KANSAS CITY, Mo. –&nbsp;S’Mya Nichols scored in double figures for the 28th time this season, pouring in a game-high 14 points, but sixth-seeded Colorado upended 11th-seeded Kansas, 55-48, in the second round of the Big 12 Tournament on Thursday night at the T-Mobile Center.&nbsp;

Kansas dropped to 19-13 on the season, while the Buffaloes improved to 21-10 and will play No. 3 Baylor in the quarterfinals Friday night. The Jayhawks will wait the next 10 days to find out their postseason fate.

Nichols, an Overland Park native, was the lone Jayhawk in double figures, while adding four steals, three assists and three rebounds in her backyard. Jaliya Davis and Regan Williams, two more Kansas City area products, both finished with eight points in the loss, with Davis adding six rebounds.

The Jayhawks opened the scoring in Thursday’s affair via a corner three-pointer from Sania Copeland to put Kansas up at the start. Colorado took its first lead of the game Logyn Greer connected on a layup to give the Buffaloes a 6-5 lead. But freshman Libby Fandel answered back on the next possession to put Kansas up one at the first media timeout of the opening quarter.&nbsp;

Fandel scored the first bucket out of the timeout as well on a fast break layup off a pass from Nichols to put the Jayhawks up three. The Buffs scored the next five points to take a 12-9 lead in the final minute of the first quarter. But two late free throws from Davis make it a 12-11 game after one.

Colorado extended its lead to 15-11 before Nichols drove the lane and hit a layup while being fouled for a three-point play to make it 15-14. But from there, Colorado went on a 9-0 run over the next three-plus minutes to extend its lead to 10 at 24-14. Nichols hit a jumper with 1:07 left in the half to end the drought and make it an eight-point game. The two teams exchanged two free throws a piece from there to get the game to 26-18 at the break.

Regan Williams scored the first two baskets in the second half to cut the Colorado lead to four at 26-22 just 90 seconds into the third quarter. The Buffs extended the lead back to nine, but KU kept hanging around. Nichols and Elle Evans connected on back-to-back baskets to get it to five at 31-26. But Kansas was never able to get closer from there as Colorado extended its lead to nine by the end of the third at 38-29.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. –&nbsp;S’Mya Nichols scored in double figures for the 28th time this season, pouring in a game-high 14 points, but sixth-seeded Colorado upended 11th-seeded Kansas, 55-48, in the second round of the Big 12 Tournament on Thursday night at the T-Mobile Center.&nbsp;Kansas dropped to 19-13 on the season, while the Buffaloes improved to 21-10 and will play No. 3 Baylor in the quarterfinals Friday night. The Jayhawks will wait the next 10 days to find out their postseason fate.Nichols, an Overland Park native, was the lone Jayhawk in double figures, while adding four steals, three assists and three rebounds in her backyard. Jaliya Davis and Regan Williams, two more Kansas City area products, both finished with eight points in the loss, with Davis adding six rebounds.The Jayhawks opened the scoring in Thursday’s affair via a corner three-pointer from Sania Copeland to put Kansas up at the start. Colorado took its first lead of the game Logyn Greer connected on a layup to give the Buffaloes a 6-5 lead. But freshman Libby Fandel answered back on the next possession to put Kansas up one at the first media timeout of the opening quarter.&nbsp;Fandel scored the first bucket out of the timeout as well on a fast break layup off a pass from Nichols to put the Jayhawks up three. The Buffs scored the next five points to take a 12-9 lead in the final minute of the first quarter. But two late free throws from Davis make it a 12-11 game after one.Colorado extended its lead to 15-11 before Nichols drove the lane and hit a layup while being fouled for a three-point play to make it 15-14. But from there, Colorado went on a 9-0 run over the next three-plus minutes to extend its lead to 10 at 24-14. Nichols hit a jumper with 1:07 left in the half to end the drought and make it an eight-point game. The two teams exchanged two free throws a piece from there to get the game to 26-18 at the break.Regan Williams scored the first two baskets in the second half to cut the Colorado lead to four at 26-22 just 90 seconds into the third quarter. The Buffs extended the lead back to nine, but KU kept hanging around. Nichols and Elle Evans connected on back-to-back baskets to get it to five at 31-26. But Kansas was never able to get closer from there as Colorado extended its lead to nine by the end of the third at 38-29.

🏀 Buffaloes Top Jayhawk WBB in Big 12 Tournament Play

KANSAS CITY, Missouri&nbsp;– Trailing by 14 points with 7:42 in the fourth quarter, K-State pitched a shutout with a 21-0 run to upset fifth-seeded Texas Tech, 58-51, on Thursday in the second round of the 2026 Phillips 66 Big 12 Women’s Basketball Tournament at T-Mobile Center.

This was the third-largest comeback in a Big 12 Tournament game and the largest comeback in a Big 12 Tournament game since March 12, 2021, when Oklahoma State overcame a 15-point deficit to defeat Oklahoma on March 12, 2021. K-State is the first 12-seed to defeat a 5-seed in the Big 12 Tournament since 12-seed Missouri upset five-seed Oklahoma on March 11, 2008.

This was K-State’s second largest fourth quarter comeback since NCAA women’s basketball switched to the quarter-system in 2015-16. The school record for largest fourth quarter comeback came on February 11, 2020, at West Virginia when K-State overcame an 18-point fourth quarter margin.

K-State (17-16) saw four players reach double figures, paced by junior forward Nastja Claessens with 14 points, eight rebounds, four steals and two blocks.

Junior guard Taryn Sides added 13 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals.

Freshman guard Aniya Foy came off the bench to register 12 points, while senior guard Tess Heal tallied 10 points with eight coming in the decisive fourth quarter.

Texas Tech (25-7) was led by Snudda Collins with 14 points off the bench.

- After Texas Tech built a 14-point lead, 51-37, with 7:42 left in the fourth on a Collins layup, K-State called a timeout. This is when the rally began for the Wildcats, as Heal finished a layup on K-State’s next possession.

- Foy then completed an old-fashioned three-point play with a layup and free throw with 6:26 remaining to bring the game to 51-42. A steal from Sides resulted in a layup for Claessens to bring the Wildcats to within seven, 51-44, with 6:07 left.

- Another layup from Heal and two free throws from Sides closed the margin to three, 51-48, and forcing Texas Tech into a timeout with 5:14 to play.

- Following the timeout, K-State held Texas Tech scoreless on its next three possessions before Foy made 1 of 2 free throws with 4:07 left to close the gap to two, 51-49.

- A turnover on the next possession for the Lady Raiders was answered by the Wildcats with an offensive rebound by Claessens who was fouled on her putback attempt. She would make both free throws to tie the game at 51 with 3:30 remaining.

- An errant three-pointer by Texas Tech resulted in another offensive trip for K-State that ended with Claessens making 1 of 2 free throws with 2:39 to play and a 52-51 K-State lead. It was K-State’s first lead of the game.

- A missed jumper from the Lady Raiders fell into the hands of Sides with 1:33 left. On K-State’s next possession Heal missed a layup but Claessens pulled in the offensive rebound. The initial call on the floor had the ball out of bounds to Texas Tech, however K-State challenged the play and was successful when the review showed the ball off the Lady Raiders. On the extra possession, Heal converted a driving layup with 52 seconds left for a 54-51 K-State lead.

- Heal and Sides would combine to go 4-of-4 from the foul line in the last 35 seconds to seal the comeback win.

- In total in the fourth quarter, the Wildcats held the Lady Raiders to four points on 12.5 percent (2-of-16) shooting from the floor. The four fourth quarter points by Texas Tech were the fewest K-State has allowed in a fourth quarter this season, while the 17 second half points by Texas Tech were the fewest the Wildcats have allowed in a second half this season.

- K-State leads the series with Texas Tech, 33-17, including wins in 20 of the last 25 meetings. Head coach Jeff Mittie is 23-8 in his career against Texas Tech.

- K-State head coach Jeff Mittie owns a career record of 689-394 (.636), including a mark of 235-159 (.596).

- The Wildcats are 26-28 in its history in Big 12 Women’s Basketball Championship games. The Wildcats are 17-16 in its history in Big 12 Women’s Basketball Tournament games played in Kansas City.

- K-State is 98-251 (.281) against teams ranked in the Associated Press (AP) Top-25. The Wildcats are 3-3 this season against ranked opponents. K-State is 26-74 (.260) against AP ranked opponents under Mittie.

