By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina Post

The Solomon Gorillas used a strong second half to pull away from Sedgwick on Friday night, eliminating the Cardinals 49-26, and punching their ticket to the second round of sub-state.

Both offenses took the better part of the first half to get going, with each side scoring just seven points in the first quarter.

In the second, the Gorillas picked up the intensity on the inside, and Sedgwick did the same on the outside, canning three three pointers to keep things close in a 21-19 game at half.

Out of the locker room, Solomon applied the clamps on defense, allowing just three made Sedgwick field goals the rest of the way and pulling away behind an 18-point fourth quarter for a comfortable win on their home floor.

Eight different Gorillas scored at least one bucket in this game, led by Calvin Mattison, who added nearly ten blocks to his 11 points.

Mattison was aided by Jack Westhead, who canned three huge triples,&nbsp; Cameron Herring, who scored nine points and looked strong at the line, and Koehn Duryea, who finished with eight points.

In the loss, Holden Ferralez led the charge for Sedgwick with nine points.

The Sedgwick season comes to a close at 7-17 while Solomon improves to 15-8 and advances to the second round where they’ll travel to take on Wichita Classical on Wednesday.

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

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina PostThe Solomon Gorillas used a strong second half to pull away from Sedgwick on Friday night, eliminating the Cardinals 49-26, and punching their ticket to the second round of sub-state.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765031258309.jpeg" alt="Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here." />
 <figcaption>Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here.</figcaption>
 </figure>Both offenses took the better part of the first half to get going, with each side scoring just seven points in the first quarter.In the second, the Gorillas picked up the intensity on the inside, and Sedgwick did the same on the outside, canning three three pointers to keep things close in a 21-19 game at half.Out of the locker room, Solomon applied the clamps on defense, allowing just three made Sedgwick field goals the rest of the way and pulling away behind an 18-point fourth quarter for a comfortable win on their home floor.Eight different Gorillas scored at least one bucket in this game, led by Calvin Mattison, who added nearly ten blocks to his 11 points.Mattison was aided by Jack Westhead, who canned three huge triples,&nbsp; Cameron Herring, who scored nine points and looked strong at the line, and Koehn Duryea, who finished with eight points.In the loss, Holden Ferralez led the charge for Sedgwick with nine points.The Sedgwick season comes to a close at 7-17 while Solomon improves to 15-8 and advances to the second round where they’ll travel to take on Wichita Classical on Wednesday.You can watch this game on-demand any time below.<figure>
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🏀 Mattison block party propels Gorillas past Sedgwick at sub-state

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina Post

Sacred Heart’s boys entered Friday night’s game against Belle Plaine as heavy favorites, and had no trouble dispatching the 16-seed as they breezed to a 78-29 victory.

This game was predictably lopsided from the jump, as the Knights scored 21 points in the first quarter to hold an early 21-8 advantage.

In the second, Sacred Heart doubled down and ramped up their defense, holding Belle Plaine to just two points and stretching their lead to 37 at halftime.

In the third, the Knights erased any remaining doubts, rattling off 27 points to secure running clock, and take a 78-24 lead into the fourth before finishing off the 78-29 win.

Sacred Heart was ruthlessly efficient on both ends, shooting 51% from the floor, forcing 21 turnovers, and snagging 14 offensive boards.

Will Tuttle led the way for the Knights, scoring 27 points in the win, backed up by strong performances from Dom Matteucci (13) and Maddox Wells (13).

Oliver Holloway (9), and Lane Osgood (7) led the charge for the Dragons.

Belle Plaine’s season draws to a close at 0-21 while the Knights improve to 21-2, securing their spot in the second round where they’ll host Bennington on Wednesday.

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina PostSacred Heart’s boys entered Friday night’s game against Belle Plaine as heavy favorites, and had no trouble dispatching the 16-seed as they breezed to a 78-29 victory.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765031258309.jpeg" alt="Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here." />
 <figcaption>Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here.</figcaption>
 </figure>This game was predictably lopsided from the jump, as the Knights scored 21 points in the first quarter to hold an early 21-8 advantage.In the second, Sacred Heart doubled down and ramped up their defense, holding Belle Plaine to just two points and stretching their lead to 37 at halftime.In the third, the Knights erased any remaining doubts, rattling off 27 points to secure running clock, and take a 78-24 lead into the fourth before finishing off the 78-29 win.Sacred Heart was ruthlessly efficient on both ends, shooting 51% from the floor, forcing 21 turnovers, and snagging 14 offensive boards.Will Tuttle led the way for the Knights, scoring 27 points in the win, backed up by strong performances from Dom Matteucci (13) and Maddox Wells (13).Oliver Holloway (9), and Lane Osgood (7) led the charge for the Dragons.Belle Plaine’s season draws to a close at 0-21 while the Knights improve to 21-2, securing their spot in the second round where they’ll host Bennington on Wednesday.You can watch this game on-demand any time below.<figure>
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🏀 Knights take care of business in opening round of sub-state

The Southeast of Saline girls' basketball team cruised through their opening round playoff matchup, taking down Kingman 62-30 on Friday en route to a spot in the sub-state semifinals.

The Lady Trojans played a nearly perfect first quarter defensively, holding Kingman to just two points on a lone field goal to hold a 12-2 lead after one.

In the second, the Southeast offense came alive, and by halftime, the Lady Trojan lead was 12.

The third quarter saw more of the same, with five different Lady Trojans getting in on the fun pushing the lead to 28 before securing a running clock early in the fourth.

Southeast masterfully turned defense into offense, forcing 28 turnovers while coughing the ball up just seven times themselves.

Abigail Pearson led the Lady Trojans in scoring with 18 points, aided by Taryn Goetz (11), Reagan Duran (11) and Suttyn Douglas (10).

Parker Beam and Alexis Winsor led Kingman with nine points apiece in the loss.

For the Lady Eagles, the campaign comes to a close at 4-20, while SES improves to 17-5. The Lady Trojans will take on Trego in the sub-state semifinals next Wednesday.

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina PostThe Southeast of Saline girls' basketball team cruised through their opening round playoff matchup, taking down Kingman 62-30 on Friday en route to a spot in the sub-state semifinals.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765031258309.jpeg" alt="Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here." />
 <figcaption>Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here.</figcaption>
 </figure>The Lady Trojans played a nearly perfect first quarter defensively, holding Kingman to just two points on a lone field goal to hold a 12-2 lead after one.In the second, the Southeast offense came alive, and by halftime, the Lady Trojan lead was 12.The third quarter saw more of the same, with five different Lady Trojans getting in on the fun pushing the lead to 28 before securing a running clock early in the fourth.Southeast masterfully turned defense into offense, forcing 28 turnovers while coughing the ball up just seven times themselves.Abigail Pearson led the Lady Trojans in scoring with 18 points, aided by Taryn Goetz (11), Reagan Duran (11) and Suttyn Douglas (10).Parker Beam and Alexis Winsor led Kingman with nine points apiece in the loss.For the Lady Eagles, the campaign comes to a close at 4-20, while SES improves to 17-5. The Lady Trojans will take on Trego in the sub-state semifinals next Wednesday.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/sXw8udXMd6A"></iframe>
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🏀 Lady Trojans take down Kingman to advance to sub-state semis

LEAVENWORTH - <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ba924e1e-ad75-4ba4-8b5b-823dee239501?elinkdata=39109">Niko Olson</a> had four hits, and two others had three hits each as the Kansas Wesleyan Coyotes topped the Saint Mary Spires in a run-rule shortened 16-4 win on Friday.

The Coyotes took an early 3-0 lead in the first as Olson singled and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/24cc08eb-f8bf-4f87-bd10-2f57db57eda6?elinkdata=39109">Fernando Ruvalcaba</a> walked, setting up <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1766899a-2fc5-4fe5-8b40-a2209b8ad9df?elinkdata=39109">Chris Finocchario's</a> 3-run homer to put the Coyotes up.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/18bd2e55-364f-4948-8394-c835c176926a?elinkdata=39109">Logan Arndt</a> singled in the second and Olson doubled and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/d096c135-eb74-45bd-8c5d-feddbe2dbabe?elinkdata=39109">Carter Allen</a> drove them both in with a 2-out single to make it 5-0 Coyotes.

Saint Mary got two in the bottom of the second, but the Coyotes answered right back as Ruvalcaba walked again and after a Finocchario double, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/dec28d8e-0904-4b0c-8862-610f253859d1?elinkdata=39109">Blake Dale</a> drove in a run on a fielder's choice.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4866aaa1-ecc7-49ea-ae24-21486b66a3d4?elinkdata=39109">Coulson Riggs</a> had a sacrifice fly in the fourth to bring in <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f451eaa8-5aee-4bb6-95f5-3ed25c1084f9?elinkdata=39109">Zac Goldenberg</a>, who led off the inning with a triple.

The Coyotes kept the line moving in the fifth. Finocchario doubled and Dale traded places with him to bring in a run. Arndt then followed with a 2-run homer to make it 10-2 Coyotes.

Saint Mary scored twice in the fifth to make it 10-4, but the Coyotes put six on the board in the seventh to invoke the run rule. FInocchario reached on an error, Dale walked and Arndt followed with a RBI double. Goldenberg then hit a sacrifice fly to bring in a run, Olson singled to bring home a run and Ruvalcaba later hit a bases clearing double to put the Coyotes up 16-4.

Arndt, Ruvalcaba and Finocchario all drove in three runs each. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/7c5eac78-ed8c-437a-bc31-67b602cde843?elinkdata=39109">Logan Baptista</a> went five innings allowing four runs on six hits for the win, he struck out four. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/137a8770-057f-407a-b278-40008ed04bb6?elinkdata=39109">Connor Rhorer</a> went the final two frames, holding Saint Mary to one hit.

LEAVENWORTH - <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ba924e1e-ad75-4ba4-8b5b-823dee239501?elinkdata=39109">Niko Olson</a> had four hits, and two others had three hits each as the Kansas Wesleyan Coyotes topped the Saint Mary Spires in a run-rule shortened 16-4 win on Friday.The Coyotes took an early 3-0 lead in the first as Olson singled and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/24cc08eb-f8bf-4f87-bd10-2f57db57eda6?elinkdata=39109">Fernando Ruvalcaba</a> walked, setting up <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1766899a-2fc5-4fe5-8b40-a2209b8ad9df?elinkdata=39109">Chris Finocchario's</a> 3-run homer to put the Coyotes up.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/18bd2e55-364f-4948-8394-c835c176926a?elinkdata=39109">Logan Arndt</a> singled in the second and Olson doubled and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/d096c135-eb74-45bd-8c5d-feddbe2dbabe?elinkdata=39109">Carter Allen</a> drove them both in with a 2-out single to make it 5-0 Coyotes.Saint Mary got two in the bottom of the second, but the Coyotes answered right back as Ruvalcaba walked again and after a Finocchario double, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/dec28d8e-0904-4b0c-8862-610f253859d1?elinkdata=39109">Blake Dale</a> drove in a run on a fielder's choice.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4866aaa1-ecc7-49ea-ae24-21486b66a3d4?elinkdata=39109">Coulson Riggs</a> had a sacrifice fly in the fourth to bring in <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f451eaa8-5aee-4bb6-95f5-3ed25c1084f9?elinkdata=39109">Zac Goldenberg</a>, who led off the inning with a triple.The Coyotes kept the line moving in the fifth. Finocchario doubled and Dale traded places with him to bring in a run. Arndt then followed with a 2-run homer to make it 10-2 Coyotes.Saint Mary scored twice in the fifth to make it 10-4, but the Coyotes put six on the board in the seventh to invoke the run rule. FInocchario reached on an error, Dale walked and Arndt followed with a RBI double. Goldenberg then hit a sacrifice fly to bring in a run, Olson singled to bring home a run and Ruvalcaba later hit a bases clearing double to put the Coyotes up 16-4.Arndt, Ruvalcaba and Finocchario all drove in three runs each. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/7c5eac78-ed8c-437a-bc31-67b602cde843?elinkdata=39109">Logan Baptista</a> went five innings allowing four runs on six hits for the win, he struck out four. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/137a8770-057f-407a-b278-40008ed04bb6?elinkdata=39109">Connor Rhorer</a> went the final two frames, holding Saint Mary to one hit.

⚾️ Coyotes topple Spires, roll to a 16-4 win over Saint Mary

The Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference has announced its 2025-26 Women's Basketball All-KCAC selections and Kansas Wesleyan had three student-athletes earn spots on the teams.

The All-KCAC teams are selected by a vote of the conference coaches.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/7c1531cc-dc76-486f-a0e7-14028bafcc0d?elinkdata=39004">Odessa Ozuna</a> was selected to the third-team, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/33c12e8d-a8d5-4816-aff8-73af800f6ffa?elinkdata=39004">Izzy McCool</a> was selected to the honorable-mention team and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a3dc4605-70a7-4bc0-a3e3-d23cf91afff3?elinkdata=39004">Anna Jueneman</a> was selected to the All-Freshman team.

