The SES Trojans take on the Bulldogs of Galena, KS in the 3rd place game of the Kansas 3A State Basketball Tournament in Hutchinson, KS.

The SES Trojans take on the Bulldogs of Galena, KS in the 3rd place game of the Kansas 3A State Basketball Tournament in Hutchinson, KS.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MkP4__b3eus" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

🎥SES Boys Basketball vs. Galena (03/11/23)

The SES Trojans take on the Swathers of Hesston, KS in the second round of the Kansas 3A State Basketball Tournament in Hutchinson, KS.

The SES Trojans take on the Swathers of Hesston, KS in the second round of the Kansas 3A State Basketball Tournament in Hutchinson, KS.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/o70Ai3QtT84" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

🎥SES Boys Basketball vs Hesston (03/10/23)

The SES Trojans take on the Kaws of Perry-Lecompton High School in Perry, Kansas in the first round of the Kansas 3A State Basketball Tournament in Hutchinson, KS.

The SES Trojans take on the Kaws of Perry-Lecompton High School in Perry, Kansas in the first round of the Kansas 3A State Basketball Tournament in Hutchinson, KS.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4unBoapmJUI" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

🎥SES Boys Basketball vs Perry Lecompton (03/09/23)

SAN DIEGO&nbsp;— The Kansas City Current traveled to San Diego for their final match of the 2023 preseason.&nbsp;Goals from newcomers Mimmi Larsson and Michelle Cooper lifted the Current to the team's first victory of the 2023 preseason.&nbsp;

While the first half was back-and-forth between the two teams, goalkeeper AD Franch came up big several times to keep the scoresheet clean. Multiple times, she found herself in a crowded box and leapt above to snatch the ball away. &nbsp;

Kansas City’s first major chance came in the 35th&nbsp;minute, when forward Mimmi Larsson raced down the lefthand side and fired a shot into the side netting before it rolled out of bounds. &nbsp;

Just four minutes later, Larsson broke the draw with a rocket of a shot into the upper 90. After a run down the right-hand side, rookie Alexa Spaanstra slid the ball all the way across the field to find Larsson open at the top of the box. Her shot soared over the San Diego keeper to put the Current ahead. &nbsp;

The Current weren’t done with one. In the 45th&nbsp;minute, forward Michelle Cooper found herself on the end of a smooth pass from Cece Kizer. The rookie deftly cut around the San Diego keeper and poked the ball in for a second goal. &nbsp;

San Diego pulled one back before halftime was called, but the Current had the momentum heading into the break. &nbsp;

The next big opportunity for Kansas City came after a couple of second-half substitutions. Midfielder Chardonnay Curran entered the match and fought through traffic on the left side to center a ball to Alex Loera, whose shot deflected off a San Diego defender and fell out of bounds. &nbsp;

The Kansas City Current finish out the preseason 1-1-1. The team opens the 2023 regular season on March 25 when the Current hit the road to take on the North Carolina Courage.&nbsp;

Kansas City CurrentSAN DIEGO&nbsp;— The Kansas City Current traveled to San Diego for their final match of the 2023 preseason.&nbsp;Goals from newcomers Mimmi Larsson and Michelle Cooper lifted the Current to the team's first victory of the 2023 preseason.&nbsp;While the first half was back-and-forth between the two teams, goalkeeper AD Franch came up big several times to keep the scoresheet clean. Multiple times, she found herself in a crowded box and leapt above to snatch the ball away. &nbsp;Kansas City’s first major chance came in the 35th&nbsp;minute, when forward Mimmi Larsson raced down the lefthand side and fired a shot into the side netting before it rolled out of bounds. &nbsp;Just four minutes later, Larsson broke the draw with a rocket of a shot into the upper 90. After a run down the right-hand side, rookie Alexa Spaanstra slid the ball all the way across the field to find Larsson open at the top of the box. Her shot soared over the San Diego keeper to put the Current ahead. &nbsp;The Current weren’t done with one. In the 45th&nbsp;minute, forward Michelle Cooper found herself on the end of a smooth pass from Cece Kizer. The rookie deftly cut around the San Diego keeper and poked the ball in for a second goal. &nbsp;San Diego pulled one back before halftime was called, but the Current had the momentum heading into the break. &nbsp;The next big opportunity for Kansas City came after a couple of second-half substitutions. Midfielder Chardonnay Curran entered the match and fought through traffic on the left side to center a ball to Alex Loera, whose shot deflected off a San Diego defender and fell out of bounds. &nbsp;The Kansas City Current finish out the preseason 1-1-1. The team opens the 2023 regular season on March 25 when the Current hit the road to take on the North Carolina Courage.&nbsp;

KC Current closes out preseason with 2-1 win over San Diego Wave FC

By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports Writer

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Dylan Disu overcame early foul trouble to score 18 points, Marcus Carr and Sir'Jabari Rice added 17 apiece, and seventh-ranked Texas silenced a heavily pro-Kansas crowd with a 76-56 romp over the third-ranked Jayhawks in the Big 12 Tournament title game Saturday night.

After going more than two decades without a Big 12 tourney championship, the Longhorns (26-8) have won two of the past three, and likely wrapped up a No. 2 seed in next week's NCAA Tournament with their performance in Kansas City.

With interim coach Rodney Terry leading the way, the Longhorns built a 39-33 lead by halftime, extended it to 20 down the stretch and coasted toward a shower of confetti during a net-cutting celebration.

Jalen Wilson scored 24 points and Joseph Yesufu, pressed into the starting lineup due to injuries, finished with 11 for the Jayhawks (27-7), who had won 13 of their previous 16 trips to the Big 12 finals.

The question now is whether the defending national champs did enough before Saturday night to earn the overall No. 1 seed for the NCAA Tournament, and with it a favorable road through Kansas City in the regional round.

Kansas was once again without Hall of Fame coach Bill Self, who went to the emergency room on the eve of its quarterfinal for an undisclosed medical procedure. Self's longtime assistant and acting coach, Norm Roberts, once again called the shots from the sideline for the championship game.

On the other side stood Terry, who certainly didn't expect to be pulling the strings for Texas. But when Chris Beard was fired for an off-the-court incident early in the season, the former Fresno State and UTEP coach not only kept his talented team together but guided it to a second-place finish in the regular season.

Right behind the Jayhawks, who also happened to be defending Big 12 Tournament champs.

Both teams were missing starters Saturday night due to injuries — Kevin McCullar Jr. for the Jayhawks, Timmy Allen for the Longhorns — yet there was still plenty of star power on display inside the T-Mobile Center.

Wilson, the league's player of the year, kept the Jayhawks afloat during a scattershot first half. He scored 17 points, more than half their total, while pounding the glass and even picking up a steal.

Texas, meanwhile, relied on depth and balance in forging a 39-33 halftime lead. It had to after losing Disu, who already had been a revelation the previous two rounds, to a pair of fouls less than eight minutes into the game.

When the big man returned, he went right to work. Disu had a couple of baskets in the opening minutes, and a nearly five-minute drought by Kansas allowed the Longhorns to extend their lead to 53-41 with 12 minutes to go.

By that point, about 500 Texas fans sounded like 15,000. And about 15,000 Kansas fans were dead silent.

The knockout blow came moments later, when Disu's baskets bookended one by Rice, and Arterio Morris threw down an ally-oop dunk. That pushed the Longhorns' lead to 70-50 with 4 1/2 minutes to go, and while Roberts finally called a timeout to slow the onslaught, it came far too late to make a difference.

McCullar, the Jayhawks' defensive dynamo, has been dealing with back spasms that flared up again during a semifinal win over Iowa State; he watched from the bench in sweats. The Longhorns were without Allen all tournament while the veteran leader rested a lower leg injury ahead of the NCAA Tournament.

Texas shot 50% from the field but was especially good inside the arc — the Longhorns were just 4 of 17 on 3s. And rarely did they go more than a couple of minutes without a basket, preventing Kansas from getting its crowd into the game.

Kansas was forced to use some different lineups with McCullar out, playing freshman MJ Rice extended minutes. The Jayhawks rarely seemed in sync, and that was evident in Dajuan Harris Jr. turning the ball over four times while running the point.