- The Wildcats are 146-110 (.570) in games played in the month of March. Under head coach Jeff Mittie, K-State is 29-26 (.527) in games during the third month.

- K-State's starting five consisted of guards Gina Garcia, Brandie Harrod, Tess Heal, and Taryn Sides and forward Nastja Claessens. This was the 10th time this lineup has started together this season. This is tied for the most used starting lineup for K-State this season. This was the 32nd&nbsp; career start for Sides. This was the 31st&nbsp;career start for Garcia. Heal made her 20th&nbsp;start this season and her 94th&nbsp;career start. Claessens made her 29th&nbsp;career start. This was Harrod’s 29th&nbsp;career start.

- Since the start of the quarter-system in women’s college basketball in the 2015-16 season, K-State is 175-75 (.700) when scoring 20 or more points in any quarter in a game, including a 15-10 mark this season. The Wildcats have 46 quarters this season with 20 or more points scored.

- K-State tied its season-high for blocked shots with six.

- With her 13 points on Thursday, Sides became the ninth player in program history with 400 or more points, 100 or more rebounds and 100 or more assists.

- Sides tallied 10 or more points for the 37th&nbsp;time in her career and 19th&nbsp;time this season.

- Sides hauled in six rebounds. This was her 29th&nbsp;career game with five or more rebounds.

- Sides pocketed two steals. This was 30th&nbsp;career game, including her 18th&nbsp;this season, with two or more steals.

- Foy reached double figures for the second time this season.

- Foy made two 3-pointers on Thursday. This was her fourth game this season with two or more connections from long range.

- Claessens reached double figures for the 18th&nbsp;time this season.

- Claessens pulled in five or more rebounds for the 13th&nbsp;time this season.

- Claessens tied her career-high with four steals. This was her 12th&nbsp;game this season with two or more steals, including her second with four or more steals.

- Claessens sent back a career-high two shots.

- Heal scored 10 points on Thursday. She reached double figures for the 92nd&nbsp;time in her career, including her 18th&nbsp;time this season. Heal’s collegiate career point total now stands at 1,796 points.

- Speiser made two 3-pointers. This was her 18th&nbsp;game this season with two or more connections from long distance.

- Garcia snared six rebounds. This was her third game this season with five or more rebounds.

K-State will face fourth-seed Oklahoma State on Friday in the quarterfinals of the 2026 Phillips 66 Big 12 Tournament in T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri.

KANSAS CITY, Missouri&nbsp;– Trailing by 14 points with 7:42 in the fourth quarter, K-State pitched a shutout with a 21-0 run to upset fifth-seeded Texas Tech, 58-51, on Thursday in the second round of the 2026 Phillips 66 Big 12 Women’s Basketball Tournament at T-Mobile Center.This was the third-largest comeback in a Big 12 Tournament game and the largest comeback in a Big 12 Tournament game since March 12, 2021, when Oklahoma State overcame a 15-point deficit to defeat Oklahoma on March 12, 2021. K-State is the first 12-seed to defeat a 5-seed in the Big 12 Tournament since 12-seed Missouri upset five-seed Oklahoma on March 11, 2008.This was K-State’s second largest fourth quarter comeback since NCAA women’s basketball switched to the quarter-system in 2015-16. The school record for largest fourth quarter comeback came on February 11, 2020, at West Virginia when K-State overcame an 18-point fourth quarter margin.K-State (17-16) saw four players reach double figures, paced by junior forward Nastja Claessens with 14 points, eight rebounds, four steals and two blocks.Junior guard Taryn Sides added 13 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals.Freshman guard Aniya Foy came off the bench to register 12 points, while senior guard Tess Heal tallied 10 points with eight coming in the decisive fourth quarter.Texas Tech (25-7) was led by Snudda Collins with 14 points off the bench.HOW IT HAPPENED- After Texas Tech built a 14-point lead, 51-37, with 7:42 left in the fourth on a Collins layup, K-State called a timeout. This is when the rally began for the Wildcats, as Heal finished a layup on K-State’s next possession.- Foy then completed an old-fashioned three-point play with a layup and free throw with 6:26 remaining to bring the game to 51-42. A steal from Sides resulted in a layup for Claessens to bring the Wildcats to within seven, 51-44, with 6:07 left.- Another layup from Heal and two free throws from Sides closed the margin to three, 51-48, and forcing Texas Tech into a timeout with 5:14 to play.- Following the timeout, K-State held Texas Tech scoreless on its next three possessions before Foy made 1 of 2 free throws with 4:07 left to close the gap to two, 51-49.- A turnover on the next possession for the Lady Raiders was answered by the Wildcats with an offensive rebound by Claessens who was fouled on her putback attempt. She would make both free throws to tie the game at 51 with 3:30 remaining.- An errant three-pointer by Texas Tech resulted in another offensive trip for K-State that ended with Claessens making 1 of 2 free throws with 2:39 to play and a 52-51 K-State lead. It was K-State’s first lead of the game.- A missed jumper from the Lady Raiders fell into the hands of Sides with 1:33 left. On K-State’s next possession Heal missed a layup but Claessens pulled in the offensive rebound. The initial call on the floor had the ball out of bounds to Texas Tech, however K-State challenged the play and was successful when the review showed the ball off the Lady Raiders. On the extra possession, Heal converted a driving layup with 52 seconds left for a 54-51 K-State lead.- Heal and Sides would combine to go 4-of-4 from the foul line in the last 35 seconds to seal the comeback win.- In total in the fourth quarter, the Wildcats held the Lady Raiders to four points on 12.5 percent (2-of-16) shooting from the floor. The four fourth quarter points by Texas Tech were the fewest K-State has allowed in a fourth quarter this season, while the 17 second half points by Texas Tech were the fewest the Wildcats have allowed in a second half this season.QUICK FACTS- K-State leads the series with Texas Tech, 33-17, including wins in 20 of the last 25 meetings. Head coach Jeff Mittie is 23-8 in his career against Texas Tech.- K-State head coach Jeff Mittie owns a career record of 689-394 (.636), including a mark of 235-159 (.596).- The Wildcats are 26-28 in its history in Big 12 Women’s Basketball Championship games. The Wildcats are 17-16 in its history in Big 12 Women’s Basketball Tournament games played in Kansas City.- K-State is 98-251 (.281) against teams ranked in the Associated Press (AP) Top-25. The Wildcats are 3-3 this season against ranked opponents. K-State is 26-74 (.260) against AP ranked opponents under Mittie.- The Wildcats are 146-110 (.570) in games played in the month of March. Under head coach Jeff Mittie, K-State is 29-26 (.527) in games during the third month.TEAM NOTES- K-State's starting five consisted of guards Gina Garcia, Brandie Harrod, Tess Heal, and Taryn Sides and forward Nastja Claessens. This was the 10th time this lineup has started together this season. This is tied for the most used starting lineup for K-State this season. This was the 32nd&nbsp; career start for Sides. This was the 31st&nbsp;career start for Garcia. Heal made her 20th&nbsp;start this season and her 94th&nbsp;career start. Claessens made her 29th&nbsp;career start. This was Harrod’s 29th&nbsp;career start.- Since the start of the quarter-system in women’s college basketball in the 2015-16 season, K-State is 175-75 (.700) when scoring 20 or more points in any quarter in a game, including a 15-10 mark this season. The Wildcats have 46 quarters this season with 20 or more points scored.- K-State tied its season-high for blocked shots with six.PLAYER NOTES- With her 13 points on Thursday, Sides became the ninth player in program history with 400 or more points, 100 or more rebounds and 100 or more assists.- Sides tallied 10 or more points for the 37th&nbsp;time in her career and 19th&nbsp;time this season.- Sides hauled in six rebounds. This was her 29th&nbsp;career game with five or more rebounds.- Sides pocketed two steals. This was 30th&nbsp;career game, including her 18th&nbsp;this season, with two or more steals.- Foy reached double figures for the second time this season.- Foy made two 3-pointers on Thursday. This was her fourth game this season with two or more connections from long range.- Claessens reached double figures for the 18th&nbsp;time this season.- Claessens pulled in five or more rebounds for the 13th&nbsp;time this season.- Claessens tied her career-high with four steals. This was her 12th&nbsp;game this season with two or more steals, including her second with four or more steals.- Claessens sent back a career-high two shots.- Heal scored 10 points on Thursday. She reached double figures for the 92nd&nbsp;time in her career, including her 18th&nbsp;time this season. Heal’s collegiate career point total now stands at 1,796 points.- Speiser made two 3-pointers. This was her 18th&nbsp;game this season with two or more connections from long distance.- Garcia snared six rebounds. This was her third game this season with five or more rebounds.UP NEXTK-State will face fourth-seed Oklahoma State on Friday in the quarterfinals of the 2026 Phillips 66 Big 12 Tournament in T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri.