Ozuna averaged 12.8 points per game in conference play and 13.3 overall, leading the Coyotes in overall scoring and was second on the team in conference scoring. She ranked No. 16 in the KCAC in scoring overall and No. 20 in conference scoring. In conference play, she ranked fourth in assists per game at 4.6, No. 20 in steals, and No. 24 in rebounding.

McCool ranked No. 19 in the KCAC in conference scoring, averaging 12.9 points per game, and averaged 12.8 per game overall ranking No. 21 in the conference. She ranked No. 13 in the KCAC in rebounding in conference play at 6.2 per game and ranked No. 15 overall at 5.8 per game.

Jueneman was phenomenal as a freshman for the Coyotes. Usually the first off the bench for KWU, she averaged 11.8 points per game in conference play, ranking No. 26 in the conference and she averaged 9.8 overall, ranking No. 35 in the conference. She shot 56 percent from the field for the Coyotes in conference play ranking No. 14 in the KCAC. She ranked sixth in the KCAC in steals at 2.5 per game in conference play and ranked 40th in the KCAC in rebounding at 3.9 per game in conference play.

The Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference has announced its 2025-26 Women's Basketball All-KCAC selections and Kansas Wesleyan had three student-athletes earn spots on the teams.The All-KCAC teams are selected by a vote of the conference coaches.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/7c1531cc-dc76-486f-a0e7-14028bafcc0d?elinkdata=39004">Odessa Ozuna</a> was selected to the third-team, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/33c12e8d-a8d5-4816-aff8-73af800f6ffa?elinkdata=39004">Izzy McCool</a> was selected to the honorable-mention team and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a3dc4605-70a7-4bc0-a3e3-d23cf91afff3?elinkdata=39004">Anna Jueneman</a> was selected to the All-Freshman team.Ozuna averaged 12.8 points per game in conference play and 13.3 overall, leading the Coyotes in overall scoring and was second on the team in conference scoring. She ranked No. 16 in the KCAC in scoring overall and No. 20 in conference scoring. In conference play, she ranked fourth in assists per game at 4.6, No. 20 in steals, and No. 24 in rebounding.McCool ranked No. 19 in the KCAC in conference scoring, averaging 12.9 points per game, and averaged 12.8 per game overall ranking No. 21 in the conference. She ranked No. 13 in the KCAC in rebounding in conference play at 6.2 per game and ranked No. 15 overall at 5.8 per game.Jueneman was phenomenal as a freshman for the Coyotes. Usually the first off the bench for KWU, she averaged 11.8 points per game in conference play, ranking No. 26 in the conference and she averaged 9.8 overall, ranking No. 35 in the conference. She shot 56 percent from the field for the Coyotes in conference play ranking No. 14 in the KCAC. She ranked sixth in the KCAC in steals at 2.5 per game in conference play and ranked 40th in the KCAC in rebounding at 3.9 per game in conference play.

🏀 KWU Women's Basketball places three on All-KCAC teams

SURPRISE, Ariz.—The Kansas City Royals this morning named their 2025 Organization Award winners and their Players and Pitchers of the Year for each minor league affiliate.

All Organization Award winners were honored at the club’s Spring Training complex in Surprise, Ariz. this morning.

Massiel Rodriguez&nbsp;was the recipient of the&nbsp;Matt Minker&nbsp;Award, which annually recognizes an outstanding minor league affiliate employee. Rodriguez is in her ninth season with the Royals and first as the Manager of D.R. Administration after spending eight seasons as the Assistant to Dominican Operations. She previously worked as the Investigations Administrative Coordinator for the MLB office in Santo Domingo from 2011-18. Rodriguez has proven to be a driving force behind the transformation of the Royals Dominican Academy, turning it from a training complex into the true Royals home outside the United States.

Jes?s Delgado&nbsp;was honored as the&nbsp;Dick Howser&nbsp;Award winner, which recognizes a player development employee for outstanding contributions to the organization. Delgado is entering his fourth season with the club as the Pitching Coach for the ACL Royals in Surprise, Ariz. Under his tutelage, last season’s ACL Royals posted a league-low 9.2% walk rate and the 4th-best strikeout rate (25.2%) in the Arizona Complex League. He played 11 years in the minors with the Red Sox, Marlins, Mariners and Reds organizations, after which he spent four seasons playing in the Mexican and Italian baseball leagues.

Juan Mart?nez&nbsp;was the recipient of the&nbsp;Carlos Fortuna&nbsp;Award, which recognizes a player who is dedicated to improving his English on and off the field, and who exemplifies leadership, great work ethic, discipline and dedication. The San Salvador, El Salvador native appeared in 36 games (1 start) for the Quad Cities River Bandits in 2025, and pitched to a 2.08 ERA (12 ER in 52.0 IP). As the only current Salvadoran player across all Major League organizations, Mart?nez carries his country with pride and integrity. He has worked tirelessly to perfect his English skills, demonstrating discipline and commitment both on and off the field. His dedication to personal growth allowed him to graduate and improve his communication. Mart?nez aspires to support and inspire children in San Salvador, helping them learn about baseball and pursue opportunities through the game he loves.

Carter Jensen, 22, was named Omaha’s Player of the Year for 2025, after slashing .288/.404/.647 (44-for-153) with 14 home runs in 43 games with the Storm Chasers. This marks his second honor for 2025, as he was also named the organization’s overall&nbsp;George Brett&nbsp;Hitter of the Year. He opened the season with Double-A Northwest Arkansas, where he batted .292 (80-for-274) with 37 RBI in 68 games before earning a promotion to Triple-A on June 24. Jensen was a 2025 Futures Game selection and represented the American League in July at Truist Park. His contract was selected on Sept. 1 and he made his Major League debut the following night against the Angels. At the time of his promotion to the Majors, he ranked 1st among Royals farmhands in RBI (76), slugging percentage (.501), OPS (.878) and home runs (tied, 20), and 2nd in hits (124) and batting average (.290). Over his 20 big league games in September, he drove in 13 runs for the Royals, which tied for the 6th-most RBI by a Royal through their 1st 20 career games. Jensen was selected in the 3rd round of the 2021 Draft out of Park Hill HS (Mo.) and was signed by scout&nbsp;Matt Price.

Luinder Avila, 24, was honored as Omaha’s 2025 Pitcher of the Year after striking out 61 batters over 53.1 innings (10.3 K/9) in 14 appearances (9 starts) with the Storm Chasers. He made his 1st start of the season on April 1 vs. Louisville and struck out a career-high 11 batters in 5.2 innings. Avila was recalled by the Royals on Aug. 11 and made his Major League debut on Aug. 13 vs. the Nationals, pitching a scoreless 8th inning. He had three stints with the Royals in 2025, from Aug. 11-16, Sept. 1-17 and Sept. 18 through season’s end, making 13 relief appearances. He struck out at least 1 batter in 10 of his 13 games and held opponents to a .143 average (7-for-49). Avila was also named the 2025&nbsp;Mike Sweeney&nbsp;Community Impact Award winner, an honor he received for mentoring Royals minor leaguers—especially Latin players—helping them navigate the challenges of professional baseball. He was signed as an international free agent from Caracas, Venezuela in March 2018 and was signed by scouts&nbsp;Jos? Figuera&nbsp;and&nbsp;Joelvis Gonzalez.

Jac Caglianone, 23, was named Northwest Arkansas Player of the Year after opening the season with the Naturals and slashing .322/.394/.553 (49-for-152) with 8 doubles, 9 home runs and 43 RBI in 38 games, before earning a promotion to Triple-A on May 20. He made his Major League debut on June 3 in St. Louis and remained with the Royals for the rest of the season, except for his stint on the 10-day Injured List from July 27-Sept. 1 with a strained left hamstring, during which he completed a minor league rehab assignment. Despite playing in only 66 minor league games, he still tied for 2nd among all Royals farmhands with 20 home runs last year, while his 72 RBI ranked 3rd. In 95 career minor league games, he’s slashed .308/.377/.547 with 23 doubles, 22 HR and 86 RBI. Caglianone was selected 6th overall out of the University of Florida in the 2024 Draft and was signed by&nbsp;Nick Presto.

Ben Kudrna, 23, earned Northwest Arkansas Pitcher of the Year honors after recording a 4.21 ERA (44 ER in 94.0 IP) over 20 appearances (19 starts) with the Naturals in 2025. In his last 6 starts with Northwest Arkansas before being promoted to Triple-A Omaha on Aug. 19, he recorded a 1.71 ERA (6 ER in 31.2 IP), including a career-high 11 strikeouts in 6.0 innings on July 22 at Arkansas. Kudrna was named Northwest Arkansas Pitcher of the Month for July and Texas League Pitcher of the Week for the period of July 21-27. He was selected out of Blue Valley Southwest HS (Kan.) in the 2nd round of the 2021 Draft and signed by&nbsp;Matt Price.

Sam Kulasingam, 24, was honored with the Quad Cities Player of the Year Award for 2025. He posted a slashline of .291/.375/.393 (136-for-468, .786 OPS) with 26 doubles, 57 RBI, 77 runs and 22 stolen bases over 123 games with the River Bandits. Kulasingam led the Midwest League in hits, while also leading the team (min. 35 G) in batting average, runs and extra-base hits (36). He finished the season with a 27-game on-base streak, slashing .323/.403/.455 (32-for-99). He was also the recipient of the&nbsp;Alex Gordon&nbsp;Heart &amp; Hustle Award, which recognizes a player who best exemplifies how Gordon played the game. Kulasingam was selected out of the Air Force Academy in the 13th round of the 2024 Draft and was signed by scout&nbsp;Ken Munoz.

F?lix Arronde, 22, was named Quad Cities Pitcher of the Year for 2025, the same honor he earned with Columbia in 2024. Arronde followed up his 2024 campaign with a 2.80 ERA (40 ER in 128.2 IP) in 26 appearances (24 starts) last season, which led all Royals farmhands as well as the Midwest League. He became the first qualified River Bandit to lead the league in ERA since becoming a Royals affiliate in 2021. Arronde also led the Midwest League in opponent’s average (.210) and WHIP (1.08). He earned Quad Cities Pitcher of the Month honors in July after logging a 1.57 ERA (4 ER in 23.0 IP) and a .154 opponents’ average (12-for-78) across 5 games (4 starts). Arronde signed as an international free agent on June 28, 2021 by Royals scout&nbsp;Elias Despradel&nbsp;out of Santa Clara, Cuba.

Ram?n Ram?rez, 20, was crowned Columbia’s Player of the Year for 2025. This is his third consecutive season with end-of-year honors, following his 2024 campaign when he won ACL Royals Player of the Year and in 2023 when he won DSL Royals Blue Player of the Year. Ram?rez played in 70 games for Columbia in 2025, slashing .244/.339/.442 (63-for-258, .781 OPS) with 11 HR, 12 doubles and 56 RBI. He was recognized as Fireflies Player of the Month for May after he slashed .261/.377/.466 (23-for-88, .843 OPS) with 5 home runs and 19 RBI. Ram?rez was originally signed as an international free agent out of Porlamar, Venezuela on Jan. 20, 2023, by Royals scouts&nbsp;Roberto Aquino,&nbsp;Francis Feliciano&nbsp;and&nbsp;Daniel Guerrero.

David Shields, 19, was named Columbia Pitcher of the Year for 2025. After making 1 start for the rookie-level ACL Royals, he was promoted to Single-A Columbia in May, where he made 18 starts and posted a 2.01 ERA (16 ER in 71.2 IP) with 81 strikeouts (28.3 K%) to just 15 walks (5.2 BB%) in his first professional season. Shields earned the 2025&nbsp;Paul Splittorff&nbsp;Award, given to the top pitcher in the Royals organization, as well as Carolina League All-Star and Pitcher of the Year honors. He was one of two 18-year-olds to throw at least 70.0 innings in full-season ball, joining Milwaukee’s right hander&nbsp;Melvin Hern?ndez, and he became the first Royals farmhand to do so since&nbsp;Yefri Del Rosario&nbsp;(79.0 IP in 2018), per&nbsp;FanGraphs. He made 2 postseason starts for the Fireflies and earned the win in both games, recording 12 strikeouts and no walks across 10.0 innings. Shields was drafted in the 2nd round of the 2024 Draft out of Mt. Lebanon HS (Penn.) and was signed by scout&nbsp;Tim Bittner.

Yandel Ricardo, 19, was recognized as the ACL Royals Player of the Year for 2025 after slashing .342/.438/.533 (41-for-120, .971 OPS) over 33 games. He led all ACL Royals (min. 75 PA) in on-base percentage, slugging percentage and triples (5) and finished 2nd in batting average and stolen bases (17). In 83 games between the Arizona Complex League and Single-A Columbia, Ricardo recorded 22 extra-base hits, 35 RBI and 31 stolen bases. He signed as an international free agent out of Ciego De ?vila, Cuba on Jan. 17, 2024 by scouts&nbsp;Nicolas Bautista,&nbsp;Roberto Aquino&nbsp;and&nbsp;Daniel Guerrero.

