championship -The Tigers are 4-0 all-time against MSSU in the MIAA Championship -This will be the first time since 2002 that the MIAA Tournament Champion is crowned somewhere other than Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Mo.&nbsp;&nbsp;

--<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com">fhsuathletics.com</a>--

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614828602089.jpeg" alt="FHSU's Olivia Hollenbeck. Photo courtesy <a href="http://fhsuathletics.com">fhsuathletics.com</a>" />
 <figcaption>FHSU's Olivia Hollenbeck. Photo courtesy <a href="http://fhsuathletics.com">fhsuathletics.com</a></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>FHSU to host semis, championship this weekend</h2>HAYS -- The No. 5 Fort Hays State women's basketball team left little doubt in Wednesday's MIAA quarterfinal matchup against Missouri Southern, leading wire-to-wire in a 71-44 victory (March 3). As the top overall seed, Fort Hays State will now host the semifinal and championship rounds of the 2021 MIAA Championship Tournament, presented by Citizens Bank and Trust on Saturday and Sunday (March 6-7). <a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/471e5d2e-59d8-410c-b125-4c9c5b028d8a?elinkdata=158399" target="_blank">Whitney Randall</a>&nbsp;got the Tigers started with a 3-pointer from the top of the key just 46 seconds into the game before adding a fast break layup on the next possession, pushing the senior over the 1,000-point plateau. Randall is the 22nd Tiger to eclipse 1,000 points and the seventh to do so under head coach&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/873109cb-68ed-4e65-a5f7-3cc449826f7e?elinkdata=158399" target="_blank">Tony Hobson</a>. FHSU has had a player reach 1,000 career points in each of the last three seasons. The Alva, Okla. senior added another bucket on the next trip down the floor, scoring seven points in less than two minutes. Missouri Southern would struggle to match that total throughout the first quarter, with the Tigers holding the Lions to just seven points over the first 10 minutes, tied for FHSU's fewest points allowed in a quarter this season. The Tigers limited Missouri Southern to just two field goals while forcing seven turnovers in the opening quarter. After Randall got things started for the Tigers,&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/98e24a69-914b-4bb9-891b-46026acf195c?elinkdata=158399" target="_blank">Olivia Hollenbeck</a>&nbsp;took over for the rest of the quarter, scoring 11 points and grabbing four boards before the end of the first period. Fort Hays State continued to play stingy defense in the second quarter, forcing a total of 15 turnovers and holding the Lions to a shooting percentage of 20 percent (5-of-25) before halftime. The Tigers took full advantage of those miscues, scoring 18 points off turnovers in the first half alone.&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/e87e2a52-a45d-4c99-ae42-77df37a92115?elinkdata=158399" target="_blank">Madison Mittie</a>&nbsp;helped the Tigers stretch the lead to 37-17 at the break with a pair of 3-pointers in the second quarter. It was the fifth time this season the Tigers have held their opponents to 20 or fewer points before halftime. Hollenbeck and Randall both scored five more points in the third quarter, with&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/24aaafbe-93b8-420c-9ce1-4c23451746f9?elinkdata=158399" target="_blank">Katie Wagner</a>&nbsp;adding five more to stretch the advantage to 24 points, 57-33. Six different players scored for the Tigers in the fourth quarter, including Hollenbeck, Randall, Mittie, Wagner,&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/78a421a9-f574-4624-b5ca-81f4175bd3bf?elinkdata=158399" target="_blank">Lauryn Reither</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/b765b9b7-e4b0-4d3b-a071-29651373ef4e?elinkdata=158399" target="_blank">Allison McFarren</a>. The Tigers led by as many as 29 after a pair of McFarren free throws in the final minute before two MSSU free throws made the final score 71-44. Hollenbeck led the team with a career-high 20 points after hitting 7-of-13 from the floor and 6-of-8 from the charity stripe. The honorable mention All-MIAA selection added five rebounds, two steals and three blocks in the win. Randall finished with 16 points, six rebounds, one assist and one steal. Mittie matched Randall with a team-high six rebounds alongside 10 points and four assists, matching her career high. Wagner tallied 11 points, four rebounds, one assist and one steal.&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/f88a2685-5fc5-4d0d-a8d9-d21c8050ee39?elinkdata=158399" target="_blank">Jaden Hobbs</a>&nbsp;distributed seven assists and poked away four steals while adding three points and one block. Fort Hays State finished the game with 28 points off 22 Lion turnovers, its second highest output of points off turnovers this season (29 at UCO, 12/15/20). The Tigers hit 43.1 percent from the floor (25-of-58) and 72.7 percent from the line (16-of-22) while holding the Lions to just 28.3 percent shooting (15-of-53). It's the fifth time the Tigers have held an opponent below 30 percent shooting this season. The Tigers will now host fourth-seeded Emporia State in the semifinals of the MIAA Tournament on Saturday (March 6) at 2 p.m. Nebraska-Kearney, the No. 3 seed, will then face off with seventh-seeded Washburn at approximately 4 p.m. The winners of those semifinal matchups will then play for the 2021 MIAA Tournament Championship on Sunday (March 7) at 2 p.m. inside Gross Memorial Coliseum. Tickets for Saturday will go on sale to season ticket holders at 8 a.m. Thursday morning, with tickets becoming available to the general public at 8 a.m. Friday. Notables -FHSU has now reached the semifinals of the MIAA Championship Tournament eight of the last nine seasons, more than any other school during that stretch. -The Tigers are 4-0 in MIAA Championship games played in Hays -FHSU is 6-1 as the top-ranked team in the MIAA Championship -The Tigers are 4-0 all-time against MSSU in the MIAA Championship -This will be the first time since 2002 that the MIAA Tournament Champion is crowned somewhere other than Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Mo.&nbsp;&nbsp;--<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com">fhsuathletics.com</a>--

No. 5 Tiger women cruise to 71-44 quarterfinal win

CONCORDIA – Able to avoid a third-quarter scoring drought while forcing 29 turnovers, the Cloud County Community College women's basketball team would see a 52-36 deficit in the rebounding column lead to a 64-54 home loss to Independence Community College inside Arley Bryant Gymnasium on Wednesday. The loss sees Cloud County fall to 5-6 overall and 4-6 in the Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference while the Pirates move into sole possession of third in the KJCCC East Division while improving to 10-4 overall and 6-2 in league play.