🏀 K-State Rallies to Second Round Win at Big 12 Tournament

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina Post

While the second round of the sub-state tournament tends to test most teams, Sacred Heart’s boys aced it with little trouble, downing Bennington 56-32 to advance to the sub-state championship game.

The Bulldogs kept things interesting for a quarter, trailing just 15-8 after the first, but Sacred Heart slammed the gas from there, pulling away to take a 38-16 lead into the second.

The Knights’ relentless style of offense continued in the third quarter as Sacred Heart went up 56-25, securing the running clock and coasting their way to a 56-32 victory.

Sacred Heart shot 49% from the floor in this game, while holding Bennington to just 29%.

Will Tuttle continued to dazzle, scoring 22 points in the win, backed up by Noah Hines, who finished the evening with 12.

Isaiah Garrett led the charge for the Bulldogs, finishing his night with nine points.

For Bennington, the season comes to a close at 12-13 while the Knights, now 23-2, advance to the sub-state championship game.

Sacred Heart will face Wichita Classical on the campus of Berean Academy this Saturday at 5:00 with a ticket to the 2A state tournament on the line.

You can watch this game on-demand any time below.

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina PostWhile the second round of the sub-state tournament tends to test most teams, Sacred Heart’s boys aced it with little trouble, downing Bennington 56-32 to advance to the sub-state championship game.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746812152965.jpeg" alt="Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here." />
 <figcaption>Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here.</figcaption>
 </figure>The Bulldogs kept things interesting for a quarter, trailing just 15-8 after the first, but Sacred Heart slammed the gas from there, pulling away to take a 38-16 lead into the second.The Knights’ relentless style of offense continued in the third quarter as Sacred Heart went up 56-25, securing the running clock and coasting their way to a 56-32 victory.Sacred Heart shot 49% from the floor in this game, while holding Bennington to just 29%.Will Tuttle continued to dazzle, scoring 22 points in the win, backed up by Noah Hines, who finished the evening with 12.Isaiah Garrett led the charge for the Bulldogs, finishing his night with nine points.For Bennington, the season comes to a close at 12-13 while the Knights, now 23-2, advance to the sub-state championship game.Sacred Heart will face Wichita Classical on the campus of Berean Academy this Saturday at 5:00 with a ticket to the 2A state tournament on the line.You can watch this game on-demand any time below.<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JVeF0RIdGTs"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

🏀 Knights cruise past Bulldogs to secure spot in sub-state championship

The Southeast of Saline girls’ basketball team continued to roll on Wednesday night, eliminating Caney Valley 51-43 in Gypsum and advancing to the sub-state championship game.

This was a high-scoring game from the jump, with the Lady Trojans outpacing the Bullpups 22-17 in the first quarter, and matching pace in the second to take a 36-30 lead into the locker room.

Both teams continued to score at a high rate in the third, with Southeast holding a 51-43 lead after three, before both offenses ground to a halt in a fourth quarter that saw just four total points split evenly between the two.

The Lady Trojans handled their business at the free-throw line, converting 11 of their 14 tries from the stripe, while also taking care of the ball, committing just ten turnovers while forcing 15 from the Bullpups.

Abigail Pearson (13) and Reagan Duran (12) led the way for SES offensively on a night where seven different Lady Trojans scored.

Molleigh Kaminska and Elyn Washburn each scored 14 for Caney Valley, but got just 15 points of total support from the rest of the roster in the loss.

For Caney Valley, the season comes to a close at 16-9 while for Southeast, now 18-5 it continues with a battle against an old foe.

The Lady Trojans will battle Hesston at 5:00 on the campus of Haven High School for a ticket to the 3A state tournament on Saturday.

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina PostThe Southeast of Saline girls’ basketball team continued to roll on Wednesday night, eliminating Caney Valley 51-43 in Gypsum and advancing to the sub-state championship game.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746812152965.jpeg" alt="Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here." />
 <figcaption>Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here.</figcaption>
 </figure>This was a high-scoring game from the jump, with the Lady Trojans outpacing the Bullpups 22-17 in the first quarter, and matching pace in the second to take a 36-30 lead into the locker room.Both teams continued to score at a high rate in the third, with Southeast holding a 51-43 lead after three, before both offenses ground to a halt in a fourth quarter that saw just four total points split evenly between the two.The Lady Trojans handled their business at the free-throw line, converting 11 of their 14 tries from the stripe, while also taking care of the ball, committing just ten turnovers while forcing 15 from the Bullpups.Abigail Pearson (13) and Reagan Duran (12) led the way for SES offensively on a night where seven different Lady Trojans scored.Molleigh Kaminska and Elyn Washburn each scored 14 for Caney Valley, but got just 15 points of total support from the rest of the roster in the loss.For Caney Valley, the season comes to a close at 16-9 while for Southeast, now 18-5 it continues with a battle against an old foe.The Lady Trojans will battle Hesston at 5:00 on the campus of Haven High School for a ticket to the 3A state tournament on Saturday.You can watch this game on-demand any time below.<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hm4GZZjlC84"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

🏀 Lady Trojans hold off Caney Valley in sub-state semifinals

Wednesday night saw another thrilling back-and-forth battle between South and Central, and this time it was the girls putting on a show at the Brickhouse.

By the final buzzer, Salina South had pulled away, taking the rubber match 55-45 and punching their ticket to the sub-state championship game.

Things stayed tight in the first quarter, with Lexie Guerrero and Makambri Hastings picking up right where they left off, combining to give Central a 17-16 lead after one, and a 31-26 edge at half.

Guerrero and Hastings would score 28 of Central’s 31 first-half points, foiled only by early foul trouble and an avalanche of Lady Cougar free throws that kept South in the game.

It looked like the dynamic duo would see the Lady Mustangs through the night, but in the second half, Guerrero would foul out early, and South’s defense would hold the tandem scoreless through the third and fourth quarters.

The second half belonged to Brooklyn Jordan, who caught fire, dropping six points in the third and twelve in the fourth to undo the deficit and see South over the finish line.

The Lady Cougars scored seven field goals in the second half, Jordan accounted for six of them.

Jordan finished the night with 24 points, including six three-pointers, backed up as always by Paityn Fritz, who added 18.

Despite not scoring in the second half, Guerrero and Hastings still finished as Central’s leading scorers with 16 and 12, respectively.

The Lady Mustang season draws to a close at 13-11 while South, now 14-10, advances to play the 1-seed at Andover on Saturday night.

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina PostWednesday night saw another thrilling back-and-forth battle between South and Central, and this time it was the girls putting on a show at the Brickhouse.By the final buzzer, Salina South had pulled away, taking the rubber match 55-45 and punching their ticket to the sub-state championship game.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746812152965.jpeg" alt="Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here." />
 <figcaption>Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here.</figcaption>
 </figure>Things stayed tight in the first quarter, with Lexie Guerrero and Makambri Hastings picking up right where they left off, combining to give Central a 17-16 lead after one, and a 31-26 edge at half.Guerrero and Hastings would score 28 of Central’s 31 first-half points, foiled only by early foul trouble and an avalanche of Lady Cougar free throws that kept South in the game.It looked like the dynamic duo would see the Lady Mustangs through the night, but in the second half, Guerrero would foul out early, and South’s defense would hold the tandem scoreless through the third and fourth quarters.The second half belonged to Brooklyn Jordan, who caught fire, dropping six points in the third and twelve in the fourth to undo the deficit and see South over the finish line.The Lady Cougars scored seven field goals in the second half, Jordan accounted for six of them.Jordan finished the night with 24 points, including six three-pointers, backed up as always by Paityn Fritz, who added 18.Despite not scoring in the second half, Guerrero and Hastings still finished as Central’s leading scorers with 16 and 12, respectively.The Lady Mustang season draws to a close at 13-11 while South, now 14-10, advances to play the 1-seed at Andover on Saturday night.You can watch this game on-demand any time below.<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/shG5HDPcTio"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

🏀 Jordan’s big night pushes South past Central into sub-state final

Sub-State basketball is officially upon us, and the 22 teams in our area will each be making a mad dash to punch their tickets to state over the next ten days.