The Longhorns and Jayhawks are headed to the NCAA Tournament. They'll learn Sunday night who, when and where they will play in the first round.

By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports WriterKANSAS CITY, Mo. — Dylan Disu overcame early foul trouble to score 18 points, Marcus Carr and Sir'Jabari Rice added 17 apiece, and seventh-ranked Texas silenced a heavily pro-Kansas crowd with a 76-56 romp over the third-ranked Jayhawks in the Big 12 Tournament title game Saturday night.After going more than two decades without a Big 12 tourney championship, the Longhorns (26-8) have won two of the past three, and likely wrapped up a No. 2 seed in next week's NCAA Tournament with their performance in Kansas City.With interim coach Rodney Terry leading the way, the Longhorns built a 39-33 lead by halftime, extended it to 20 down the stretch and coasted toward a shower of confetti during a net-cutting celebration.Jalen Wilson scored 24 points and Joseph Yesufu, pressed into the starting lineup due to injuries, finished with 11 for the Jayhawks (27-7), who had won 13 of their previous 16 trips to the Big 12 finals.The question now is whether the defending national champs did enough before Saturday night to earn the overall No. 1 seed for the NCAA Tournament, and with it a favorable road through Kansas City in the regional round.Kansas was once again without Hall of Fame coach Bill Self, who went to the emergency room on the eve of its quarterfinal for an undisclosed medical procedure. Self's longtime assistant and acting coach, Norm Roberts, once again called the shots from the sideline for the championship game.On the other side stood Terry, who certainly didn't expect to be pulling the strings for Texas. But when Chris Beard was fired for an off-the-court incident early in the season, the former Fresno State and UTEP coach not only kept his talented team together but guided it to a second-place finish in the regular season.Right behind the Jayhawks, who also happened to be defending Big 12 Tournament champs.Both teams were missing starters Saturday night due to injuries — Kevin McCullar Jr. for the Jayhawks, Timmy Allen for the Longhorns — yet there was still plenty of star power on display inside the T-Mobile Center.Wilson, the league's player of the year, kept the Jayhawks afloat during a scattershot first half. He scored 17 points, more than half their total, while pounding the glass and even picking up a steal.Texas, meanwhile, relied on depth and balance in forging a 39-33 halftime lead. It had to after losing Disu, who already had been a revelation the previous two rounds, to a pair of fouls less than eight minutes into the game.When the big man returned, he went right to work. Disu had a couple of baskets in the opening minutes, and a nearly five-minute drought by Kansas allowed the Longhorns to extend their lead to 53-41 with 12 minutes to go.By that point, about 500 Texas fans sounded like 15,000. And about 15,000 Kansas fans were dead silent.The knockout blow came moments later, when Disu's baskets bookended one by Rice, and Arterio Morris threw down an ally-oop dunk. That pushed the Longhorns' lead to 70-50 with 4 1/2 minutes to go, and while Roberts finally called a timeout to slow the onslaught, it came far too late to make a difference.MISSING STARTERSMcCullar, the Jayhawks' defensive dynamo, has been dealing with back spasms that flared up again during a semifinal win over Iowa State; he watched from the bench in sweats. The Longhorns were without Allen all tournament while the veteran leader rested a lower leg injury ahead of the NCAA Tournament.THE TAKEAWAYTexas shot 50% from the field but was especially good inside the arc — the Longhorns were just 4 of 17 on 3s. And rarely did they go more than a couple of minutes without a basket, preventing Kansas from getting its crowd into the game.Kansas was forced to use some different lineups with McCullar out, playing freshman MJ Rice extended minutes. The Jayhawks rarely seemed in sync, and that was evident in Dajuan Harris Jr. turning the ball over four times while running the point.UP NEXTThe Longhorns and Jayhawks are headed to the NCAA Tournament. They'll learn Sunday night who, when and where they will play in the first round.

No. 7 Texas rolls past No. 3 Kansas 76-56 for Big 12 tourney title

By DAVE SKRETTA AP Basketball Writer

Wichita State has fired coach Isaac Brown. The Shockers were bounced from the quarterfinals of the American Athletic Conference Tournament on Friday. Two years ago, Brown was voted the league's coach of the year. He was the lead recruiter and a top assistant for then-Shockers coach Gregg Marshall, who resigned in November 2020 after allegations of verbal and physical abuse of players. Brown took over and led the team to the NCAA Tournament.

Wichita State fired coach Isaac Brown on Saturday, one day after the Shockers were bounced from the quarterfinals of the American Athletic Conference Tournament and two years after he was voted the league's coach of the year.

Brown was the lead recruiter and a top assistant for former coach Gregg Marshall, who resigned in November 2020 after allegations of verbal and physical abuse of players. With the start of the season just days away, Brown was given the job and led Wichita State to the NCAA Tournament.

The Shockers finished 16-6 in Brown's first season, which ended with a heartbreaking loss to Drake in their First Four game played an Indianapolis-area COVID-19 bubble. His top player, Tyson Etienne, was voted the AAC player of the year.

The 53-year-old had never been a head coach at any level and in February 2021 was given the permanent job by then-athletic director Darron Boatright and rewarded with a five-year contract. But the Shockers soon slid back to mediocrity, going 15-13 last season and finishing 17-15 this season.

Boatright was fired in May and Kevin Saal was hired from Murray State to replace him a month later.

"I want to thank Coach Brown for his contributions," Saal said in a letter posted to Wichita State fans. "His love for our student-athletes and our program is unquestioned, and we are grateful for his investment in the lives of our student-athletes.

Saal will be tasked with finding a coach who restore the Shockers to the upper tier of a new-look American Athletic Conference. The league will lose top-ranked Houston, Central Florida and Cincinnati to the Big 12 after this season, and welcome six schools from Conference USA: UAB, Florida Atlantic, Charlotte, Texas-San Antonio, Rice and North Texas.

Working in Saal's favor is the fact that the Shockers are one of the more attractive mid-majors in college basketball due to a proud tradition that includes two Final Fours, the most recent in 2013.

They play in Koch Arena, known affectionately as the "The Roundhouse," and enjoy the support of the Koch family, which has given millions in support of the school and athletic department.

By DAVE SKRETTA AP Basketball WriterWichita State has fired coach Isaac Brown. The Shockers were bounced from the quarterfinals of the American Athletic Conference Tournament on Friday. Two years ago, Brown was voted the league's coach of the year. He was the lead recruiter and a top assistant for then-Shockers coach Gregg Marshall, who resigned in November 2020 after allegations of verbal and physical abuse of players. Brown took over and led the team to the NCAA Tournament.Wichita State fired coach Isaac Brown on Saturday, one day after the Shockers were bounced from the quarterfinals of the American Athletic Conference Tournament and two years after he was voted the league's coach of the year.Brown was the lead recruiter and a top assistant for former coach Gregg Marshall, who resigned in November 2020 after allegations of verbal and physical abuse of players. With the start of the season just days away, Brown was given the job and led Wichita State to the NCAA Tournament.The Shockers finished 16-6 in Brown's first season, which ended with a heartbreaking loss to Drake in their First Four game played an Indianapolis-area COVID-19 bubble. His top player, Tyson Etienne, was voted the AAC player of the year.The 53-year-old had never been a head coach at any level and in February 2021 was given the permanent job by then-athletic director Darron Boatright and rewarded with a five-year contract. But the Shockers soon slid back to mediocrity, going 15-13 last season and finishing 17-15 this season.Boatright was fired in May and Kevin Saal was hired from Murray State to replace him a month later."I want to thank Coach Brown for his contributions," Saal said in a letter posted to Wichita State fans. "His love for our student-athletes and our program is unquestioned, and we are grateful for his investment in the lives of our student-athletes.Saal will be tasked with finding a coach who restore the Shockers to the upper tier of a new-look American Athletic Conference. The league will lose top-ranked Houston, Central Florida and Cincinnati to the Big 12 after this season, and welcome six schools from Conference USA: UAB, Florida Atlantic, Charlotte, Texas-San Antonio, Rice and North Texas.Working in Saal's favor is the fact that the Shockers are one of the more attractive mid-majors in college basketball due to a proud tradition that includes two Final Fours, the most recent in 2013.They play in Koch Arena, known affectionately as the "The Roundhouse," and enjoy the support of the Koch family, which has given millions in support of the school and athletic department.

