LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Following its first nine-win season since 2007 and first bowl victory since 2008, the Kansas Jayhawks finished the season ranked No. 23 in the final Associated Press Poll, released on Monday night.

The No. 23 ranking is Kansas’ first time being ranked to finish the season since 2007, when Kansas finished the season ranked No. 7. It is Kansas’ eighth time being ranked to finish the season in program history.

The Jayhawks finished the season with a 9-4 record, finishing the season with a 49-36 victory over UNLV in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl on Dec. 26 in Phoenix. Under the direction of head coach Lance Leipold, it marked the Jayhawks’ seventh nine-win season in program history and first since 2007.

Kansas finished in the top-10 in numerous statistical categories during the 2023 season, including No. 10 in 3rd down conversion percentage (48.3%), No. 8 in rushing offense (206 ypg), No. 7 in passing efficiency (167.0) and No. 8 in defensive touchdowns (4), among others.

Kansas was 5-2 in games played at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, which was the most wins at home since 2008. The Jayhawks sold out four of those games, leading to a season attendance of 321,219, which was the most in a single season since 2009.

On October 28, Kansas hosted FOX’s Big Noon Kickoff prior to its upset win over No. 6 Oklahoma. The Jayhawks are just one of six programs to host both ESPN College Gameday and FOX Big Noon Kickoff on campus since the start of the 2022 season.

In addition to their play on the field, the Jayhawks were equally as impressive off the field. Kansas Football set its fall semester GPA program record at 3.14, marking its third-consecutive semester with a record GPA. The Jayhawks also contributed a program record 504 hours of community service during the summer of 2023.

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Following its first nine-win season since 2007 and first bowl victory since 2008, the Kansas Jayhawks finished the season ranked No. 23 in the final Associated Press Poll, released on Monday night.The No. 23 ranking is Kansas’ first time being ranked to finish the season since 2007, when Kansas finished the season ranked No. 7. It is Kansas’ eighth time being ranked to finish the season in program history.The Jayhawks finished the season with a 9-4 record, finishing the season with a 49-36 victory over UNLV in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl on Dec. 26 in Phoenix. Under the direction of head coach Lance Leipold, it marked the Jayhawks’ seventh nine-win season in program history and first since 2007.Kansas finished in the top-10 in numerous statistical categories during the 2023 season, including No. 10 in 3rd down conversion percentage (48.3%), No. 8 in rushing offense (206 ypg), No. 7 in passing efficiency (167.0) and No. 8 in defensive touchdowns (4), among others.Kansas was 5-2 in games played at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, which was the most wins at home since 2008. The Jayhawks sold out four of those games, leading to a season attendance of 321,219, which was the most in a single season since 2009.On October 28, Kansas hosted FOX’s Big Noon Kickoff prior to its upset win over No. 6 Oklahoma. The Jayhawks are just one of six programs to host both ESPN College Gameday and FOX Big Noon Kickoff on campus since the start of the 2022 season.In addition to their play on the field, the Jayhawks were equally as impressive off the field. Kansas Football set its fall semester GPA program record at 3.14, marking its third-consecutive semester with a record GPA. The Jayhawks also contributed a program record 504 hours of community service during the summer of 2023.

Kansas Ranked No. 23 in Final AP Poll

Kansas Wesleyan's&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/5e74c5d7-3bd4-43ec-b071-783559f2796c?elinkdata=3488" target="_blank">Alex Littlejohn</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/af3b2c62-a6a8-4155-ba2b-e0f0c021f1ce?elinkdata=3488" target="_blank">Jun Murdock</a>&nbsp;have earned the KCAC Men's Basketball Offensive and Defensive Player of the Week honors, respectively, the conference office announced Monday.

The two student-athletes were selected for their performances from January 1-7 by a vote of conference sports information directors. All KCAC Player of the Week honors are presented at the conference level by&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e61ac26a-3e43-47f6-9f02-252dd2b20c5f?elinkdata=3488" target="_blank">Equity Bank</a>.

Littlejohn had two monstrous games last week as the Coyotes went 2-0, defeating No. 6 ranked and unbeaten at the time Southwestern, and then beating Tabor. 

Littlejohn dominated the Southwestern game, scoring 31 points, grabbing 13 rebounds and handing out five assists and two steals. He followed that performance with 23 points, 12 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 steals against Tabor. For the week, he put up some impressive numbers, shooting 67.9 percent from the field, and 78.9 percent at the line, and nailed the lone 3-pointer he took during the week. Littlejohn ranks fourth in the NAIA in rebounding and is closing in on 1000 points for his career for the Coyotes. This marks the second time this season Littlejohn has been named the KCAC Men's Basketball Offensive Player of the Week.

Murdock was huge for the Coyotes on the defensive side of the ball in a pair of victories. He helped KWU come away with a road win over No. 6 ranked and unbeaten at the time Southwestern, and then a win at home over Tabor. Against Southwestern, he was charged with guarding Cevin Clark, where he forced Clark into shooting 23 times to get 22 points, and just 2 of 7 on 3-point tries. He also blocked a pair of shots in the game against Southwestern. Against Tabor, Murdock guarded Kalep Crane primarily, holding him to 6 points (half of his season average of 12.5) on just six shots, and no 3-point tries (season average - 3.4 per game). He also tallied two steals in the game as KWU posted a 2-0 week and moved into a first-place tie in the conference. This is the second weekly award of the season for Murdock, as he was named the KCAC Men's Basketball Offensive Player of the Week on November 6.

Last week's wins vaulted the Coyotes to 10-4 overall and 7-1 in the KCAC. KWU sits tied for first place with Oklahoma Wesleyan in the latest KCAC standings.

The Coyotes head to York on Wednesday, before hosting Avila on Saturday inside Mabee Arena.

Kansas Wesleyan's&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/5e74c5d7-3bd4-43ec-b071-783559f2796c?elinkdata=3488" target="_blank">Alex Littlejohn</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/af3b2c62-a6a8-4155-ba2b-e0f0c021f1ce?elinkdata=3488" target="_blank">Jun Murdock</a>&nbsp;have earned the KCAC Men's Basketball Offensive and Defensive Player of the Week honors, respectively, the conference office announced Monday. The two student-athletes were selected for their performances from January 1-7 by a vote of conference sports information directors. All KCAC Player of the Week honors are presented at the conference level by&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e61ac26a-3e43-47f6-9f02-252dd2b20c5f?elinkdata=3488" target="_blank">Equity Bank</a>.Littlejohn had two monstrous games last week as the Coyotes went 2-0, defeating No. 6 ranked and unbeaten at the time Southwestern, and then beating Tabor. Littlejohn dominated the Southwestern game, scoring 31 points, grabbing 13 rebounds and handing out five assists and two steals. He followed that performance with 23 points, 12 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 steals against Tabor. For the week, he put up some impressive numbers, shooting 67.9 percent from the field, and 78.9 percent at the line, and nailed the lone 3-pointer he took during the week. Littlejohn ranks fourth in the NAIA in rebounding and is closing in on 1000 points for his career for the Coyotes. This marks the second time this season Littlejohn has been named the KCAC Men's Basketball Offensive Player of the Week.Murdock was huge for the Coyotes on the defensive side of the ball in a pair of victories. He helped KWU come away with a road win over No. 6 ranked and unbeaten at the time Southwestern, and then a win at home over Tabor. Against Southwestern, he was charged with guarding Cevin Clark, where he forced Clark into shooting 23 times to get 22 points, and just 2 of 7 on 3-point tries. He also blocked a pair of shots in the game against Southwestern. Against Tabor, Murdock guarded Kalep Crane primarily, holding him to 6 points (half of his season average of 12.5) on just six shots, and no 3-point tries (season average - 3.4 per game). He also tallied two steals in the game as KWU posted a 2-0 week and moved into a first-place tie in the conference. This is the second weekly award of the season for Murdock, as he was named the KCAC Men's Basketball Offensive Player of the Week on November 6.Last week's wins vaulted the Coyotes to 10-4 overall and 7-1 in the KCAC. KWU sits tied for first place with Oklahoma Wesleyan in the latest KCAC standings.The Coyotes head to York on Wednesday, before hosting Avila on Saturday inside Mabee Arena.