Below, you can find results and upcoming games for Salina South, Salina Central, Abilene, Chapman, Southeast of Saline, Ellsworth, Minneapolis, Sacred Heart, Ell-Saline, Bennington, and Solomon.

Thursday 2/26 quarterfinal results

Chaparral boys 63,&nbsp;SE of Saline 51 Hoisington boys 40,&nbsp;Ellsworth 34 Neodosha boys 54,&nbsp;Minneapolis 53 Sacred Heart girls 62, Herington 11 Bennington girls 43, Wichita Central-Christian 9 Oakley girls 46, Ell-Saline 10 Moundridge girls 84, Solomon 10

SE of Saline girls 62, Kingman 30 Ellsworth girls 49, Phillipsburg 36 Haven girls 59, Minneapolis 33

Sacred Heart boys 78, Belle Plaine 29 Ell-Saline boys 66, Oakley 25 Solomon boys 49, Sedgwick 26 Bennington boys 39, Haven 38

More info will be made available after the release of the KSHSAA 4A, 5A and 6A brackets on Saturday

Salina South boys 60,&nbsp;Salina Central 56 Chapman girls 54, Rose Hill 31 Wellington girls 53, Abilene 38 Sacred Heart girls 49, Bennington 21

Salina South girls 55, Salina Central 45 Concordia boys 65, Abilene 43 SE of Saline girls 51, Caney Valley 43 Ellsworth 48, Lakin 42 Sacred Heart boys 56, Bennington 32 Ell-Saline boys 64, Trego Community 52 Wichita Classical boys 53, Solomon 24

(1) Kapaun Mt. Carmel boys vs. (8) Salina South - at Kapaun (4) Chapman girls vs. (5) Mulvane - at Chapman HS (2) Conway Springs girls vs. (3) Sacred Heart - at Berean Academy

Saturday 3/7 championship schedule

(1) Andover girls vs. (9) Salina South - at Andover HS (3) SE of Saline girls vs. (7) Hesston - at Haven HS (3) Beloit girls vs. (7) Ellsworth - at Larned HS (1) Sacred Heart boys vs. (4) Wichita Classical - at Berean Academy (1) Sterling boys vs. (4) Ell-Saline - at Smith Center HS

Sub-State basketball is officially upon us, and the 22 teams in our area will each be making a mad dash to punch their tickets to state over the next ten days.Below, you can find results and upcoming games for Salina South, Salina Central, Abilene, Chapman, Southeast of Saline, Ellsworth, Minneapolis, Sacred Heart, Ell-Saline, Bennington, and Solomon.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1772722048980.png" alt="Area sub-state scores are presented by the Bennington State Bank" />
 <figcaption>Area sub-state scores are presented by the Bennington State Bank</figcaption>
 </figure>Thursday 2/26 quarterfinal results Chaparral boys 63,&nbsp;SE of Saline 51 Hoisington boys 40,&nbsp;Ellsworth 34 Neodosha boys 54,&nbsp;Minneapolis 53 Sacred Heart girls 62, Herington 11 Bennington girls 43, Wichita Central-Christian 9 Oakley girls 46, Ell-Saline 10 Moundridge girls 84, Solomon 10 Friday 2/27 quarterfinal resultsSE of Saline girls 62, Kingman 30 Ellsworth girls 49, Phillipsburg 36 Haven girls 59, Minneapolis 33Sacred Heart boys 78, Belle Plaine 29 Ell-Saline boys 66, Oakley 25 Solomon boys 49, Sedgwick 26 Bennington boys 39, Haven 38More info will be made available after the release of the KSHSAA 4A, 5A and 6A brackets on SaturdayTuesday 3/3 semifinal resultsSalina South boys 60,&nbsp;Salina Central 56 Chapman girls 54, Rose Hill 31 Wellington girls 53, Abilene 38 Sacred Heart girls 49, Bennington 21 Wednesday 3/4 semifinal resultsSalina South girls 55, Salina Central 45 Concordia boys 65, Abilene 43 SE of Saline girls 51, Caney Valley 43 Ellsworth 48, Lakin 42 Sacred Heart boys 56, Bennington 32 Ell-Saline boys 64, Trego Community 52 Wichita Classical boys 53, Solomon 24Friday 3/6 championship schedule(1) Kapaun Mt. Carmel boys vs. (8) Salina South - at Kapaun (4) Chapman girls vs. (5) Mulvane - at Chapman HS (2) Conway Springs girls vs. (3) Sacred Heart - at Berean AcademySaturday 3/7 championship schedule(1) Andover girls vs. (9) Salina South - at Andover HS (3) SE of Saline girls vs. (7) Hesston - at Haven HS (3) Beloit girls vs. (7) Ellsworth - at Larned HS (1) Sacred Heart boys vs. (4) Wichita Classical - at Berean Academy (1) Sterling boys vs. (4) Ell-Saline - at Smith Center HS

🏀 Area Sub-State Basketball Scoreboard

KANSAS CITY, Mo. –&nbsp;Kansas held UCF to the fewest points in Big 12 Tournament history, while freshman Jaliya Davis recorded a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds as No. 11 seed Kansas defeated No. 14 seed UCF 56-35 in the first round of the Big 12 Tournament Wednesday night at the T-Mobile Center.&nbsp;

With the win, Kansas improves to 18-12 this season and will take on 6-seeded Colorado in the Big 12 Tournament Second Round on Thursday at 8 p.m. CT. Kansas improves its series record over UCF to 3-1 all-time, while UCF falls to 11-18 on the season.

The first quarter went back-and-fourth until Kansas pulled ahead with its largest lead of the quarter on back-to-back 3-pointers from senior Sania Copeland and junior Brittany Harshaw. The pair of 3-pointers gave Kansas a 17-10 lead that the Jayhawks would take into the first quarter break, led by Harshaw’s 6 points.

Kansas held UCF scoreless for just over the first four minutes of the second quarter, as the Jayhawks built their lead up to 14 at 24-10 following a 3-pointer by senior Elle Evans. UCF would draw the KU lead down to 10 points at 27-17 with 52 seconds remaining, as teams went into the halftime break with Kansas leading 27-17.

Kansas started out the second half by outscoring UCF 6-2 in the opening minutes to bring the Jayhawk lead to 33-19 with 6:37 remaining in the third quarter, forcing a UCF timeout. UCF would trim Kansas’ lead down to 13 at the end of the end of the third quarter as Kansas led, 39-26.

In the fourth quarter, the Jayhawks continued to distance themselves from the Knights as Kansas drew its lead to 17 points following a 3-pointer from junior Laia Conesa to give Kansas a 47-30 lead with just under 7 minutes remaining.&nbsp;

Kansas would close out the final minutes of the game with six straight points to increase the lead to 54-33 with 1:33 remaining. The Jayhawks would close out the game and defeat UCF in the first round of the Big 12 Tournament, 56-35.

Kansas will take on No. 6 seed Colorado in the second round of the 2026 Phillips 66 Big 12 women’s basketball tournament on Thursday at 8 p.m. CT. The winner of Thursday’s game will advance to the quarterfinals to take on No. 3 seed Baylor on Friday at 8 p.m. CT.&nbsp;

Fewest Points Scored in a Big 12 Tournament Game

1. 35 UCF vs. Kansas (3/4/26)

2. 36 Oklahoma State vs. Baylor (3/11/22)

3. 39 Missouri vs. Texas A&amp;M (3/12/08)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;39 Iowa State vs. Colorado (3/5/97)

5. 40 Texas Tech vs West Virginia (3/6/15)