Wichita State fires Isaac Brown after three seasons

By TYLER HENRY Salina Post contributor

Despite falling to Hesston in the 3A semifinals on Friday, the Southeast of Saline boy’s basketball team ended their season with an exclamation point on Saturday, coming back to defeat Galena 54-51 and take third place at state for a second-straight season.

Galena came into this year’s state tournament undefeated and handled their business with Wellsville in the first round before falling to Marysville in the semis.

This afternoon, the Trojans discovered just how good the Bulldogs were, as Galena took a six-point lead into the fourth and final quarter, extending it to nine with a huge early three.

Down by three possessions and still exhausted from playing just 18 hours before, SES dug deep, and burned whatever energy they had left in the tank, rattling off a furious 11-0 run and closing on a 15-3 run to hand the Bulldogs their second loss of the season 53-51.

“We were down but we never lost sight of what we were trying to do,” SES head coach Bryson Flax said. “Sometimes it just takes some time to get there and I thought we did a great job of moving the ball offensively and we showed real toughness defensively.”

While many at the Hutchinson Sports Arena were in awe of the Trojan’s resilience, the Gypsum faithful were not among them, as fans of the purple and white have become accustomed to this kind of play over the years.

“I didn’t learn anything about our guys that I didn’t already know,” Flax said. “These guys are so good, they’re mature, they’re professional and they did a phenomenal job of preparing themselves. I think it helps that we’ve been here before and we have mixed emotions because we failed in our ultimate goal, but the things that this group has done over the course of two seasons is something special.”

This year’s Trojan team accomplished so much on their way to a second-consecutive third-place 3A finish, setting a new record for single-season program wins (24), appearing in a second-straight state tournament, and winning back-to-back NCAA league titles.

The only two teams to defeat Southeast will both play for a state title later tonight, with Hugoton battling in Class 4A, and Hesston looking to three-peat in Class 3A.

“Both of the teams we lost two had a really good shot to win a state title themselves,” Flax said. “I wish for the guys that we could be playing later but I’m proud as heck of the way they fought. We had barely any energy but our guys wanted to be here and it was great for us to get a win. SES will say goodbye to eight seniors over the offseason, with each and every one leaving their mark on, and helping to build a program at Southeast of Saline that will extend far beyond their time in Gypsum.

All-in-all, over the last two seasons, the Trojans post a combined record of 46-6, two league titles, two state appearances, and two third-place finishes in Class 3A.

The Salina Post would like to thank all those who followed along all season long throughout our coverage of SES Trojan and Lady Trojan hoops.

For continuing coverage of Southeast of Saline athletics, stay tuned to the Salina Post.

By TYLER HENRY Salina Post contributor<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599179528888.png" alt="Coverage of SES hoops is presented by Salina Ortho: Quality orthopedic care when you need it!" />
 <figcaption>Coverage of SES hoops is presented by Salina Ortho: Quality orthopedic care when you need it!</figcaption>
 </figure>Despite falling to Hesston in the 3A semifinals on Friday, the Southeast of Saline boy’s basketball team ended their season with an exclamation point on Saturday, coming back to defeat Galena 54-51 and take third place at state for a second-straight season.Galena came into this year’s state tournament undefeated and handled their business with Wellsville in the first round before falling to Marysville in the semis.This afternoon, the Trojans discovered just how good the Bulldogs were, as Galena took a six-point lead into the fourth and final quarter, extending it to nine with a huge early three.Down by three possessions and still exhausted from playing just 18 hours before, SES dug deep, and burned whatever energy they had left in the tank, rattling off a furious 11-0 run and closing on a 15-3 run to hand the Bulldogs their second loss of the season 53-51.“We were down but we never lost sight of what we were trying to do,” SES head coach Bryson Flax said. “Sometimes it just takes some time to get there and I thought we did a great job of moving the ball offensively and we showed real toughness defensively.”While many at the Hutchinson Sports Arena were in awe of the Trojan’s resilience, the Gypsum faithful were not among them, as fans of the purple and white have become accustomed to this kind of play over the years.“I didn’t learn anything about our guys that I didn’t already know,” Flax said. “These guys are so good, they’re mature, they’re professional and they did a phenomenal job of preparing themselves. I think it helps that we’ve been here before and we have mixed emotions because we failed in our ultimate goal, but the things that this group has done over the course of two seasons is something special.”This year’s Trojan team accomplished so much on their way to a second-consecutive third-place 3A finish, setting a new record for single-season program wins (24), appearing in a second-straight state tournament, and winning back-to-back NCAA league titles.The only two teams to defeat Southeast will both play for a state title later tonight, with Hugoton battling in Class 4A, and Hesston looking to three-peat in Class 3A.“Both of the teams we lost two had a really good shot to win a state title themselves,” Flax said. “I wish for the guys that we could be playing later but I’m proud as heck of the way they fought. We had barely any energy but our guys wanted to be here and it was great for us to get a win. SES will say goodbye to eight seniors over the offseason, with each and every one leaving their mark on, and helping to build a program at Southeast of Saline that will extend far beyond their time in Gypsum.All-in-all, over the last two seasons, the Trojans post a combined record of 46-6, two league titles, two state appearances, and two third-place finishes in Class 3A.The Salina Post would like to thank all those who followed along all season long throughout our coverage of SES Trojan and Lady Trojan hoops.For continuing coverage of Southeast of Saline athletics, stay tuned to the Salina Post.

Fourth-quarter comeback allows SES to defeat Galena, claim second-straight 3rd-place finish

After kicking off their title defense with a 75-45 victory over the Topeka Tropics, the Salina Liberty will hit the road for the first time in 2023 with a trip to Sioux City on Saturday evening at 7:00.

The reigning champs looked excellent offensively a week ago, with rookie QB Jerod Evans earning CIF Offensive Player of the Week honors in the win.

“We put up a lot of offense in our first game and I was very happy with how well Jerod performed especially on so few practices,” Liberty head coach Heron O’Neal said. “It’s a testament to how quick of a study he is. He’s been willing to come here and learn a new offense on short notice and as the game went on he got very comfortable.”

While Salina did concede 45 points on the defensive end, some of that effort was compromised by their lack of a true kicker, as star wideout D-Wash assumed emergency kicking duties last week.

“It was hard to judge our defense in this game just because of the kind of field position we gave up,” O’Neal said. “We struggled a lot and Topeka executed a good offensive gameplan but the field position from our kickoff team has to improve, especially against explosive offenses.”

With a win in hand, the Liberty will go from facing one of the newest teams in the league, to one of its oldest as they get set for a duel with a Sioux City team that looks very similar to last year’s Bandits.

“Sioux City is the most veteran team in the league again this year and that showed with their win total last season,” he said. “They have a lot of veteran ballplayers that know how to play the game and that have played in big games. That’s a testament to their coaching staff and the recruitment they’ve done to bring back a veteran at every position.”

On offense, Salina will have to contend with the likes of Dajon Emory, Claude Davis, and Devon Bridges, who all ran amok in a 75-34 win over the Marshals last week.

“We have to understand what they’re trying to do defensively and we can’t turn the ball over and expect to win,” O’Neal said. “We also have to find a way to win the special teams battle against a team that’s very good in that area.”

On the other side of things, the Liberty will be tasked with corralling new Bandit QB Tasleem Wilson, who fills out an explosive backfield alongside long-time vet Fred Bruno.

In enemy territory on the road, this game will prove to be a real test for Salina, who will look to bring a win back home against one of the league’s big three on Saturday.

“Our poise in our first road game will be critical and it’ll be interesting to see how these young guys handle the travel and playing in hostile territory,” O’Neal said. “We’re also trying to improve upon what we did last week, we feel like we left some points on the board and defensively we didn’t have our best game.”