Coyotes sweep weekly KCAC men's basketball honors

Kansas Wesleyan Coaches&nbsp;Show - 6 pm (Listen on KINA and&nbsp;<a href="http://910kina.com/" target="_blank">910kina.com</a>)

Chiefs Kingdom Show - 7 pm (Listen on KINA and&nbsp;<a href="http://910kina.com/" target="_blank">910kina.com</a>)

Southeast of Saline vs. Clay Center Basketball - Audio on 910AM/107.5fm and 910KINA.com - Video on Salina Post - Pregame Show 5:30pm - Girls Tip 6 pm - Boys Tip 7:30 pm&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sacred Heart vs. Republic County Basketball - Audio and Video on Salina Post - Pregame Show 5:40 pm - Girls Tip 6 pm - Boys Tip 7:30 pm&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kansas Wesleyan University at York University Basketball&nbsp;&nbsp; - Audio on 910AM/107.5fm and 910KINA.com - Pregame Show 5:30pm&nbsp;&nbsp; - WBB Tip 6 pm - MBB Tip 8 pm

Sacred Heart Lady Knights at Ellsworth Lady Bearcats&nbsp;Basketball&nbsp; - Audio and Video on Salina Post - Pregame Show 5:40 pm - Girls Tip 6 pm - Boys Tip 7:30 pm&nbsp;&nbsp;

KINA Scoreboard Show - 10 pm (Audio on 910Am/107.5fm and 910KINA.com)

The Pit Reporters - 9 AM (Listen on KINA 910AM/107.5FM and&nbsp;<a href="http://910kiina.com/" target="_blank">910KINA.COM</a>)

Kansas Wesleyan University vs. Avila University Basketball - Pregame Show 4:30pm&nbsp;&nbsp; - WBB Tip 5 pm - MBB Tip 7 pm

(3) Kansas City Chiefs vs. (6) Miami Dolphins at Arrowhead - Listen on KINA and KSKG

MondayKansas Wesleyan Coaches&nbsp;Show - 6 pm (Listen on KINA and&nbsp;<a href="http://910kina.com/" target="_blank">910kina.com</a>)Chiefs Kingdom Show - 7 pm (Listen on KINA and&nbsp;<a href="http://910kina.com/" target="_blank">910kina.com</a>)TuesdaySoutheast of Saline vs. Clay Center Basketball - Audio on 910AM/107.5fm and 910KINA.com - Video on Salina Post - Pregame Show 5:30pm - Girls Tip 6 pm - Boys Tip 7:30 pm&nbsp;&nbsp;Sacred Heart vs. Republic County Basketball - Audio and Video on Salina Post - Pregame Show 5:40 pm - Girls Tip 6 pm - Boys Tip 7:30 pm&nbsp;&nbsp; WednesdayKansas Wesleyan University at York University Basketball&nbsp;&nbsp; - Audio on 910AM/107.5fm and 910KINA.com - Pregame Show 5:30pm&nbsp;&nbsp; - WBB Tip 6 pm - MBB Tip 8 pmFridaySacred Heart Lady Knights at Ellsworth Lady Bearcats&nbsp;Basketball&nbsp; - Audio and Video on Salina Post - Pregame Show 5:40 pm - Girls Tip 6 pm - Boys Tip 7:30 pm&nbsp;&nbsp; KINA Scoreboard Show - 10 pm (Audio on 910Am/107.5fm and 910KINA.com)Saturday&nbsp;&nbsp;The Pit Reporters - 9 AM (Listen on KINA 910AM/107.5FM and&nbsp;<a href="http://910kiina.com/" target="_blank">910KINA.COM</a>)Kansas Wesleyan University vs. Avila University Basketball - Pregame Show 4:30pm&nbsp;&nbsp; - WBB Tip 5 pm - MBB Tip 7 pm (3) Kansas City Chiefs vs. (6) Miami Dolphins at Arrowhead - Listen on KINA and KSKG

KINA Weekly Sports Schedule

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Mike Edwards returned a fumble 97 yards for a touchdown, Harrison Butker made a 41-yard field goal with 49 seconds remaining, and the AFC West champion Kansas City Chiefs beat the Los Angeles Chargers 13-12 on Sunday while resting most of their starters.

With the Chiefs (11-6) locked into the AFC’s No. 3 seed for the playoffs, Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce were inactive. Kelce finished with 984 receiving yards, ending the All-Pro tight end’s bid for an eighth straight 1,000-yard season.

Kansas City will host either Buffalo or Miami in next weekend's wild card round.

The Chargers (5-12) closed the season with five straight losses, the last three after coach Brandon Staley and general manager Tom Telesco were fired on Dec. 15.

Easton Stick, who started the last four games after Justin Herbert suffered a season-ending finger injury, was 28 of 47 passing for 258 yards and had 77 yards rushing on 13 carries. Donald Parham had five receptions for 83 yards.

Cameron Dicker kicked four field goals for the Chargers. Los Angeles ended the season without a touchdown in its last 10 quarters.

Blaine Gabbert, making his first start since 2018 with Tennessee, completed 15 of 30 passes for 154 yards. Gabbert had scrambles of 25 and 14 yards during a nine-play, 51-yard drive late in the fourth quarter that resulted in Butker's second field goal.

Kansas City's go-ahead drive followed Dicker's 20-yard field goal with 4:06 remaining that put the Chargers on top for the first time.

The Chargers were on the 18th play of their opening possession when Stick was sacked by Chiefs defensive lineman Charles Omenihu at the Kansas City 5-yard line and fumbled. Edwards scooped the ball at the 3 and went 97 yards for the fourth touchdown of his five-year career.

It was the longest scoop-and-score in the NFL this season and the third-longest in Chiefs history.

According to Sportradar, it was the seventh time since 2000 a team had a drive of at least 18 plays and turned it over. It was the first of those on which a defensive touchdown was scored.

Butker extended the lead to 10-0 in the second quarter when he connected from 22 yards. The Chargers got field goals from Dicker on their final two drives of the half.

Dicker's 43-yarder with 4:11 remaining in the third quarter got Los Angeles within 10-9.

Chiefs: OL Wanya Morris left in the second quarter with a concussion. ... WR Justyn Ross suffered a hamstring injury in the third quarter and did not return. ... WR Rashee Rice (hamstring), WR Kadarius Toney (hip/ankle) and CB L’Jarius Sneed (calf) were inactive.