KANSAS CITY, Mo. –&nbsp;Kansas held UCF to the fewest points in Big 12 Tournament history, while freshman Jaliya Davis recorded a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds as No. 11 seed Kansas defeated No. 14 seed UCF 56-35 in the first round of the Big 12 Tournament Wednesday night at the T-Mobile Center.&nbsp;With the win, Kansas improves to 18-12 this season and will take on 6-seeded Colorado in the Big 12 Tournament Second Round on Thursday at 8 p.m. CT. Kansas improves its series record over UCF to 3-1 all-time, while UCF falls to 11-18 on the season.The first quarter went back-and-fourth until Kansas pulled ahead with its largest lead of the quarter on back-to-back 3-pointers from senior Sania Copeland and junior Brittany Harshaw. The pair of 3-pointers gave Kansas a 17-10 lead that the Jayhawks would take into the first quarter break, led by Harshaw’s 6 points.Kansas held UCF scoreless for just over the first four minutes of the second quarter, as the Jayhawks built their lead up to 14 at 24-10 following a 3-pointer by senior Elle Evans. UCF would draw the KU lead down to 10 points at 27-17 with 52 seconds remaining, as teams went into the halftime break with Kansas leading 27-17.Kansas started out the second half by outscoring UCF 6-2 in the opening minutes to bring the Jayhawk lead to 33-19 with 6:37 remaining in the third quarter, forcing a UCF timeout. UCF would trim Kansas’ lead down to 13 at the end of the end of the third quarter as Kansas led, 39-26.In the fourth quarter, the Jayhawks continued to distance themselves from the Knights as Kansas drew its lead to 17 points following a 3-pointer from junior Laia Conesa to give Kansas a 47-30 lead with just under 7 minutes remaining.&nbsp;Kansas would close out the final minutes of the game with six straight points to increase the lead to 54-33 with 1:33 remaining. The Jayhawks would close out the game and defeat UCF in the first round of the Big 12 Tournament, 56-35.Kansas will take on No. 6 seed Colorado in the second round of the 2026 Phillips 66 Big 12 women’s basketball tournament on Thursday at 8 p.m. CT. The winner of Thursday’s game will advance to the quarterfinals to take on No. 3 seed Baylor on Friday at 8 p.m. CT.&nbsp;NOTES<ul>
 <li>Kansas improves to 19-12 on the year and wins its opening game in the Big 12 Tournament for the second time in the past three seasons.&nbsp;</li><li>Kansas moves to 4-1 all-time against UCF, including a 4-0 record vs. the Knights since they joined the Big 12. The victory is also KU’s first postseason win over UCF.&nbsp;</li><li>Kansas is now 16-28 all-time in the Big 12 Tournament, and 11-11 in the first round of the event.</li><li>Kansas held UCF to 35 points, which were the fewest points scored in the Big 12 Conference Tournament all-time. The previous low was 36 points when Baylor defeated Oklahoma State 76-36 on March 11, 2022.</li>
 </ul>Fewest Points Scored in a Big 12 Tournament Game1. 35 UCF vs. Kansas (3/4/26)2. 36 Oklahoma State vs. Baylor (3/11/22)3. 39 Missouri vs. Texas A&amp;M (3/12/08)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;39 Iowa State vs. Colorado (3/5/97)5. 40 Texas Tech vs West Virginia (3/6/15)<ul>
 <li>Junior S’Mya Nichols scored 6 points, surpassing 1,600 career points. Nichols now has 1,605 over her career.</li><li>Kansas led the game 27-17 at halftime. The 17 points by UCF in the first half is the lowest total Kansas has allowed against a Big 12 opponent this season. The previous low was 19 points against Colorado on Feb. 1.&nbsp;</li><li>Freshman Jaliya Davis scored 10 points and grabbed 11 rebounds for her third double-double of the season. Davis has now scored in double figures in all 21 games she’s appeared in this season. Davis recorded the first double-double by a Kansas player in a Big 12 Tournament game since Chandler Prater had 21 points and 12 rebounds vs. TCU on March 9, 2023</li><li>Senior Elle Evans shot 2-of-6 from beyond the arc and now has 68 3-pointers this season to move into fifth in single season school history.</li>
 </ul>

🏀 Kansas WBB Stifles UCF in First Round of Big 12 Tournament, 56-35

KANSAS CITY, Missouri&nbsp;–&nbsp;K-State went wild from long range against Cincinnati on Wednesday in the first round of the 2026 Phillips 66 Big 12 Women’s Basketball Tournament, as the Wildcats buried 17 three-pointers in a 91-66 win at T-Mobile Center.

K-State (16-16) set the Big 12 Tournament single game record and school record for a Big 12 Tournament game with 17 three-point field goals made. The Wildcats shot 53.1 percent (17-of-32) from long range. This was the highest 3-point field goal percentage by K-State in a Big 12 Tournament game since March 10, 2004, when the Wildcats shot 56.3 percent (9-of-16).

The 17 three-pointers tied the school record for 3-pointers made in any game, as the Wildcats made 17 against Columbia on November 27, 2025 in Cancun, Mexico.

For the first time in program history, K-State had three players make five or more 3-pointers in a game as Jordan Speiser (6-of-8), Nastja Claessens (5-of-7) and Taryn Sides (5-of-11) achieved the feat. Speiser and Claessens each made a career-high, while Sides tallied her fourth game this season with five or more 3-point field goals made.

Speiser tied the school record for 3-point field goals made in a Big 12 Tournament game, joining Laurie Koehn who made six against Baylor on March 12, 2003.

Since 1999-00, K-State is the 11th&nbsp;team in the nation and the first Big 12 team to have three or more players make five or more 3-pointers in the same game.

Speiser and Sides each carded 20 points, while Claessens added 18 points and eight rebounds. Sides added five rebounds, five assists and two steals to her final line. Freshman guard Gina Garcia tied her career-high with 10 assists, while freshman guard Brandie Harrod added nine points, seven rebounds, four steals and two blocks.

Cincinnati (11-20) was led by 2026 All-Big 12 Third Team selection Mya Perry with 23 points.

- Sides sparked K-State in the first quarter, scoring 11 of the first 14 points. The Wildcats would end the opening stanza on a 14-2 run to build a 25-14 advantage. As part of its 25 first quarter points, K-State tallied 15 from long distance, including three from Sides.

- The 25 first quarter points were the second-highest for a first quarter by K-State in a Big 12 Tournament game.

- The Bearcats sliced the K-State lead to six, 27-21, with 5:24 to play in the second. The Wildcats responded with a 10-2 run over the next minute and a half to push its lead to 13, 37-24, with 3:41 remaining in the second quarter. Aniya Foy buried a corner 3-poiner to cap the run and force Cincinnati into calling a timeout.

- K-State would end the opening half with a 40-29 lead. The Wildcats were bolstered by a 53.3 percent (8-of-15) effort from beyond the arc in the first half.

- The Wildcats opened the third quarter with a 7-0 run to build a 47-29 advantage with 7:29 left. Sides buried her fourth 3-pointer of the game to begin the run, while Brandie Harrod and Gina Garcia added layups.

- Beginning at 4:12 of the third, Speiser buried three of K-State next four 3-pointers as part of a 12-2 run to push its lead to 62-38 with 2:43 remaining in the third.

- Claessens would connect on her fifth 3-pointer of the game with 1:28 remaining in the third quarter. This three-pointer set the Big 12 Tournament record for 3-pointers made in a game.

- K-State would win the third quarter, 27-13, and hold a 67-42 lead entering the fourth quarter. The 27 points were the second-highest for a third quarter by K-State in a Big 12 Tournament game.

- The Wildcats kept the Bearcats at arm's length for the entirety of the fourth quarter, as the two teams split the final frame, 24-24.

- K-State shot 61.3 percent (19-of-31) from the field in the second half, including 52.9 percent (9-of-17) from long distance. For the game, the Wildcats shot 50.8 percent (33-of-65) with 56 percent of its points coming from beyond the arc.

- K-State leads the series with Cincinnati, 5-0. Head coach Jeff Mittie is 9-1 in his career against Cincinnati. This was the first meeting between the schools in the Big 12 Tournament.

- K-State head coach Jeff Mittie owns a career record of 688-394 (.636), including a mark of 234-159 (.595).

- The Wildcats are 25-28 in its history in Big 12 Women’s Basketball Championship games. K-State has now advanced at least one round at the Big 12 Tournament in 22 of the 29 tournaments. The Wildcats are 16-16 in its history in Big 12 Women’s Basketball Tournament games played in Kansas City.

- The Wildcats are 145-110 (.569) in games played in the month of March. Under head coach Jeff Mittie, K-State is 28-26 (.519) in games during the third month.

- K-State's starting five consisted of guards Gina Garcia, Brandie Harrod, Tess Heal, and Taryn Sides and forward Nastja Claessens. This was the ninth time this lineup has started together this season. This is the second-most used starting lineup for K-State this season. This was the 31st&nbsp;career start for Sides. This was the 30th&nbsp;career start for Garcia. Heal made her 19th&nbsp;start this season and her 93rd&nbsp;career start. Claessens made her 28th&nbsp;career start. This was Harrod’s 28th&nbsp;career start.