Darwin Rodr?guez, 22, was named the ACL Royals Pitcher of the Year after finishing the 2025 season with a 3.58 ERA (22 ER in 55.1 IP) across 16 appearances (14 starts) between the ACL Royals (12 G/10 GS) and Single-A Columbia (4 GS). With the ACL Royals, Rodr?guez led the team in strikeouts (50) and BB/9 (1.33), while finishing 2nd in starts and innings pitched (40.2), which earned him Arizona Complex League All-Star honors. He was originally signed as an international free agent out of Naguanagua, Venezuela on Dec. 15, 2022, by Royals scouts&nbsp;Alberto Garcia&nbsp;and&nbsp;Richard Castro.

Ramcell Medina, 18, was honored as the DSL Royals Player of the Year for 2025. In his first professional season, Medina earned DSL All-Star honors and slashed .260/.398/.404 (38-for-146, .802 OPS) with 13 extra-base hits, 25 RBI and more walks (31) than strikeouts (26) across 44 games for the DSL Royals Ventura. He was originally signed as an international free agent on Jan. 17, 2025 out of Nagua, Dominican Republic by&nbsp;Roberto Aquino,&nbsp;Daniel Guerrero&nbsp;and&nbsp;Rene Francisco.

Kendry Chourio, 18, posted a 3.51 ERA (20 ER in 51.1 IP) and .221 opponents’ average (44-for-199) in 14 games (13 starts) between stints with the DSL Royals (5 games, 4 starts), ACL Royals (3 GS), and Single-A Columbia (6 GS), earning DSL Royals Pitcher of the Year honors along the way in his first professional season. In his 5 games (4 starts) with the DSL Royals last season, Chourio pitched to a 2.04 ERA (4 ER in 17.2 IP), striking out 22 batters while only issuing 1 walk. Across all three levels, he was the only professional pitcher (min. 50.0 IP) to record a K/9 higher than 11.00 (11.05) and a BB/9 lower than 1.00 (0.88). Chourio was originally signed out of Maracaibo, Venezuela on Jan. 17, 2025 by scouts&nbsp;Jose Gualdron,&nbsp;Joelvis Gonzalez,&nbsp;Elias Despradel&nbsp;and&nbsp;Daniel Guerrero.

SURPRISE, Ariz.—The Kansas City Royals this morning named their 2025 Organization Award winners and their Players and Pitchers of the Year for each minor league affiliate.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1772211880693.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>All Organization Award winners were honored at the club’s Spring Training complex in Surprise, Ariz. this morning.Massiel Rodriguez&nbsp;was the recipient of the&nbsp;Matt Minker&nbsp;Award, which annually recognizes an outstanding minor league affiliate employee. Rodriguez is in her ninth season with the Royals and first as the Manager of D.R. Administration after spending eight seasons as the Assistant to Dominican Operations. She previously worked as the Investigations Administrative Coordinator for the MLB office in Santo Domingo from 2011-18. Rodriguez has proven to be a driving force behind the transformation of the Royals Dominican Academy, turning it from a training complex into the true Royals home outside the United States.Jes?s Delgado&nbsp;was honored as the&nbsp;Dick Howser&nbsp;Award winner, which recognizes a player development employee for outstanding contributions to the organization. Delgado is entering his fourth season with the club as the Pitching Coach for the ACL Royals in Surprise, Ariz. Under his tutelage, last season’s ACL Royals posted a league-low 9.2% walk rate and the 4th-best strikeout rate (25.2%) in the Arizona Complex League. He played 11 years in the minors with the Red Sox, Marlins, Mariners and Reds organizations, after which he spent four seasons playing in the Mexican and Italian baseball leagues.Juan Mart?nez&nbsp;was the recipient of the&nbsp;Carlos Fortuna&nbsp;Award, which recognizes a player who is dedicated to improving his English on and off the field, and who exemplifies leadership, great work ethic, discipline and dedication. The San Salvador, El Salvador native appeared in 36 games (1 start) for the Quad Cities River Bandits in 2025, and pitched to a 2.08 ERA (12 ER in 52.0 IP). As the only current Salvadoran player across all Major League organizations, Mart?nez carries his country with pride and integrity. He has worked tirelessly to perfect his English skills, demonstrating discipline and commitment both on and off the field. His dedication to personal growth allowed him to graduate and improve his communication. Mart?nez aspires to support and inspire children in San Salvador, helping them learn about baseball and pursue opportunities through the game he loves.Omaha Storm Chasers (Triple-A)Carter Jensen, 22, was named Omaha’s Player of the Year for 2025, after slashing .288/.404/.647 (44-for-153) with 14 home runs in 43 games with the Storm Chasers. This marks his second honor for 2025, as he was also named the organization’s overall&nbsp;George Brett&nbsp;Hitter of the Year. He opened the season with Double-A Northwest Arkansas, where he batted .292 (80-for-274) with 37 RBI in 68 games before earning a promotion to Triple-A on June 24. Jensen was a 2025 Futures Game selection and represented the American League in July at Truist Park. His contract was selected on Sept. 1 and he made his Major League debut the following night against the Angels. At the time of his promotion to the Majors, he ranked 1st among Royals farmhands in RBI (76), slugging percentage (.501), OPS (.878) and home runs (tied, 20), and 2nd in hits (124) and batting average (.290). Over his 20 big league games in September, he drove in 13 runs for the Royals, which tied for the 6th-most RBI by a Royal through their 1st 20 career games. Jensen was selected in the 3rd round of the 2021 Draft out of Park Hill HS (Mo.) and was signed by scout&nbsp;Matt Price.Luinder Avila, 24, was honored as Omaha’s 2025 Pitcher of the Year after striking out 61 batters over 53.1 innings (10.3 K/9) in 14 appearances (9 starts) with the Storm Chasers. He made his 1st start of the season on April 1 vs. Louisville and struck out a career-high 11 batters in 5.2 innings. Avila was recalled by the Royals on Aug. 11 and made his Major League debut on Aug. 13 vs. the Nationals, pitching a scoreless 8th inning. He had three stints with the Royals in 2025, from Aug. 11-16, Sept. 1-17 and Sept. 18 through season’s end, making 13 relief appearances. He struck out at least 1 batter in 10 of his 13 games and held opponents to a .143 average (7-for-49). Avila was also named the 2025&nbsp;Mike Sweeney&nbsp;Community Impact Award winner, an honor he received for mentoring Royals minor leaguers—especially Latin players—helping them navigate the challenges of professional baseball. He was signed as an international free agent from Caracas, Venezuela in March 2018 and was signed by scouts&nbsp;Jos? Figuera&nbsp;and&nbsp;Joelvis Gonzalez.Northwest Arkansas Naturals (Double-A)Jac Caglianone, 23, was named Northwest Arkansas Player of the Year after opening the season with the Naturals and slashing .322/.394/.553 (49-for-152) with 8 doubles, 9 home runs and 43 RBI in 38 games, before earning a promotion to Triple-A on May 20. He made his Major League debut on June 3 in St. Louis and remained with the Royals for the rest of the season, except for his stint on the 10-day Injured List from July 27-Sept. 1 with a strained left hamstring, during which he completed a minor league rehab assignment. Despite playing in only 66 minor league games, he still tied for 2nd among all Royals farmhands with 20 home runs last year, while his 72 RBI ranked 3rd. In 95 career minor league games, he’s slashed .308/.377/.547 with 23 doubles, 22 HR and 86 RBI. Caglianone was selected 6th overall out of the University of Florida in the 2024 Draft and was signed by&nbsp;Nick Presto.Ben Kudrna, 23, earned Northwest Arkansas Pitcher of the Year honors after recording a 4.21 ERA (44 ER in 94.0 IP) over 20 appearances (19 starts) with the Naturals in 2025. In his last 6 starts with Northwest Arkansas before being promoted to Triple-A Omaha on Aug. 19, he recorded a 1.71 ERA (6 ER in 31.2 IP), including a career-high 11 strikeouts in 6.0 innings on July 22 at Arkansas. Kudrna was named Northwest Arkansas Pitcher of the Month for July and Texas League Pitcher of the Week for the period of July 21-27. He was selected out of Blue Valley Southwest HS (Kan.) in the 2nd round of the 2021 Draft and signed by&nbsp;Matt Price.Quad Cities River Bandits (High-A)Sam Kulasingam, 24, was honored with the Quad Cities Player of the Year Award for 2025. He posted a slashline of .291/.375/.393 (136-for-468, .786 OPS) with 26 doubles, 57 RBI, 77 runs and 22 stolen bases over 123 games with the River Bandits. Kulasingam led the Midwest League in hits, while also leading the team (min. 35 G) in batting average, runs and extra-base hits (36). He finished the season with a 27-game on-base streak, slashing .323/.403/.455 (32-for-99). He was also the recipient of the&nbsp;Alex Gordon&nbsp;Heart &amp; Hustle Award, which recognizes a player who best exemplifies how Gordon played the game. Kulasingam was selected out of the Air Force Academy in the 13th round of the 2024 Draft and was signed by scout&nbsp;Ken Munoz.F?lix Arronde, 22, was named Quad Cities Pitcher of the Year for 2025, the same honor he earned with Columbia in 2024. Arronde followed up his 2024 campaign with a 2.80 ERA (40 ER in 128.2 IP) in 26 appearances (24 starts) last season, which led all Royals farmhands as well as the Midwest League. He became the first qualified River Bandit to lead the league in ERA since becoming a Royals affiliate in 2021. Arronde also led the Midwest League in opponent’s average (.210) and WHIP (1.08). He earned Quad Cities Pitcher of the Month honors in July after logging a 1.57 ERA (4 ER in 23.0 IP) and a .154 opponents’ average (12-for-78) across 5 games (4 starts). Arronde signed as an international free agent on June 28, 2021 by Royals scout&nbsp;Elias Despradel&nbsp;out of Santa Clara, Cuba.Columbia Fireflies (Single-A)Ram?n Ram?rez, 20, was crowned Columbia’s Player of the Year for 2025. This is his third consecutive season with end-of-year honors, following his 2024 campaign when he won ACL Royals Player of the Year and in 2023 when he won DSL Royals Blue Player of the Year. Ram?rez played in 70 games for Columbia in 2025, slashing .244/.339/.442 (63-for-258, .781 OPS) with 11 HR, 12 doubles and 56 RBI. He was recognized as Fireflies Player of the Month for May after he slashed .261/.377/.466 (23-for-88, .843 OPS) with 5 home runs and 19 RBI. Ram?rez was originally signed as an international free agent out of Porlamar, Venezuela on Jan. 20, 2023, by Royals scouts&nbsp;Roberto Aquino,&nbsp;Francis Feliciano&nbsp;and&nbsp;Daniel Guerrero.David Shields, 19, was named Columbia Pitcher of the Year for 2025. After making 1 start for the rookie-level ACL Royals, he was promoted to Single-A Columbia in May, where he made 18 starts and posted a 2.01 ERA (16 ER in 71.2 IP) with 81 strikeouts (28.3 K%) to just 15 walks (5.2 BB%) in his first professional season. Shields earned the 2025&nbsp;Paul Splittorff&nbsp;Award, given to the top pitcher in the Royals organization, as well as Carolina League All-Star and Pitcher of the Year honors. He was one of two 18-year-olds to throw at least 70.0 innings in full-season ball, joining Milwaukee’s right hander&nbsp;Melvin Hern?ndez, and he became the first Royals farmhand to do so since&nbsp;Yefri Del Rosario&nbsp;(79.0 IP in 2018), per&nbsp;FanGraphs. He made 2 postseason starts for the Fireflies and earned the win in both games, recording 12 strikeouts and no walks across 10.0 innings. Shields was drafted in the 2nd round of the 2024 Draft out of Mt. Lebanon HS (Penn.) and was signed by scout&nbsp;Tim Bittner.Arizona Complex League Royals (Rookie)Yandel Ricardo, 19, was recognized as the ACL Royals Player of the Year for 2025 after slashing .342/.438/.533 (41-for-120, .971 OPS) over 33 games. He led all ACL Royals (min. 75 PA) in on-base percentage, slugging percentage and triples (5) and finished 2nd in batting average and stolen bases (17). In 83 games between the Arizona Complex League and Single-A Columbia, Ricardo recorded 22 extra-base hits, 35 RBI and 31 stolen bases. He signed as an international free agent out of Ciego De ?vila, Cuba on Jan. 17, 2024 by scouts&nbsp;Nicolas Bautista,&nbsp;Roberto Aquino&nbsp;and&nbsp;Daniel Guerrero.Darwin Rodr?guez, 22, was named the ACL Royals Pitcher of the Year after finishing the 2025 season with a 3.58 ERA (22 ER in 55.1 IP) across 16 appearances (14 starts) between the ACL Royals (12 G/10 GS) and Single-A Columbia (4 GS). With the ACL Royals, Rodr?guez led the team in strikeouts (50) and BB/9 (1.33), while finishing 2nd in starts and innings pitched (40.2), which earned him Arizona Complex League All-Star honors. He was originally signed as an international free agent out of Naguanagua, Venezuela on Dec. 15, 2022, by Royals scouts&nbsp;Alberto Garcia&nbsp;and&nbsp;Richard Castro.Dominican Summer League Royals (Rookie)Ramcell Medina, 18, was honored as the DSL Royals Player of the Year for 2025. In his first professional season, Medina earned DSL All-Star honors and slashed .260/.398/.404 (38-for-146, .802 OPS) with 13 extra-base hits, 25 RBI and more walks (31) than strikeouts (26) across 44 games for the DSL Royals Ventura. He was originally signed as an international free agent on Jan. 17, 2025 out of Nagua, Dominican Republic by&nbsp;Roberto Aquino,&nbsp;Daniel Guerrero&nbsp;and&nbsp;Rene Francisco.Kendry Chourio, 18, posted a 3.51 ERA (20 ER in 51.1 IP) and .221 opponents’ average (44-for-199) in 14 games (13 starts) between stints with the DSL Royals (5 games, 4 starts), ACL Royals (3 GS), and Single-A Columbia (6 GS), earning DSL Royals Pitcher of the Year honors along the way in his first professional season. In his 5 games (4 starts) with the DSL Royals last season, Chourio pitched to a 2.04 ERA (4 ER in 17.2 IP), striking out 22 batters while only issuing 1 walk. Across all three levels, he was the only professional pitcher (min. 50.0 IP) to record a K/9 higher than 11.00 (11.05) and a BB/9 lower than 1.00 (0.88). Chourio was originally signed out of Maracaibo, Venezuela on Jan. 17, 2025 by scouts&nbsp;Jose Gualdron,&nbsp;Joelvis Gonzalez,&nbsp;Elias Despradel&nbsp;and&nbsp;Daniel Guerrero.