An opening two minutes of scoreless basketball to begin the game would make way for a 10-2 Independence run as the Pirates would hit on a pair of three pointers early to go up eight with 6:03 left in the first quarter. Another triple for the Pirates would give Indy their largest lead of the quarter at 13-2 as the T-Birds would battle back with three of the next four points as the offensive flow for CCCC would begin to come together. Trailing 16-8 to start the second 10 minutes of action, Cloud County would get four quick points to open the period with buckets from&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fcloudtbirds.com%2froster.aspx%3frp_id%3d1083&amp;c=E,1,Ab7GoQ-TT3Pk_AfqUrDCAogs5WbCx_vARU64w9lKu_oYCGomklFVPUetkLn9TTH0rRzWeyAtnusY4YkSiKTsHPXO3-b8YMPmFfcwq7ZWms7vvg,,&amp;typo=1" target="_blank">Rori Cox</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fcloudtbirds.com%2froster.aspx%3frp_id%3d1079&amp;c=E,1,3LyCM-tG8Uxpbppg-yja_One1Hsec03V-8Duak6eKiEtC3MsqbGTnnpNyEIrzPcnaDbn0S1T6279Z1EY5Fs4rnoluwLiFtE3lupbcU9VMMU,&amp;typo=1" target="_blank">Kennedy Becker</a>&nbsp;to pull within four at 16-12. Independence would then respond with four points of their own to push their lead back out to eight as CCCC would manage to close the gap on several occasions but be unable to claim their first lead of the contest. Following a Pirate jumper with 1:41 left before halftime to make the score 28-19 in favor of Independence, Cloud County would make a run to close out the half as a 6-0 spurt sparked by&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fcloudtbirds.com%2froster.aspx%3frp_id%3d1082&amp;c=E,1,xo99rMLRmeT5fT0OXoxgRf40VZ9V9TvyZngxB4NRqcIZSx-GMA5V_8HxI3Onpr21pXj7uVt1xMqvn71JKfcRkqyeXgClmI5PZjIkI7nJGBEf_K3-YCFrtDQp&amp;typo=1" target="_blank">Alyssa Castilleja</a>&nbsp;would get the T-Birds within three. Independence would then finish out the half with a driving layup as things would settle at a 30-25 contest with two quarters in the books. Similar to the first half storyline, Cloud County would once again make several attempts at cutting into the Independence lead to open the third quarter but would be turned away each time by the Pirates as Indy would match CCCC in offensive output. After seeing the Pirates use a pair of free throws to go up 37-29 with 5:26 remaining in the quarter, Cloud County would go on an 11-3 run over the next 3:37 of the game to tie things up at 40-40. Both teams would then trade buckets over the next 30 seconds of play as a two more Independence free throws would put the Pirates up 44-42 heading to the fourth. Things would stay tight throughout the opening minutes of the fourth quarter as Cloud County would not allow Independence a chance to build their lead back out until a 7-0 run midway through the quarter would put the Pirates up 58-49 with just under three minutes remaining. Free throws would then become the name of the game as the two teams would combine to shoot nine free throws in the final 2:11 as the T-Birds would not be able to find enough offense to close the deficit. The 29 forced turnovers for CCCC would lead to 24 points for Cloud County as the T-Birds would also outscore Independence 32-26 in the paint and 13-12 in second-chance points. Free throws would be one of the biggest differences in the game however as the Pirates would sink 22-of-35 (62.9 percent) attempts from the charity stripe while Cloud County would go 14-of-21 (66.7 percent) from the line. It would be another career night for Cox as the sophomore would score a game-high 24 points and add nine rebounds to fall just one rebound short of a double-double. The remaining 32 points for the T-Birds would come courtesy of six different players as Becker would be the next leading scorer for CCCC with eight points. What's next? Cloud County will look to get back in the win column this Saturday with a road trip to Chanute, Kansas to take on the Neosho Panthers at 2 p.m. on Saturday. The T-Birds will be seeking just their second road victory of the year against a Neosho squad that is coming off a 120-56 road loss to Butler and is now 3-7 overall with a 2-6 mark in the KJCCC.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614888025383.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy <a href="http://cloudtbirds.com">cloudtbirds.com</a>" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy <a href="http://cloudtbirds.com">cloudtbirds.com</a></figcaption>
 </figure>CONCORDIA – Able to avoid a third-quarter scoring drought while forcing 29 turnovers, the Cloud County Community College women's basketball team would see a 52-36 deficit in the rebounding column lead to a 64-54 home loss to Independence Community College inside Arley Bryant Gymnasium on Wednesday. The loss sees Cloud County fall to 5-6 overall and 4-6 in the Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference while the Pirates move into sole possession of third in the KJCCC East Division while improving to 10-4 overall and 6-2 in league play. An opening two minutes of scoreless basketball to begin the game would make way for a 10-2 Independence run as the Pirates would hit on a pair of three pointers early to go up eight with 6:03 left in the first quarter. Another triple for the Pirates would give Indy their largest lead of the quarter at 13-2 as the T-Birds would battle back with three of the next four points as the offensive flow for CCCC would begin to come together. Trailing 16-8 to start the second 10 minutes of action, Cloud County would get four quick points to open the period with buckets from&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fcloudtbirds.com%2froster.aspx%3frp_id%3d1083&amp;c=E,1,Ab7GoQ-TT3Pk_AfqUrDCAogs5WbCx_vARU64w9lKu_oYCGomklFVPUetkLn9TTH0rRzWeyAtnusY4YkSiKTsHPXO3-b8YMPmFfcwq7ZWms7vvg,,&amp;typo=1" target="_blank">Rori Cox</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fcloudtbirds.com%2froster.aspx%3frp_id%3d1079&amp;c=E,1,3LyCM-tG8Uxpbppg-yja_One1Hsec03V-8Duak6eKiEtC3MsqbGTnnpNyEIrzPcnaDbn0S1T6279Z1EY5Fs4rnoluwLiFtE3lupbcU9VMMU,&amp;typo=1" target="_blank">Kennedy Becker</a>&nbsp;to pull within four at 16-12. Independence would then respond with four points of their own to push their lead back out to eight as CCCC would manage to close the gap on several occasions but be unable to claim their first lead of the contest. Following a Pirate jumper with 1:41 left before halftime to make the score 28-19 in favor of Independence, Cloud County would make a run to close out the half as a 6-0 spurt sparked by&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fcloudtbirds.com%2froster.aspx%3frp_id%3d1082&amp;c=E,1,xo99rMLRmeT5fT0OXoxgRf40VZ9V9TvyZngxB4NRqcIZSx-GMA5V_8HxI3Onpr21pXj7uVt1xMqvn71JKfcRkqyeXgClmI5PZjIkI7nJGBEf_K3-YCFrtDQp&amp;typo=1" target="_blank">Alyssa Castilleja</a>&nbsp;would get the T-Birds within three. Independence would then finish out the half with a driving layup as things would settle at a 30-25 contest with two quarters in the books. Similar to the first half storyline, Cloud County would once again make several attempts at cutting into the Independence lead to open the third quarter but would be turned away each time by the Pirates as Indy would match CCCC in offensive output. After seeing the Pirates use a pair of free throws to go up 37-29 with 5:26 remaining in the quarter, Cloud County would go on an 11-3 run over the next 3:37 of the game to tie things up at 40-40. Both teams would then trade buckets over the next 30 seconds of play as a two more Independence free throws would put the Pirates up 44-42 heading to the fourth. Things would stay tight throughout the opening minutes of the fourth quarter as Cloud County would not allow Independence a chance to build their lead back out until a 7-0 run midway through the quarter would put the Pirates up 58-49 with just under three minutes remaining. Free throws would then become the name of the game as the two teams would combine to shoot nine free throws in the final 2:11 as the T-Birds would not be able to find enough offense to close the deficit. The 29 forced turnovers for CCCC would lead to 24 points for Cloud County as the T-Birds would also outscore Independence 32-26 in the paint and 13-12 in second-chance points. Free throws would be one of the biggest differences in the game however as the Pirates would sink 22-of-35 (62.9 percent) attempts from the charity stripe while Cloud County would go 14-of-21 (66.7 percent) from the line. It would be another career night for Cox as the sophomore would score a game-high 24 points and add nine rebounds to fall just one rebound short of a double-double. The remaining 32 points for the T-Birds would come courtesy of six different players as Becker would be the next leading scorer for CCCC with eight points. What's next? Cloud County will look to get back in the win column this Saturday with a road trip to Chanute, Kansas to take on the Neosho Panthers at 2 p.m. on Saturday. The T-Birds will be seeking just their second road victory of the year against a Neosho squad that is coming off a 120-56 road loss to Butler and is now 3-7 overall with a 2-6 mark in the KJCCC.&nbsp;&nbsp;--<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com">cloudtbirds.com</a>--

T-Bird women's basketball falls to Independence

KANSAS CITY, Mo. –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5865">Jared Vitztum</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5859">Kaleb Hammeke</a>&nbsp;of Fort Hays State Men's Basketball were named to the 2021 All-MIAA Men's Basketball Team, released on Wednesday. Vitztum is a first team selection, while Hammeke is the conference's Freshman of the Year and an honorable mention selection to the team. Vitztum went into the final game of the season averaging a double-double and finished the year at 18.1 points and 9.9 rebounds per game. Vitztum led NCAA Division II in double-doubles during the regular season with 12, one better than Anthony Pittman of West Virginia State. He led the MIAA in rebounds per game and led NCAA Division II in total rebounds with 218 in 22 games played. Vitztum scored in double figures 19 times and produced a career-high 32 points and 15 rebounds in an overtime win at Missouri Southern. He scored 20 or more points 11 times and pulled down 10 or more rebounds in 12 contests. Vitztum ranked seventh in the MIAA for scoring average during the regular season. Hammeke finished the season leading the Tigers in assists with 99, averaging 4.5 per game. He ranked sixth in the MIAA in helpers per game. He was also one of three Tigers to finish with a scoring average in double figures with 10.7 points per game. Hammeke tied for second on the team in rebounding, averaging 3.3 per game. Hammeke is the second Tiger to receive the MIAA Freshman of the Year award, joining&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=1500">Craig Nicholson</a>&nbsp;who received the honor in 2013. He was the only freshman listed on the All-MIAA Men's Basketball Team this season. Below is the 2021 All-MIAA Men's Basketball Team. 2021 MIAA Postseason Awards Player of the Year – Trevor Hudgins – Northwest Missouri, Junior Defensive Player of the Year – Diego Bernard – Northwest Missouri, Junior Freshman of the Year –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5859">Kaleb Hammeke</a>&nbsp;– Fort Hays State Coach of the Year – Ben McCollum – Northwest Missouri 2021 MIAA All-Defensive Team Diego Bernard – Northwest Missouri, Junior Tyrell Carroll – Missouri Western, Junior Tyler Geiman – Washburn, Senior Ryan Hawkins – Northwest Missouri, Senior Cam Potts – Lincoln, Senior 2021 All-MIAA First-Team Tyler Geiman – Washburn, Senior Ryan Hawkins – Northwest Missouri, Senior Trevor Hudgins – Northwest Missouri, Junior Cam Martin – Missouri Southern, Senior <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5865">Jared Vitztum</a>&nbsp;– Fort Hays State, Senior 2021 All-MIAA Second-Team Diego Bernard – Northwest Missouri, Junior Tyrell Carroll – Missouri Western, Junior Jumah'Ri Turner – Emporia State, Senior Isaiah Wade – Central Oklahoma, Senior Sevon Witt – Lincoln, Sophomore 2021 All-MIAA Third-Team Bobby Arthur-Williams – Pittsburg State, Graduate Quinton Drayton – Lincoln, Junior Callen Haydon – Central Oklahoma, Junior Devin Pullum – Rogers State, Senior Stan Scott – Missouri Southern, Senior 2021 All-MIAA Honorable Mention Central Missouri –&nbsp;Cameron Hunter – Senior Central Oklahoma –&nbsp;Cam Givens – Junior Emporia State –&nbsp;Austin Downing – Senior Fort Hays State –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5859">Kaleb Hammeke</a>&nbsp;– Freshman Lincoln –&nbsp;Cam Potts – Senior Missouri Western –&nbsp;Caleb Bennett – Junior, Will Eames – Sophomore, Reese Glover - Sophomore Nebraska Kearney –&nbsp;Austin Luger – Senior, Jake Walker – Senior Newman –&nbsp;Joel Boyce – Junior Northeastern State –&nbsp;Trey Sampson – Junior Northwest Missouri –&nbsp;Luke Waters – Sophomore Pittsburg State –&nbsp;Quentin Hardrict, Jr. – Junior Rogers State –&nbsp;Darraja Parnell – Senior, Brewster Peacock – Senior Washburn –&nbsp;Jonny Clausing – Junior, Jalen Lewis – Junior&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614792187236.jpeg" alt="Image courtesy <a href="http://fhsuathletics.com">fhsuathletics.com</a>" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy <a href="http://fhsuathletics.com">fhsuathletics.com</a></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5865">Jared Vitztum</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5859">Kaleb Hammeke</a>&nbsp;of Fort Hays State Men's Basketball were named to the 2021 All-MIAA Men's Basketball Team, released on Wednesday. Vitztum is a first team selection, while Hammeke is the conference's Freshman of the Year and an honorable mention selection to the team. Vitztum went into the final game of the season averaging a double-double and finished the year at 18.1 points and 9.9 rebounds per game. Vitztum led NCAA Division II in double-doubles during the regular season with 12, one better than Anthony Pittman of West Virginia State. He led the MIAA in rebounds per game and led NCAA Division II in total rebounds with 218 in 22 games played. Vitztum scored in double figures 19 times and produced a career-high 32 points and 15 rebounds in an overtime win at Missouri Southern. He scored 20 or more points 11 times and pulled down 10 or more rebounds in 12 contests. Vitztum ranked seventh in the MIAA for scoring average during the regular season. Hammeke finished the season leading the Tigers in assists with 99, averaging 4.5 per game. He ranked sixth in the MIAA in helpers per game. He was also one of three Tigers to finish with a scoring average in double figures with 10.7 points per game. Hammeke tied for second on the team in rebounding, averaging 3.3 per game. Hammeke is the second Tiger to receive the MIAA Freshman of the Year award, joining&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=1500">Craig Nicholson</a>&nbsp;who received the honor in 2013. He was the only freshman listed on the All-MIAA Men's Basketball Team this season. Below is the 2021 All-MIAA Men's Basketball Team. 2021 MIAA Postseason Awards Player of the Year – Trevor Hudgins – Northwest Missouri, Junior Defensive Player of the Year – Diego Bernard – Northwest Missouri, Junior Freshman of the Year –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5859">Kaleb Hammeke</a>&nbsp;– Fort Hays State Coach of the Year – Ben McCollum – Northwest Missouri 2021 MIAA All-Defensive Team Diego Bernard – Northwest Missouri, Junior Tyrell Carroll – Missouri Western, Junior Tyler Geiman – Washburn, Senior Ryan Hawkins – Northwest Missouri, Senior Cam Potts – Lincoln, Senior 2021 All-MIAA First-Team Tyler Geiman – Washburn, Senior Ryan Hawkins – Northwest Missouri, Senior Trevor Hudgins – Northwest Missouri, Junior Cam Martin – Missouri Southern, Senior <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5865">Jared Vitztum</a>&nbsp;– Fort Hays State, Senior 2021 All-MIAA Second-Team Diego Bernard – Northwest Missouri, Junior Tyrell Carroll – Missouri Western, Junior Jumah'Ri Turner – Emporia State, Senior Isaiah Wade – Central Oklahoma, Senior Sevon Witt – Lincoln, Sophomore 2021 All-MIAA Third-Team Bobby Arthur-Williams – Pittsburg State, Graduate Quinton Drayton – Lincoln, Junior Callen Haydon – Central Oklahoma, Junior Devin Pullum – Rogers State, Senior Stan Scott – Missouri Southern, Senior 2021 All-MIAA Honorable Mention Central Missouri –&nbsp;Cameron Hunter – Senior Central Oklahoma –&nbsp;Cam Givens – Junior Emporia State –&nbsp;Austin Downing – Senior Fort Hays State –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5859">Kaleb Hammeke</a>&nbsp;– Freshman Lincoln –&nbsp;Cam Potts – Senior Missouri Western –&nbsp;Caleb Bennett – Junior, Will Eames – Sophomore, Reese Glover - Sophomore Nebraska Kearney –&nbsp;Austin Luger – Senior, Jake Walker – Senior Newman –&nbsp;Joel Boyce – Junior Northeastern State –&nbsp;Trey Sampson – Junior Northwest Missouri –&nbsp;Luke Waters – Sophomore Pittsburg State –&nbsp;Quentin Hardrict, Jr. – Junior Rogers State –&nbsp;Darraja Parnell – Senior, Brewster Peacock – Senior Washburn –&nbsp;Jonny Clausing – Junior, Jalen Lewis – Junior&nbsp;&nbsp;--MIAA--