Chargers: TE Gerald Everett (first quarter) and OT Trey Pipkins III (third quarter) suffered knee injuries and did not return. ... WR Keenan Allen (heel), LB Kenneth Murray Jr. (shoulder) and OG Zion Johnson (neck) were inactive.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704674850461.png" alt="Photo Kansas City Chiefs" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Chiefs</figcaption>
 </figure>INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Mike Edwards returned a fumble 97 yards for a touchdown, Harrison Butker made a 41-yard field goal with 49 seconds remaining, and the AFC West champion Kansas City Chiefs beat the Los Angeles Chargers 13-12 on Sunday while resting most of their starters.With the Chiefs (11-6) locked into the AFC’s No. 3 seed for the playoffs, Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce were inactive. Kelce finished with 984 receiving yards, ending the All-Pro tight end’s bid for an eighth straight 1,000-yard season.Kansas City will host either Buffalo or Miami in next weekend's wild card round.The Chargers (5-12) closed the season with five straight losses, the last three after coach Brandon Staley and general manager Tom Telesco were fired on Dec. 15.Easton Stick, who started the last four games after Justin Herbert suffered a season-ending finger injury, was 28 of 47 passing for 258 yards and had 77 yards rushing on 13 carries. Donald Parham had five receptions for 83 yards.Cameron Dicker kicked four field goals for the Chargers. Los Angeles ended the season without a touchdown in its last 10 quarters.Blaine Gabbert, making his first start since 2018 with Tennessee, completed 15 of 30 passes for 154 yards. Gabbert had scrambles of 25 and 14 yards during a nine-play, 51-yard drive late in the fourth quarter that resulted in Butker's second field goal.Kansas City's go-ahead drive followed Dicker's 20-yard field goal with 4:06 remaining that put the Chargers on top for the first time.The Chargers were on the 18th play of their opening possession when Stick was sacked by Chiefs defensive lineman Charles Omenihu at the Kansas City 5-yard line and fumbled. Edwards scooped the ball at the 3 and went 97 yards for the fourth touchdown of his five-year career.It was the longest scoop-and-score in the NFL this season and the third-longest in Chiefs history.According to Sportradar, it was the seventh time since 2000 a team had a drive of at least 18 plays and turned it over. It was the first of those on which a defensive touchdown was scored.Butker extended the lead to 10-0 in the second quarter when he connected from 22 yards. The Chargers got field goals from Dicker on their final two drives of the half.Dicker's 43-yarder with 4:11 remaining in the third quarter got Los Angeles within 10-9.INJURIESChiefs: OL Wanya Morris left in the second quarter with a concussion. ... WR Justyn Ross suffered a hamstring injury in the third quarter and did not return. ... WR Rashee Rice (hamstring), WR Kadarius Toney (hip/ankle) and CB L’Jarius Sneed (calf) were inactive.Chargers: TE Gerald Everett (first quarter) and OT Trey Pipkins III (third quarter) suffered knee injuries and did not return. ... WR Keenan Allen (heel), LB Kenneth Murray Jr. (shoulder) and OG Zion Johnson (neck) were inactive.___

Harrison Butker's field goals propel Chiefs past Chargers

It wasn't a perfect performance, but the Kansas Wesleyan basketball team did more than enough to maintain its momentum and boost its winning streak.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/781dbbd2-538c-4568-b868-b124cad41c96?elinkdata=3464" target="_blank">Alex Littlejohn</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e6df3e66-668d-48af-8f03-5f25942bca89?elinkdata=3464" target="_blank">Thurbil Bile</a>&nbsp;scored 20-plus points and the Coyotes maintained a double-digit lead the final 22 minutes en route to an 86-71 Kansas Conference victory over Tabor on Saturday night inside Mabee Arena.KWU improved to 10-4 and remained atop the KCAC standings with Oklahoma Wesleyan at 7-1 with its sixth consecutive victory.

Littlejohn had another superhuman effort with 23 points, 12 rebounds, five assists and two steals in 37 minutes while Bile finished with career-best 22 points, seven rebounds and a block in 29 minutes.&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/9206408b-c419-4d4c-a18d-346c9b15d999?elinkdata=3464" target="_blank">Easton Hunter</a>&nbsp;scored 14 and&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b5b42a03-9679-4216-a178-bd498de6d677?elinkdata=3464" target="_blank">Izaiah Hale</a>&nbsp;12.

"We got off to a great start (11-2 lead) - we haven't gotten off to a lot of great starts this year and it was great to see that," Monson said. "But I thought we took our foot off the gas at times and let up."

"Sometimes when you're coming off a big win like we had Wednesday (over No. 6-ranked and previously unbeaten Southwestern) it's hard to keep that same energy level. As much as we talked about it these guys are still 18-to-22-year-olds. They'll do what it takes to win a game but I think there's a lot of things we could have done better tonight."

The Coyotes closed the first half on a 12-3 surge and led 52-36 at intermission. They led by as many as 18 (68-50 with 8:45 left) but Tabor rallied and got within 74-64 with four minutes left.

KWU responded by scoring eight of the next 10 points highlighted by Hunter's back-to-back 3-pointers that gave them an 82-66 lead with 2:42 left.

"I told the guys not too long ago we were 4-4, 1-1 in the league and people were probably questioning us a little bit," Monson said. "Fast forward about a month and now we're 10-4 and 7-1 and everything looks like it should."

Littlejohn was 8 of 13 shooting while was Bile 9 of 12 and made all four of his free throw attempts. Bile is the Coyotes' talented post player who uses his incredible athleticism and gravity-defying jumping ability to frustrate opponents.

"With Thurbil the biggest thing is keeping him out of foul trouble," Monson said. "He can do what he's doing if we can keep him on the floor and sometimes that's hard to do. Tonight, it wasn't and he was able to stay on the floor for long periods of time and he put up a great stat line for us."

"That's something I've got to work hard on," Bile said with a laugh after being whistled for four fouls Saturday. "That's the biggest thing holding me back - learning to guard without fouling."

Bile's offensive output is on the rise this season. He is averaging 9.7 points compared to 6.1 a year ago.

"This year I've taken on a bigger role," he said. "It can be anyone's night any given night. Tonight was my night and I tried to do the best I could. I'm a big defensive guy so offensively I let it come to me, I don't like to force things."

The Coyotes shot 65.3 percent the first half (17 of 26) but just 28.9 percent the second (11 of 38) and finished at 43.8 percent (28 of 64). They cashed in at the foul line, though, making 23 of their 27 attempts and committed just eight turnovers.

Tabor shot 40.3 percent (25 of 62) and had 12 turnovers. Kenyon Holcombe, Jack Voth and Jake Proctor scored 12 points apiece for the Bluejays (5-9, 2-6 KCAC).

Wesleyan plays York at 8 p.m. Wednesday in York, Nebraska in its next game. The Panthers (6-8, 4-4 KCAC) defeated Friends 90-84 Saturday in Wichita.