⚾️ Royals Announce 2025 Organization Awards

Southeast of Saline put up a good fight on Thursday night, but the Trojan basketball season came to a close in Chaparral as the Roadrunners prevailed in a 63-51 victory.

Southeast was in the fight after a quarter, trailing by just three thanks to a strong 7-point start from Tiernan Ptacek.

In the second quarter Chaparral began to pull away, and Southeast scored just two field goals, but the kept things even in the third and prepared to make a comeback down 15 in the fourth.

The Trojans caught fire in the fourth, scoring 21 points but the damage was done and Chaparral held on to advance to the second round.

A trio of Trojans scored in double digits, led by by Ptacek (14), Hendrix Lund (13), and Adam Thiel (10).

Chaparral had four double-digit scorers to match that in Daniel Schmidt (17), Jack Walker (16), Carter Hostetler (11), and Daxton Hostetler (10).

The Roadrunners improve to 19-3 and will advance to face Cheney in the sub-state semifinals.

For SES, the season draws to a close at 7-15

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina PostSoutheast of Saline put up a good fight on Thursday night, but the Trojan basketball season came to a close in Chaparral as the Roadrunners prevailed in a 63-51 victory.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765031258309.jpeg" alt="Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here." />
 <figcaption>Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here.</figcaption>
 </figure>Southeast was in the fight after a quarter, trailing by just three thanks to a strong 7-point start from Tiernan Ptacek.In the second quarter Chaparral began to pull away, and Southeast scored just two field goals, but the kept things even in the third and prepared to make a comeback down 15 in the fourth.The Trojans caught fire in the fourth, scoring 21 points but the damage was done and Chaparral held on to advance to the second round.A trio of Trojans scored in double digits, led by by Ptacek (14), Hendrix Lund (13), and Adam Thiel (10).Chaparral had four double-digit scorers to match that in Daniel Schmidt (17), Jack Walker (16), Carter Hostetler (11), and Daxton Hostetler (10).The Roadrunners improve to 19-3 and will advance to face Cheney in the sub-state semifinals.For SES, the season draws to a close at 7-15You 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/yEWLWcWvMaI?start=5239s"></iframe>
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🏀 Trojans battle, but Southeast season draws to  close at Chaparral

The Sacred Heart girls' basketball team rolled their first round opponent at sub-state, breezing by Herington 62-11 on their home floor on Thursday night.

The Lady Knights dominated in all four quarters, opening the game on a 22-2 run and never looking back.

The Sacred Heart defense played arguably its best half of basketball, holding Herington to just four first-half points while scoring 36 of its own.

In the third quarter, the steamrolling continued, as the Lady Knights pushed the lead to 52-9 to take a running clock into the fourth.

From there, Sacred Heart put the car in cruise control, breezing to a 62-11 victory.

The Lady Knights shot 43% from the floor on the night, and kept the pressure on for four quarters, forcing a staggering 28 turnovers to keep their transition offense fed.

Skylar Douglas led the charge for Sacred Heart, racking up 21 points in the win, aided by strong performances from Emmy Lee (17), and Addie Lee (11).

Herington was led by Kenley Kickhaefer with four points.

For the Railers, the season comes to a close at 6-16, while the Lady Knights advance to the semifinal round at 20-4.

Sacred Heart will host Bennington in the semifinal round on Tuesday, March 3rd at 6pm.

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina PostThe Sacred Heart girls' basketball team rolled their first round opponent at sub-state, breezing by Herington 62-11 on their home floor on Thursday night.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765031258309.jpeg" alt="Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here." />
 <figcaption>Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here.</figcaption>
 </figure>The Lady Knights dominated in all four quarters, opening the game on a 22-2 run and never looking back.The Sacred Heart defense played arguably its best half of basketball, holding Herington to just four first-half points while scoring 36 of its own.In the third quarter, the steamrolling continued, as the Lady Knights pushed the lead to 52-9 to take a running clock into the fourth.From there, Sacred Heart put the car in cruise control, breezing to a 62-11 victory.The Lady Knights shot 43% from the floor on the night, and kept the pressure on for four quarters, forcing a staggering 28 turnovers to keep their transition offense fed.Skylar Douglas led the charge for Sacred Heart, racking up 21 points in the win, aided by strong performances from Emmy Lee (17), and Addie Lee (11).Herington was led by Kenley Kickhaefer with four points.For the Railers, the season comes to a close at 6-16, while the Lady Knights advance to the semifinal round at 20-4.Sacred Heart will host Bennington in the semifinal round on Tuesday, March 3rd at 6pm.You can watch this game on-demand any time below.<figure>
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🏀 Lady Knights steamroll Herington in sub-state quarterfinals

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;The Kansas Jayhawks celebrated Senior Night with a 68-59 victory over No. 20 Texas Tech on Wednesday evening at Allen Fieldhouse.

Four players scored in double figures for the Jayhawks, who were led by S’Mya Nichols with 19 points, five rebounds and three assists. Nichols hit a career-high 15 free throws, which is tied for fifth most in school history for a single game. Jaliya Davis recorded her second career double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds, while Elle Evans had 11 points and Regan Williams added 10 with four rebounds.&nbsp;

With the victory, Kansas improves to 18-11 on the year and 8-9 in Big 12 play. The Jayhawks earned their first win over a ranked opponent since March 2, 2024, snapping an 11-game losing streak.&nbsp;

Kansas closes out the regular season with a nationally televised contest against Oklahoma State on Saturday, Feb. 28. Tipoff from Gallagher-Iba Arena in Stillwater is set for 5 p.m. CT on FS1.

“What stands out to me is just the resiliency and the poise and composure we had,” Kansas coach Brandon Schneider said after the game. “It was an extremely physical game and a hard one to officiate. I'm sure both teams felt that they had calls that didn't go their way. But I thought we demonstrated more poise and composure, and to outscore them 20-7 in the fourth quarter is just grit and toughness.”

Texas Tech opened the scoring and built a 6-2 lead to start the game before Nichols drew a charge to spark the Kansas offense. Davis scored to cut the lead to 6-4, and Williams tied it at 6-6 with 5:24 left in the first. Evans followed with a jumper and a three on back-to-back possessions, tying the game at 11-11. Kansas grabbed the lead for the first time on a pair of free throws from Nichols, before the Lady Raiders responded with a jumper. Nichols converted for a layup to stay ahead 15-13, with 2:07 left. Texas Tech closed out the quarter with an 8-2 scoring run to take a 21-17 lead into the second frame.&nbsp;

Kansas opened the second quarter with a bucket from Williams, but the Lady Raiders answered with a three to lead 24-19. A Brittany Harshaw layup cut it to 24-21, and after a brief scoring drought, Nichols drove for a basket to pull KU within one, 24-23, with 5:14 left in the half. The Lady Raiders then went on a 6-0 scoring run to push ahead 30-23. KU stopped the run with an Evans three-point jumper and a Sania Copeland layup to trail 30-28 with 1:59 left. Copeland knocked down a free throw to close the half, sending Kansas into the break trailing 32–29.&nbsp;

Both teams traded baskets to open the second half before a brief 4-0 run by the Lady Raiders. Kansas responded with a 6-0 run, sparked by a pair of free throws from Conesa to go along with a bucket and two free throws from Davis, trimming the deficit to 37-36 with 5:48 left in the third quarter. The quarter remained tight, featuring three ties in less than a minute. Texas Tech built a 44-40 lead, but KU chipped away with consecutive free throws from Nichols to pull back within two. After a Texas Tech layup, the Jayhawks answered with two more free throws to keep the deficit at two.&nbsp; The teams traded baskets late, with Texas Tech scoring last to send Kansas into the fourth quarter trailing 52–48 in a tightly contested game.

A layup from Lilly Meister kicked off the fourth quarter, but Texas Tech answered to go up by four. The Jayhawks finally got within two when Davis scored inside and Evans hit a three pointer to make it 56-55 midway through the last quarter. KU then took the lead on four straight free throws from Nichols, giving Kansas a 59-56 advantage with 2:44 remaining. After Nichols gave KU the lead, Texas Tech answered to trim it 61-59. Nichols responded with four more clutch free throws, and following a Texas Tech turnover, Conesa buried a corner three with 1:07 left to extend Kansas’s lead to 66-59. The Lady Raiders missed two late three-point attempts, and the Jayhawks secured it at the free-throw line to close out a 68-59 win.&nbsp;

Single-Game Free Throws Made (school history)

1. 17 Angela Aycock vs. Southern Miss (12/29/94)

17 Vickie Adkins vs. Texas A&amp;M (12/15/84)

3. 16 Vickie Adkins vs. Oklahoma (1/31/84)

5. 15 S'Mya Nichols vs. Texas Tech (2/25/26)