Kickoff between the Liberty and Bandits is set for 7:00 in Sioux City on Saturday night, and the game can be heard on KINA (910 AM or 107.5 FM) courtesy of Eagle Radio.

By TYLER HENRY Salina Post contributor<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618021366432.png" alt="Coverage of Liberty football is sponsored by Ryan Roofing" />
 <figcaption>Coverage of Liberty football is sponsored by Ryan Roofing</figcaption>
 </figure>After kicking off their title defense with a 75-45 victory over the Topeka Tropics, the Salina Liberty will hit the road for the first time in 2023 with a trip to Sioux City on Saturday evening at 7:00.The reigning champs looked excellent offensively a week ago, with rookie QB Jerod Evans earning CIF Offensive Player of the Week honors in the win.“We put up a lot of offense in our first game and I was very happy with how well Jerod performed especially on so few practices,” Liberty head coach Heron O’Neal said. “It’s a testament to how quick of a study he is. He’s been willing to come here and learn a new offense on short notice and as the game went on he got very comfortable.”While Salina did concede 45 points on the defensive end, some of that effort was compromised by their lack of a true kicker, as star wideout D-Wash assumed emergency kicking duties last week.“It was hard to judge our defense in this game just because of the kind of field position we gave up,” O’Neal said. “We struggled a lot and Topeka executed a good offensive gameplan but the field position from our kickoff team has to improve, especially against explosive offenses.”With a win in hand, the Liberty will go from facing one of the newest teams in the league, to one of its oldest as they get set for a duel with a Sioux City team that looks very similar to last year’s Bandits.“Sioux City is the most veteran team in the league again this year and that showed with their win total last season,” he said. “They have a lot of veteran ballplayers that know how to play the game and that have played in big games. That’s a testament to their coaching staff and the recruitment they’ve done to bring back a veteran at every position.”On offense, Salina will have to contend with the likes of Dajon Emory, Claude Davis, and Devon Bridges, who all ran amok in a 75-34 win over the Marshals last week.“We have to understand what they’re trying to do defensively and we can’t turn the ball over and expect to win,” O’Neal said. “We also have to find a way to win the special teams battle against a team that’s very good in that area.”On the other side of things, the Liberty will be tasked with corralling new Bandit QB Tasleem Wilson, who fills out an explosive backfield alongside long-time vet Fred Bruno.In enemy territory on the road, this game will prove to be a real test for Salina, who will look to bring a win back home against one of the league’s big three on Saturday.“Our poise in our first road game will be critical and it’ll be interesting to see how these young guys handle the travel and playing in hostile territory,” O’Neal said. “We’re also trying to improve upon what we did last week, we feel like we left some points on the board and defensively we didn’t have our best game.”Kickoff between the Liberty and Bandits is set for 7:00 in Sioux City on Saturday night, and the game can be heard on KINA (910 AM or 107.5 FM) courtesy of Eagle Radio.

Liberty travel to Sioux City to battle Bandits

Kansas Wesleyan baseball opened its key Kansas Conference series with the Tabor College Bluejays with a 5-2 victory on Friday at Dean Evans Stadium.

Both teams came into Friday's game at the top of the KCAC standings with Tabor at 5-0 and KWU at 4-1 in conference play. Both teams now sit in a four-way tie for first place with a 5-1 conference record, along with McPherson and Oklahoma Wesleyan.

The Coyotes took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/3/13262">Dustin Sipe</a>&nbsp;(SR/Aztec, N.M.) launched a homer to left field, his team leading eighth of the season over the top of the Evans Stadium scoreboard.

In the third, Tabor threatened to score getting a runner to third, but Wesleyan starter&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/3/14237">Nathan Righi</a>&nbsp;(JR/Pekin, Ill.) would get Tyler Mata-Lloyd to strikeout looking to end the inning.

Tabor took a 2-1 lead in the top of the fourth on a homer by Brayden Whitchurch but the Coyotes answered back in the bottom of the inning.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/3/13268">Kevin Esquilin-Cruz</a>&nbsp;(SR/Trujilo Alto, Puerto Rico) singled and stole second in the inning, followed by a walk to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/3/13260">Jarrett Gable</a>&nbsp;(SR/Colleyville, Texas). The runners moved up on a passed ball, and then&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/3/14240">Diego Solis</a>&nbsp;(SO/El Paso, Texas) drove in a run with a single back up the middle to tie the game.

The Coyotes (17-6, 5-1) took the lead in the bottom of the fifth.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/3/14204">William Dryburgh</a>&nbsp;(SR/St. Joseph, Mo.) was hit by a pitch to start the inning followed by a walk to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/3/14219">Kendall Foster</a>&nbsp;(SR/Prosper, Texs). Two batters later&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/3/14201">Haydn Brown</a>&nbsp;(SR/Gardnerville, Nev.) singled and Dryburgh scored, but Brown was thrown out at first base.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/3/14208">Zack Beatty</a>&nbsp;(JR/Maple Park, Ill.) followed with another RBI single to put the Coyotes up 4-2.

<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/3/14240">Diego Solis</a>&nbsp;drove in Wesleyan's lone run in the sixth. Esquilin-Cruz led off the inning with a hit, and Gable advanced him with a sacrifice bunt. Solis then grounded out but Esquilin-Cruz did not stop at third base, instead kept going, catching the defense off guard and scored from second base on the play putting KWU up 5-2.

Tabor put two runners on in the seventh, but a fielder's choice and a caught stealing got the Coyotes out of the jam.

In the eighth, the Coyotes got a big double play to end a Tabor rally.

Tabor tried to rally in the ninth, getting a leadoff double by Cody Moore. After a walk to Miguel Ramos, the Coyotes would end the game on a 6-4-3 double play.

Righi got the win for the Coyotes allowing two runs on three hits with seven strikeouts in seven innings.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/3/13256">KT Gearlds</a>&nbsp;(SR/Ingram, Texas) pitched the eighth with a walk and strikeout, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/3/13264">Ryan Sandoval</a>&nbsp;(SR/El Paso, Texas) picked up the save in the ninth.

Sipe, Brown, Esquilin-Cruz and Solis had two hits each to lead the way for the Coyote offense.

The teams are scheduled to finish the series on Saturday with a doubleheader starting at noon at Dean Evans Stadium. With inclement weather in the forecast, the schedule may change. Keep an eye on <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com">kwucoyotes.com</a> and on Twitter for any schedule change updates