It wasn't a perfect performance, but the Kansas Wesleyan basketball team did more than enough to maintain its momentum and boost its winning streak.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/781dbbd2-538c-4568-b868-b124cad41c96?elinkdata=3464" target="_blank">Alex Littlejohn</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e6df3e66-668d-48af-8f03-5f25942bca89?elinkdata=3464" target="_blank">Thurbil Bile</a>&nbsp;scored 20-plus points and the Coyotes maintained a double-digit lead the final 22 minutes en route to an 86-71 Kansas Conference victory over Tabor on Saturday night inside Mabee Arena.KWU improved to 10-4 and remained atop the KCAC standings with Oklahoma Wesleyan at 7-1 with its sixth consecutive victory.Littlejohn had another superhuman effort with 23 points, 12 rebounds, five assists and two steals in 37 minutes while Bile finished with career-best 22 points, seven rebounds and a block in 29 minutes.&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/9206408b-c419-4d4c-a18d-346c9b15d999?elinkdata=3464" target="_blank">Easton Hunter</a>&nbsp;scored 14 and&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b5b42a03-9679-4216-a178-bd498de6d677?elinkdata=3464" target="_blank">Izaiah Hale</a>&nbsp;12."We got off to a great start (11-2 lead) - we haven't gotten off to a lot of great starts this year and it was great to see that," Monson said. "But I thought we took our foot off the gas at times and let up.""Sometimes when you're coming off a big win like we had Wednesday (over No. 6-ranked and previously unbeaten Southwestern) it's hard to keep that same energy level. As much as we talked about it these guys are still 18-to-22-year-olds. They'll do what it takes to win a game but I think there's a lot of things we could have done better tonight."The Coyotes closed the first half on a 12-3 surge and led 52-36 at intermission. They led by as many as 18 (68-50 with 8:45 left) but Tabor rallied and got within 74-64 with four minutes left.KWU responded by scoring eight of the next 10 points highlighted by Hunter's back-to-back 3-pointers that gave them an 82-66 lead with 2:42 left."I told the guys not too long ago we were 4-4, 1-1 in the league and people were probably questioning us a little bit," Monson said. "Fast forward about a month and now we're 10-4 and 7-1 and everything looks like it should."Littlejohn was 8 of 13 shooting while was Bile 9 of 12 and made all four of his free throw attempts. Bile is the Coyotes' talented post player who uses his incredible athleticism and gravity-defying jumping ability to frustrate opponents."With Thurbil the biggest thing is keeping him out of foul trouble," Monson said. "He can do what he's doing if we can keep him on the floor and sometimes that's hard to do. Tonight, it wasn't and he was able to stay on the floor for long periods of time and he put up a great stat line for us.""That's something I've got to work hard on," Bile said with a laugh after being whistled for four fouls Saturday. "That's the biggest thing holding me back - learning to guard without fouling."Bile's offensive output is on the rise this season. He is averaging 9.7 points compared to 6.1 a year ago."This year I've taken on a bigger role," he said. "It can be anyone's night any given night. Tonight was my night and I tried to do the best I could. I'm a big defensive guy so offensively I let it come to me, I don't like to force things."The Coyotes shot 65.3 percent the first half (17 of 26) but just 28.9 percent the second (11 of 38) and finished at 43.8 percent (28 of 64). They cashed in at the foul line, though, making 23 of their 27 attempts and committed just eight turnovers.Tabor shot 40.3 percent (25 of 62) and had 12 turnovers. Kenyon Holcombe, Jack Voth and Jake Proctor scored 12 points apiece for the Bluejays (5-9, 2-6 KCAC).Wesleyan plays York at 8 p.m. Wednesday in York, Nebraska in its next game. The Panthers (6-8, 4-4 KCAC) defeated Friends 90-84 Saturday in Wichita.

Coyotes pick up sixth straight win, downing Tabor 86-71

Kansas Wesleyan Women's Basketball was tripped up by a hot shooting Tabor College Bluejays squad in a 77-61 decision on Saturday night inside Mabee Arena.

The Coyotes jumped out to a 3-0 lead to start the game, but Tabor would take a 6-5 lead halfway through the first quarter of action. Wesleyan tied it at 6 on a free throw by&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/80fcff1d-b07b-4c51-87bb-2f2aa2910d05?elinkdata=3440" target="_blank">Alexis Dixon</a>, but a 5-0 Tabor run gave the Bluejays an 11-5 lead with 2:54 left in the quarter.

Tabor pushed its lead out to as many as 18 points in the second quarter at 40-22 with 1:03 left before the half, but Wesleyan found a little momentum scoring the final five points of the quarter to trim the difference to 40-27 at half time.

Wesleyan continued to chip away win the third quarter as a 3-pointer by&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/375cd5c6-fb29-4bd7-a158-b8e7a234b65d?elinkdata=3440" target="_blank">Jill Stephens</a>&nbsp;got the Coyotes back within nine thanks to a 7-0 run after Tabor opened the half with a 3. A 14-5 run by Tabor to close the quarter gave the Bluejays a 57-39 lead after three.

Tabor led by 20 in the fourth, at 61-41, but a 12-2 run by the Coyotes capped by a steal and bucket by&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/beaa378f-7ffb-486f-9447-31143b60f7cb?elinkdata=3440" target="_blank">LaMyah Ricks</a>&nbsp;trimmed the lead back down to 10 at 63-53 with 4:40 to go.

The Bluejays would close the final four-plus minutes of the game outscoring the Coyotes by six to grab the 77-61 win.

Ricks led the Coyotes with 14 points, while freshman&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/5a8e308c-2304-41fc-b3b7-e1fa86e0a0d2?elinkdata=3440" target="_blank">Brooke Strine</a>, making her second start of the season scored 12 and pulled down a team-high eight rebounds.&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/d0f5698b-ac64-4d9c-b4c4-1df35f170979?elinkdata=3440" target="_blank">Daijane Adams</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/5186a030-f15e-4d70-89ba-88a04e3effc4?elinkdata=3440" target="_blank">Angel Lee</a>&nbsp;each scored 10 as KWU was 21 of 57 shooting for 36.8 percent.

The Coyotes return to action on Wednesday, heading to York, Neb., to take on the York Panthers at 6 p.m. in the Freeman Center.

Kansas Wesleyan Women's Basketball was tripped up by a hot shooting Tabor College Bluejays squad in a 77-61 decision on Saturday night inside Mabee Arena.The Coyotes jumped out to a 3-0 lead to start the game, but Tabor would take a 6-5 lead halfway through the first quarter of action. Wesleyan tied it at 6 on a free throw by&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/80fcff1d-b07b-4c51-87bb-2f2aa2910d05?elinkdata=3440" target="_blank">Alexis Dixon</a>, but a 5-0 Tabor run gave the Bluejays an 11-5 lead with 2:54 left in the quarter.The Bluejays led 19-14 after the first.Tabor pushed its lead out to as many as 18 points in the second quarter at 40-22 with 1:03 left before the half, but Wesleyan found a little momentum scoring the final five points of the quarter to trim the difference to 40-27 at half time.Wesleyan continued to chip away win the third quarter as a 3-pointer by&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/375cd5c6-fb29-4bd7-a158-b8e7a234b65d?elinkdata=3440" target="_blank">Jill Stephens</a>&nbsp;got the Coyotes back within nine thanks to a 7-0 run after Tabor opened the half with a 3. A 14-5 run by Tabor to close the quarter gave the Bluejays a 57-39 lead after three.Tabor led by 20 in the fourth, at 61-41, but a 12-2 run by the Coyotes capped by a steal and bucket by&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/beaa378f-7ffb-486f-9447-31143b60f7cb?elinkdata=3440" target="_blank">LaMyah Ricks</a>&nbsp;trimmed the lead back down to 10 at 63-53 with 4:40 to go.The Bluejays would close the final four-plus minutes of the game outscoring the Coyotes by six to grab the 77-61 win.Ricks led the Coyotes with 14 points, while freshman&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/5a8e308c-2304-41fc-b3b7-e1fa86e0a0d2?elinkdata=3440" target="_blank">Brooke Strine</a>, making her second start of the season scored 12 and pulled down a team-high eight rebounds.&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/d0f5698b-ac64-4d9c-b4c4-1df35f170979?elinkdata=3440" target="_blank">Daijane Adams</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/5186a030-f15e-4d70-89ba-88a04e3effc4?elinkdata=3440" target="_blank">Angel Lee</a>&nbsp;each scored 10 as KWU was 21 of 57 shooting for 36.8 percent.The Coyotes return to action on Wednesday, heading to York, Neb., to take on the York Panthers at 6 p.m. in the Freeman Center.

Coyote Women's Basketball tripped up by Tabor 77-61

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Tylor Perry scored 25 points and Kansas State beat UCF 77-52 on Saturday night in the Knights' inaugural game as a Big 12 Conference member.

Perry was 7 of 13 from the floor and made six 3-pointers and all five of his free throws. Arthur Kaluma added 14 points for Kansas State (11-3, 1-0), which has won eight of its last nine games. Cam Carter chipped in 12 points and blocked three shots. Perry and Carter combined for 11 of the Wildcats' 18 assists. Will McNair Jr. scored 11 points.

Darius Johnson scored 10 points for UCF (9-4, 0-1), which shot 34% (22 of 65) from the floor and missed 16 of 21 3-point attempts.

Kansas State scored the first 10 points of the game and led 35-19 at the break. Kaluma scored 11 first-half points and Perry chipped in eight. Perry hit a pair of 3-pointers during a 13-0 run later in the second half that stretched the Wildcats' lead to 60-25 with 12 minutes left. It was their largest of the game.