15 Carolyn Davis vs. Wisconsin (11/21/10)

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;The Kansas Jayhawks celebrated Senior Night with a 68-59 victory over No. 20 Texas Tech on Wednesday evening at Allen Fieldhouse.Four players scored in double figures for the Jayhawks, who were led by S’Mya Nichols with 19 points, five rebounds and three assists. Nichols hit a career-high 15 free throws, which is tied for fifth most in school history for a single game. Jaliya Davis recorded her second career double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds, while Elle Evans had 11 points and Regan Williams added 10 with four rebounds.&nbsp;With the victory, Kansas improves to 18-11 on the year and 8-9 in Big 12 play. The Jayhawks earned their first win over a ranked opponent since March 2, 2024, snapping an 11-game losing streak.&nbsp;Kansas closes out the regular season with a nationally televised contest against Oklahoma State on Saturday, Feb. 28. Tipoff from Gallagher-Iba Arena in Stillwater is set for 5 p.m. CT on FS1.“What stands out to me is just the resiliency and the poise and composure we had,” Kansas coach Brandon Schneider said after the game. “It was an extremely physical game and a hard one to officiate. I'm sure both teams felt that they had calls that didn't go their way. But I thought we demonstrated more poise and composure, and to outscore them 20-7 in the fourth quarter is just grit and toughness.”Texas Tech opened the scoring and built a 6-2 lead to start the game before Nichols drew a charge to spark the Kansas offense. Davis scored to cut the lead to 6-4, and Williams tied it at 6-6 with 5:24 left in the first. Evans followed with a jumper and a three on back-to-back possessions, tying the game at 11-11. Kansas grabbed the lead for the first time on a pair of free throws from Nichols, before the Lady Raiders responded with a jumper. Nichols converted for a layup to stay ahead 15-13, with 2:07 left. Texas Tech closed out the quarter with an 8-2 scoring run to take a 21-17 lead into the second frame.&nbsp;Kansas opened the second quarter with a bucket from Williams, but the Lady Raiders answered with a three to lead 24-19. A Brittany Harshaw layup cut it to 24-21, and after a brief scoring drought, Nichols drove for a basket to pull KU within one, 24-23, with 5:14 left in the half. The Lady Raiders then went on a 6-0 scoring run to push ahead 30-23. KU stopped the run with an Evans three-point jumper and a Sania Copeland layup to trail 30-28 with 1:59 left. Copeland knocked down a free throw to close the half, sending Kansas into the break trailing 32–29.&nbsp;Both teams traded baskets to open the second half before a brief 4-0 run by the Lady Raiders. Kansas responded with a 6-0 run, sparked by a pair of free throws from Conesa to go along with a bucket and two free throws from Davis, trimming the deficit to 37-36 with 5:48 left in the third quarter. The quarter remained tight, featuring three ties in less than a minute. Texas Tech built a 44-40 lead, but KU chipped away with consecutive free throws from Nichols to pull back within two. After a Texas Tech layup, the Jayhawks answered with two more free throws to keep the deficit at two.&nbsp; The teams traded baskets late, with Texas Tech scoring last to send Kansas into the fourth quarter trailing 52–48 in a tightly contested game.A layup from Lilly Meister kicked off the fourth quarter, but Texas Tech answered to go up by four. The Jayhawks finally got within two when Davis scored inside and Evans hit a three pointer to make it 56-55 midway through the last quarter. KU then took the lead on four straight free throws from Nichols, giving Kansas a 59-56 advantage with 2:44 remaining. After Nichols gave KU the lead, Texas Tech answered to trim it 61-59. Nichols responded with four more clutch free throws, and following a Texas Tech turnover, Conesa buried a corner three with 1:07 left to extend Kansas’s lead to 66-59. The Lady Raiders missed two late three-point attempts, and the Jayhawks secured it at the free-throw line to close out a 68-59 win.&nbsp;NOTES<ul>
 <li>Kansas improves to 18-11 (8-9 Big 12) with their third straight victory, marking the Jayhawks’ longest win streak in Big 12 play this season with one regular season game remaining.&nbsp;</li><li>Kansas earned its first win over a ranked opponent this season, improving to 1-4 against ranked foes.&nbsp;</li><li>The Jayhawks snapped an 11-game losing streak against ranked foes, picking up the first win over a ranked opponent since defeating No. 20 Oklahoma 83-74 on March 2, 2024.</li><li>The victory gives Kansas a regular season split against Texas Tech after previously dropping a 70-65 contest at TTU on Feb. 10. The Jayhawks are now 18-28 all-time against Texas Tech and 11-11 against the Lady Raiders in Lawrence.&nbsp;</li><li>The win is KU’s fourth straight win over Texas Tech at Allen Fieldhouse and helped Kansas finish the regular season with a 12-4 record at home.&nbsp;</li><li>Kansas’ 24 made free throws is the second most this season, trailing only the 26 the Jayhawks made against Colorado on Feb. 1.</li><li>The Jayhawks shot 88.9% from the free throw line, which is their highest percentage this season when attempting 10 or more free throws.</li><li>Kansas had four players score in double figures for the fourth straight game and eighth time this season. Kansas is 6-2 in such games this season.</li><li>Jaliya Davis extended her streak of games scoring in double figures to 19 straight as she scored 12 points and finished with 10 rebounds, recording her second career double-double.</li><li>S’Mya Nichols scored 19 points on two-for-seven shooting while hitting 15-for-17 free throws in the game. The 15 made free throws is tied for fifth most in a game in program history.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>Single-Game Free Throws Made (school history)1. 17 Angela Aycock vs. Southern Miss (12/29/94)17 Vickie Adkins vs. Texas A&amp;M (12/15/84)3. 16 Vickie Adkins vs. Oklahoma (1/31/84)16 Angie Snider vs. Missouri (1/29/83)5. 15 S'Mya Nichols vs. Texas Tech (2/25/26)15 Carolyn Davis vs. Wisconsin (11/21/10)<ul>
 <li>Nichols moved into sole possession of 12th place on KU’s all-time scoring list in the game, passing Charisse Sampson (1993-96). She has now scored 1,587 career points at Kansas.&nbsp;</li><li>KU’s single season and career leader in free throws made, Nichols has now made 204 free throws this season, which ranks second in school history for a single season. She set the record with 218 made free throws last season. It is her eighth game this season with 10+ FT made.&nbsp;</li><li>Regan Williams scored in double figures for the second straight game and 10th time this season, scoring 10 points on four-for-eight shooting and added four rebounds.</li><li>Elle Evans moved into sixth place in program history for single season threes made with 66, and moved into a tie for ninth in Kansas history in career three-point field goals made with 135.</li>
 </ul>

🏀 Jayhawks Take Down No. 20 Texas Tech on Senior Night

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - Kansas Wesleyan did a masterful job on the defensive end of the court but could not get untracked offensively in a quarterfinal game of the Kansas Conference Women's Championships.

The eighth-seeded Coyotes held top-seeded and 22nd-ranked Evangel to its second-lowest point total of the season, but cold shooting and turnovers undermined the effort in a 70-47 loss Wednesday night inside AGFinancial Arena.

KWU shot 30.6 percent from the field (19 of 62) including 4 of 22 from the 3-point line and committed 18 turnovers - 13 in the second half as the Valor pulled away. Evangel also won the rebounding battle 45-35.

The Coyotes trailed 15-11 after one quarter, but the Valor took control midway through the second period. Leading 22-16 Evangel went on an 11-2 run and led 33-21 at halftime.

The surge continued in the third quarter as the Valor outscored Wesleyan 12-5 in the first 4:33 and led 45-26. Evangel took a 57-38 lead into the final 10 minutes and outscored KWU 37-26 in the second half.

The Valor did the bulk of its damage close to the basket outscoring the Coyotes 44-26 in the paint and was the key factor in the team's 44.8 shooting percentage (30 of 67). Evangel was just 1 of 14 from beyond the 3-point line.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/5b277e13-b647-47a6-a48f-9fc8af0942d1?elinkdata=38969">Izzy McCool</a> led KWU with 13 points and six rebounds while <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/8e57a576-0577-423a-ac02-723bf038db66?elinkdata=38969">Odessa Ozuna</a> had 10 points and five assists. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/703597ef-71bb-4432-b712-82327af9f00c?elinkdata=38969">Emma Gertken</a> scored eight and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/04501566-139c-4a3f-a526-2182ea483221?elinkdata=38969">Jocelyn Hall</a> had nine rebounds to go along with six points.

Ali Kamies led five Evangel players in double figures with 13 points. The Valor (25-2) entered the game averaging 91 points; the lowest point total before Wednesday came in a 60-54 victory over Tabor on Nov. 22 in Springfield.

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - Kansas Wesleyan did a masterful job on the defensive end of the court but could not get untracked offensively in a quarterfinal game of the Kansas Conference Women's Championships.The eighth-seeded Coyotes held top-seeded and 22nd-ranked Evangel to its second-lowest point total of the season, but cold shooting and turnovers undermined the effort in a 70-47 loss Wednesday night inside AGFinancial Arena.KWU shot 30.6 percent from the field (19 of 62) including 4 of 22 from the 3-point line and committed 18 turnovers - 13 in the second half as the Valor pulled away. Evangel also won the rebounding battle 45-35.The Coyotes trailed 15-11 after one quarter, but the Valor took control midway through the second period. Leading 22-16 Evangel went on an 11-2 run and led 33-21 at halftime.The surge continued in the third quarter as the Valor outscored Wesleyan 12-5 in the first 4:33 and led 45-26. Evangel took a 57-38 lead into the final 10 minutes and outscored KWU 37-26 in the second half.The Valor did the bulk of its damage close to the basket outscoring the Coyotes 44-26 in the paint and was the key factor in the team's 44.8 shooting percentage (30 of 67). Evangel was just 1 of 14 from beyond the 3-point line.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/5b277e13-b647-47a6-a48f-9fc8af0942d1?elinkdata=38969">Izzy McCool</a> led KWU with 13 points and six rebounds while <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/8e57a576-0577-423a-ac02-723bf038db66?elinkdata=38969">Odessa Ozuna</a> had 10 points and five assists. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/703597ef-71bb-4432-b712-82327af9f00c?elinkdata=38969">Emma Gertken</a> scored eight and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/04501566-139c-4a3f-a526-2182ea483221?elinkdata=38969">Jocelyn Hall</a> had nine rebounds to go along with six points.Ali Kamies led five Evangel players in double figures with 13 points. The Valor (25-2) entered the game averaging 91 points; the lowest point total before Wednesday came in a 60-54 victory over Tabor on Nov. 22 in Springfield.

🏀 Despite outstanding defensive effort Women's Basketball falls to No. 12, tournament top seed Evangel in KCAC Quarterfinals

BOULDER, Colo. (AP) — Isaiah Johnson scored 18 points, and Colorado scored the last six points to beat Kansas State 79-70 on Wednesday night.

P.J. Haggerty and Andrej Kostic each scored four points in an 8-0 surge to pull Kansas State to 73-70 with 2:13 to play, but Colorado shot 6 of 8 from the free-throw line to seal it. The Wildcats were down 22 points with about 13 minutes remaining.

Johnson shot 5 of 11 from the floor and had nine rebounds and seven assists for Colorado (16-12, 6-9 Big 12). Ian Inman made five 3-pointers and finished with 17 points for the Buffaloes. Barrington Hargress added 15 points, Sebastian Rancik scored 13 and Bangot Dak had 10.

Haggerty scored 25 points and grabbed 10 rebounds to go with four assists to lead K-State (11-17, 2-13). Kostic and Nate Johnson added 10 points apiece. The Wildcats have lost eight of their last nine games.

Colorado took the lead for good about eight minutes in and led 37-18 with 3:45 left before halftime. K-State closed on a 15-5 run to cut the deficit to 42-33 at the break. Hargress scored 10 points and Inman made three 3s for the Buffaloes in the half. Haggerty scored 11 first-half points and grabbed six rebounds to pace K-State.

The Wildcats pulled within five early in the second half, but the Buffaloes answered with a 17-0 run for a 59-37 lead.

Colorado is on the road Saturday against fifth-ranked Houston.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1772103135889.png" alt="Kansas State's Elias Rapieque (0) attempts a shot over Colorado's Bangot Dak (8) on Wednesday, February 25, 2026 in Boulder, Colorado. (K-State Athletics photo)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State's Elias Rapieque (0) attempts a shot over Colorado's Bangot Dak (8) on Wednesday, February 25, 2026 in Boulder, Colorado. (K-State Athletics photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>BOULDER, Colo. (AP) — Isaiah Johnson scored 18 points, and Colorado scored the last six points to beat Kansas State 79-70 on Wednesday night.P.J. Haggerty and Andrej Kostic each scored four points in an 8-0 surge to pull Kansas State to 73-70 with 2:13 to play, but Colorado shot 6 of 8 from the free-throw line to seal it. The Wildcats were down 22 points with about 13 minutes remaining.Johnson shot 5 of 11 from the floor and had nine rebounds and seven assists for Colorado (16-12, 6-9 Big 12). Ian Inman made five 3-pointers and finished with 17 points for the Buffaloes. Barrington Hargress added 15 points, Sebastian Rancik scored 13 and Bangot Dak had 10.Haggerty scored 25 points and grabbed 10 rebounds to go with four assists to lead K-State (11-17, 2-13). Kostic and Nate Johnson added 10 points apiece. The Wildcats have lost eight of their last nine games.Colorado took the lead for good about eight minutes in and led 37-18 with 3:45 left before halftime. K-State closed on a 15-5 run to cut the deficit to 42-33 at the break. Hargress scored 10 points and Inman made three 3s for the Buffaloes in the half. Haggerty scored 11 first-half points and grabbed six rebounds to pace K-State.The Wildcats pulled within five early in the second half, but the Buffaloes answered with a 17-0 run for a 59-37 lead.<h2>Up next</h2>Kansas State hosts TCU on Saturday.Colorado is on the road Saturday against fifth-ranked Houston.

🏀 Colorado scores last 6 points to beat Kansas State in Boulder

Kansas Wesleyan Softball finally got to play its home opening doubleheader on Tuesday as the Coyotes faced the Concordia University Bulldogs at Salina South High School.

After dropping the first game 4-3 to Concordia, the Coyotes won the second game on <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/01df0816-a6ce-414a-a104-aa87c7409b32?elinkdata=38934">Kendell Wilcox's</a> walkoff double in the bottom of the seventh inning to win 4-3.

Head Coach <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/01d73a1d-03e9-4fbd-8896-dda70fb31d2d?elinkdata=38934">Daryl Hoelting</a>, who was elevated to the head coach position last week, picked up his 217th career win at Kansas Wesleyan, making him the all-time wins leader in program history, passing Mike Smith for the honor.

Hoelting spent six seasons coaching the Coyotes from 2011 to 2016 and had rejoined the coaching staff this season as an assistant before being elevated to the head coaching position.