- The Wildcats held a 40-29 lead at halftime on Wednesday. Under Mittie, K-State is 186-23 (.890) when leading at halftime, including a 10-2 mark this season.

- K-State’s 91 points set the school record for points in a Big 12 Tournament game.

- K-State’s 51 points in the second half marked the second time in program history in which the Wildcats scored 50 or more points in a half in the Big 12 Tournament and trails the record of 52 against Texas Tech on March 9, 2023.

- Since the start of the quarter-system in women’s college basketball in the 2015-16 season, K-State is 174-75 (.699) when scoring 20 or more points in any quarter in a game, including a 14-10 mark this season. The Wildcats have 44 quarters this season with 20 or more points scored.

- This season, K-State owns 44 quarters with an effort of 50.0 percent or better shooting from the field, including the first (53.8), third (58.8) and fourth (64.3) quarters on Wednesday.

- With its 17 made three-pointers on Wednesday, K-State has made 10 or more 3-pointers in nine games this season (6-3). Since the 2014-15 season, K-State has made 10 or more 3-pointers in a game 60 times (51-9).

- K-State pocketed 11 steals on Wednesday. This was the 19th&nbsp;time this season K-State has carded 10 or more steals. For the season, the Wildcats have recorded 312 steals, which is the second straight season K-State has tallied 300 or more steals in a season and the fourth time under head coach Jeff Mittie.

- Sides tallied 10 or more points for the 36th&nbsp;time in her career and 18th&nbsp;time this season.

- Sides connected on five 3-point field goals. This was her 14th&nbsp;career game with four or more 3-point field goals made. This was her 20th&nbsp;game this season and the 51st&nbsp;of her career with two or more connections from long range. Sides remains in 10th&nbsp;on the K-State career 3-point field goals list with 182 in her career.

- Sides hauled in five rebounds. This was her 28th&nbsp;career game with five or more rebounds.

- With her five assists, Sides remains in 16th&nbsp;on the K-State career assists list with 313. With her five assists on Wednesday, She moved into eighth for assists in a junior season at K-State with 123.

- Sides tied the school record for career games with five or more made 3-pointers and five or more assists, joining Brittany Chambers (2009-13).

- Sides pocketed two steals. This was 29th&nbsp;career game, including her 17th&nbsp;this season, with two or more steals.

- Speiser carded her 17th&nbsp;game this season with double digits in points.

- Speiser made a career-high six 3-pointers on Wednesday. This was her 17th&nbsp;game this season with two or more connections from long distance, including five games with four connections.

- Speiser pocketed two steals. This was her ninth game this season with two or more steals.

- Claessens reached double figures for the 17th&nbsp;time this season.

- Claessens carded a career-high five 3-point field goals made. This marked her third game this season with four or more 3-point field goals made and her seventh game this season with two or more connections from long range.

- This was the eighth game this season in which Claessens shot 60.0 percent or better from the field and made at least one 3-point field goal.

- Claessens pulled in five or more rebounds for the 12th&nbsp;time this season.

- Garcia tied her career-high with 10 assists. She moved into third in program history for assists in a freshman season with 161. Garcia owns the school record for assists in a season by an international player. This was her 17th&nbsp;game this season with five or more assists, including her second game with 10 or more assists.

- Tess Heal scored nine points on Wednesday. Heal’s collegiate career point total now stands at 1,786 points.

- Brandie Harrod hauled in five or more rebounds for the 17th&nbsp;time this season. She carded four offensive rebounds and is the third freshman in program history with 70 or more offensive rebounds in their debut season (72).

- Harrod pocketed four steals. This was her fourth career game with four or more steals and her eighth career game with two or more.

- Harrod blocked two shots on Wednesday. This was her third career game with two or more blocks.

K-State will face fifth-seed (21/21) Texas Tech on Thursday in the second round of the 2026 Phillips 66 Big 12 Tournament in T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri.

KANSAS CITY, Missouri&nbsp;–&nbsp;K-State went wild from long range against Cincinnati on Wednesday in the first round of the 2026 Phillips 66 Big 12 Women’s Basketball Tournament, as the Wildcats buried 17 three-pointers in a 91-66 win at T-Mobile Center.K-State (16-16) set the Big 12 Tournament single game record and school record for a Big 12 Tournament game with 17 three-point field goals made. The Wildcats shot 53.1 percent (17-of-32) from long range. This was the highest 3-point field goal percentage by K-State in a Big 12 Tournament game since March 10, 2004, when the Wildcats shot 56.3 percent (9-of-16).The 17 three-pointers tied the school record for 3-pointers made in any game, as the Wildcats made 17 against Columbia on November 27, 2025 in Cancun, Mexico.For the first time in program history, K-State had three players make five or more 3-pointers in a game as Jordan Speiser (6-of-8), Nastja Claessens (5-of-7) and Taryn Sides (5-of-11) achieved the feat. Speiser and Claessens each made a career-high, while Sides tallied her fourth game this season with five or more 3-point field goals made.Speiser tied the school record for 3-point field goals made in a Big 12 Tournament game, joining Laurie Koehn who made six against Baylor on March 12, 2003.Since 1999-00, K-State is the 11th&nbsp;team in the nation and the first Big 12 team to have three or more players make five or more 3-pointers in the same game.Speiser and Sides each carded 20 points, while Claessens added 18 points and eight rebounds. Sides added five rebounds, five assists and two steals to her final line. Freshman guard Gina Garcia tied her career-high with 10 assists, while freshman guard Brandie Harrod added nine points, seven rebounds, four steals and two blocks.Cincinnati (11-20) was led by 2026 All-Big 12 Third Team selection Mya Perry with 23 points.HOW IT HAPPENED- Sides sparked K-State in the first quarter, scoring 11 of the first 14 points. The Wildcats would end the opening stanza on a 14-2 run to build a 25-14 advantage. As part of its 25 first quarter points, K-State tallied 15 from long distance, including three from Sides.- The 25 first quarter points were the second-highest for a first quarter by K-State in a Big 12 Tournament game.- The Bearcats sliced the K-State lead to six, 27-21, with 5:24 to play in the second. The Wildcats responded with a 10-2 run over the next minute and a half to push its lead to 13, 37-24, with 3:41 remaining in the second quarter. Aniya Foy buried a corner 3-poiner to cap the run and force Cincinnati into calling a timeout.- K-State would end the opening half with a 40-29 lead. The Wildcats were bolstered by a 53.3 percent (8-of-15) effort from beyond the arc in the first half.- The Wildcats opened the third quarter with a 7-0 run to build a 47-29 advantage with 7:29 left. Sides buried her fourth 3-pointer of the game to begin the run, while Brandie Harrod and Gina Garcia added layups.- Beginning at 4:12 of the third, Speiser buried three of K-State next four 3-pointers as part of a 12-2 run to push its lead to 62-38 with 2:43 remaining in the third.- Claessens would connect on her fifth 3-pointer of the game with 1:28 remaining in the third quarter. This three-pointer set the Big 12 Tournament record for 3-pointers made in a game.- K-State would win the third quarter, 27-13, and hold a 67-42 lead entering the fourth quarter. The 27 points were the second-highest for a third quarter by K-State in a Big 12 Tournament game.- The Wildcats kept the Bearcats at arm's length for the entirety of the fourth quarter, as the two teams split the final frame, 24-24.- K-State shot 61.3 percent (19-of-31) from the field in the second half, including 52.9 percent (9-of-17) from long distance. For the game, the Wildcats shot 50.8 percent (33-of-65) with 56 percent of its points coming from beyond the arc.QUICK FACTS- K-State leads the series with Cincinnati, 5-0. Head coach Jeff Mittie is 9-1 in his career against Cincinnati. This was the first meeting between the schools in the Big 12 Tournament.- K-State head coach Jeff Mittie owns a career record of 688-394 (.636), including a mark of 234-159 (.595).- The Wildcats are 25-28 in its history in Big 12 Women’s Basketball Championship games. K-State has now advanced at least one round at the Big 12 Tournament in 22 of the 29 tournaments. The Wildcats are 16-16 in its history in Big 12 Women’s Basketball Tournament games played in Kansas City.- The Wildcats are 145-110 (.569) in games played in the month of March. Under head coach Jeff Mittie, K-State is 28-26 (.519) in games during the third month.TEAM NOTES- K-State's starting five consisted of guards Gina Garcia, Brandie Harrod, Tess Heal, and Taryn Sides and forward Nastja Claessens. This was the ninth time this lineup has started together this season. This is the second-most used starting lineup for K-State this season. This was the 31st&nbsp;career start for Sides. This was the 30th&nbsp;career start for Garcia. Heal made her 19th&nbsp;start this season and her 93rd&nbsp;career start. Claessens made her 28th&nbsp;career start. This was Harrod’s 28th&nbsp;career start.- The Wildcats held a 40-29 lead at halftime on Wednesday. Under Mittie, K-State is 186-23 (.890) when leading at halftime, including a 10-2 mark this season.- K-State’s 91 points set the school record for points in a Big 12 Tournament game.- K-State’s 51 points in the second half marked the second time in program history in which the Wildcats scored 50 or more points in a half in the Big 12 Tournament and trails the record of 52 against Texas Tech on March 9, 2023.- Since the start of the quarter-system in women’s college basketball in the 2015-16 season, K-State is 174-75 (.699) when scoring 20 or more points in any quarter in a game, including a 14-10 mark this season. The Wildcats have 44 quarters this season with 20 or more points scored.- This season, K-State owns 44 quarters with an effort of 50.0 percent or better shooting from the field, including the first (53.8), third (58.8) and fourth (64.3) quarters on Wednesday.- With its 17 made three-pointers on Wednesday, K-State has made 10 or more 3-pointers in nine games this season (6-3). Since the 2014-15 season, K-State has made 10 or more 3-pointers in a game 60 times (51-9).- K-State pocketed 11 steals on Wednesday. This was the 19th&nbsp;time this season K-State has carded 10 or more steals. For the season, the Wildcats have recorded 312 steals, which is the second straight season K-State has tallied 300 or more steals in a season and the fourth time under head coach Jeff Mittie.PLAYER NOTES- Sides tallied 10 or more points for the 36th&nbsp;time in her career and 18th&nbsp;time this season.- Sides connected on five 3-point field goals. This was her 14th&nbsp;career game with four or more 3-point field goals made. This was her 20th&nbsp;game this season and the 51st&nbsp;of her career with two or more connections from long range. Sides remains in 10th&nbsp;on the K-State career 3-point field goals list with 182 in her career.- Sides hauled in five rebounds. This was her 28th&nbsp;career game with five or more rebounds.- With her five assists, Sides remains in 16th&nbsp;on the K-State career assists list with 313. With her five assists on Wednesday, She moved into eighth for assists in a junior season at K-State with 123.- Sides tied the school record for career games with five or more made 3-pointers and five or more assists, joining Brittany Chambers (2009-13).- Sides pocketed two steals. This was 29th&nbsp;career game, including her 17th&nbsp;this season, with two or more steals.- Speiser carded her 17th&nbsp;game this season with double digits in points.- Speiser made a career-high six 3-pointers on Wednesday. This was her 17th&nbsp;game this season with two or more connections from long distance, including five games with four connections.- Speiser pocketed two steals. This was her ninth game this season with two or more steals.- Claessens reached double figures for the 17th&nbsp;time this season.- Claessens carded a career-high five 3-point field goals made. This marked her third game this season with four or more 3-point field goals made and her seventh game this season with two or more connections from long range.- This was the eighth game this season in which Claessens shot 60.0 percent or better from the field and made at least one 3-point field goal.- Claessens pulled in five or more rebounds for the 12th&nbsp;time this season.- Garcia tied her career-high with 10 assists. She moved into third in program history for assists in a freshman season with 161. Garcia owns the school record for assists in a season by an international player. This was her 17th&nbsp;game this season with five or more assists, including her second game with 10 or more assists.- Tess Heal scored nine points on Wednesday. Heal’s collegiate career point total now stands at 1,786 points.- Brandie Harrod hauled in five or more rebounds for the 17th&nbsp;time this season. She carded four offensive rebounds and is the third freshman in program history with 70 or more offensive rebounds in their debut season (72).- Harrod pocketed four steals. This was her fourth career game with four or more steals and her eighth career game with two or more.- Harrod blocked two shots on Wednesday. This was her third career game with two or more blocks.UP NEXTK-State will face fifth-seed (21/21) Texas Tech on Thursday in the second round of the 2026 Phillips 66 Big 12 Tournament in T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri.