Kansas State plays at West Virginia on Tuesday.

UCF hosts second-ranked Kansas on Wednesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704598115452.png" alt="Photo K-State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo K-State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Tylor Perry scored 25 points and Kansas State beat UCF 77-52 on Saturday night in the Knights' inaugural game as a Big 12 Conference member.Perry was 7 of 13 from the floor and made six 3-pointers and all five of his free throws. Arthur Kaluma added 14 points for Kansas State (11-3, 1-0), which has won eight of its last nine games. Cam Carter chipped in 12 points and blocked three shots. Perry and Carter combined for 11 of the Wildcats' 18 assists. Will McNair Jr. scored 11 points.Darius Johnson scored 10 points for UCF (9-4, 0-1), which shot 34% (22 of 65) from the floor and missed 16 of 21 3-point attempts.Kansas State scored the first 10 points of the game and led 35-19 at the break. Kaluma scored 11 first-half points and Perry chipped in eight. Perry hit a pair of 3-pointers during a 13-0 run later in the second half that stretched the Wildcats' lead to 60-25 with 12 minutes left. It was their largest of the game.Kansas State plays at West Virginia on Tuesday.UCF hosts second-ranked Kansas on Wednesday.

Kansas State routs UCF in the Knights' Big 12 Conference inaugural

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Hunter Dickinson scored with 3.4 seconds left to lift No. 2 Kansas past TCU 83-81 on Saturday.

Dickinson, who led Kansas with 30 points, hit a pair of free throws after a flagrant foul on TCU’s Ernest Udeh Jr. with less than a minute remaining to tie the game. Dickinson then followed Dajuan Harris Jr.'s miss in the final seconds.

Kansas (13-1, 1-0 Big 12) also got 18 points from KJ Adams Jr. Kevin McCullar Jr. had 16 points and Harris scored 10.

TCU (11-3, 0-1) was led by Trevian Tennyson with 24 points. He was joined in double figures by Emanuel Miller with 20 points and Micah Peavy and Jameer Nelson Jr. with 10 points each.

Kansas did not have a field goal from anyone outside of Dickinson, McCullar or Adams until Harris hit a layup with 16:04 left in the second half.

The Jayhawks couldn’t shake the Horned Frogs in the first half. Their largest lead was just six points (30-24). Each time Kansas tried to pull away, TCU responded. The Horned Frogs took two late leads before Kansas got a jumper from McCullar to take a 41-40 lead into halftime.

Dickinson led a trio of Jayhawks in double figures in the first half with 18 points.

Both teams shot better than 50% in the first half. TCU was 17 of 33 (51.5%), while Kansas had as many makes with one less attempt for 53.1% from the field.

Kansas: Visits Central Florida on Wednesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704581407605.png" alt="Photo courtesy University of Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy University of Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Hunter Dickinson scored with 3.4 seconds left to lift No. 2 Kansas past TCU 83-81 on Saturday.Dickinson, who led Kansas with 30 points, hit a pair of free throws after a flagrant foul on TCU’s Ernest Udeh Jr. with less than a minute remaining to tie the game. Dickinson then followed Dajuan Harris Jr.'s miss in the final seconds.Kansas (13-1, 1-0 Big 12) also got 18 points from KJ Adams Jr. Kevin McCullar Jr. had 16 points and Harris scored 10.TCU (11-3, 0-1) was led by Trevian Tennyson with 24 points. He was joined in double figures by Emanuel Miller with 20 points and Micah Peavy and Jameer Nelson Jr. with 10 points each.Kansas did not have a field goal from anyone outside of Dickinson, McCullar or Adams until Harris hit a layup with 16:04 left in the second half.The Jayhawks couldn’t shake the Horned Frogs in the first half. Their largest lead was just six points (30-24). Each time Kansas tried to pull away, TCU responded. The Horned Frogs took two late leads before Kansas got a jumper from McCullar to take a 41-40 lead into halftime.Dickinson led a trio of Jayhawks in double figures in the first half with 18 points.Both teams shot better than 50% in the first half. TCU was 17 of 33 (51.5%), while Kansas had as many makes with one less attempt for 53.1% from the field.UP NEXTTCU: Hosts No. 11 Oklahoma on Wednesday.Kansas: Visits Central Florida on Wednesday.

Dickinson’s late shot gives Kansas win over TCU

The Kansas Wesleyan basketball teams will return to Mabee Arena tonight for their first home games of the new year as the Coyotes get set to welcome in the Tabor BlueJays

Women's Game: Kansas Wesleyan (6-7, 4-3), Tabor (10-3, 7-0)

Tabor has won seven of the last 10 games against KWU but the Coyotes have a 21-18 advantage since 2006. The Coyotes and Bluejays split last season, Tabor winning 60-50 on January 4 in Hillsboro and KWU prevailing 62-61 on February 23 in Mabee Arena.&nbsp;

The Bluejays average 70 points and hold their opponents 59, shooting 46.6 percent overall including an NAIA-best 42.6 percent from beyond the arc. 

Freshman Lillie Veer averages a team-best 9.1 points off the bench. Senior Madie Kassidy is next at 8.8 then senior Alivia Owens at 8.4 and senior Alicia Baker at 7.8. McCoy is the leading rebounder at 4.3.&nbsp;

Men's Game: Kansas Wesleyan (9-4, 6-1), Tabor (5-8, 2-5)

KWU has a five-game winning streak and is 11-2 in the last 13 against Tabor but the series is tied 19-19 since the 2005-06 season. The Coyotes won 74-71 last January in Hillsboro and 78-52 last February in Mabee Arena.&nbsp;

The BlueJays snapped a four-game losing streak on Tuesday in a 63-59 win over Friends, and are led by a youth movement of Sophomore Thatcher McClure (15.2 PPG), and Freshman Jack Voth (14.2 PPG)

The Kansas Wesleyan basketball teams will return to Mabee Arena tonight for their first home games of the new year as the Coyotes get set to welcome in the Tabor BlueJaysWomen's Game: Kansas Wesleyan (6-7, 4-3), Tabor (10-3, 7-0)Tabor has won seven of the last 10 games against KWU but the Coyotes have a 21-18 advantage since 2006. The Coyotes and Bluejays split last season, Tabor winning 60-50 on January 4 in Hillsboro and KWU prevailing 62-61 on February 23 in Mabee Arena.&nbsp;The Bluejays average 70 points and hold their opponents 59, shooting 46.6 percent overall including an NAIA-best 42.6 percent from beyond the arc. Freshman Lillie Veer averages a team-best 9.1 points off the bench. Senior Madie Kassidy is next at 8.8 then senior Alivia Owens at 8.4 and senior Alicia Baker at 7.8. McCoy is the leading rebounder at 4.3.&nbsp;Men's Game: Kansas Wesleyan (9-4, 6-1), Tabor (5-8, 2-5)KWU has a five-game winning streak and is 11-2 in the last 13 against Tabor but the series is tied 19-19 since the 2005-06 season. The Coyotes won 74-71 last January in Hillsboro and 78-52 last February in Mabee Arena.&nbsp;The BlueJays snapped a four-game losing streak on Tuesday in a 63-59 win over Friends, and are led by a youth movement of Sophomore Thatcher McClure (15.2 PPG), and Freshman Jack Voth (14.2 PPG)Broadcast Info<ul>
 <li>The video stream of the game will be available online through the Coyote Sports Network at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kcacnetwork.com/kansaswesleyan">www.kcacnetwork.com/kansaswesleyan</a>.</li><li>Live Stats will be available at&nbsp;<a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sidearmstats/wbball/summary">https://kwucoyotes.com/sidearmstats/wbball/summary</a></li><li>Radio coverage can be heard locally on KINA 910 AM/107.5 FM, and online at Salina Post.&nbsp;The online stream is also available at&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/ce/kina2">https://radio.securenetsystems.net/ce/kina2</a>.&nbsp;Tyler Henry and Brooks Garretson will have the call with pregame starting at 4:30 on Saturday.</li>
 </ul>

Coyotes Return to Mabee to Take on Tabor

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina Post

The Southeast of Saline basketball teams started the new year off right on Friday, sweeping Minneapolis on the road with a pair of wins over the Lions and Lady Lions.