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678558856689.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com">kwucoyotes.com</a>" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com">kwucoyotes.com</a></figcaption>
 </figure>KWU Sports InformationKansas Wesleyan baseball opened its key Kansas Conference series with the Tabor College Bluejays with a 5-2 victory on Friday at Dean Evans Stadium.Both teams came into Friday's game at the top of the KCAC standings with Tabor at 5-0 and KWU at 4-1 in conference play. Both teams now sit in a four-way tie for first place with a 5-1 conference record, along with McPherson and Oklahoma Wesleyan.The Coyotes took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/3/13262">Dustin Sipe</a>&nbsp;(SR/Aztec, N.M.) launched a homer to left field, his team leading eighth of the season over the top of the Evans Stadium scoreboard.In the third, Tabor threatened to score getting a runner to third, but Wesleyan starter&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/3/14237">Nathan Righi</a>&nbsp;(JR/Pekin, Ill.) would get Tyler Mata-Lloyd to strikeout looking to end the inning.Tabor took a 2-1 lead in the top of the fourth on a homer by Brayden Whitchurch but the Coyotes answered back in the bottom of the inning.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/3/13268">Kevin Esquilin-Cruz</a>&nbsp;(SR/Trujilo Alto, Puerto Rico) singled and stole second in the inning, followed by a walk to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/3/13260">Jarrett Gable</a>&nbsp;(SR/Colleyville, Texas). The runners moved up on a passed ball, and then&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/3/14240">Diego Solis</a>&nbsp;(SO/El Paso, Texas) drove in a run with a single back up the middle to tie the game.The Coyotes (17-6, 5-1) took the lead in the bottom of the fifth.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/3/14204">William Dryburgh</a>&nbsp;(SR/St. Joseph, Mo.) was hit by a pitch to start the inning followed by a walk to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/3/14219">Kendall Foster</a>&nbsp;(SR/Prosper, Texs). Two batters later&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/3/14201">Haydn Brown</a>&nbsp;(SR/Gardnerville, Nev.) singled and Dryburgh scored, but Brown was thrown out at first base.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/3/14208">Zack Beatty</a>&nbsp;(JR/Maple Park, Ill.) followed with another RBI single to put the Coyotes up 4-2.<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/3/14240">Diego Solis</a>&nbsp;drove in Wesleyan's lone run in the sixth. Esquilin-Cruz led off the inning with a hit, and Gable advanced him with a sacrifice bunt. Solis then grounded out but Esquilin-Cruz did not stop at third base, instead kept going, catching the defense off guard and scored from second base on the play putting KWU up 5-2.Tabor put two runners on in the seventh, but a fielder's choice and a caught stealing got the Coyotes out of the jam.In the eighth, the Coyotes got a big double play to end a Tabor rally.Tabor tried to rally in the ninth, getting a leadoff double by Cody Moore. After a walk to Miguel Ramos, the Coyotes would end the game on a 6-4-3 double play.Righi got the win for the Coyotes allowing two runs on three hits with seven strikeouts in seven innings.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/3/13256">KT Gearlds</a>&nbsp;(SR/Ingram, Texas) pitched the eighth with a walk and strikeout, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/3/13264">Ryan Sandoval</a>&nbsp;(SR/El Paso, Texas) picked up the save in the ninth.Sipe, Brown, Esquilin-Cruz and Solis had two hits each to lead the way for the Coyote offense.The teams are scheduled to finish the series on Saturday with a doubleheader starting at noon at Dean Evans Stadium. With inclement weather in the forecast, the schedule may change. Keep an eye on <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com">kwucoyotes.com</a> and on Twitter for any schedule change updates

Coyote baseball opens key KCAC series with win over Tabor

ARE, Sweden (AP) — Two minutes after earning her 87th career win, Mikaela Shiffrin finally understood the significance of setting the record for most World Cup victories.

In the middle of the awards ceremony, a man in a red jacket unexpectedly stepped forward from the crowd and that was the moment Shiffrin first realized what it all meant to her.

It was her brother, Taylor, who had secretly flown in to Sweden and now came over to hug her.

"I've said it the whole time, I don't know how to define that," Shiffrin said about the record. "But when you have these special moments ... seeing my brother and (sister-in-law) Kristi and my mom (and coach, Eileen) in the finish today, that's what makes it memorable."

Shiffrin set the outright World Cup record for most career victories by winning a slalom Saturday, breaking a tie with Ingemar Stenmark on the all-time overall winners list between men and women. The Swede competed in the 1970s and 80s.

Shiffrin had matched Stenmark's mark of 86 wins with victory in a giant slalom Friday.

"Pretty hard to comprehend," said Shiffrin, who crouched and rested her head on her knees after finishing the final run. Runner-up Wendy Holdener of Switzerland and third-place home favorite Anna Swenn Larsson came over to congratulate her.

"My brother and sister-in-law are here and I didn't know they were coming, that makes this so special," Shiffrin said. "They flew here for this. I don't know how they did it, I don't know how they got here."

The victory gave Shiffrin the outright record 12 years to the day after her first race on the World Cup, as a 15-year-old at a GS in Spindleruv Mlyn, Czech Republic.

In a course-side interview, Shiffrin said she's "so proud of the team, this whole season" for being "strong and positive" and "having the right goals."

Shiffrin set the record less than a month after her head coach, Mike Day, left the team in the second week of the world championships in France.

Day's departure, however, has not affected Shiffrin's achievements, as she next won GS gold and slalom silver at the worlds, wrapped up her overall World Cup title at speed races in Norway last weekend, and celebrated back-to-back wins in Sweden to become the winningest ski racer in the 56-year history of the World Cup.

Saturday's result marked the American's sixth slalom win of the season and the record-extending 53rd career win in the discipline.

Shiffrin also has a women's record-equaling 20 wins in GS, as well as five in super-G, five in parallel, three in downhill, and one in combined.

"It's pretty hard to describe — and it's not over yet, which is even more ridiculous," said Shiffrin, who turns 28 Monday and is expected to continue until at the least the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.

Apart from Stenmark's record, which she never actively chased, Shiffrin had no pressure on her shoulders going into her 246th career World Cup race Saturday, having already locked up the discipline title in slalom. On Friday, she had also secured the GS season title.

"I still had the feeling at the start of this run that I have every race, it's like, I shouldn't feel pressure. But somehow I feel something in my heartbeat," Shiffrin said about having to protect her lead after dominating the first run.

Shiffrin posted the fifth-fastest time in the second run to beat Holdener by 0.92 seconds. Swenn Larsson was 0.95 back and the last racer to finish within a second of Shiffrin's time. Shiffrin's teammate Paula Moltzan finished 1.54 behind in fourth in the American's first race since fracturing her left hand last month.

"The best feeling is to ski on the second run when of course you want to win, you have a lead so you have to be sort of be smart but also, I just wanted to be fast, too, and ski the second run like its own race," Shiffrin said.

"I did exactly that and that is amazing."

The race took place at a venue where many key moments in Shiffrin's career happened. At the Swedish lakeside resort, she earned her first World Cup win in 2012 and took slalom gold at the 2019 world championships to become the first skier to win the world title in one discipline four times in a row.

However, Are was also the place where she sustained a knee injury that kept her away from the slopes for two months in the 2015-16 season, and where she was due to race again in March 2020 after the death of her father the previous month, but those races were called off on short notice after Shiffrin's arrival in Sweden because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Shiffrin is set to compete in three more races this season at next week's World Cup Finals in Soldeu, Andorra.

While she planned to skip Wednesday's downhill, she will race in a super-G the following day, and in a slalom and GS during the weekend.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678558183275.jpeg" alt="Mikaela Shiffrin celebrates with the U.S. team after her record-setting World Cup victory in Are, Sweden, Saturday. (AP Photo/Alessandro Trovati)" />
 <figcaption>Mikaela Shiffrin celebrates with the U.S. team after her record-setting World Cup victory in Are, Sweden, Saturday. (AP Photo/Alessandro Trovati)</figcaption>
 </figure>ARE, Sweden (AP) — Two minutes after earning her 87th career win, Mikaela Shiffrin finally understood the significance of setting the record for most World Cup victories.In the middle of the awards ceremony, a man in a red jacket unexpectedly stepped forward from the crowd and that was the moment Shiffrin first realized what it all meant to her.It was her brother, Taylor, who had secretly flown in to Sweden and now came over to hug her."I've said it the whole time, I don't know how to define that," Shiffrin said about the record. "But when you have these special moments ... seeing my brother and (sister-in-law) Kristi and my mom (and coach, Eileen) in the finish today, that's what makes it memorable."Shiffrin set the outright World Cup record for most career victories by winning a slalom Saturday, breaking a tie with Ingemar Stenmark on the all-time overall winners list between men and women. The Swede competed in the 1970s and 80s.Shiffrin had matched Stenmark's mark of 86 wins with victory in a giant slalom Friday."Pretty hard to comprehend," said Shiffrin, who crouched and rested her head on her knees after finishing the final run. Runner-up Wendy Holdener of Switzerland and third-place home favorite Anna Swenn Larsson came over to congratulate her."My brother and sister-in-law are here and I didn't know they were coming, that makes this so special," Shiffrin said. "They flew here for this. I don't know how they did it, I don't know how they got here."The victory gave Shiffrin the outright record 12 years to the day after her first race on the World Cup, as a 15-year-old at a GS in Spindleruv Mlyn, Czech Republic.In a course-side interview, Shiffrin said she's "so proud of the team, this whole season" for being "strong and positive" and "having the right goals."Shiffrin set the record less than a month after her head coach, Mike Day, left the team in the second week of the world championships in France.Day's departure, however, has not affected Shiffrin's achievements, as she next won GS gold and slalom silver at the worlds, wrapped up her overall World Cup title at speed races in Norway last weekend, and celebrated back-to-back wins in Sweden to become the winningest ski racer in the 56-year history of the World Cup.Saturday's result marked the American's sixth slalom win of the season and the record-extending 53rd career win in the discipline.Shiffrin also has a women's record-equaling 20 wins in GS, as well as five in super-G, five in parallel, three in downhill, and one in combined."It's pretty hard to describe — and it's not over yet, which is even more ridiculous," said Shiffrin, who turns 28 Monday and is expected to continue until at the least the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.Apart from Stenmark's record, which she never actively chased, Shiffrin had no pressure on her shoulders going into her 246th career World Cup race Saturday, having already locked up the discipline title in slalom. On Friday, she had also secured the GS season title."I still had the feeling at the start of this run that I have every race, it's like, I shouldn't feel pressure. But somehow I feel something in my heartbeat," Shiffrin said about having to protect her lead after dominating the first run.Shiffrin posted the fifth-fastest time in the second run to beat Holdener by 0.92 seconds. Swenn Larsson was 0.95 back and the last racer to finish within a second of Shiffrin's time. Shiffrin's teammate Paula Moltzan finished 1.54 behind in fourth in the American's first race since fracturing her left hand last month."The best feeling is to ski on the second run when of course you want to win, you have a lead so you have to be sort of be smart but also, I just wanted to be fast, too, and ski the second run like its own race," Shiffrin said."I did exactly that and that is amazing."The race took place at a venue where many key moments in Shiffrin's career happened. At the Swedish lakeside resort, she earned her first World Cup win in 2012 and took slalom gold at the 2019 world championships to become the first skier to win the world title in one discipline four times in a row.However, Are was also the place where she sustained a knee injury that kept her away from the slopes for two months in the 2015-16 season, and where she was due to race again in March 2020 after the death of her father the previous month, but those races were called off on short notice after Shiffrin's arrival in Sweden because of the coronavirus pandemic.Shiffrin is set to compete in three more races this season at next week's World Cup Finals in Soldeu, Andorra.While she planned to skip Wednesday's downhill, she will race in a super-G the following day, and in a slalom and GS during the weekend.