Vitztum, Hammeke named to All-MIAA Men’s Basketball Team

NEW ORLEANS –&nbsp;Wichita State moved within a victory of its first American Athletic Conference title with a 78-70 road win over Tulane on Wednesday evening.

The Shockers (14-4, 10-2 American) host South Florida in Saturday’s regular season finale (Noon CT, ESPN+). A win gives them the crown and the No. 1 seed in next week’s conference tournament. A loss drops them into second-place and would set up a Sunday title match between Memphis and Houston.

Trey Wade&nbsp;scored a career-high 23 points on 4-of-5 three-point shooting.

Dexter Dennis&nbsp;added 20 points and 13 rebounds.

Alterique Gilbert&nbsp;set a new personal-best with 12 assists – the best single-game effort by a Shocker since Feb. 23, 1991 when Robert George collected a dozen dimes against Drake.

Morris Udeze&nbsp;tallied his first double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds, and Tyson Etienne collected 12 points and six assists.

Gabe Waton&nbsp;led Tulane (9-12, 4-12 American) with 14 points on 4-of-6 three-point shooting.

Dennis put in an impressive defensive effort against Tulane’s&nbsp;Jaylen Forbes, who was coming off a 37-point effort at Cincinnati. WSU held him to a season-low five points on 1-of-9 shooting.

The Shockers used a 10-0 run to go up 25-13 near the 8:00-mark of the first half.

WSU matched its season-high with 46 first-half points on eight threes and led by 13 at the intermission.

Tulane clawed to within five with 14:00 but would get no closer. The lead bounced between six and 12 points for the rest of the night.

The Shockers hit more threes (13) and than free throws (11). They were a miserable 45.8 percent at the stripe but made 41.9 percent from distance.

Gilbert and Etienne combined for 18 of WSU’s season-high 22 assists.

Continuing a positive trend for their win over Houston, the Shockers out-rebounded the Green Wave 42-33 and allowed just six offensive rebounds.

--<a href="http://goshockers.com">goshockers.com</a>--

NEW ORLEANS –&nbsp;Wichita State moved within a victory of its first American Athletic Conference title with a 78-70 road win over Tulane on Wednesday evening.The Shockers (14-4, 10-2 American) host South Florida in Saturday’s regular season finale (Noon CT, ESPN+). A win gives them the crown and the No. 1 seed in next week’s conference tournament. A loss drops them into second-place and would set up a Sunday title match between Memphis and Houston.Trey Wade&nbsp;scored a career-high 23 points on 4-of-5 three-point shooting.Dexter Dennis&nbsp;added 20 points and 13 rebounds.Alterique Gilbert&nbsp;set a new personal-best with 12 assists – the best single-game effort by a Shocker since Feb. 23, 1991 when Robert George collected a dozen dimes against Drake.Morris Udeze&nbsp;tallied his first double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds, and Tyson Etienne collected 12 points and six assists.Gabe Waton&nbsp;led Tulane (9-12, 4-12 American) with 14 points on 4-of-6 three-point shooting.Dennis put in an impressive defensive effort against Tulane’s&nbsp;Jaylen Forbes, who was coming off a 37-point effort at Cincinnati. WSU held him to a season-low five points on 1-of-9 shooting.The Shockers used a 10-0 run to go up 25-13 near the 8:00-mark of the first half.WSU matched its season-high with 46 first-half points on eight threes and led by 13 at the intermission.Tulane clawed to within five with 14:00 but would get no closer. The lead bounced between six and 12 points for the rest of the night.The Shockers hit more threes (13) and than free throws (11). They were a miserable 45.8 percent at the stripe but made 41.9 percent from distance.Gilbert and Etienne combined for 18 of WSU’s season-high 22 assists.Continuing a positive trend for their win over Houston, the Shockers out-rebounded the Green Wave 42-33 and allowed just six offensive rebounds.--<a href="http://goshockers.com">goshockers.com</a>--

Shockers set up title shot with win at Tulane

NORTH NEWTON –&nbsp;Kansas Wesleyan volleyball continued its outstanding start to the spring portion of its schedule on Wednesday, rolling to a straight set sweep of the Bethel Threshers – 25-19, 25-15, 25-19 at Thresher Gym.

The win was the fourth in a row for the Coyotes, and the 22nd&nbsp;straight win for KWU over Bethel, a streak dating back to the 2011 season.

The first set was tied 6-6 when the Coyotes got things going, as back to back kills by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/22/18/11449">Maddy Beckett</a>&nbsp;(SO/Halstead, Kan.) gave Wesleyan a 7-6 lead in the set. KWU built a 12-7 lead and would only see Bethel get within two points at 18-16 before the Coyotes would close the set on a 7-3 run capped by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/22/18/11445">Elizabeth Hardacre</a>&nbsp;(SO/Kensington, Kan.)'s kill.

Wesleyan jumped out to a 6-1 lead in the second set and would cruise from there. The Coyotes led 18-8 in the set at one point before coming away with the 25-15 win.

Bethel had an early lead in the final set at 4-2, but the Coyotes quickly refocused, scoring the next four points capped by a service ace by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/22/18/11444">Emily Monson</a>&nbsp;(SO/Cheney, Kan.). Bethel tied it at 7, but could never get ahead again as two more Beckett kills put the Coyotes up 9-7. The Threshers tied it again at 14 but a Hardacre kill would give the Coyotes a lead that would not be given up.

Bethel couldn't stop Beckett who rolled up 20 kills in the match while hitting a very impressive .350 in the match. Beckett also finished with three aces, three digs and a block.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/22/18/11447">Cortney Hanna</a>&nbsp;(SO/Lawrence, Kan.), the newly named Setter of the Week by the KCAC, had 21 assists, while&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/22/18/11568">Josie Deckinger</a>&nbsp;(FR/Wichita, Kan.) had 18. Monson had 20 digs in the match.