In the opener, the Coyotes fell behind 4-0 before rallying.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/57d02b4a-3c7a-43a9-87aa-e496e363d116?elinkdata=38934">Elli Han</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/6f965f19-5317-49b0-989c-3ae8dfc01123?elinkdata=38934">Brooklyn Lange</a> led off the bottom of the third with singles, and then moved up a base on <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e933aea8-14ec-4915-b492-0543f06d1270?elinkdata=38934">Keira Hammen's</a> infield fly. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/51352f1f-348e-4323-a19a-1a28dd14a455?elinkdata=38934">Cadence Mallet</a> followed with a two-run single to right to get the Coyotes on the board.

The score remained the same until the bottom of the seventh. Lange walked, stole second and moved to third on a wild pitch before scoring on Hammen's RBI ground out. The Coyotes could not push another run across to tie the game.

Han had three of KWU's 11 hits in the game. Mallet drove in two runs and Hammen one. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1779de2c-dc34-460c-9396-258c5b938336?elinkdata=38934">Alli Mickelsen</a> would take the loss, allowing four runs, two earned, on six hits.

Wilcox had an outstanding second game for the Coyotes.

Trailing 1-0 in the second, she led off the inning with a solo homer to tie things up at 1-1.

Mallet singled to lead off the third inning for the Coyotes and three batters later Wilcox drove Mallet with a single to give the Coyotes a 2-1 lead.

Concordia scored twice in the fifth to take a 3-2 lead but the Coyotes tied it back up in the fifth. Hammen doubled and pinch runner <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/64a14d5a-8a0e-4ae7-8cdf-c3cae40c69d9?elinkdata=38934">Becca Kennon</a> would score on Wilcox's fielder's choice to tie the game.

In the seventh, the Coyotes came through. Hammen led off the inning with a single and Han came in to pinch run. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/6cf6552f-25dc-47aa-889e-f7bac6d5da05?elinkdata=38934">Brooklynn Smith</a> grounded out and advanced Han to second, and Wilcox then doubled home Han to give the Coyotes the walkoff win.

Wilcox was 3 of 4 at the plate with four RBI in the game. Hammen and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/fb4c15cb-1f5d-4743-b4d9-fe05ef4f4acb?elinkdata=38934">Kylar Smith</a> had two hits each for the Coyotes. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f0c5a16e-e916-497b-bf20-0b1841c8832a?elinkdata=38934">Bella Allen</a> went the distance for the win for the Coyotes allowing three runs on eight hits while striking out four.

Kansas Wesleyan Softball finally got to play its home opening doubleheader on Tuesday as the Coyotes faced the Concordia University Bulldogs at Salina South High School.After dropping the first game 4-3 to Concordia, the Coyotes won the second game on <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/01df0816-a6ce-414a-a104-aa87c7409b32?elinkdata=38934">Kendell Wilcox's</a> walkoff double in the bottom of the seventh inning to win 4-3.Head Coach <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/01d73a1d-03e9-4fbd-8896-dda70fb31d2d?elinkdata=38934">Daryl Hoelting</a>, who was elevated to the head coach position last week, picked up his 217th career win at Kansas Wesleyan, making him the all-time wins leader in program history, passing Mike Smith for the honor.Hoelting spent six seasons coaching the Coyotes from 2011 to 2016 and had rejoined the coaching staff this season as an assistant before being elevated to the head coaching position.In the opener, the Coyotes fell behind 4-0 before rallying.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/57d02b4a-3c7a-43a9-87aa-e496e363d116?elinkdata=38934">Elli Han</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/6f965f19-5317-49b0-989c-3ae8dfc01123?elinkdata=38934">Brooklyn Lange</a> led off the bottom of the third with singles, and then moved up a base on <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e933aea8-14ec-4915-b492-0543f06d1270?elinkdata=38934">Keira Hammen's</a> infield fly. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/51352f1f-348e-4323-a19a-1a28dd14a455?elinkdata=38934">Cadence Mallet</a> followed with a two-run single to right to get the Coyotes on the board.The score remained the same until the bottom of the seventh. Lange walked, stole second and moved to third on a wild pitch before scoring on Hammen's RBI ground out. The Coyotes could not push another run across to tie the game.Han had three of KWU's 11 hits in the game. Mallet drove in two runs and Hammen one. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1779de2c-dc34-460c-9396-258c5b938336?elinkdata=38934">Alli Mickelsen</a> would take the loss, allowing four runs, two earned, on six hits.Wilcox had an outstanding second game for the Coyotes.Trailing 1-0 in the second, she led off the inning with a solo homer to tie things up at 1-1.Mallet singled to lead off the third inning for the Coyotes and three batters later Wilcox drove Mallet with a single to give the Coyotes a 2-1 lead.Concordia scored twice in the fifth to take a 3-2 lead but the Coyotes tied it back up in the fifth. Hammen doubled and pinch runner <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/64a14d5a-8a0e-4ae7-8cdf-c3cae40c69d9?elinkdata=38934">Becca Kennon</a> would score on Wilcox's fielder's choice to tie the game.In the seventh, the Coyotes came through. Hammen led off the inning with a single and Han came in to pinch run. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/6cf6552f-25dc-47aa-889e-f7bac6d5da05?elinkdata=38934">Brooklynn Smith</a> grounded out and advanced Han to second, and Wilcox then doubled home Han to give the Coyotes the walkoff win.Wilcox was 3 of 4 at the plate with four RBI in the game. Hammen and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/fb4c15cb-1f5d-4743-b4d9-fe05ef4f4acb?elinkdata=38934">Kylar Smith</a> had two hits each for the Coyotes. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f0c5a16e-e916-497b-bf20-0b1841c8832a?elinkdata=38934">Bella Allen</a> went the distance for the win for the Coyotes allowing three runs on eight hits while striking out four.

🥎 KWU Softball splits home opener with Concordia

Kansas Wesleyan Baseball added seven more homeruns to its season total on Tuesday including three each by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a54db9c5-4fb5-4aae-9dd3-cc798f160f49?elinkdata=38899">Fernando Ruvalcaba</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3ee6cb23-ab9a-4846-b24a-8af1982e0d03?elinkdata=38899">Chris Finocchario</a> as the Coyotes defeated McPherson College 13-7 at Dean Evans Stadium.

The teams played in their first KCAC midweek meeting of the season and will meet twice more in midweek games during the year.

The Coyotes got things going in the first inning as <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/0fcdfb0f-54b3-41f0-bc82-33459dbb2b2e?elinkdata=38899">Niko Olson</a> led off the frame with a single and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e916beaf-fb43-4371-9faa-3ab7c63f8a7e?elinkdata=38899">Carter Allen</a> followed with a RBI double to get KWU on the board. Two batters later Ruvalcaba hit his first homer of the day, a towering shot over the trees in center field, and Finocchario followed with a solo shot to make it 4-0.

The score held until the fourth when McPherson got two on the board.

Ruvalcaba got his second shot of the game in the fifth to make it 5-2.

The Coyotes added two more in the sixth as <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ffeb981b-50f5-47e7-ab54-45a97ec79a12?elinkdata=38899">Zac Goldenberg</a> led off the inning with a walk and later in the inning Allen hit a 2-run homer to extend the lead to 7-2.

Finocchario hit a solo homer in the seventh and after Goldenberg tripled, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/32042810-f508-4f49-872f-ba67deab8e26?elinkdata=38899">Coulson Riggs</a> got a hit to drive in a run to make it 9-2.

McPherson capitalized on an error by the Coyotes in the eighth to help the Bulldogs bring in four runs and cut the difference to 9-6.

Wesleyan answered right back in the eighth. Allen led off the inning with a single and then scored on <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/da564ab6-fc1a-43ea-af09-1995e2e4c2af?elinkdata=38899">Garrett Garfield's</a> double. Ruvalcaba completed his hat trick with another monster homer to center and Finocchario made it back-to-back jacks for a second time with a solo shot.

McPherson got one back in the ninth but it wasn't enough as the Coyotes completed the victory.

Ruvalcaba and Finocchario had four each each, scored three times and combined to drive in eight of KWU's runs. Olson and Allen added three hits each.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1928fb1f-c386-405b-8fdd-2964c2fe7c1a?elinkdata=38899">Shaw Lee</a> went five innings, allowing two runs on four hits with four strikeouts. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/38e79cf9-91d4-4479-ae66-688522932fff?elinkdata=38899">Kayden Shivers</a> got his first save coming into the game in the eighth with the score 9-6, and held McPherson to one run on two hits with a strikeout.

Kansas Wesleyan Baseball added seven more homeruns to its season total on Tuesday including three each by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a54db9c5-4fb5-4aae-9dd3-cc798f160f49?elinkdata=38899">Fernando Ruvalcaba</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3ee6cb23-ab9a-4846-b24a-8af1982e0d03?elinkdata=38899">Chris Finocchario</a> as the Coyotes defeated McPherson College 13-7 at Dean Evans Stadium.The teams played in their first KCAC midweek meeting of the season and will meet twice more in midweek games during the year.The Coyotes got things going in the first inning as <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/0fcdfb0f-54b3-41f0-bc82-33459dbb2b2e?elinkdata=38899">Niko Olson</a> led off the frame with a single and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e916beaf-fb43-4371-9faa-3ab7c63f8a7e?elinkdata=38899">Carter Allen</a> followed with a RBI double to get KWU on the board. Two batters later Ruvalcaba hit his first homer of the day, a towering shot over the trees in center field, and Finocchario followed with a solo shot to make it 4-0.The score held until the fourth when McPherson got two on the board.Ruvalcaba got his second shot of the game in the fifth to make it 5-2.The Coyotes added two more in the sixth as <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ffeb981b-50f5-47e7-ab54-45a97ec79a12?elinkdata=38899">Zac Goldenberg</a> led off the inning with a walk and later in the inning Allen hit a 2-run homer to extend the lead to 7-2.Finocchario hit a solo homer in the seventh and after Goldenberg tripled, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/32042810-f508-4f49-872f-ba67deab8e26?elinkdata=38899">Coulson Riggs</a> got a hit to drive in a run to make it 9-2.McPherson capitalized on an error by the Coyotes in the eighth to help the Bulldogs bring in four runs and cut the difference to 9-6.Wesleyan answered right back in the eighth. Allen led off the inning with a single and then scored on <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/da564ab6-fc1a-43ea-af09-1995e2e4c2af?elinkdata=38899">Garrett Garfield's</a> double. Ruvalcaba completed his hat trick with another monster homer to center and Finocchario made it back-to-back jacks for a second time with a solo shot.McPherson got one back in the ninth but it wasn't enough as the Coyotes completed the victory.Ruvalcaba and Finocchario had four each each, scored three times and combined to drive in eight of KWU's runs. Olson and Allen added three hits each.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1928fb1f-c386-405b-8fdd-2964c2fe7c1a?elinkdata=38899">Shaw Lee</a> went five innings, allowing two runs on four hits with four strikeouts. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/38e79cf9-91d4-4479-ae66-688522932fff?elinkdata=38899">Kayden Shivers</a> got his first save coming into the game in the eighth with the score 9-6, and held McPherson to one run on two hits with a strikeout.

⚾ Ruvalcaba and Finocchario with hat tricks to lead Baseball past McPherson 13-7

OPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“Good to see everyone. Exciting to be back here in Indianapolis for the combine. As always, I want to start off by thanking (President of National Football Scouting) Jeff Foster and his amazing crew at NFS (National Football Scouting). Every year it seems like they run this event more and more efficiently and again, we can’t thank them enough for their help. Certainly, (I) want to thank my college staff and pro staff for all the work they’ve done all year and additionally, the coaches. We’ve been fortunate over the last four-or-five years that we haven’t seen the coaches until we got to the combine so (I) certainly, want to thank them for the extra work and helping us prepare our 2026 game plan. With that, we’re excited to get a chance to meet and study these players even more and get with some agents on our players and again, help kick off this 2026 season. Time’s yours.”

Q: Where are you at with Trent McDuffie and contract discussions?

VEACH:&nbsp;“We’ve had a lot of dialogue with Trent (McDuffie) last spring (and) last summer. He’s first out of the gate tomorrow so, (we’re) looking forward to get with him. Obviously, Trent’s a great player and see what we can do there, but we’d certainly love to have Trent back for the long term.”

Q: How does having the ninth pick in the draft change your approach this year?

VEACH:&nbsp;“It’s funny, every year when we were picking 31 and 32, I’d always say, ‘Man, if we were just at (pick) 24 or 25, we’d be exactly where we want to be.’ Now, we’re at nine and I’m like, ‘Man, if we were just at (pick) four (or) five, we’d be exactly where we want to be. I think every GM kind of has that mindset where unless you have the first pick, there’s a certain element that you can’t control, and you have to let the dominoes fall, if you will. We’re excited – we don’t want to picking nine every year but we’re excited to add some young talent to this roster and I think even more excitingly, those second and third rounds where we felt like (in) years past, day one would end and we would come in there and there would be five-or-six players but you knew at 32 in round two you wouldn’t get them either. It’s not just the first round; I think we have an opportunity to really capitalize here and add a lot of talent throughout the course of the draft weekend.”