Girls Game: SE of Saline 42, Minneapolis 37

On their own home floor and with an undefeated record, many favored the white-hot Lady Lions in this game, but Southeast pulled away in the middle quarters and never looked back, holding on to hand Minneapolis their first loss of the season.

With this result, the Lady Trojans take over first place in the NCAA (5-2, 3-0), while Minneapolis slides to second (7-1, 3-1).

Minneapolis also held the advantage of having played a game in 2024 already, while the last matchup for Southeast was held before the break, but the Lady Trojans found their rhythm right out of the gate and were able to match pace with one of the league’s best.

“I didn’t notice any rust and honestly, I forgot that this was our first game back,” SES head coach Shauna Smith said. “Our five starters played a majority of the minutes tonight and we couldn’t afford to sub much but that’s just how the game went.”

Those five starters would be the only Lady Trojans in the scoring column, but it was all Southeast needed, led by a masterclass for Lexi Jacobson, who ended her evening with 19 points.

In the losing effort, Maci McClure and Raelyn Robinson led the way for the Lady Lions with 10 and 8 respectively, but the SES defense tightened the screws when it needed to, holding Minne to just five second-quarter points and forcing 20 turnovers.

“We always tell the kids sometimes the offense doesn’t come but your defense always travels with you,” Smith said. “We know we can thrive on our defense and we’re capable of putting ourselves in good scoring positions on offense too.”

Boys Game: SE of Saline 67, Minneapolis 32

The boy’s game would also go down as a triumph for Southeast of Saline, who jumped out to a ten-point lead after the first quarter and never looked back in a 35-point blowout.

The Trojans collect their first league win (3-4, 1-2), while the Lions tumble further down the NCAA standings (1-7, 1-3).

After finally getting a chance to rest several players on the heels of a long football season, Southeast came out with a renewed energy, and immediately posted a new high watermark in scoring with 67 points

“We did some productive things offensively,” SES head coach Bryson Flax said. “I thought we went to the rim with purpose and we were able to hit a couple of shots but for us, it starts at the defensive end, we get better offensively as we get better defensively and that boosted our confidence a ton.”

That Trojan defense completely held in check Lions standout Owen Just, who scored just four points on four free throws all night.

“We had a good plan against Just and executed it pretty well,” Flax said. “He’s capable and we’ve seen him keep them in games so we wanted to make it difficult for him and keep the others off the glass.”

Southeast was led by a trio of double-digit scorers in Gannon Jacobson (17), Danny Kejr (10), and Owen Bailey (10).

Meanwhile, in lieu of Just, the Lions got most of their scoring from Dalton Krueger (10), and Ryan Parks (9).

Both teams will return to the floor to face Clay Center on Tuesday, before taking the rest of the week off ahead of the Sterling Tournament the following week.

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina Post<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697215856555.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 Southeast of Saline basketball teams started the new year off right on Friday, sweeping Minneapolis on the road with a pair of wins over the Lions and Lady Lions.Girls Game: SE of Saline 42, Minneapolis 37On their own home floor and with an undefeated record, many favored the white-hot Lady Lions in this game, but Southeast pulled away in the middle quarters and never looked back, holding on to hand Minneapolis their first loss of the season.With this result, the Lady Trojans take over first place in the NCAA (5-2, 3-0), while Minneapolis slides to second (7-1, 3-1).Minneapolis also held the advantage of having played a game in 2024 already, while the last matchup for Southeast was held before the break, but the Lady Trojans found their rhythm right out of the gate and were able to match pace with one of the league’s best.“I didn’t notice any rust and honestly, I forgot that this was our first game back,” SES head coach Shauna Smith said. “Our five starters played a majority of the minutes tonight and we couldn’t afford to sub much but that’s just how the game went.”Those five starters would be the only Lady Trojans in the scoring column, but it was all Southeast needed, led by a masterclass for Lexi Jacobson, who ended her evening with 19 points.In the losing effort, Maci McClure and Raelyn Robinson led the way for the Lady Lions with 10 and 8 respectively, but the SES defense tightened the screws when it needed to, holding Minne to just five second-quarter points and forcing 20 turnovers.“We always tell the kids sometimes the offense doesn’t come but your defense always travels with you,” Smith said. “We know we can thrive on our defense and we’re capable of putting ourselves in good scoring positions on offense too.”Boys Game: SE of Saline 67, Minneapolis 32The boy’s game would also go down as a triumph for Southeast of Saline, who jumped out to a ten-point lead after the first quarter and never looked back in a 35-point blowout.The Trojans collect their first league win (3-4, 1-2), while the Lions tumble further down the NCAA standings (1-7, 1-3).After finally getting a chance to rest several players on the heels of a long football season, Southeast came out with a renewed energy, and immediately posted a new high watermark in scoring with 67 points“We did some productive things offensively,” SES head coach Bryson Flax said. “I thought we went to the rim with purpose and we were able to hit a couple of shots but for us, it starts at the defensive end, we get better offensively as we get better defensively and that boosted our confidence a ton.”That Trojan defense completely held in check Lions standout Owen Just, who scored just four points on four free throws all night.“We had a good plan against Just and executed it pretty well,” Flax said. “He’s capable and we’ve seen him keep them in games so we wanted to make it difficult for him and keep the others off the glass.”Southeast was led by a trio of double-digit scorers in Gannon Jacobson (17), Danny Kejr (10), and Owen Bailey (10).Meanwhile, in lieu of Just, the Lions got most of their scoring from Dalton Krueger (10), and Ryan Parks (9).Both teams will return to the floor to face Clay Center on Tuesday, before taking the rest of the week off ahead of the Sterling Tournament the following week.

Trojans Take Two From Minneapolis to Open New Year

BY ADAM COULTER Salina Post Contributor

Sacred Heart was playing its third game in four nights on Friday. Despite a busy week and being away from Salina for the seventh time this season, the Knights swept a doubleheader from TMP-Marian.

Sacred Heart girls 49, TMP-Marian 38

The Lady Knights began with a fury as six different players scored in the opening quarter to jump out to an 18-10 lead. 

TMP's Brooke Koenigsman single-handedly kept the Lady Monarchs close by scoring 19 of her game-high 20 points in the first half. Sacred Heart clung to a 26-24 advantage at halftime.

In the third quarter, TMP was held to only two points as Sacred Heart led 34-26 on its way to an 11-point road win.

For the second straight night, Skylar Douglas led the Lady Knights with 14 points. Adelyn Lee added 12 more in the win.

Sacred Heart improves to 5-4 overall and remains 0-2 in the NCAA league.

Sacred Heart boys 66, TMP-Marian 43

Despite the opposing records going into the game, TMP hung with Sacred Heart for the opening half.

After a low-scoring 10-7 opening quarter, the Monarchs scored the first five second-quarter points to take a 12-10 advantage. 

The Knights answered with a 16-0 run and it looked like a rout had begun.

However, three straight three-pointers as part of an 11-0 run put TMP right back in the game with the score 26-23. A Will Tuttle shot beat the buzzer to end the first half giving Sacred Heart a six-point lead at halftime.

The Knights outscored the Monarchs 19-5 in the third quarter to put the game away as they went on for a 23-point road win.

Michael Matteucci led the Knights with 18 points. Jett Samuelson also had his highest-scoring game of the season with 12 points.