Mikaela Shiffrin sets World Cup skiing record with 87th win

ROLLA, Mo. –&nbsp;Kansas Wesleyan men's volleyball faced NCAA Division II Missouri S&amp;T on Friday evening at Gibson Arena, and the Coyotes would come up just short in a hard-fought four-set match, 25-19, 23-25, 25-22, 25-17.

In the opening set, the Coyotes were close until MST pushed its lead out to seven points at 16-9. Wesleyan battled back, getting within a point at 19-18 but could not get any closer as Missouri S&amp;T finished the set on a 6-1 run.

The Coyotes opened up a 15-11 lead in the second set and were able to hold off a rally by the Miners.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/34/14037">Kahlib Lawrence</a>&nbsp;(FR/Burbank, Calif.) gave the Coyotes a first chance at set point at 24-22, and after a service error, the Coyotes got a kill by Lawrence to take the set 25-23.

After S&amp;T jumped out to a 9-5 lead in the third, Wesleyan battled back to take a 17-16 lead on a kill by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/34/14044">Justin Burras</a>&nbsp;(FR/Burbank, Calif.). After the Miners took a 20-18 lead, the Coyotes balled back tying the set at 21 on a kill by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/34/14036">Jeremy Lapeze</a>&nbsp;(FR/Burbank, Calif.). The Coyotes were within a point at 23-22 when the Miners scored the final two points to win 25-22.

In the fourth, Wesleyan fell behind 9-3 and could not recover. The Coyotes trailed 20-12 and tried to make a run, but got no closer than six the rest of the way.

<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/34/13616">Viet Nguyen</a>&nbsp;(SO/Wichita, Kan.) had 10 kills to pace the Coyotes, while Lapeze and Lawrence had nine each. Marcus Taylor had 30 assists.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/34/14041">Andy Tran</a>&nbsp;(FR/San Jose, Calif.) had 11 digs and Taylor added nine.

The Coyotes are back in action on Saturday, heading to Oskaloosa, Iowa, to take on No. 8 ranked William Penn.

KWU Sports InformationROLLA, Mo. –&nbsp;Kansas Wesleyan men's volleyball faced NCAA Division II Missouri S&amp;T on Friday evening at Gibson Arena, and the Coyotes would come up just short in a hard-fought four-set match, 25-19, 23-25, 25-22, 25-17.In the opening set, the Coyotes were close until MST pushed its lead out to seven points at 16-9. Wesleyan battled back, getting within a point at 19-18 but could not get any closer as Missouri S&amp;T finished the set on a 6-1 run.The Coyotes opened up a 15-11 lead in the second set and were able to hold off a rally by the Miners.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/34/14037">Kahlib Lawrence</a>&nbsp;(FR/Burbank, Calif.) gave the Coyotes a first chance at set point at 24-22, and after a service error, the Coyotes got a kill by Lawrence to take the set 25-23.After S&amp;T jumped out to a 9-5 lead in the third, Wesleyan battled back to take a 17-16 lead on a kill by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/34/14044">Justin Burras</a>&nbsp;(FR/Burbank, Calif.). After the Miners took a 20-18 lead, the Coyotes balled back tying the set at 21 on a kill by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/34/14036">Jeremy Lapeze</a>&nbsp;(FR/Burbank, Calif.). The Coyotes were within a point at 23-22 when the Miners scored the final two points to win 25-22.In the fourth, Wesleyan fell behind 9-3 and could not recover. The Coyotes trailed 20-12 and tried to make a run, but got no closer than six the rest of the way.<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/34/13616">Viet Nguyen</a>&nbsp;(SO/Wichita, Kan.) had 10 kills to pace the Coyotes, while Lapeze and Lawrence had nine each. Marcus Taylor had 30 assists.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/34/14041">Andy Tran</a>&nbsp;(FR/San Jose, Calif.) had 11 digs and Taylor added nine.The Coyotes are back in action on Saturday, heading to Oskaloosa, Iowa, to take on No. 8 ranked William Penn.

KWU men's volleyball drops four-set match to Missouri S&T

CONCORDIA - Getting conference play started with a home doubleheader, the Cloud County Community College baseball team would see two very different games lead to a series-opening split with a 1-0 loss before bouncing back to win 24-6 in games with visiting Pratt Community College at Lee Doyen Field in Concordia on Friday. Bouncing back to pick up a game-two victory on Friday following a series-opening defeat, CCCC is now 10-7 overall with a 1-1 mark in the Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference while Pratt picks up a series-opening victory over CCCC for the second consecutive year before the game two loss to run their record to 12-10 overall and 1-1 in the KJCCC. GAME ONE About the only thing lower than the total number of hits recorded by the two teams in the series opener (five) would come in the form of runs as the lone run of the game would come in the top of the sixth by PCC despite the two teams combining to strand 11 base runners and see missed opportunities keep the scoring to a bare minimum. After opening the game by having the first eight batters retired, Pratt would work a two-out single in the top of the second for the game's first base runner that would ultimately be stranded before seeing Cloud County draw a two-out walk that would wind up stranded in their end of the second.