Q: Where are you guys at with Travis Kelce and how do you plan for either decision?

VEACH:&nbsp;“I think we’ve kind of taken a different approach with Travis (Kelce) in the sense that we’ve prepared for either scenario. (Head) Coach (Andy Reid) had mentioned on Friday (that) he’s had great dialogue with Travis. On our end, myself, (Assistant General Manager) Chris Shea and Travis’ crew we’ve had some good dialogue there. I’m sure we’re going to see him here just like we will all the other players’ agents and we’ll continue that dialogue. Travis is the best, he’s an icon and hopefully he comes back and we’ll just let that process play out.”

Q: On what his conversations with Travis Kelce entail.

VEACH:&nbsp;“It’s a combination of all of those. It’s not your typical – hey, 27-year-old first time in free agency. Travis (Kelce) has done everything, he’s accomplished everything – he’s about to get married, he’s got a lot going on. So, I don’t think there’s an element of us not trying to – you need some sort of deadline (or) timeline but at the same time, it’s Travis Kelce so we’re just going to continue to have positive dialogue and see where this thing ends. I think we’re trying to position ourselves that either way, we have a plan moving forward.”

Q: Where do you view the biggest weakness heading into this season on offense and how can you protect Patrick Mahomes coming off a torn ACL?

VEACH:&nbsp;“Certainly, we want to get more explosive in the running game. We’ve invested in that interior with Trey Smith and Creed Humphrey, two of the best in the league and we thought Kingsley (Suamataia) made a big step. Those are three talented interior players. We’ve talked about it and (Head) Coach (Andy Reid) has done an amazing job with his staff cranking on that scheme eval, but I think being more explosive in the running game and really taking advantage of those interior three to impose your will on an opposing team’s defense. The running game takes a lot of pressure off of everybody so I think if we can be more explosive and more effective in the running game – obviously – we take a lot of pressure off Pat (Mahomes) especially coming back early in the season with an injury.”

Q: How realistic is it for you to resign Bryan Cook and Jaylen Watson?

VEACH:&nbsp;“Everything’s a puzzle. I think – with a lot of our players, I don’t think that there’s any one of our free agents that we look, and we say, ‘We don’t want these guys back.’ They’re really good players and (we) won a lot of games with them. It’s just a matter of trying to put the puzzle together and what else is going to be out there, their price points and fitting the whole thing together. What we do is we just remain in contact and keep that dialogue open but all those players that you had mention – or even didn’t mention – any of the (Leo) Chenal’s, the (Bryan) Cook’s (and) the (Jaylen) Watson’s. All these guys we’re monitoring and we’re trying to get as many back as we can. Obviously, it’s unrealistic to think you will, but we have to be able to go in different directions. There’s some times where you don’t think a guy’s going to come back here and all of a sudden, because you either didn’t execute something or someone else took a different deal, things open back up. I think you need to remain flexible and fluid during these situations but always have layers of backup plans when you enter this part of the season.”

Q: Are contracts that award availability, typically in bonuses, on the rise?

VEACH:&nbsp;“I think it’s on the rise to a degree, but typically the better you are and the higher profile you are, the less leverage you have sometimes. Then those players follow suit with other players, and everyone does the same thing. I think it’s always been the case where it varies when you get to the degree of each and every player. That’s a good question; I don’t know to what percent – is it on the rise. I know it’s something that all teams utilize and we do as well and a lot of it comes down to the caliber of player or the tier of player.”

Q: Are you doing it more in Kansas City?

VEACH:&nbsp;“We’re doing it when we can. That’s just one of those things we do, especially with the guys that have a little bit more injury history and there has to be a trade-off, too. If you’re going to give some guy a contract and there is a bit of that injury question. We always try to implement that. I think it varies by player and position.”

Q: On NIL in college athletics and how they evaluate prospects when they are getting paid in college.

VEACH:&nbsp;“You see it when you look at – when we go through these prospects, and we’re looking at the tags, and you see their birthdates and then you look at your roster, and a lot of those guys are just as young as these guys and then it trickles down. You also see it too – when the official decision date for these underclassmen came out, I believe we moved over 25 guys off our board that we had top 75 (or) top 100. It really impacts the draft and then you’re getting older prospects as you go on. I don’t think that’s going to change anytime soon and that’s something that we have to adapt to until there’s some wholesale changes on what they do on the college side. I think this is just going to be the way things work now and it’s for us to adapt and adjust to it and position yourself to get some of the younger players that have a little bit more growth. Typically, the second and third round would be those guys that maybe they didn’t play a lot but they’re young. Well, now these guys are just bouncing and getting paid by another school and getting paid and playing. It’s a little bit (of) that two, three (and) four round where you have the younger, developmental guys that haven’t scratched the surface yet – you’re getting a little bit more already finished product, so that’s challenging. I think it’s – again, what we have to adapt to, and that goes into how you position your board, when to be aggressive and when not to be aggressive.”

Q: Do you see the same level of hunger from prospects?

VEACH:&nbsp;“Yeah. I mean, part of the process is to just find guys that love to play and love the process. If you’re drafting guys too, your goal is to ultimately pay them and have them still come back with the desire and hunger like the (Patrick) Mahomes’, the Creed’s (Humphrey) and the Trey’s (Smith) and so I don’t think I’ve seen a dip off in that. I do see just the talent pool shrinking.”

Q: Is there optimism to keep Jawaan Taylor despite his contract?

VEACH:&nbsp;“With Jawaan (Taylor) – Mike Danna was a little unique and different. Mike Danna was in the building this week. I had a chance to talk to Mike and you guys know Mike, he’s as good as it gets (and) just a tremendous player and person and I have a lot of respect for him. (I) wanted to have that opportunity – since I saw him this weekend – to let him go out there and see what his market is and we’ll remain in contact. I think with guys like Jawaan and Drue Tranquill – someone asked me about earlier – these guys started for us, and they’ve played a lot of football for us and again our cap situation I don’t know if we’re six or seven (million) over, but I think we have 60 million in convertible contracts, too. We have many different ways to attack this, and I think that’s the one thing we’ve been good at and we don’t do a lot of money pushed down to future years and I think we run a pretty tight ship there. This gives us flexibility to do different things. Again, that’s part of the process with all of those guys and we’ll see how the scenarios shake out.”

Q: What’s the secret to balancing the work ethic and quality of work in the Chiefs facility?

VEACH:&nbsp;“That’s a better question for (Head Coach) Andy (Reid), but the one thing that Andy takes a lot of pride and joy in I think is – we always talk about the coach and all of the accomplishments on the field, but Andy’s one of those guys that really finds value in the day-to-day interactions with his staff and with his coaches. He uses every moment as a teachable moment. Obviously, his kids are involved, his family’s close (and) they’re all a part of it but that work life balance – the work is done in the facility but also the life balance is done in the facility with the way he mentors everyone, the coaches, the players – his family is a part of it. Just a unique individual and you don’t run into people like that very often, that their work becomes them, but they give so much on and off the field.”

Q: Outside of medical, what could change your draft board?

VEACH:&nbsp;“Talking football. Every position group is different, right? I’m sure most GMs would tell you that and most coaching staffs will tell you that. There are certain positions – how they process information. Now look, this is only 20 minutes so we’re not going to throw a kid up there or destroy a kid, but it’s a start. Then, you have your informal time here, you have potentially formal time here, you have Zoom opportunities now and then you have in-house 30 visits and our coach can go visit them. I think sometimes when there’s a question, I don’t think anything’s determined here, I think it’s part of the process. We had a couple of guys yesterday, with just the football knowledge stuff we weren’t sure on, they nailed it and we were really impressed. (It’s) only 20 minutes so on the other side there, we’re going to make sure that is what it is. Our college scouts do a great job of painting the picture and having me, the coaching staff and everyone in that room prepped for – here’s the player and here’s the background situation, here’s where he’s from and here are the things – some these guys are smart, they just don’t articulate it well. It’s just seeing the whole puzzle piece come together. Like I said, I don’t think we take a bunch of names off but it’s just a pathway to keep digging and get as much information as possible.”

Q: How do you value using a first-round pick on a running back?

VEACH:&nbsp;“I mean, it’s a great question and I think there’s the old school – I mean you’re always going to (look at) o-line (and) d-line – those positional values are there (and) you see them in free agency. But at the same time, I mean arguably some of the best players in this draft are maybe at non-premium position when you look at the Ohio State linebacker (Arvell Reese), the Notre Dame running back (Jeremiyah Love), the safety at Ohio State (Caleb Downs) and those are really, really good players it’s hard to find faults with their tape, I rarely saw it. Again, some of those more premium positions (like) interior d-line (and) edge rushers, they’re hard to find. With those guys – the problem with those guys is they’re hard to find and then they don’t really become available in free agency. Some of those other positions, they’re good players, you’ll probably eventually get a chance to get some of those positions in free agency. That’s the thing you just have to go through and weigh out all the options. But at the end of the day, I think when a guy is going to come in here and be a great contributor on the field (and) off the field, stick to that old mantra and take the best player available, right?”

Q: How do you characterize this year and what you have to work through with the cap?