Sacred Heart is now 9-0 overall and remains 2-0 in the NCAA league.

The Knights now turn their attention back to NCAA league games on Tuesday night. Sacred Heart will return home to take on Republic County.

Pregame is scheduled for 5:50 pm with the girls tipoff at 6 pm and the boys to follow. The games can be seen and heard on&nbsp;<a href="http://salinapost.com/" target="_blank">salinapost.com</a>.

BY ADAM COULTER Salina Post Contributor<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697215856555.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>Sacred Heart was playing its third game in four nights on Friday. Despite a busy week and being away from Salina for the seventh time this season, the Knights swept a doubleheader from TMP-Marian.Sacred Heart girls 49, TMP-Marian 38The Lady Knights began with a fury as six different players scored in the opening quarter to jump out to an 18-10 lead. TMP's Brooke Koenigsman single-handedly kept the Lady Monarchs close by scoring 19 of her game-high 20 points in the first half. Sacred Heart clung to a 26-24 advantage at halftime.In the third quarter, TMP was held to only two points as Sacred Heart led 34-26 on its way to an 11-point road win.For the second straight night, Skylar Douglas led the Lady Knights with 14 points. Adelyn Lee added 12 more in the win.Sacred Heart improves to 5-4 overall and remains 0-2 in the NCAA league.Sacred Heart boys 66, TMP-Marian 43Despite the opposing records going into the game, TMP hung with Sacred Heart for the opening half.After a low-scoring 10-7 opening quarter, the Monarchs scored the first five second-quarter points to take a 12-10 advantage. The Knights answered with a 16-0 run and it looked like a rout had begun.However, three straight three-pointers as part of an 11-0 run put TMP right back in the game with the score 26-23. A Will Tuttle shot beat the buzzer to end the first half giving Sacred Heart a six-point lead at halftime.The Knights outscored the Monarchs 19-5 in the third quarter to put the game away as they went on for a 23-point road win.Michael Matteucci led the Knights with 18 points. Jett Samuelson also had his highest-scoring game of the season with 12 points.Sacred Heart is now 9-0 overall and remains 2-0 in the NCAA league.The Knights now turn their attention back to NCAA league games on Tuesday night. Sacred Heart will return home to take on Republic County.Pregame is scheduled for 5:50 pm with the girls tipoff at 6 pm and the boys to follow. The games can be seen and heard on&nbsp;<a href="http://salinapost.com/" target="_blank">salinapost.com</a>.

Sacred Heart Sweeps TMP-Marian on the Road

Tonight, the Southeast of Saline basketball teams will look to open the new year in style as they travel to Minneapolis for a pair of league matchups with the Lions and Lady Lions.

All four teams involved will be in search of a foothold in the NCAA standings, which are still wide open with two months remaining in the regular season.

Girls Game: SE of Saline (4-2, 2-0) vs. Minneapolis (7-0, 3-0)

The annual battles between the Lady Trojans and Lions have fast developed into one of the most entertaining rivalries in the league, and the first meeting between the two should be no different, featuring the last remaining undefeateds in the NCAA.

Minneapolis already began the new year with a 53-39 win over Sacred Heart on Tuesday, and SES capped off 2023 with a win of their own over the Lady Knights 35-25.

Now, these two foes will collide with a spot atop the league standings on the line in Minneapolis.

“This game means a lot to the girls especially after they came out and beat us in this game last year,” SES head coach Shauna Smith said. “They’ve been young for a long time but every year they get a little bit older and a little bit better. We know them well and a lot of our girls play with them in the summer which makes for a fun rivalry.”

In order to slow the Lady Lion advance, Southeast will have to contend with an offense that has shared the ball well this season, scoring over 55 points a night through the first month of the campaign.

“All of their kids on the floor can be scorers so we all have to play defense and we can’t zone in on one person,” Smith said. “We’ll have to play smart, we can’t take any possessions off, and we have to make them play defense in a half-court.”

Tip-off between the Lady Trojans and Lions is scheduled for 6:00 on the campus of Minneapolis.

Boys Game: SE of Saline (2-4, 0-2) vs. Minneapolis (1-6, 1-2)

On the boy’s side, this matchup will feature two teams looking to start the new year fresh after disappointing Decembers.

Both teams will look to erase the memory of a brutal loss at the hands of Sacred Heart in their last matchup as the two get set to do battle on Friday night.

For Southeast, the winter break was more than just a mental rest, it also allowed the Trojans to heal up physically, after a short turnaround between seasons.

“The break was much needed to say the least,” SES head coach Bryson Flax said. We’ve got a lot of guys that came straight over from football and this is a year-round grind for a lot of them so when you can squeeze in some time to rest up it can be refreshing and it can bring a team back with a different mindset.”

The Trojans will look to take advantage of a Lions squad that leans heavily on sophomore star Owen Just, who has helped carry their offense for better and worse in 2023.

“They run everything they do through the Just kid and they want to get as many shots for him as they can,” Flax said. “Coach Darrow does a good job of being creative in getting him space to get shots off and when you watch them on film you don’t see the losses getting to them, they’re still playing extremely hard and they really impressed me with how hard they play.”

In order to pick up their first league win of the season, Southeast will need to remain vigilant around Just defensively while not falling asleep on a number of role players around him who can be just as dangerous in stretches.

“They’ll throw a couple of different looks at you defensively but offensively the Just kid is option A, B, and C for them,” Flax said. “He’ll hit some shots but we can’t let other guys get free for offensive boards and stickbacks and we can’t give them easy opportunities in transition.”

Tip-off for the boy’s game will take place 15 minutes after the conclusion of the girl’s game.

Broadcast Information - Location: Minneapolis High School - Radio: KINA (910 AM/107.5 FM) - SES Live Stream Video: Link Below - Pregame: 5:30 PM

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina Post<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697215856555.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>Tonight, the Southeast of Saline basketball teams will look to open the new year in style as they travel to Minneapolis for a pair of league matchups with the Lions and Lady Lions.All four teams involved will be in search of a foothold in the NCAA standings, which are still wide open with two months remaining in the regular season.Girls Game: SE of Saline (4-2, 2-0) vs. Minneapolis (7-0, 3-0)The annual battles between the Lady Trojans and Lions have fast developed into one of the most entertaining rivalries in the league, and the first meeting between the two should be no different, featuring the last remaining undefeateds in the NCAA.Minneapolis already began the new year with a 53-39 win over Sacred Heart on Tuesday, and SES capped off 2023 with a win of their own over the Lady Knights 35-25.Now, these two foes will collide with a spot atop the league standings on the line in Minneapolis.“This game means a lot to the girls especially after they came out and beat us in this game last year,” SES head coach Shauna Smith said. “They’ve been young for a long time but every year they get a little bit older and a little bit better. We know them well and a lot of our girls play with them in the summer which makes for a fun rivalry.”In order to slow the Lady Lion advance, Southeast will have to contend with an offense that has shared the ball well this season, scoring over 55 points a night through the first month of the campaign.“All of their kids on the floor can be scorers so we all have to play defense and we can’t zone in on one person,” Smith said. “We’ll have to play smart, we can’t take any possessions off, and we have to make them play defense in a half-court.”Tip-off between the Lady Trojans and Lions is scheduled for 6:00 on the campus of Minneapolis.Boys Game: SE of Saline (2-4, 0-2) vs. Minneapolis (1-6, 1-2)On the boy’s side, this matchup will feature two teams looking to start the new year fresh after disappointing Decembers.Both teams will look to erase the memory of a brutal loss at the hands of Sacred Heart in their last matchup as the two get set to do battle on Friday night.For Southeast, the winter break was more than just a mental rest, it also allowed the Trojans to heal up physically, after a short turnaround between seasons.“The break was much needed to say the least,” SES head coach Bryson Flax said. We’ve got a lot of guys that came straight over from football and this is a year-round grind for a lot of them so when you can squeeze in some time to rest up it can be refreshing and it can bring a team back with a different mindset.”The Trojans will look to take advantage of a Lions squad that leans heavily on sophomore star Owen Just, who has helped carry their offense for better and worse in 2023.“They run everything they do through the Just kid and they want to get as many shots for him as they can,” Flax said. “Coach Darrow does a good job of being creative in getting him space to get shots off and when you watch them on film you don’t see the losses getting to them, they’re still playing extremely hard and they really impressed me with how hard they play.”In order to pick up their first league win of the season, Southeast will need to remain vigilant around Just defensively while not falling asleep on a number of role players around him who can be just as dangerous in stretches.“They’ll throw a couple of different looks at you defensively but offensively the Just kid is option A, B, and C for them,” Flax said. “He’ll hit some shots but we can’t let other guys get free for offensive boards and stickbacks and we can’t give them easy opportunities in transition.”Tip-off for the boy’s game will take place 15 minutes after the conclusion of the girl’s game.Broadcast Information - Location: Minneapolis High School - Radio: KINA (910 AM/107.5 FM) - SES Live Stream Video: Link Below - Pregame: 5:30 PM<figure>
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SES Opens New Year on the Road at Minneapolis