In what would appear to be one of the better opportunities offensively in the game by either squad, Pratt would use a leadoff walk and bunt single to put two runners on with no outs before a fielder's choice that would cut down the lead runner and wild pitch put two runners in scoring position with one out. Facing the first real jam of the game, T-Bird starter&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/74abb19e-f2dc-4da0-82f5-144b05d3a887?elinkdata=44438" target="_blank">Cayden Castellanos</a>&nbsp;would respond by striking out the final two batters of the inning to keep things scoreless heading to the bottom of the third. Stranding a runner following a one-out walk in their end of the inning, Cloud County once again would find themselves in a defensive jam in the fourth as a walk and successful hit-and-run would put runners on the corners with one out for the Beavers with PCC threatening again to break a scoreless deadlock. Inducing an infield popup for the second out of the inning, CCCC would allow a stolen base to put both runners for Pratt in scoring position before getting an inning-ending groundout over to first to strand two more PCC runners in scoring position. The next inning and a half would see Cloud County account for the lone two base runners in the stretch with a fourth-inning walk and fifth-inning runner reaching by error both winding up left on base following a strikeout and groundout to end each inning. With the game down to its final two scheduled innings, Pratt would find a way to take advantage of a one-out hit batter to set up a two-out RBI double into the left-center field gap to score a runner from first as a clutch hit would finally be found to break the scoreless tie. Looking for a response, CCCC would draw a leadoff walk in their end of the sixth before seeing a lineout right back to the pitcher lead to a double play to erase the walk while seeing the inning end on the very next pitch with a groundout to allow the Beavers to maintain their one-run lead. Working a one-two-three defensive inning in the top of the seventh, Cloud County would see their final opportunity at the plate begin with two strikeouts before extending the game at least one more batter with a&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/781f4467-b33a-4b46-8fdc-fd2d61e55391?elinkdata=44438" target="_blank">Kolden Howerton</a>&nbsp;two-out double to break up what had been a no-hitter through 6.2 innings. Opting for a pinch-runner with the runner at second representing the game-tying run, the T-Birds never would get a real opportunity to try and bring home the run as a strikeout on a check-swing would end the game with PCC holding on for the one-run win. Just one player in the contest would record more than one hit with Jaden Flores of Pratt producing three of the five total hits between the two teams while also stealing the lone base of the game. The defeat would spoil what would otherwise be a quality six-inning outing from Cloud County starting pitcher Castellanos who would allow just one run on four hits and two walks while striking out seven but ultimately be outdueled by Beaver starter Trenton Smith who would go the distance and allow just one hit while striking out eight. CCCC reliever&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/97d0c87e-1aca-4a50-b405-68b621ac85ca?elinkdata=44438" target="_blank">Cole Askew</a>&nbsp;would also see action in the game, throwing a perfect seventh with two strikeouts. GAME TWO A complete 180 turnaround by Cloud County in game two would see CCCC score three runs in the bottom of the first and never look back while pounding out 18 hits en route to a season-high 24 runs scored in a run-rule-shortened seven-inning victory. The three-run bottom of the first would come on four hits with&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/6cddc48a-d4d1-4032-b65a-0789170087a4?elinkdata=44438" target="_blank">Caden Walker</a>&nbsp;setting the tone with a leadoff double down the right field line before coming around to score two batters later on a&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/1c230d0e-3c90-41a8-ad74-b38af3ac5963?elinkdata=44438" target="_blank">Danny Infante</a>&nbsp;RBI single. The rest of the damage for the T-Birds would come with two outs in the inning with&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/7b5fc0b3-640f-47ea-b368-cb1576ae95cb?elinkdata=44438" target="_blank">Landon Meyer</a>&nbsp;hitting an RBI infield single to score Infante before stealing second and which would allow&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/92cd1848-605b-4459-abdf-2e6f8b3e14b4?elinkdata=44438" target="_blank">Kolden Howerton</a>&nbsp;to score after reaching base earlier in the inning with a base-hit single. Retiring Pratt in order for a second-straight inning to begin the game, CCCC would add to their lead in the bottom of the second as a hit batter and walk would loom large for PCC with Cloud County also getting a&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/74db5170-aa01-4c42-9639-4a3a0e237141?elinkdata=44438" target="_blank">Karson Green</a>&nbsp;leadoff single before a Walker hit-by-pitch and&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/f05bcfb4-c881-436e-b7b3-9406df676a71?elinkdata=44438" target="_blank">Gavin Roy</a>&nbsp;walk to load the bases with just one out. Infante would come through with a two-RBI double into the left-center field gap to score both walk and Green before seeing&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/e2fcc28c-a0bc-47e6-afe3-45a6030bd98f?elinkdata=44438" target="_blank">Brock Wollin</a>&nbsp;follow suit with a nearly identical hit into the left-center field gap that would bring two more runs home as the lead for Cloud County would grow to 7-0 after two innings. Pratt would respond in the top of the third by putting together a one-out rally with back-to-back base hit singles putting runners on the corners before a fielding error by CCCC allowing the rally to continue on and put pressure on the T-Bird defense. A second-straight fielding error by Cloud County would allow another run to come home and score with runners still on first and second with one out. An aggressive play on the base paths by the Beavers would lead to the second out of the inning however on a stolen base attempt that would be cut down before a flyout to end the inning with Cloud County managing to keep the lead at five. Things would be broken open in the bottom of the third following a Pratt pitching change as three-straight walks to begin the inning would lead to another pitching change for PCC with the bases loaded and still no outs. Back-to-back hit batters would bring home two runs with the T-Birds yet to record a hit in the inning despite sending five batters to the plate and getting back both runs they surrendered in the top of the inning. An RBI fielder's choice by Infante would bring home&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/f2f36ba9-1eb8-4db5-8fc8-535630ddf0fc?elinkdata=44438" target="_blank">Alexander Diaz</a>&nbsp;to put Cloud County up 10-2 before the big blow of the inning that would come off the bat of Wollin with a towering three-run home run to left field to make put CCCC up 11 at 13-2. The inning would continue on with Howerton, Meyer, and&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/96c6d212-fad0-4c86-bfa9-a3ebba13eeb8?elinkdata=44438" target="_blank">Demitri Shakotko</a>&nbsp;all safely reaching base before a wild pitch to bring home a seventh and final run in the inning with Cloud County suddenly in total control up 14-2. Tacking on four runs on two hits in the bottom of the fourth, CCCC would continue their offensive onslaught in each of the next two innings with the fifth inning seeing a six-run inning come on four hits, three walks, and two hit batters to set a new season-high in runs scored. The only inning of the game to go scoreless by both teams would come in the sixth with PCC being retired in order before stranding a CCCC base runner after allowing two base-hit singles to put things just three outs away from being a T-Bird win. In their last opportunity at the plate, Pratt would take advantage of a CCCC pitching change by drawing two walks and throwing error to load the bases before a sacrifice fly to bring home a run with just one out. Continuing to take advantage of their best offensive opportunities of the game, PCC would go on to record two more hits and see two more batters hit by pitches to bring home an additional two runs with a four-run inning coming on two hits and two errors before leaving the bases loaded with a strikeout officially ending the game. 10 different T-Birds would record at least one hit in the game with Howerton leading with way with four hits in five at-bats to go along with two RBI. Both Infante and Green would have three hits in the game with Infante driving in four while scoring three times. Nine of the 18 hits by CCCC would go for extra bases, with Wollin and Green each recording two extra-base hits. On the mound, Cloud County starting pitcher&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/c3837318-9d9b-498d-bee5-0b1e4d5f4311?elinkdata=44438" target="_blank">Mason McConnaughey</a>&nbsp;would pick up his third win of the year after throwing six innings and allowing two runs (one earned) on four hits while striking out 10 of the 22 batters he faced. What's next? A quick turnaround will see Cloud County head to Pratt for a 1 p.m. doubleheader at Stanion Field on Saturday to close out the opening week of KJCCC play. The T-Birds will be looking for a repeat of last year when CCCC followed up a series-opening split with the Beavers by earning a doubleheader sweep at Pratt to earn a 3-1 series win. Saturday's games will be the first of a four-game road trip away from home with next week's KJCCC series against Seward County set to begin on the road in Liberal.&nbsp;