GENERAL MANAGER BRETT VEACHOPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“Good to see everyone. Exciting to be back here in Indianapolis for the combine. As always, I want to start off by thanking (President of National Football Scouting) Jeff Foster and his amazing crew at NFS (National Football Scouting). Every year it seems like they run this event more and more efficiently and again, we can’t thank them enough for their help. Certainly, (I) want to thank my college staff and pro staff for all the work they’ve done all year and additionally, the coaches. We’ve been fortunate over the last four-or-five years that we haven’t seen the coaches until we got to the combine so (I) certainly, want to thank them for the extra work and helping us prepare our 2026 game plan. With that, we’re excited to get a chance to meet and study these players even more and get with some agents on our players and again, help kick off this 2026 season. Time’s yours.”Q: Where are you at with Trent McDuffie and contract discussions?VEACH:&nbsp;“We’ve had a lot of dialogue with Trent (McDuffie) last spring (and) last summer. He’s first out of the gate tomorrow so, (we’re) looking forward to get with him. Obviously, Trent’s a great player and see what we can do there, but we’d certainly love to have Trent back for the long term.”Q: How does having the ninth pick in the draft change your approach this year?VEACH:&nbsp;“It’s funny, every year when we were picking 31 and 32, I’d always say, ‘Man, if we were just at (pick) 24 or 25, we’d be exactly where we want to be.’ Now, we’re at nine and I’m like, ‘Man, if we were just at (pick) four (or) five, we’d be exactly where we want to be. I think every GM kind of has that mindset where unless you have the first pick, there’s a certain element that you can’t control, and you have to let the dominoes fall, if you will. We’re excited – we don’t want to picking nine every year but we’re excited to add some young talent to this roster and I think even more excitingly, those second and third rounds where we felt like (in) years past, day one would end and we would come in there and there would be five-or-six players but you knew at 32 in round two you wouldn’t get them either. It’s not just the first round; I think we have an opportunity to really capitalize here and add a lot of talent throughout the course of the draft weekend.”Q: Where are you guys at with Travis Kelce and how do you plan for either decision?VEACH:&nbsp;“I think we’ve kind of taken a different approach with Travis (Kelce) in the sense that we’ve prepared for either scenario. (Head) Coach (Andy Reid) had mentioned on Friday (that) he’s had great dialogue with Travis. On our end, myself, (Assistant General Manager) Chris Shea and Travis’ crew we’ve had some good dialogue there. I’m sure we’re going to see him here just like we will all the other players’ agents and we’ll continue that dialogue. Travis is the best, he’s an icon and hopefully he comes back and we’ll just let that process play out.”Q: On what his conversations with Travis Kelce entail.VEACH:&nbsp;“It’s a combination of all of those. It’s not your typical – hey, 27-year-old first time in free agency. Travis (Kelce) has done everything, he’s accomplished everything – he’s about to get married, he’s got a lot going on. So, I don’t think there’s an element of us not trying to – you need some sort of deadline (or) timeline but at the same time, it’s Travis Kelce so we’re just going to continue to have positive dialogue and see where this thing ends. I think we’re trying to position ourselves that either way, we have a plan moving forward.”Q: Where do you view the biggest weakness heading into this season on offense and how can you protect Patrick Mahomes coming off a torn ACL?VEACH:&nbsp;“Certainly, we want to get more explosive in the running game. We’ve invested in that interior with Trey Smith and Creed Humphrey, two of the best in the league and we thought Kingsley (Suamataia) made a big step. Those are three talented interior players. We’ve talked about it and (Head) Coach (Andy Reid) has done an amazing job with his staff cranking on that scheme eval, but I think being more explosive in the running game and really taking advantage of those interior three to impose your will on an opposing team’s defense. The running game takes a lot of pressure off of everybody so I think if we can be more explosive and more effective in the running game – obviously – we take a lot of pressure off Pat (Mahomes) especially coming back early in the season with an injury.”Q: How realistic is it for you to resign Bryan Cook and Jaylen Watson?VEACH:&nbsp;“Everything’s a puzzle. I think – with a lot of our players, I don’t think that there’s any one of our free agents that we look, and we say, ‘We don’t want these guys back.’ They’re really good players and (we) won a lot of games with them. It’s just a matter of trying to put the puzzle together and what else is going to be out there, their price points and fitting the whole thing together. What we do is we just remain in contact and keep that dialogue open but all those players that you had mention – or even didn’t mention – any of the (Leo) Chenal’s, the (Bryan) Cook’s (and) the (Jaylen) Watson’s. All these guys we’re monitoring and we’re trying to get as many back as we can. Obviously, it’s unrealistic to think you will, but we have to be able to go in different directions. There’s some times where you don’t think a guy’s going to come back here and all of a sudden, because you either didn’t execute something or someone else took a different deal, things open back up. I think you need to remain flexible and fluid during these situations but always have layers of backup plans when you enter this part of the season.”Q: Are contracts that award availability, typically in bonuses, on the rise?VEACH:&nbsp;“I think it’s on the rise to a degree, but typically the better you are and the higher profile you are, the less leverage you have sometimes. Then those players follow suit with other players, and everyone does the same thing. I think it’s always been the case where it varies when you get to the degree of each and every player. That’s a good question; I don’t know to what percent – is it on the rise. I know it’s something that all teams utilize and we do as well and a lot of it comes down to the caliber of player or the tier of player.”Q: Are you doing it more in Kansas City?VEACH:&nbsp;“We’re doing it when we can. That’s just one of those things we do, especially with the guys that have a little bit more injury history and there has to be a trade-off, too. If you’re going to give some guy a contract and there is a bit of that injury question. We always try to implement that. I think it varies by player and position.”Q: On NIL in college athletics and how they evaluate prospects when they are getting paid in college.VEACH:&nbsp;“You see it when you look at – when we go through these prospects, and we’re looking at the tags, and you see their birthdates and then you look at your roster, and a lot of those guys are just as young as these guys and then it trickles down. You also see it too – when the official decision date for these underclassmen came out, I believe we moved over 25 guys off our board that we had top 75 (or) top 100. It really impacts the draft and then you’re getting older prospects as you go on. I don’t think that’s going to change anytime soon and that’s something that we have to adapt to until there’s some wholesale changes on what they do on the college side. I think this is just going to be the way things work now and it’s for us to adapt and adjust to it and position yourself to get some of the younger players that have a little bit more growth. Typically, the second and third round would be those guys that maybe they didn’t play a lot but they’re young. Well, now these guys are just bouncing and getting paid by another school and getting paid and playing. It’s a little bit (of) that two, three (and) four round where you have the younger, developmental guys that haven’t scratched the surface yet – you’re getting a little bit more already finished product, so that’s challenging. I think it’s – again, what we have to adapt to, and that goes into how you position your board, when to be aggressive and when not to be aggressive.”Q: Do you see the same level of hunger from prospects?VEACH:&nbsp;“Yeah. I mean, part of the process is to just find guys that love to play and love the process. If you’re drafting guys too, your goal is to ultimately pay them and have them still come back with the desire and hunger like the (Patrick) Mahomes’, the Creed’s (Humphrey) and the Trey’s (Smith) and so I don’t think I’ve seen a dip off in that. I do see just the talent pool shrinking.”Q: Is there optimism to keep Jawaan Taylor despite his contract?VEACH:&nbsp;“With Jawaan (Taylor) – Mike Danna was a little unique and different. Mike Danna was in the building this week. I had a chance to talk to Mike and you guys know Mike, he’s as good as it gets (and) just a tremendous player and person and I have a lot of respect for him. (I) wanted to have that opportunity – since I saw him this weekend – to let him go out there and see what his market is and we’ll remain in contact. I think with guys like Jawaan and Drue Tranquill – someone asked me about earlier – these guys started for us, and they’ve played a lot of football for us and again our cap situation I don’t know if we’re six or seven (million) over, but I think we have 60 million in convertible contracts, too. We have many different ways to attack this, and I think that’s the one thing we’ve been good at and we don’t do a lot of money pushed down to future years and I think we run a pretty tight ship there. This gives us flexibility to do different things. Again, that’s part of the process with all of those guys and we’ll see how the scenarios shake out.”Q: What’s the secret to balancing the work ethic and quality of work in the Chiefs facility?VEACH:&nbsp;“That’s a better question for (Head Coach) Andy (Reid), but the one thing that Andy takes a lot of pride and joy in I think is – we always talk about the coach and all of the accomplishments on the field, but Andy’s one of those guys that really finds value in the day-to-day interactions with his staff and with his coaches. He uses every moment as a teachable moment. Obviously, his kids are involved, his family’s close (and) they’re all a part of it but that work life balance – the work is done in the facility but also the life balance is done in the facility with the way he mentors everyone, the coaches, the players – his family is a part of it. Just a unique individual and you don’t run into people like that very often, that their work becomes them, but they give so much on and off the field.”Q: Outside of medical, what could change your draft board?VEACH:&nbsp;“Talking football. Every position group is different, right? I’m sure most GMs would tell you that and most coaching staffs will tell you that. There are certain positions – how they process information. Now look, this is only 20 minutes so we’re not going to throw a kid up there or destroy a kid, but it’s a start. Then, you have your informal time here, you have potentially formal time here, you have Zoom opportunities now and then you have in-house 30 visits and our coach can go visit them. I think sometimes when there’s a question, I don’t think anything’s determined here, I think it’s part of the process. We had a couple of guys yesterday, with just the football knowledge stuff we weren’t sure on, they nailed it and we were really impressed. (It’s) only 20 minutes so on the other side there, we’re going to make sure that is what it is. Our college scouts do a great job of painting the picture and having me, the coaching staff and everyone in that room prepped for – here’s the player and here’s the background situation, here’s where he’s from and here are the things – some these guys are smart, they just don’t articulate it well. It’s just seeing the whole puzzle piece come together. Like I said, I don’t think we take a bunch of names off but it’s just a pathway to keep digging and get as much information as possible.”Q: How do you value using a first-round pick on a running back?VEACH:&nbsp;“I mean, it’s a great question and I think there’s the old school – I mean you’re always going to (look at) o-line (and) d-line – those positional values are there (and) you see them in free agency. But at the same time, I mean arguably some of the best players in this draft are maybe at non-premium position when you look at the Ohio State linebacker (Arvell Reese), the Notre Dame running back (Jeremiyah Love), the safety at Ohio State (Caleb Downs) and those are really, really good players it’s hard to find faults with their tape, I rarely saw it. Again, some of those more premium positions (like) interior d-line (and) edge rushers, they’re hard to find. With those guys – the problem with those guys is they’re hard to find and then they don’t really become available in free agency. Some of those other positions, they’re good players, you’ll probably eventually get a chance to get some of those positions in free agency. That’s the thing you just have to go through and weigh out all the options. But at the end of the day, I think when a guy is going to come in here and be a great contributor on the field (and) off the field, stick to that old mantra and take the best player available, right?”Q: How do you characterize this year and what you have to work through with the cap?

Chiefs Quotes: 2-24-26

MANHATTAN, Kansas&nbsp;–&nbsp;K-State women’s basketball will compete in the 2026 and 2027 editions of The Invitational at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, South Dakota in November.

In the 2026 edition, the Wildcats are slated to play Minnesota on November 14. K-State is set to face Nebraska in 2027. Game times, broadcast information and ticket information will be announced at a later date.

The Wildcats leads the series with Minnesota, 11-6, with the last meeting between the schools coming on March, 23, 2004. This will be the third neutral site matchup in the series and first since Jan. 9, 1981.

In its history, K-State is 3-1 in games played in the state of South Dakota. The last visit to the state came on Dec. 11, 2021, as the Wildcats defeated South Dakota State, 79-73, in Brookings.

This is the renewal of “The Invitational,” which the Sanford Pentagon has hosted twice previously. In a 2021 doubleheader, South Carolina defeated South Dakota, while Arizona topped Louisville. 2022 featured a single game where South Carolina returned to Sioux Falls and defeated South Dakota State. Those two events featured six future WNBA first round draft picks and four nationally ranked teams.

K-State ends its 2025-26 regular season schedule on Sunday, March 1 at 1 p.m., as the Wildcats host Iowa State. For tickets, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://kstatesports.com/tickets" target="_blank">kstatesports.com/tickets</a>&nbsp;or call (800) 221-CATS.

MANHATTAN, Kansas&nbsp;–&nbsp;K-State women’s basketball will compete in the 2026 and 2027 editions of The Invitational at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, South Dakota in November.In the 2026 edition, the Wildcats are slated to play Minnesota on November 14. K-State is set to face Nebraska in 2027. Game times, broadcast information and ticket information will be announced at a later date.The Wildcats leads the series with Minnesota, 11-6, with the last meeting between the schools coming on March, 23, 2004. This will be the third neutral site matchup in the series and first since Jan. 9, 1981.In its history, K-State is 3-1 in games played in the state of South Dakota. The last visit to the state came on Dec. 11, 2021, as the Wildcats defeated South Dakota State, 79-73, in Brookings.This is the renewal of “The Invitational,” which the Sanford Pentagon has hosted twice previously. In a 2021 doubleheader, South Carolina defeated South Dakota, while Arizona topped Louisville. 2022 featured a single game where South Carolina returned to Sioux Falls and defeated South Dakota State. Those two events featured six future WNBA first round draft picks and four nationally ranked teams.K-State ends its 2025-26 regular season schedule on Sunday, March 1 at 1 p.m., as the Wildcats host Iowa State. For tickets, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://kstatesports.com/tickets" target="_blank">kstatesports.com/tickets</a>&nbsp;or call (800) 221-CATS.

🏀 K-State WBB to Play in The Invitational in 2026 and 2027

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;The Kansas Jayhawks are one of four programs who have agreed to play in The Invitational, a doubleheader at the Sanford Pentagon in November of each of the next two seasons.&nbsp;

Kansas will be joined by Nebraska, Minnesota and Kansas State in the event. On Nov. 14, 2026, the Jayhawks will face Nebraska while Minnesota squares off with Kansas State. On Nov. 6, 2027, Kansas meets Minnesota while Nebraska takes on Kansas State. Broadcast information, game times, and ticket information will be determined at a later date.

“These four programs represent some of the best women’s basketball in the country,” said Jesse Smith, vice president of Sanford Sports. “All four schools have tremendous players, coaching staffs, and fanbases within driving distance of Sioux Falls. We’re grateful to be able to host them for the next two years at the Sanford Pentagon.”The doubleheaders in 2026 and 2027 are the renewal of The Invitational, which the Sanford Pentagon has hosted twice previously. In a 2021 doubleheader, South Carolina defeated South Dakota, while Arizona topped Louisville. In 2022, it featured a single game where South Carolina returned to Sioux Falls and defeated South Dakota State. Those two events featured six future WNBA first round draft picks and four nationally ranked teams.

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;The Kansas Jayhawks are one of four programs who have agreed to play in The Invitational, a doubleheader at the Sanford Pentagon in November of each of the next two seasons.&nbsp;Kansas will be joined by Nebraska, Minnesota and Kansas State in the event. On Nov. 14, 2026, the Jayhawks will face Nebraska while Minnesota squares off with Kansas State. On Nov. 6, 2027, Kansas meets Minnesota while Nebraska takes on Kansas State. Broadcast information, game times, and ticket information will be determined at a later date.“These four programs represent some of the best women’s basketball in the country,” said Jesse Smith, vice president of Sanford Sports. “All four schools have tremendous players, coaching staffs, and fanbases within driving distance of Sioux Falls. We’re grateful to be able to host them for the next two years at the Sanford Pentagon.”The doubleheaders in 2026 and 2027 are the renewal of The Invitational, which the Sanford Pentagon has hosted twice previously. In a 2021 doubleheader, South Carolina defeated South Dakota, while Arizona topped Louisville. In 2022, it featured a single game where South Carolina returned to Sioux Falls and defeated South Dakota State. Those two events featured six future WNBA first round draft picks and four nationally ranked teams.By competing in The Invitational, Kansas will make its second and third all-time appearances at the Sanford Pentagon. The Jayhawks previously suffered a 71-58 defeat against Iowa on Nov. 20, 2024.&nbsp;"We are excited to take our team back to the Sanford Pentagon the next two years,” Kansas head coach Brandon Schneider said. “It is a terrific venue, and we will have a chance to compete against two Big Ten programs. We always set out to schedule strong non-conference games to help prepare our team for Big 12 play, and there's no doubt that games against Nebraska and Minnesota will do that for us."