🏀 K-State WBB Breaks Big 12 Three-Point Record in First Round Win

Kansas Wesleyan Men's Volleyball made it back-to-back wins for the first time this season as the Coyotes swept the Avila Eagles 25-22, 25-23, 25-16 on Tuesday night inside Mabee Arena.

In the first set, the Coyotes trailed 3-2, but used a 4-0 run to take a 6-3 lead. Avila came back to take an 8-7 lead but three straight points by the Coyotes on kills by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/54371b03-5261-4d27-b07e-f11a33cdea5c?elinkdata=39391">Kaleb Cui</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/bfa87dfa-4690-4918-8385-1306ad7298e9?elinkdata=39391">Alexander Rivera</a> made it 10-8 Coyotes.

Wesleyan led 20-16 in the set but Avila made a run, tying things up at 21-all and again at 22-all before the Coyotes got back-to-back kills by Cui to finish the set.

Avila used a 5-0 run to take an 8-5 lead in the second set, but the Coyotes answered right back with four points including three straight service aces by Cui to make it 9-8 Coyotes. The lead bounced back and forth until KWU's 5-1 run made it 16-12. Wesleyan led 23-17 in the set when Avila came back and got within a point at 24-23, but <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/0592826d-029a-4d59-932b-c03b09d9649f?elinkdata=39391">Anthony Mule's</a> kill would give KWU the 25-23 win and a 2-0 lead in the match.

The Coyotes jumped out to an 8-1 lead in the third set and never looked back. Avila got within five at 15-10, but three straight KWU points, two on <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/32c55e27-ab9b-4ac8-9bd1-ec04dcb1ff0f?elinkdata=39391">Brysen Newville</a> kills made it 18-10 Coyotes.

Wesleyan led 24-16 when <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/7e18bfac-9aff-4920-9dc6-1caa19cfa1dc?elinkdata=39391">Dominic Morrison</a> got a kill to close out the match.

Wesleyan hit .292 as a team for the match with Cui leading the way with 13 kills and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/697597d7-7f00-49c2-b845-24eb0a9d2e76?elinkdata=39391">Conor Williams</a> had 12. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/cb04b436-2c52-4478-8d10-a1c85c33f0da?elinkdata=39391">Dallas Manaku</a> had 35 assists and eight digs. Cui had four service aces in the match. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/de759616-9f80-4c23-96c5-50d19b8b679d?elinkdata=39391">Alexander Rivera</a> had 14 digs and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/776b9805-215c-4bc2-9646-ab4f8cc9b528?elinkdata=39391">Josh Kiely</a> had 12. Williams added four assisted blocks.

Kansas Wesleyan Men's Volleyball made it back-to-back wins for the first time this season as the Coyotes swept the Avila Eagles 25-22, 25-23, 25-16 on Tuesday night inside Mabee Arena.In the first set, the Coyotes trailed 3-2, but used a 4-0 run to take a 6-3 lead. Avila came back to take an 8-7 lead but three straight points by the Coyotes on kills by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/54371b03-5261-4d27-b07e-f11a33cdea5c?elinkdata=39391">Kaleb Cui</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/bfa87dfa-4690-4918-8385-1306ad7298e9?elinkdata=39391">Alexander Rivera</a> made it 10-8 Coyotes.Wesleyan led 20-16 in the set but Avila made a run, tying things up at 21-all and again at 22-all before the Coyotes got back-to-back kills by Cui to finish the set.Avila used a 5-0 run to take an 8-5 lead in the second set, but the Coyotes answered right back with four points including three straight service aces by Cui to make it 9-8 Coyotes. The lead bounced back and forth until KWU's 5-1 run made it 16-12. Wesleyan led 23-17 in the set when Avila came back and got within a point at 24-23, but <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/0592826d-029a-4d59-932b-c03b09d9649f?elinkdata=39391">Anthony Mule's</a> kill would give KWU the 25-23 win and a 2-0 lead in the match.The Coyotes jumped out to an 8-1 lead in the third set and never looked back. Avila got within five at 15-10, but three straight KWU points, two on <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/32c55e27-ab9b-4ac8-9bd1-ec04dcb1ff0f?elinkdata=39391">Brysen Newville</a> kills made it 18-10 Coyotes.Wesleyan led 24-16 when <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/7e18bfac-9aff-4920-9dc6-1caa19cfa1dc?elinkdata=39391">Dominic Morrison</a> got a kill to close out the match.Wesleyan hit .292 as a team for the match with Cui leading the way with 13 kills and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/697597d7-7f00-49c2-b845-24eb0a9d2e76?elinkdata=39391">Conor Williams</a> had 12. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/cb04b436-2c52-4478-8d10-a1c85c33f0da?elinkdata=39391">Dallas Manaku</a> had 35 assists and eight digs. Cui had four service aces in the match. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/de759616-9f80-4c23-96c5-50d19b8b679d?elinkdata=39391">Alexander Rivera</a> had 14 digs and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/776b9805-215c-4bc2-9646-ab4f8cc9b528?elinkdata=39391">Josh Kiely</a> had 12. Williams added four assisted blocks.