The Coyotes are back in action this weekend in a triangular at Bethany with the Swedes and Ottawa.

--<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com">kwucoyotes.com</a>--

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614887061608.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com">kwucoyotes.com</a>" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com">kwucoyotes.com</a></figcaption>
 </figure>NORTH NEWTON –&nbsp;Kansas Wesleyan volleyball continued its outstanding start to the spring portion of its schedule on Wednesday, rolling to a straight set sweep of the Bethel Threshers – 25-19, 25-15, 25-19 at Thresher Gym.The win was the fourth in a row for the Coyotes, and the 22nd&nbsp;straight win for KWU over Bethel, a streak dating back to the 2011 season.The first set was tied 6-6 when the Coyotes got things going, as back to back kills by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/22/18/11449">Maddy Beckett</a>&nbsp;(SO/Halstead, Kan.) gave Wesleyan a 7-6 lead in the set. KWU built a 12-7 lead and would only see Bethel get within two points at 18-16 before the Coyotes would close the set on a 7-3 run capped by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/22/18/11445">Elizabeth Hardacre</a>&nbsp;(SO/Kensington, Kan.)'s kill.Wesleyan jumped out to a 6-1 lead in the second set and would cruise from there. The Coyotes led 18-8 in the set at one point before coming away with the 25-15 win.Bethel had an early lead in the final set at 4-2, but the Coyotes quickly refocused, scoring the next four points capped by a service ace by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/22/18/11444">Emily Monson</a>&nbsp;(SO/Cheney, Kan.). Bethel tied it at 7, but could never get ahead again as two more Beckett kills put the Coyotes up 9-7. The Threshers tied it again at 14 but a Hardacre kill would give the Coyotes a lead that would not be given up.Bethel couldn't stop Beckett who rolled up 20 kills in the match while hitting a very impressive .350 in the match. Beckett also finished with three aces, three digs and a block.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/22/18/11447">Cortney Hanna</a>&nbsp;(SO/Lawrence, Kan.), the newly named Setter of the Week by the KCAC, had 21 assists, while&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/22/18/11568">Josie Deckinger</a>&nbsp;(FR/Wichita, Kan.) had 18. Monson had 20 digs in the match.The Coyotes are back in action this weekend in a triangular at Bethany with the Swedes and Ottawa.--<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com">kwucoyotes.com</a>--

KWU volleyball defeats Threshers

AMES, Iowa –&nbsp;The Iowa State Cyclones defeated the Kansas women’s basketball team 83-53 Wednesday night at Hilton Coliseum.

Holly Kersgieter picked up her third double-double of the season with 12 points and 11 rebounds in 30 minutes for the Jayhawks. The sophomore from Sand Springs, Oklahoma has now scored in double figures in all but one game this season. Aniya Thomas and Ioanna Chatzileonti each added nine points apiece in the setback for Kansas.

The first quarter was back-and-forth with the largest lead going to Kansas (7-16, 3-14 Big 12) with a five-point margin. Thomas started the game on fire for the Jayhawks, scoring the first eight points of the game for the visitors.

Coming off a season-high 19 points last time out against West Virginia, Thomas hit a pair of 3-pointers and a pair of free throws to give Kansas an 8-3 lead just more than three minutes into the game. Iowa State responded with a 9-0 run to take a 12-8 lead, but buckets by Brooklyn Mitchell and Kersgieter tied it at 12 with 1:44 to play in the first.

The two teams traded buckets before Iowa State’s Kristin Scott hit a 3-pointer to give Iowa State a 17-14 lead after the opening quarter.

It stayed close the first three-plus minutes of the second quarter with Iowa State taking a 22-21 lead with 6:44 left in the first half. Kansas then got back-to-back baskets from Ioanna Chatzileonti and Kersgieter, giving Kansas a three-point lead midway through the second quarter.

The home squad rattled off a 16-2 run, however, over the final five minutes of the first half to take a 38-27 lead at half.

Iowa State (16-9, 12-6) extended its lead to 19 after the third quarter and continued to build it in the fourth to close out the game.

Zakiyah Franklin finished with a team-high five assists, while Chatzileonti had four blocks to go with her nine points.

UP NEXT The Jayhawks will close out the regular season Saturday at home versus No. 6 Baylor. Tip is scheduled for 4 p.m.

--<a href="http://kuathletics.com">kuathletics.com</a>--

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614886479883.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy <a href="http://kuathletics.com">kuathletics.com</a>" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy <a href="http://kuathletics.com">kuathletics.com</a></figcaption>
 </figure>AMES, Iowa –&nbsp;The Iowa State Cyclones defeated the Kansas women’s basketball team 83-53 Wednesday night at Hilton Coliseum.Holly Kersgieter picked up her third double-double of the season with 12 points and 11 rebounds in 30 minutes for the Jayhawks. The sophomore from Sand Springs, Oklahoma has now scored in double figures in all but one game this season. Aniya Thomas and Ioanna Chatzileonti each added nine points apiece in the setback for Kansas.The first quarter was back-and-forth with the largest lead going to Kansas (7-16, 3-14 Big 12) with a five-point margin. Thomas started the game on fire for the Jayhawks, scoring the first eight points of the game for the visitors.Coming off a season-high 19 points last time out against West Virginia, Thomas hit a pair of 3-pointers and a pair of free throws to give Kansas an 8-3 lead just more than three minutes into the game. Iowa State responded with a 9-0 run to take a 12-8 lead, but buckets by Brooklyn Mitchell and Kersgieter tied it at 12 with 1:44 to play in the first.The two teams traded buckets before Iowa State’s Kristin Scott hit a 3-pointer to give Iowa State a 17-14 lead after the opening quarter.It stayed close the first three-plus minutes of the second quarter with Iowa State taking a 22-21 lead with 6:44 left in the first half. Kansas then got back-to-back baskets from Ioanna Chatzileonti and Kersgieter, giving Kansas a three-point lead midway through the second quarter.The home squad rattled off a 16-2 run, however, over the final five minutes of the first half to take a 38-27 lead at half.Iowa State (16-9, 12-6) extended its lead to 19 after the third quarter and continued to build it in the fourth to close out the game.Zakiyah Franklin finished with a team-high five assists, while Chatzileonti had four blocks to go with her nine points.UP NEXT The Jayhawks will close out the regular season Saturday at home versus No. 6 Baylor. Tip is scheduled for 4 p.m.--<a href="http://kuathletics.com">kuathletics.com</a>--