Sacred Heart was playing its second round of games in three nights on Thursday. The girl's game went to the wire while the boy's game was never in doubt.

In the end, the result was the same as the Knights swept a doubleheader from Beloit-St. John's.

Sacred Heart Girls 44, Beloit-St. John's 42

After a closely contested first quarter, the Lady Blue Jays opened the second quarter on a 10-0 run. 

They outscored the Lady Knights 19-7 in the period and took a 25-15 lead into the locker room at halftime.&nbsp;

After struggling from the field in the opening half, Sacred Heart heated up and stayed that way for the majority of the third and fourth quarters. 

The Lady Knights were within two points trailing 35-33 entering the final period.&nbsp;Late in the game, the Lady Blue Jays were trailing 44-39. They did manage the next three points to close the gap, but a last-second shot wouldn't fall as Sacred Heart held on for the narrow victory.&nbsp;

Skylar Douglas led the Lady Knights with 14 points and Katie Weiss added 12.

Sacred Heart improves to 4-4 overall and remains 0-2 in the NCAA league.

Sacred Heart Boys 75, Beloit-St. John's 38

In a game with a lopsided score throughout, eight different Knights scored in their blowout win over Beloit/St. John's-Tipton.&nbsp;

The Blue Jays scored the first basket of the game for what turned out to be their only lead all night. 

Sacred Heart jumped out to a 23-9 advantage after the opening quarter and never looked back.

After leading by 18 at halftime, the Knights held the Blue Jays to just three points in the third quarter to take a 66-30 lead.

The entire fourth quarter was played with a continuously running clock as Sacred Heart notched its eighth straight win.

Will Tuttle led the Knights with 17 points. Michael Matteucci and Luca Adami added 14 points apiece.&nbsp;Sacred Heart is now 8-0 overall and remains 2-0 in the NCAA league.

The Knights now turn their attention to another non-league game on the road Friday night. Sacred Heart will travel to Hays to take on Thomas More Prep.

Pregame is scheduled for 5:40 pm with the girls tipoff at 6 pm and the boys to follow. The games can be seen and heard on&nbsp;<a href="http://salinapost.com/" target="_blank">salinapost.com</a>.

BY ADAM COULTER Salina Post Contributor<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697215856555.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>Sacred Heart was playing its second round of games in three nights on Thursday. The girl's game went to the wire while the boy's game was never in doubt. In the end, the result was the same as the Knights swept a doubleheader from Beloit-St. John's.Sacred Heart Girls 44, Beloit-St. John's 42After a closely contested first quarter, the Lady Blue Jays opened the second quarter on a 10-0 run. They outscored the Lady Knights 19-7 in the period and took a 25-15 lead into the locker room at halftime.&nbsp;After struggling from the field in the opening half, Sacred Heart heated up and stayed that way for the majority of the third and fourth quarters. The Lady Knights were within two points trailing 35-33 entering the final period.&nbsp;Late in the game, the Lady Blue Jays were trailing 44-39. They did manage the next three points to close the gap, but a last-second shot wouldn't fall as Sacred Heart held on for the narrow victory.&nbsp;Skylar Douglas led the Lady Knights with 14 points and Katie Weiss added 12.Sacred Heart improves to 4-4 overall and remains 0-2 in the NCAA league.Sacred Heart Boys 75, Beloit-St. John's 38In a game with a lopsided score throughout, eight different Knights scored in their blowout win over Beloit/St. John's-Tipton.&nbsp;The Blue Jays scored the first basket of the game for what turned out to be their only lead all night. Sacred Heart jumped out to a 23-9 advantage after the opening quarter and never looked back.After leading by 18 at halftime, the Knights held the Blue Jays to just three points in the third quarter to take a 66-30 lead.The entire fourth quarter was played with a continuously running clock as Sacred Heart notched its eighth straight win.Will Tuttle led the Knights with 17 points. Michael Matteucci and Luca Adami added 14 points apiece.&nbsp;Sacred Heart is now 8-0 overall and remains 2-0 in the NCAA league.The Knights now turn their attention to another non-league game on the road Friday night. Sacred Heart will travel to Hays to take on Thomas More Prep.Pregame is scheduled for 5:40 pm with the girls tipoff at 6 pm and the boys to follow. The games can be seen and heard on&nbsp;<a href="http://salinapost.com/" target="_blank">salinapost.com</a>.

Sacred Heart Girls Come Back To Win, Boys Remain Perfect

Due to the inclement weather conditions, multiple Salina-area sporting events have been rescheduled.

Sporting events not on this list are continuing as scheduled.

Last Updated 1/5/24 at 3:14 p.m.Due to the inclement weather conditions, multiple Salina-area sporting events have been rescheduled.<ol>
 <li>Salina Central Basketball at Goddard-Eisenhower — rescheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 23.</li><li>Ell-Saline Basketball at Whitewater-Remington — rescheduled for Monday, Feb. 5.</li><li>Bennington Basketball at Sterling — rescheduled for Friday, Jan. 26</li><li>Salina South vs. Newton- rescheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 23</li>
 </ol>Sporting events not on this list are continuing as scheduled.

UPDATED: Sporting events for Jan. 5 rescheduled and postponed

ASSISTANT HEAD COACH/SPECIAL TEAMS COORDINATOR DAVE TOUB

Q: How difficult is this week with the changes in the roster?

TOUB: “It’s going to be – what’s going to happen is you’ll see a lot of the same guys, there is nobody else to go to so those guys will be our guys. The difference is they’re going to have a whole bunch of plays. There may be some guys who play 80 plays this game, I mean that’s not going to be strange. Guys like Jack Cochrane and Cam Jones, you know those guys are going to get a lot of reps because they’re going to be playing a lot on defense and obviously everything on special teams. You just have to dig down and go, that’s what it’s going to be.”

Q: Since the standings don’t matter this week, is this a time to try new things?

TOUB: “For us yes, maybe for them, too. They have nothing to lose, so we’re talking about how they can be a little bit more aggressive and try to get something on us so yeah, you open it up a little. The thought process is that you can be a little bit more aggressive sometimes in this type of game.”

Q: In a game like this, who are you excited to see play?

TOUB: “I’m actually excited to see some of the guys on offense. (Justyn) Ross, you know he’s going to get a lot more. That’s one guy that – I just got done watching walkthrough – he was a guy that I thought I can’t wait to see how he does in the game getting a lot of reps.”

Q: On Harrison Butker’s six field goals against the Bengals.