🏐 KWU Men's Volleyball gets second straight win defeating Avila in straight sets

On Tuesday night, Chapman grounded the Rose Hill Rockets in a 54-31 sub-state victory, putting the Lady Irish one win away from a trip to the 4A state tournament.

Chapman dominated this game in transition, forcing 25 Rose Hill turnovers and cashing those defensive efforts in on the offensive end.

The Lady Irish had the beginnings of a rout handled early, taking a 17-7 lead into the second quarter, and a 31-20 lead into the half.

Jai Rogers dominated from the jump, nearly doubling her 12 first-half points in the third quarter alone and helping to push Chapman to a 21 point lead after three.

From there, it was smooth sailing over the finish line, as the Lady Irish cruised to a 54-31 victory.

Rogers finished the night as the only player on either roster in double digits, but she dazzled, scoring 22 points in the win for Chapman.

Rose Hill was led in scoring by Avery Hottovy (8) and Addison Rockley (7).

For the Lady Rockets, the season comes to a close at 7-17, while Chapman, now 15-9, will play for a ticket to state on Friday night.

The Lady Irish will host the 5-seed in Mulvane at 6:00 on Friday for one of eight tickets to the 4A dance.

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina PostOn Tuesday night, Chapman grounded the Rose Hill Rockets in a 54-31 sub-state victory, putting the Lady Irish one win away from a trip to the 4A state tournament.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746812152965.jpeg" alt="Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here." />
 <figcaption>Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here.</figcaption>
 </figure>Chapman dominated this game in transition, forcing 25 Rose Hill turnovers and cashing those defensive efforts in on the offensive end.The Lady Irish had the beginnings of a rout handled early, taking a 17-7 lead into the second quarter, and a 31-20 lead into the half.Jai Rogers dominated from the jump, nearly doubling her 12 first-half points in the third quarter alone and helping to push Chapman to a 21 point lead after three.From there, it was smooth sailing over the finish line, as the Lady Irish cruised to a 54-31 victory.Rogers finished the night as the only player on either roster in double digits, but she dazzled, scoring 22 points in the win for Chapman.Rose Hill was led in scoring by Avery Hottovy (8) and Addison Rockley (7).For the Lady Rockets, the season comes to a close at 7-17, while Chapman, now 15-9, will play for a ticket to state on Friday night.The Lady Irish will host the 5-seed in Mulvane at 6:00 on Friday for one of eight tickets to the 4A dance.You can watch this game on-demand any time below.<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/y4qulMfRxuI"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

🏀 Lady Irish ground Rockets to advance to sub-state final

The Sacred Heart girls basketball team dominated their 3-6 matchup in Salina on Tuesday, taking down Bennington 49-21 to punch their ticket to the sub-state championship game.

Bennington kept things close for a quarter, trailing 15-7 early, but in the second, the Lady Knights poured it on, holding the Lady Bulldogs to just two points and pushing the lead to 31-9 at halftime.

By the end of the third quarter, Sacred Heart led by 30, securing a running clock for the fourth quarter and cruising to a 49-21 victory.

The Lady Knights knocked down 40% of their shots from the field, and looked even sharper on defense, holding Bennington to eight makes from the floor on 41 attempts.

Once again, Skylar Douglas dominated, finishing the night with 18 points to top the scoring trio that included Addie Lee (13) and Emmy Lee (10).

Jordan Bartlett led the Lady Bulldogs with seven points on a night that saw Bennington post its lowest point total of the year.

The Bennington campaign comes to a close at 19-6 while Sacred Heart, now 21-4, advances to the sub-state championship game at Berean Academy.

The Lady Knights will face Conway Springs at 6:00 on Friday night.

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina PostThe Sacred Heart girls basketball team dominated their 3-6 matchup in Salina on Tuesday, taking down Bennington 49-21 to punch their ticket to the sub-state championship game.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746812152965.jpeg" alt="Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here." />
 <figcaption>Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here.</figcaption>
 </figure>Bennington kept things close for a quarter, trailing 15-7 early, but in the second, the Lady Knights poured it on, holding the Lady Bulldogs to just two points and pushing the lead to 31-9 at halftime.By the end of the third quarter, Sacred Heart led by 30, securing a running clock for the fourth quarter and cruising to a 49-21 victory.The Lady Knights knocked down 40% of their shots from the field, and looked even sharper on defense, holding Bennington to eight makes from the floor on 41 attempts.Once again, Skylar Douglas dominated, finishing the night with 18 points to top the scoring trio that included Addie Lee (13) and Emmy Lee (10).Jordan Bartlett led the Lady Bulldogs with seven points on a night that saw Bennington post its lowest point total of the year.The Bennington campaign comes to a close at 19-6 while Sacred Heart, now 21-4, advances to the sub-state championship game at Berean Academy.The Lady Knights will face Conway Springs at 6:00 on Friday night.You can watch this game on-demand any time below.<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/E02aliF3Bmg"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

🏀 Lady Knights blow out Bennington in sub-state semis

On Friday night, the Salina South boys basketball team secured a three-game season sweep over their cross-town rivals, defeating Central 60-56 to punch their ticket to the sub-state championship game.

This was the epitome of a back-and-forth matchup, with double-digit lead changes, including seven lead shifts in the fourth quarter alone.

Things got off to an electric start, with all five members of both starting lineups scoring at least one field goal in a first quarter that saw Central grab the early 19-14 advantage.

In the second quarter, the Cougars turned up the heat defensively, opening the frame on a 13-4 run, and holding the Mustangs to just four field goals to reclaim a 31-28 advantage.

Out of the locker room, South looked poised to pull away, but Kaeden Nienke willed Central back in the game, scoring eight of the team's eleven third-quarter points to trim the lead to five.

A quick burst of Mustang offense tied the game at 48, setting off a run of lead changes, but as the final buzzer neared, South was able to put the game away on the glass and at the line.

Gavin DeVoe led the way for South, scoring 18 points, with support from Kobie Henley (14), Easton Wilcox (10), Jaxon Myers (8), and Sawyer Walker (8).

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina PostOn Friday night, the Salina South boys basketball team secured a three-game season sweep over their cross-town rivals, defeating Central 60-56 to punch their ticket to the sub-state championship game.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746812152965.jpeg" alt="Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here." />
 <figcaption>Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here.</figcaption>
 </figure>This was the epitome of a back-and-forth matchup, with double-digit lead changes, including seven lead shifts in the fourth quarter alone.Things got off to an electric start, with all five members of both starting lineups scoring at least one field goal in a first quarter that saw Central grab the early 19-14 advantage.In the second quarter, the Cougars turned up the heat defensively, opening the frame on a 13-4 run, and holding the Mustangs to just four field goals to reclaim a 31-28 advantage.Out of the locker room, South looked poised to pull away, but Kaeden Nienke willed Central back in the game, scoring eight of the team's eleven third-quarter points to trim the lead to five.A quick burst of Mustang offense tied the game at 48, setting off a run of lead changes, but as the final buzzer neared, South was able to put the game away on the glass and at the line.Gavin DeVoe led the way for South, scoring 18 points, with support from Kobie Henley (14), Easton Wilcox (10), Jaxon Myers (8), and Sawyer Walker (8).Nienke had another monster night but his 24 points weren’t enough despite solid efforts from Gannon Cole (11) and Grant Ostmeyer (8).Central snaps their seven-game winning streak as the Mustang season comes to a close at 15-9.For South, now 16-8, a tall task lies ahead as the Cougars travel to Wichita to battle the 1-seed in Kapaun Mt. Carmel on Friday night.You can watch this game on-demand any time below.<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1Oz11PguUEk?start=1s"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>