Visiting KU women's basketball falls to Iowa State

CONCORDIA -- Newly ranked No. 13 in the latest NJCAA Wrestling rankings released on Tuesday, the Cloud County Community College wrestling team would get back to their winning ways on Tuesday by rolling to a 43-6 dual win over Neosho before downing Colby by a score of 53-6 to win the Cloud County double dual inside of Arley Bryant Gymnasium in Concordia. Competing in their final home action of the year, Cloud County would finish the double dual with a 2-0 mark while Neosho would split their matches by defeating Colby in the opening dual as the Trojans would fall in both of their duals on the day.&nbsp; Against Neosho Having a healthy roster and full lineup for the first time this season, the T-Birds would show out for the home crowd in a big way in their first dual of the afternoon as CCCC would win eight of the 10 matches which included six falls, a major decision, and a decision.&nbsp; Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fcloudtbirds.com%2froster.aspx%3frp_id%3d1165&amp;c=E,1,D4Ol8N2O7jqHEs62Mztk-WwxRa3cN0YtqBizvtsvroMdFvztFoynp7UejRZJyZhTcZbkDxENZQDoeq0nLu_ByXifPxigtlo45UKsI09bd0Wh_Q,,&amp;typo=1" target="_blank">Toby Gavette</a>&nbsp;would get the action started by controlling his match with Junior Camacho on his way to an 8-0 major decision for his second win of the year before seeing&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fcloudtbirds.com%2froster.aspx%3frp_id%3d1158&amp;c=E,1,noDjPgruvjghlqgdpLvFJ9gpUzj8vrKS3cOUz3d4ULuNQwQ9kOzT2gCf6bNgU2atWMpWICw1JXLgnVN1gGOEEjGcauPDYOa6esNnYoG9sZXzsYrWObM,&amp;typo=1" target="_blank">James Davis</a>&nbsp;earn a fall with 33 seconds left in the second period of Kolton Smith. The T-Birds would then get a 10-4 decision from&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fcloudtbirds.com%2froster.aspx%3frp_id%3d1153&amp;c=E,1,y8Azaj53c13kmOwfGV52V1LPwgWePFYrAhN4lSIdQ9IflUqaYwhahRf0RC-1jYP8KhGI3E8043NUOu4rVmuWKcF0jTlzaViaExm_vvCly6906T6vT_F-iEPPRxCG&amp;typo=1" target="_blank">Michael Barfuss</a>&nbsp;at 141 pounds which would be followed by a fall by&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fcloudtbirds.com%2froster.aspx%3frp_id%3d1171&amp;c=E,1,Yp0pb4tndsPv28ggRRdMzuKUrLnl5J1WoQG5CqJh9ezJCuUMGx2O_UwI6pS3wuSkeUG7RKRcx6uQWYSoXi--fXHa84OO0XvmqSxD_m_2d-JmZH0CYw,,&amp;typo=1" target="_blank">Joel Ostrom</a>&nbsp;as the Burwell, Nebraska native would end his match with 10 seconds left in the second period. Neosho would pick up a 3-2 decision win at 157 pounds to get on the board as&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fcloudtbirds.com%2froster.aspx%3frp_id%3d1167&amp;c=E,1,8vFqmO0z9IhNpnYz1TT4fS6Z5Rpq8uW92APaP08dX7oqjsSSxXS4cf50CjTHDOjOaoB9NgeE8XdwU6E0IpqYCheCA7vbzu_WEAouD0CMIZaADOSVQI3FQSVrCxo,&amp;typo=1" target="_blank">Tristin Hauck</a>&nbsp;would be unable to secure a late escape to force overtime, but Cloud County would get back in the win column at 165 pounds with a fall at the 1:39 mark by&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fcloudtbirds.com%2froster.aspx%3frp_id%3d1169&amp;c=E,1,4fMw5WP2CH0qPz64Qd9jdVPAvf9PlUXqQIX7EPUlj98_a3qgslT3VauUAqLG7TUIPsMDYPG9QJIoAzwZWbBCRXwrYS8jSlTlNz24sEDpa82pvLT-&amp;typo=1" target="_blank">Cooper Mosier</a>.&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fcloudtbirds.com%2froster.aspx%3frp_id%3d1166&amp;c=E,1,GaS9Tl9F-9bHw1eYB06IIWsHuLBbSEEmV8Cr4B_UKGD_lA1boLMKLgWhoQHtvDtMwnnpBbbxLg1lfY5rmPS9nXi36FTLX0xt_Cfb1vDoLrVIFLERwsA,&amp;typo=1" target="_blank">Dante Harper</a>&nbsp;wasted no time making quick work of Pierro Garcia with a fall in just 58 seconds to put Cloud County up 31-3 as Neosho would go on to take an 8-4 decision at 184 pounds before seeing&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fcloudtbirds.com%2froster.aspx%3frp_id%3d1159&amp;c=E,1,oxSBV2pS2_rdvk6w_NjBmwla4CH-L__6FGiqvsWb00zdp5bNJkKjYuBxSPb7Sg0Nm7cyLXCfMLdDm0DlWxnlpFYPIWu4Je-wQQ497ksoxa9HdEu44LmZHx-c0eJT&amp;typo=1" target="_blank">Zach Ferris</a>&nbsp;(197 pounds) and&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fcloudtbirds.com%2froster.aspx%3frp_id%3d1170&amp;c=E,1,EYbj7lks9p3Kqe3r8bfPnIUbT1RetbLuSLts34xdwOTAIQbQAm-FCdBWW_5QxjcNkCvjAdza7rEs18KllV0x_25P6LaZ--hZIjdEwYexpqAptHJTyIOd&amp;typo=1" target="_blank">Thomas Orr</a>&nbsp;(285 pounds) both earn falls in their matches for the T-Birds to give CCCC the 37 point win.&nbsp; Against Colby Just four matches would be wrestled between the Trojans and T-Birds as Colby would be open at 133 pounds, 141 pounds, 149 pounds, 157 pounds, and 165 pounds while Cloud County would give up an open weight at 285 pounds. In the contested bouts, Gavette would get a fall just under a minute into the second period to cap off a 2-0 day while&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fcloudtbirds.com%2froster.aspx%3frp_id%3d1157&amp;c=E,1,mTZWkI-KDSvY7Zc1i7teCisPYgFfN8c1mWuY4tfcz4ZIw3dcNwJNf8qp6--DNJJXSJSONxwXWvefSRtgO9BCzsps66UuRyI5JNDZQoOIHZZl&amp;typo=1" target="_blank">Jonny Crome</a>&nbsp;would need just 45 seconds to earn a fall in his lone match of the afternoon. Bumping up to 184 pounds would be Mosier&nbsp;as the Towanda, PA native finished off his match early with an 18-3 technical fall in the second period before seeing Ferris use just 1:21 of his match to secure a fall and finish off a double dual that saw Cloud County go 12-2 in contested matches.&nbsp; What's next? Cloud County will have the rest of the week off to prepare for a single dual at Cowley College on Tuesday. The dual between the T-Birds and Tigers is set for 7 p.m. from W.S. Scott Auditorium as CCCC will look to avenge a 31-15 loss from earlier this season.&nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614886128120.jpeg" alt="Thomas Orr earned one of nine falls for Cloud County in a pair of dual victories. Photo courtesy <a href="http://cloudtbirds.com">cloudtbirds.com</a>" />
 <figcaption>Thomas Orr earned one of nine falls for Cloud County in a pair of dual victories. Photo courtesy <a href="http://cloudtbirds.com">cloudtbirds.com</a></figcaption>
 </figure>CONCORDIA -- Newly ranked No. 13 in the latest NJCAA Wrestling rankings released on Tuesday, the Cloud County Community College wrestling team would get back to their winning ways on Tuesday by rolling to a 43-6 dual win over Neosho before downing Colby by a score of 53-6 to win the Cloud County double dual inside of Arley Bryant Gymnasium in Concordia. Competing in their final home action of the year, Cloud County would finish the double dual with a 2-0 mark while Neosho would split their matches by defeating Colby in the opening dual as the Trojans would fall in both of their duals on the day.&nbsp; Against Neosho Having a healthy roster and full lineup for the first time this season, the T-Birds would show out for the home crowd in a big way in their first dual of the afternoon as CCCC would win eight of the 10 matches which included six falls, a major decision, and a decision.&nbsp; Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fcloudtbirds.com%2froster.aspx%3frp_id%3d1165&amp;c=E,1,D4Ol8N2O7jqHEs62Mztk-WwxRa3cN0YtqBizvtsvroMdFvztFoynp7UejRZJyZhTcZbkDxENZQDoeq0nLu_ByXifPxigtlo45UKsI09bd0Wh_Q,,&amp;typo=1" target="_blank">Toby Gavette</a>&nbsp;would get the action started by controlling his match with Junior Camacho on his way to an 8-0 major decision for his second win of the year before seeing&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fcloudtbirds.com%2froster.aspx%3frp_id%3d1158&amp;c=E,1,noDjPgruvjghlqgdpLvFJ9gpUzj8vrKS3cOUz3d4ULuNQwQ9kOzT2gCf6bNgU2atWMpWICw1JXLgnVN1gGOEEjGcauPDYOa6esNnYoG9sZXzsYrWObM,&amp;typo=1" target="_blank">James Davis</a>&nbsp;earn a fall with 33 seconds left in the second period of Kolton Smith. The T-Birds would then get a 10-4 decision from&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fcloudtbirds.com%2froster.aspx%3frp_id%3d1153&amp;c=E,1,y8Azaj53c13kmOwfGV52V1LPwgWePFYrAhN4lSIdQ9IflUqaYwhahRf0RC-1jYP8KhGI3E8043NUOu4rVmuWKcF0jTlzaViaExm_vvCly6906T6vT_F-iEPPRxCG&amp;typo=1" target="_blank">Michael Barfuss</a>&nbsp;at 141 pounds which would be followed by a fall by&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fcloudtbirds.com%2froster.aspx%3frp_id%3d1171&amp;c=E,1,Yp0pb4tndsPv28ggRRdMzuKUrLnl5J1WoQG5CqJh9ezJCuUMGx2O_UwI6pS3wuSkeUG7RKRcx6uQWYSoXi--fXHa84OO0XvmqSxD_m_2d-JmZH0CYw,,&amp;typo=1" target="_blank">Joel Ostrom</a>&nbsp;as the Burwell, Nebraska native would end his match with 10 seconds left in the second period. Neosho would pick up a 3-2 decision win at 157 pounds to get on the board as&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fcloudtbirds.com%2froster.aspx%3frp_id%3d1167&amp;c=E,1,8vFqmO0z9IhNpnYz1TT4fS6Z5Rpq8uW92APaP08dX7oqjsSSxXS4cf50CjTHDOjOaoB9NgeE8XdwU6E0IpqYCheCA7vbzu_WEAouD0CMIZaADOSVQI3FQSVrCxo,&amp;typo=1" target="_blank">Tristin Hauck</a>&nbsp;would be unable to secure a late escape to force overtime, but Cloud County would get back in the win column at 165 pounds with a fall at the 1:39 mark by&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fcloudtbirds.com%2froster.aspx%3frp_id%3d1169&amp;c=E,1,4fMw5WP2CH0qPz64Qd9jdVPAvf9PlUXqQIX7EPUlj98_a3qgslT3VauUAqLG7TUIPsMDYPG9QJIoAzwZWbBCRXwrYS8jSlTlNz24sEDpa82pvLT-&amp;typo=1" target="_blank">Cooper Mosier</a>.&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fcloudtbirds.com%2froster.aspx%3frp_id%3d1166&amp;c=E,1,GaS9Tl9F-9bHw1eYB06IIWsHuLBbSEEmV8Cr4B_UKGD_lA1boLMKLgWhoQHtvDtMwnnpBbbxLg1lfY5rmPS9nXi36FTLX0xt_Cfb1vDoLrVIFLERwsA,&amp;typo=1" target="_blank">Dante Harper</a>&nbsp;wasted no time making quick work of Pierro Garcia with a fall in just 58 seconds to put Cloud County up 31-3 as Neosho would go on to take an 8-4 decision at 184 pounds before seeing&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fcloudtbirds.com%2froster.aspx%3frp_id%3d1159&amp;c=E,1,oxSBV2pS2_rdvk6w_NjBmwla4CH-L__6FGiqvsWb00zdp5bNJkKjYuBxSPb7Sg0Nm7cyLXCfMLdDm0DlWxnlpFYPIWu4Je-wQQ497ksoxa9HdEu44LmZHx-c0eJT&amp;typo=1" target="_blank">Zach Ferris</a>&nbsp;(197 pounds) and&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fcloudtbirds.com%2froster.aspx%3frp_id%3d1170&amp;c=E,1,EYbj7lks9p3Kqe3r8bfPnIUbT1RetbLuSLts34xdwOTAIQbQAm-FCdBWW_5QxjcNkCvjAdza7rEs18KllV0x_25P6LaZ--hZIjdEwYexpqAptHJTyIOd&amp;typo=1" target="_blank">Thomas Orr</a>&nbsp;(285 pounds) both earn falls in their matches for the T-Birds to give CCCC the 37 point win.&nbsp; Against Colby Just four matches would be wrestled between the Trojans and T-Birds as Colby would be open at 133 pounds, 141 pounds, 149 pounds, 157 pounds, and 165 pounds while Cloud County would give up an open weight at 285 pounds. In the contested bouts, Gavette would get a fall just under a minute into the second period to cap off a 2-0 day while&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fcloudtbirds.com%2froster.aspx%3frp_id%3d1157&amp;c=E,1,mTZWkI-KDSvY7Zc1i7teCisPYgFfN8c1mWuY4tfcz4ZIw3dcNwJNf8qp6--DNJJXSJSONxwXWvefSRtgO9BCzsps66UuRyI5JNDZQoOIHZZl&amp;typo=1" target="_blank">Jonny Crome</a>&nbsp;would need just 45 seconds to earn a fall in his lone match of the afternoon. Bumping up to 184 pounds would be Mosier&nbsp;as the Towanda, PA native finished off his match early with an 18-3 technical fall in the second period before seeing Ferris use just 1:21 of his match to secure a fall and finish off a double dual that saw Cloud County go 12-2 in contested matches.&nbsp; What's next? Cloud County will have the rest of the week off to prepare for a single dual at Cowley College on Tuesday. The dual between the T-Birds and Tigers is set for 7 p.m. from W.S. Scott Auditorium as CCCC will look to avenge a 31-15 loss from earlier this season.&nbsp; &nbsp;--<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com">cloudtbirds.com</a>--

No. 13 Cloud County wrestling rolls to pair of home victories

Kansas Wesleyan women's soccer picked up its first win of the spring season on Wednesday in a 3-2 victory over MidAmerica Nazarene on Wednesday at the Graves Family Sports Complex.

It was late match heroics for the Coyotes for the win, and it came on one of Wesleyan's favorite opportunities, the set piece.

<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/22/14/11511">Ashley Quintanilla</a>&nbsp;(JR/Bakersfield, Calif.) set a corner kick ball into the penalty area. The ball found its way to the waiting head of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/22/14/11363">Paige Robinson</a>&nbsp;(SO/Orange, Calif.), who directed it into the back of the net in the 84th minute, putting the Coyotes up 3-2.

KWU scored the first two goals of the match, both in the first half.

<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/22/14/11509">Kayla Deaver</a>&nbsp;(JR/Lee's Summit, Mo.) lit the lamp for the first goal, taking a ball from deep on the left flank and out-maneuvering several MNU defenders across the face of the goal before firing from basically point-blank range.

<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/22/14/11365">Marissa Morales</a>&nbsp;(SR/La Puente, Calif.) scored the second goal in the 40th minute for the Coyotes. Morales took control of a loose ball on the right side, and controlled it and set an arcing shot just inside the far post for the goal.

MNU got two goals by Alyssa Ward, one in the 52nd and another in the 62nd to tie the match at 2-2.

Wesleyan made the most of its few chances on offense with only four shots, but three of them found the goal. MNU had 15 shots in the match.

KWU returns to action on Saturday, heading to Papillion, Neb., to take on Bellevue.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614885538850.jpeg" alt="KWU's Marissa Morales. Photo courtesy <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com">kwucoyotes.com</a>" />
 <figcaption>KWU's Marissa Morales. Photo courtesy <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com">kwucoyotes.com</a></figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas Wesleyan women's soccer picked up its first win of the spring season on Wednesday in a 3-2 victory over MidAmerica Nazarene on Wednesday at the Graves Family Sports Complex.It was late match heroics for the Coyotes for the win, and it came on one of Wesleyan's favorite opportunities, the set piece.<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/22/14/11511">Ashley Quintanilla</a>&nbsp;(JR/Bakersfield, Calif.) set a corner kick ball into the penalty area. The ball found its way to the waiting head of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/22/14/11363">Paige Robinson</a>&nbsp;(SO/Orange, Calif.), who directed it into the back of the net in the 84th minute, putting the Coyotes up 3-2.KWU scored the first two goals of the match, both in the first half.<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/22/14/11509">Kayla Deaver</a>&nbsp;(JR/Lee's Summit, Mo.) lit the lamp for the first goal, taking a ball from deep on the left flank and out-maneuvering several MNU defenders across the face of the goal before firing from basically point-blank range.<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/22/14/11365">Marissa Morales</a>&nbsp;(SR/La Puente, Calif.) scored the second goal in the 40th minute for the Coyotes. Morales took control of a loose ball on the right side, and controlled it and set an arcing shot just inside the far post for the goal.MNU got two goals by Alyssa Ward, one in the 52nd and another in the 62nd to tie the match at 2-2.Wesleyan made the most of its few chances on offense with only four shots, but three of them found the goal. MNU had 15 shots in the match.KWU returns to action on Saturday, heading to Papillion, Neb., to take on Bellevue.--<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com">kwucoyotes.com</a>--

KWU women's soccer opens spring with win over MidAmerica Nazarene

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - After locking up its third regular season MIAA Championship, the Fort Hays State women's basketball team received six All-MIAA awards, announced Wednesday by the league office before the start of the 2021 MIAA Championship Tournament, presented by Citizens Bank &amp; Trust. Head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/coaches.aspx?rc=947">Tony Hobson</a>&nbsp;earned his fourth MIAA Coach of the Year honor, while seniors&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5847">Jaden Hobbs</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5850">Whitney Randall</a>&nbsp;were both first team All-MIAA selections.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5845">Cydney Bergmann</a>&nbsp;was listed on the MIAA All-Defensive team in addition to receiving honorable mention All-MIAA honors. Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5854">Olivia Hollenbeck</a>&nbsp;joined Bergmann on the honorable mention list. It is the first time the Tigers have had multiple first team all-conference selections since 1994-95 (Kris Osthoff &amp; Kristin Wiebe). <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5847">Jaden Hobbs</a>&nbsp;was a first team selection after earning third team honors last season. The senior led the league and ranked third in the country with 133 assists this season, averaging 6.0 per game, 11th-best in DII. She is on pace to break the school record of 5.4 assist per game. Hobbs scored an average of 14.6 points per game, ranking 11th in the league, while hitting 47.2 percent from the floor and 45.7 percent from behind the arc. She drained 59 3-pointers during the regular season (2.7 per game), second-most in Division II. The Alva, Okla. native also led the league in assist/turnover ratio at 3.33, good for third-best in the country. She led the team and ranked third in the conference with an average of 2.2 steals per contest. Hobbs scored in double figures 18 times and recorded four double-doubles after distributing at least 10 assists four times. She hit three or more 3-pointers in 11 different games. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5850">Whitney Randall</a>&nbsp;earned first team honors after leading the team with an average of 16.0 points per game, seventh-best in the MIAA. She scored in double figures 20 times out of 22 games, including five games with at least 20 points. Her 29 points against Missouri Western (2/25) were the most in a single game for a Tiger and seventh-most in a single game in the league this season. Randall added 4.6 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game, including one double-double. She hit at least three 3-pointers in five different games. The senior ranked fourth among qualifying players with a field-goal percentage of 45.1 percent. Her 130 field goals made rank 21st in Division II. It is Randall's first All-MIAA honor. Bergmann earned a spot on the All-Defensive team in addition to honorable mention accolades after an impressive junior season. The guard scored 7.9 points per game and grabbed 5.5 rebounds each night, second-most on the team. Bergmann tallied eight blocks and 19 steals while playing lock-down defense on some of the top players in the conference all season long. She hit 47.4 percent of her shots from the floor and 75 percent from the line. The Concordia, Kan. native scored in double figures seven times and averaged 25.9 minutes per game, third-most on the team. Bergmann is the ninth Tiger to earn MIAA All-Defensive team honors and the first since current assistant coach&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=1316">Paige Lunsford</a>&nbsp;in 2015-16. Hollenbeck was one of just five freshman honored with All-MIAA status this season. The Lincoln, Neb. native ranked third on the team with 9.0 points per game, including eight games with at least 10 points. She recorded one double-double while eclipsing 10 rebounds in two different contests. The 6-3 forward blocked 41 shots on the year, including six games with at least three blocks. added 18 steals on the defensive end. Hollenbeck added 4.1 rebounds and 1.0 assists per game while hitting a team-high 54.7 percent from the floor. She is the first Tiger freshman to earn All-MIAA honors since&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=1305">Kate Lehman</a>&nbsp;in 2011-12. 2021 MIAA Postseason Awards Player of the Year – Tre'Zure Jobe – Emporia State, Sophomore Defensive Player of the Year – Morgan VanHyfte – Central Missouri, Senior Freshman of the Year – Molly Hartnett – Northwest Missouri Coach of the Year –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/coaches.aspx?rc=947">Tony Hobson</a>&nbsp;– Fort Hays State 2021 MIAA All-Defensive Team <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5845">Cydney Bergmann</a>&nbsp;– Fort Hays State, Junior Tre'Zure Jobe – Emporia State, Sophomore Brooke Rayner – Central Oklahoma, Junior Kelsey Sanger – Nebraska Kearney, Senior Madi Stokes – Missouri Southern, Sophomore Morgan VanHyfte – Central Missouri, Senior [Reflects tie in voting] 2021 All-MIAA First-Team Nija Collier – Central Missouri, Senior <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5847">Jaden Hobbs</a>&nbsp;– Fort Hays State, Senior Tre'Zure Jobe – Emporia State, Sophomore* Kelsey Johnson – Central Oklahoma, Senior <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5850">Whitney Randall</a>&nbsp;– Fort Hays State, Senior * denotes unanimous selection 2021 All-MIAA Second-Team Elisa Backes – Nebraska Kearney, Junior Hunter Bentley – Washburn, Senior Kaylee Damitz – Pittsburg State, Junior Tristan Gegg – Pittsburg State, Junior Olivia Nelson – Central Missouri, Freshman 2021 All-MIAA Third-Team Brooke Carlson – Nebraska Kearney, Junior Graycen Holden – Central Missouri, Freshman Fredricka Sheats – Emporia State, Senior Haley Simental – Nebraska Kearney, Graduate Carley Turnbull – Missouri Southern, Senior 2021 All-MIAA Honorable Mention Central Missouri – Gigi McAtee - Senior Central Oklahoma – Jaci Little – Sophomore, Brooke Rayner – Junior Emporia State – Ehlaina Hartman – Freshman, Karsen Schultz - Junior Fort Hays State –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5845">Cydney Bergmann</a>&nbsp;– Junior,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5854">Olivia Hollenbeck</a>&nbsp;- Freshman Lincoln – Niyah Jackson - Sophomore Missouri Southern – Madi Stokes - Sophomore Nebraska Kearney – Klaire Kirsch - Junior Northeastern State – Zaria Collins – Sophomore, Cenia Hayes - Senior Northwest Missouri – Molly Hartnett - Freshman, Mallory McConkey - Senior Rogers State – Samariah Thompson - Junior Washburn – Nuria Barrientos - Junior&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614788381996.jpeg" alt="Image courtesy <a href="http://fhsuathletics.com">fhsuathletics.com</a>" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy <a href="http://fhsuathletics.com">fhsuathletics.com</a></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. - After locking up its third regular season MIAA Championship, the Fort Hays State women's basketball team received six All-MIAA awards, announced Wednesday by the league office before the start of the 2021 MIAA Championship Tournament, presented by Citizens Bank &amp; Trust. Head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/coaches.aspx?rc=947">Tony Hobson</a>&nbsp;earned his fourth MIAA Coach of the Year honor, while seniors&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5847">Jaden Hobbs</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5850">Whitney Randall</a>&nbsp;were both first team All-MIAA selections.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5845">Cydney Bergmann</a>&nbsp;was listed on the MIAA All-Defensive team in addition to receiving honorable mention All-MIAA honors. Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5854">Olivia Hollenbeck</a>&nbsp;joined Bergmann on the honorable mention list. It is the first time the Tigers have had multiple first team all-conference selections since 1994-95 (Kris Osthoff &amp; Kristin Wiebe). <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5847">Jaden Hobbs</a>&nbsp;was a first team selection after earning third team honors last season. The senior led the league and ranked third in the country with 133 assists this season, averaging 6.0 per game, 11th-best in DII. She is on pace to break the school record of 5.4 assist per game. Hobbs scored an average of 14.6 points per game, ranking 11th in the league, while hitting 47.2 percent from the floor and 45.7 percent from behind the arc. She drained 59 3-pointers during the regular season (2.7 per game), second-most in Division II. The Alva, Okla. native also led the league in assist/turnover ratio at 3.33, good for third-best in the country. She led the team and ranked third in the conference with an average of 2.2 steals per contest. Hobbs scored in double figures 18 times and recorded four double-doubles after distributing at least 10 assists four times. She hit three or more 3-pointers in 11 different games. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5850">Whitney Randall</a>&nbsp;earned first team honors after leading the team with an average of 16.0 points per game, seventh-best in the MIAA. She scored in double figures 20 times out of 22 games, including five games with at least 20 points. Her 29 points against Missouri Western (2/25) were the most in a single game for a Tiger and seventh-most in a single game in the league this season. Randall added 4.6 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game, including one double-double. She hit at least three 3-pointers in five different games. The senior ranked fourth among qualifying players with a field-goal percentage of 45.1 percent. Her 130 field goals made rank 21st in Division II. It is Randall's first All-MIAA honor. Bergmann earned a spot on the All-Defensive team in addition to honorable mention accolades after an impressive junior season. The guard scored 7.9 points per game and grabbed 5.5 rebounds each night, second-most on the team. Bergmann tallied eight blocks and 19 steals while playing lock-down defense on some of the top players in the conference all season long. She hit 47.4 percent of her shots from the floor and 75 percent from the line. The Concordia, Kan. native scored in double figures seven times and averaged 25.9 minutes per game, third-most on the team. Bergmann is the ninth Tiger to earn MIAA All-Defensive team honors and the first since current assistant coach&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=1316">Paige Lunsford</a>&nbsp;in 2015-16. Hollenbeck was one of just five freshman honored with All-MIAA status this season. The Lincoln, Neb. native ranked third on the team with 9.0 points per game, including eight games with at least 10 points. She recorded one double-double while eclipsing 10 rebounds in two different contests. The 6-3 forward blocked 41 shots on the year, including six games with at least three blocks. added 18 steals on the defensive end. Hollenbeck added 4.1 rebounds and 1.0 assists per game while hitting a team-high 54.7 percent from the floor. She is the first Tiger freshman to earn All-MIAA honors since&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=1305">Kate Lehman</a>&nbsp;in 2011-12. 2021 MIAA Postseason Awards Player of the Year – Tre'Zure Jobe – Emporia State, Sophomore Defensive Player of the Year – Morgan VanHyfte – Central Missouri, Senior Freshman of the Year – Molly Hartnett – Northwest Missouri Coach of the Year –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/coaches.aspx?rc=947">Tony Hobson</a>&nbsp;– Fort Hays State 2021 MIAA All-Defensive Team <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5845">Cydney Bergmann</a>&nbsp;– Fort Hays State, Junior Tre'Zure Jobe – Emporia State, Sophomore Brooke Rayner – Central Oklahoma, Junior Kelsey Sanger – Nebraska Kearney, Senior Madi Stokes – Missouri Southern, Sophomore Morgan VanHyfte – Central Missouri, Senior [Reflects tie in voting] 2021 All-MIAA First-Team Nija Collier – Central Missouri, Senior <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5847">Jaden Hobbs</a>&nbsp;– Fort Hays State, Senior Tre'Zure Jobe – Emporia State, Sophomore* Kelsey Johnson – Central Oklahoma, Senior <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5850">Whitney Randall</a>&nbsp;– Fort Hays State, Senior * denotes unanimous selection 2021 All-MIAA Second-Team Elisa Backes – Nebraska Kearney, Junior Hunter Bentley – Washburn, Senior Kaylee Damitz – Pittsburg State, Junior Tristan Gegg – Pittsburg State, Junior Olivia Nelson – Central Missouri, Freshman 2021 All-MIAA Third-Team Brooke Carlson – Nebraska Kearney, Junior Graycen Holden – Central Missouri, Freshman Fredricka Sheats – Emporia State, Senior Haley Simental – Nebraska Kearney, Graduate Carley Turnbull – Missouri Southern, Senior 2021 All-MIAA Honorable Mention Central Missouri – Gigi McAtee - Senior Central Oklahoma – Jaci Little – Sophomore, Brooke Rayner – Junior Emporia State – Ehlaina Hartman – Freshman, Karsen Schultz - Junior Fort Hays State –&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5845">Cydney Bergmann</a>&nbsp;– Junior,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5854">Olivia Hollenbeck</a>&nbsp;- Freshman Lincoln – Niyah Jackson - Sophomore Missouri Southern – Madi Stokes - Sophomore Nebraska Kearney – Klaire Kirsch - Junior Northeastern State – Zaria Collins – Sophomore, Cenia Hayes - Senior Northwest Missouri – Molly Hartnett - Freshman, Mallory McConkey - Senior Rogers State – Samariah Thompson - Junior Washburn – Nuria Barrientos - Junior&nbsp;&nbsp;--MIAA--

FHSU women's basketball earns 6 conference honors

CONCORDIA – A big week at the plate has led to Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference Division II Softball Player of the Week honors for Cloud County Community College freshman catcher&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fcloudtbirds.com%2froster.aspx%3frp_id%3d1002&amp;c=E,1,g1D_xoEL-9VzFZn1f9FYaypMlbFhKP87hal1bVsxNkUUXHSzyNBczMbBL6I5LexIERNtECqcakxvMVMlSP2rxhtZ-chqq0tNvmYDBaVDyTEDYVK4Qw,,&amp;typo=1" target="_blank">Taylor Glause</a>. Glause had a monster debut in her first two games as a T-Bird, helping Cloud County to a season-opening sweep of the Bethany College JV. After driving in four of Cloud County's seven runs in game one, Glause would go three-for-three in game two with two home runs and five RBI as her other hit would come as a triple. For the week, Glause had a 2.000 slugging percentage and .714 batting average to go along with a .750 on-base percentage. The Malcolm, Neb., native became the first T-Bird softball player this season to earn KJCCC honors and just the second player in the past two seasons, joining&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fcloudtbirds.com%2froster.aspx%3frp_id%3d986&amp;c=E,1,0PqHP4qMAqYzCQzof4oP3-kSUhZr6kyZsjrQHS2hD_zWU79A2oLkOGNMEU3XAGY9WXi7DIBJP8K-ad-m1KPEGg0NJQxHKxEsD_wtb6fVRrKnL6ipoXvZYTGIjxRO&amp;typo=1" target="_blank">Mattison Hogrefe</a>&nbsp;who earned KJCCC Pitcher of the Week honors in 2020.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614883801666.jpeg" alt="Image courtesy <a href="http://cloudtbirds.com">cloudtbirds.com</a>" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy <a href="http://cloudtbirds.com">cloudtbirds.com</a></figcaption>
 </figure>CONCORDIA – A big week at the plate has led to Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference Division II Softball Player of the Week honors for Cloud County Community College freshman catcher&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fcloudtbirds.com%2froster.aspx%3frp_id%3d1002&amp;c=E,1,g1D_xoEL-9VzFZn1f9FYaypMlbFhKP87hal1bVsxNkUUXHSzyNBczMbBL6I5LexIERNtECqcakxvMVMlSP2rxhtZ-chqq0tNvmYDBaVDyTEDYVK4Qw,,&amp;typo=1" target="_blank">Taylor Glause</a>. Glause had a monster debut in her first two games as a T-Bird, helping Cloud County to a season-opening sweep of the Bethany College JV. After driving in four of Cloud County's seven runs in game one, Glause would go three-for-three in game two with two home runs and five RBI as her other hit would come as a triple. For the week, Glause had a 2.000 slugging percentage and .714 batting average to go along with a .750 on-base percentage. The Malcolm, Neb., native became the first T-Bird softball player this season to earn KJCCC honors and just the second player in the past two seasons, joining&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fcloudtbirds.com%2froster.aspx%3frp_id%3d986&amp;c=E,1,0PqHP4qMAqYzCQzof4oP3-kSUhZr6kyZsjrQHS2hD_zWU79A2oLkOGNMEU3XAGY9WXi7DIBJP8K-ad-m1KPEGg0NJQxHKxEsD_wtb6fVRrKnL6ipoXvZYTGIjxRO&amp;typo=1" target="_blank">Mattison Hogrefe</a>&nbsp;who earned KJCCC Pitcher of the Week honors in 2020.&nbsp;&nbsp;--<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com">cloudtbirds.com</a>--

T-Bird Glause named KJCCC DII Softball Player of the Week

LAWRENCE – Kansas Athletics has donated more than 1,300 tickets to frontline workers in the Lawrence community to attend the KU men’s basketball game vs. UTEP on Thursday. 

The gesture was announced on KU head coach Bill Self’s weekly Hawk Talk radio show Tuesday evening. &nbsp; “We will never be able to fully express our gratitude to our dedicated first responders and frontline workers, especially during this COVID-19 pandemic,” said Director of Athletics Jeff Long. “However, with the addition of the UTEP game, we took the opportunity to provide tickets to some of those heroes in our community. While it’s never enough, our hope is they are able to take some time to relax and enjoy a Kansas basketball game in-person at Allen Fieldhouse.” &nbsp; The initiative was created to honor the first responders in the Lawrence community who have selflessly sacrificed their health for the benefit of others. Recipients of the 1,300 include:

“These people have sacrificed a lot for people they don’t even know,” Bill Self said on Hawk Talk. “Hopefully they’ll have some people who would like to come to the game and check out their Jayhawks on Thursday.” &nbsp; No. 13/14 Kansas (18-8, 12-6 Big 12) will host UTEP (12-10, 8-8 Conference USA), Thursday at 7 p.m. (Central), in historic Allen Fieldhouse. The game will be televised on Big 12 NOW on ESPN+.

LAWRENCE – Kansas Athletics has donated more than 1,300 tickets to frontline workers in the Lawrence community to attend the KU men’s basketball game vs. UTEP on Thursday. The gesture was announced on KU head coach Bill Self’s weekly Hawk Talk radio show Tuesday evening. &nbsp; “We will never be able to fully express our gratitude to our dedicated first responders and frontline workers, especially during this COVID-19 pandemic,” said Director of Athletics Jeff Long. “However, with the addition of the UTEP game, we took the opportunity to provide tickets to some of those heroes in our community. While it’s never enough, our hope is they are able to take some time to relax and enjoy a Kansas basketball game in-person at Allen Fieldhouse.” &nbsp; The initiative was created to honor the first responders in the Lawrence community who have selflessly sacrificed their health for the benefit of others. Recipients of the 1,300 include:●LMH Health and KU Health Systems●Lawrence Douglas County Fire/Medical●Lawrence Emergency Medicine●KUPD/Lawrence PD●Kansas Highway Patrol&nbsp;“These people have sacrificed a lot for people they don’t even know,” Bill Self said on Hawk Talk. “Hopefully they’ll have some people who would like to come to the game and check out their Jayhawks on Thursday.” &nbsp; No. 13/14 Kansas (18-8, 12-6 Big 12) will host UTEP (12-10, 8-8 Conference USA), Thursday at 7 p.m. (Central), in historic Allen Fieldhouse. The game will be televised on Big 12 NOW on ESPN+.--<a href="http://kuathletics.com">kuathletics.com</a>--

KU athletics donates 1,300 tickets to frontline workers for UTEP game

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Kansas City Royals today announced that for the first time in 18 months fans will once again be welcomed back into Kauffman Stadium beginning April 1, when the Royals host the Texas Rangers at 3:10 p.m. to open the 2021 regular season. 

The initial plan calls for pod-style seating to accommodate 10,000 fans per game, with goals to expand the capacity monthly, as the season progresses, and it is safe to do so.

With this announcement, 2021 will give Chairman/CEO John Sherman and his distinguished group of local owners the first opportunity to welcome Royals fans into ‘The K’ since taking ownership of the ball club in November of 2019.

“I can’t wait to welcome our fans back to Kauffman Stadium for Opening Day”, said John Sherman, Chairman and CEO of the Royals. “I am grateful for all of the support our fans and partners extended to us during these remarkable times. Our ownership group is excited about this 2021 Royals team. We look forward to a great summer watching the Royals compete on behalf of this great community.”

“Though we were able to return to the field last year, there was a huge component missing and it was felt by all of us with no fans in Kauffman Stadium,” said Dayton Moore, Royals Senior Vice President/Baseball Operations and General Manager. “We play this game for our fans and the anticipation of seeing even a percentage of them in the ballpark when 2021 begins makes us wish we could open the season tomorrow.”

Kauffman Stadium will look different at the outset, as the Royals have been working in concert for months with Kansas City health officials and the Jackson County Sports Authority to ensure fan safety. New protocols and guidelines include beginning the season with a seating capacity of approximately 30%, comprised of socially distanced seating pods. Season ticket members will have priority access beginning the week of March 8th to select

their seats for the 13 scheduled home games in April. While season ticket members will have the priority access, the general public will have the option to purchase single-game tickets on March 24th. Future home game on-sale dates to be announced subsequent to Opening Day.

“2020 presented so many challenges, not the least of which was getting baseball back on the field, if even for just 60 games,” said Royals manager Mike Matheny. “Among those challenges was playing the game we all love without having any fans in attendance throughout the entire regular season. Words cannot describe how excited all of us are to be able to open at home on April 1 in front of as many of our blue clad fans that the protocols will allow. It will be a completely different environment than last year and bring a little more normalcy to our sport and lives.”

“Just playing in front of a few fans right now in spring training has made these games so much more exciting and interesting for all of us,” said Whit Merrifield. “The thought of at least 10,000 fans in Kauffman Stadium on April 1 makes my juices flow already and knowing our fans, they’ll make it sound like the ballpark is packed. We can’t wait to come home and play in front of our fans.” 

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Kansas City Royals today announced that for the first time in 18 months fans will once again be welcomed back into Kauffman Stadium beginning April 1, when the Royals host the Texas Rangers at 3:10 p.m. to open the 2021 regular season. The initial plan calls for pod-style seating to accommodate 10,000 fans per game, with goals to expand the capacity monthly, as the season progresses, and it is safe to do so.With this announcement, 2021 will give Chairman/CEO John Sherman and his distinguished group of local owners the first opportunity to welcome Royals fans into ‘The K’ since taking ownership of the ball club in November of 2019.“I can’t wait to welcome our fans back to Kauffman Stadium for Opening Day”, said John Sherman, Chairman and CEO of the Royals. “I am grateful for all of the support our fans and partners extended to us during these remarkable times. Our ownership group is excited about this 2021 Royals team. We look forward to a great summer watching the Royals compete on behalf of this great community.”“Though we were able to return to the field last year, there was a huge component missing and it was felt by all of us with no fans in Kauffman Stadium,” said Dayton Moore, Royals Senior Vice President/Baseball Operations and General Manager. “We play this game for our fans and the anticipation of seeing even a percentage of them in the ballpark when 2021 begins makes us wish we could open the season tomorrow.”Kauffman Stadium will look different at the outset, as the Royals have been working in concert for months with Kansas City health officials and the Jackson County Sports Authority to ensure fan safety. New protocols and guidelines include beginning the season with a seating capacity of approximately 30%, comprised of socially distanced seating pods. Season ticket members will have priority access beginning the week of March 8th to selecttheir seats for the 13 scheduled home games in April. While season ticket members will have the priority access, the general public will have the option to purchase single-game tickets on March 24th. Future home game on-sale dates to be announced subsequent to Opening Day.“2020 presented so many challenges, not the least of which was getting baseball back on the field, if even for just 60 games,” said Royals manager Mike Matheny. “Among those challenges was playing the game we all love without having any fans in attendance throughout the entire regular season. Words cannot describe how excited all of us are to be able to open at home on April 1 in front of as many of our blue clad fans that the protocols will allow. It will be a completely different environment than last year and bring a little more normalcy to our sport and lives.”“Just playing in front of a few fans right now in spring training has made these games so much more exciting and interesting for all of us,” said Whit Merrifield. “The thought of at least 10,000 fans in Kauffman Stadium on April 1 makes my juices flow already and knowing our fans, they’ll make it sound like the ballpark is packed. We can’t wait to come home and play in front of our fans.” For more information regarding safety measures visit <a href="http://royals.com/safety">royals.com/safety</a>.--<a href="http://royals.com">ROYALS</a>--