Cloud County Sports InformationCONCORDIA - Getting conference play started with a home doubleheader, the Cloud County Community College baseball team would see two very different games lead to a series-opening split with a 1-0 loss before bouncing back to win 24-6 in games with visiting Pratt Community College at Lee Doyen Field in Concordia on Friday. Bouncing back to pick up a game-two victory on Friday following a series-opening defeat, CCCC is now 10-7 overall with a 1-1 mark in the Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference while Pratt picks up a series-opening victory over CCCC for the second consecutive year before the game two loss to run their record to 12-10 overall and 1-1 in the KJCCC. GAME ONE About the only thing lower than the total number of hits recorded by the two teams in the series opener (five) would come in the form of runs as the lone run of the game would come in the top of the sixth by PCC despite the two teams combining to strand 11 base runners and see missed opportunities keep the scoring to a bare minimum. After opening the game by having the first eight batters retired, Pratt would work a two-out single in the top of the second for the game's first base runner that would ultimately be stranded before seeing Cloud County draw a two-out walk that would wind up stranded in their end of the second. In what would appear to be one of the better opportunities offensively in the game by either squad, Pratt would use a leadoff walk and bunt single to put two runners on with no outs before a fielder's choice that would cut down the lead runner and wild pitch put two runners in scoring position with one out. Facing the first real jam of the game, T-Bird starter&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/74abb19e-f2dc-4da0-82f5-144b05d3a887?elinkdata=44438" target="_blank">Cayden Castellanos</a>&nbsp;would respond by striking out the final two batters of the inning to keep things scoreless heading to the bottom of the third. Stranding a runner following a one-out walk in their end of the inning, Cloud County once again would find themselves in a defensive jam in the fourth as a walk and successful hit-and-run would put runners on the corners with one out for the Beavers with PCC threatening again to break a scoreless deadlock. Inducing an infield popup for the second out of the inning, CCCC would allow a stolen base to put both runners for Pratt in scoring position before getting an inning-ending groundout over to first to strand two more PCC runners in scoring position. The next inning and a half would see Cloud County account for the lone two base runners in the stretch with a fourth-inning walk and fifth-inning runner reaching by error both winding up left on base following a strikeout and groundout to end each inning. With the game down to its final two scheduled innings, Pratt would find a way to take advantage of a one-out hit batter to set up a two-out RBI double into the left-center field gap to score a runner from first as a clutch hit would finally be found to break the scoreless tie. Looking for a response, CCCC would draw a leadoff walk in their end of the sixth before seeing a lineout right back to the pitcher lead to a double play to erase the walk while seeing the inning end on the very next pitch with a groundout to allow the Beavers to maintain their one-run lead. Working a one-two-three defensive inning in the top of the seventh, Cloud County would see their final opportunity at the plate begin with two strikeouts before extending the game at least one more batter with a&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/781f4467-b33a-4b46-8fdc-fd2d61e55391?elinkdata=44438" target="_blank">Kolden Howerton</a>&nbsp;two-out double to break up what had been a no-hitter through 6.2 innings. Opting for a pinch-runner with the runner at second representing the game-tying run, the T-Birds never would get a real opportunity to try and bring home the run as a strikeout on a check-swing would end the game with PCC holding on for the one-run win. Just one player in the contest would record more than one hit with Jaden Flores of Pratt producing three of the five total hits between the two teams while also stealing the lone base of the game. The defeat would spoil what would otherwise be a quality six-inning outing from Cloud County starting pitcher Castellanos who would allow just one run on four hits and two walks while striking out seven but ultimately be outdueled by Beaver starter Trenton Smith who would go the distance and allow just one hit while striking out eight. CCCC reliever&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/97d0c87e-1aca-4a50-b405-68b621ac85ca?elinkdata=44438" target="_blank">Cole Askew</a>&nbsp;would also see action in the game, throwing a perfect seventh with two strikeouts. GAME TWO A complete 180 turnaround by Cloud County in game two would see CCCC score three runs in the bottom of the first and never look back while pounding out 18 hits en route to a season-high 24 runs scored in a run-rule-shortened seven-inning victory. The three-run bottom of the first would come on four hits with&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/6cddc48a-d4d1-4032-b65a-0789170087a4?elinkdata=44438" target="_blank">Caden Walker</a>&nbsp;setting the tone with a leadoff double down the right field line before coming around to score two batters later on a&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/1c230d0e-3c90-41a8-ad74-b38af3ac5963?elinkdata=44438" target="_blank">Danny Infante</a>&nbsp;RBI single. The rest of the damage for the T-Birds would come with two outs in the inning with&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/7b5fc0b3-640f-47ea-b368-cb1576ae95cb?elinkdata=44438" target="_blank">Landon Meyer</a>&nbsp;hitting an RBI infield single to score Infante before stealing second and which would allow&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/92cd1848-605b-4459-abdf-2e6f8b3e14b4?elinkdata=44438" target="_blank">Kolden Howerton</a>&nbsp;to score after reaching base earlier in the inning with a base-hit single. Retiring Pratt in order for a second-straight inning to begin the game, CCCC would add to their lead in the bottom of the second as a hit batter and walk would loom large for PCC with Cloud County also getting a&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/74db5170-aa01-4c42-9639-4a3a0e237141?elinkdata=44438" target="_blank">Karson Green</a>&nbsp;leadoff single before a Walker hit-by-pitch and&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/f05bcfb4-c881-436e-b7b3-9406df676a71?elinkdata=44438" target="_blank">Gavin Roy</a>&nbsp;walk to load the bases with just one out. Infante would come through with a two-RBI double into the left-center field gap to score both walk and Green before seeing&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/e2fcc28c-a0bc-47e6-afe3-45a6030bd98f?elinkdata=44438" target="_blank">Brock Wollin</a>&nbsp;follow suit with a nearly identical hit into the left-center field gap that would bring two more runs home as the lead for Cloud County would grow to 7-0 after two innings. Pratt would respond in the top of the third by putting together a one-out rally with back-to-back base hit singles putting runners on the corners before a fielding error by CCCC allowing the rally to continue on and put pressure on the T-Bird defense. A second-straight fielding error by Cloud County would allow another run to come home and score with runners still on first and second with one out. An aggressive play on the base paths by the Beavers would lead to the second out of the inning however on a stolen base attempt that would be cut down before a flyout to end the inning with Cloud County managing to keep the lead at five. Things would be broken open in the bottom of the third following a Pratt pitching change as three-straight walks to begin the inning would lead to another pitching change for PCC with the bases loaded and still no outs. Back-to-back hit batters would bring home two runs with the T-Birds yet to record a hit in the inning despite sending five batters to the plate and getting back both runs they surrendered in the top of the inning. An RBI fielder's choice by Infante would bring home&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/f2f36ba9-1eb8-4db5-8fc8-535630ddf0fc?elinkdata=44438" target="_blank">Alexander Diaz</a>&nbsp;to put Cloud County up 10-2 before the big blow of the inning that would come off the bat of Wollin with a towering three-run home run to left field to make put CCCC up 11 at 13-2. The inning would continue on with Howerton, Meyer, and&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/96c6d212-fad0-4c86-bfa9-a3ebba13eeb8?elinkdata=44438" target="_blank">Demitri Shakotko</a>&nbsp;all safely reaching base before a wild pitch to bring home a seventh and final run in the inning with Cloud County suddenly in total control up 14-2. Tacking on four runs on two hits in the bottom of the fourth, CCCC would continue their offensive onslaught in each of the next two innings with the fifth inning seeing a six-run inning come on four hits, three walks, and two hit batters to set a new season-high in runs scored. The only inning of the game to go scoreless by both teams would come in the sixth with PCC being retired in order before stranding a CCCC base runner after allowing two base-hit singles to put things just three outs away from being a T-Bird win. In their last opportunity at the plate, Pratt would take advantage of a CCCC pitching change by drawing two walks and throwing error to load the bases before a sacrifice fly to bring home a run with just one out. Continuing to take advantage of their best offensive opportunities of the game, PCC would go on to record two more hits and see two more batters hit by pitches to bring home an additional two runs with a four-run inning coming on two hits and two errors before leaving the bases loaded with a strikeout officially ending the game. 10 different T-Birds would record at least one hit in the game with Howerton leading with way with four hits in five at-bats to go along with two RBI. Both Infante and Green would have three hits in the game with Infante driving in four while scoring three times. Nine of the 18 hits by CCCC would go for extra bases, with Wollin and Green each recording two extra-base hits. On the mound, Cloud County starting pitcher&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/c3837318-9d9b-498d-bee5-0b1e4d5f4311?elinkdata=44438" target="_blank">Mason McConnaughey</a>&nbsp;would pick up his third win of the year after throwing six innings and allowing two runs (one earned) on four hits while striking out 10 of the 22 batters he faced. What's next? A quick turnaround will see Cloud County head to Pratt for a 1 p.m. doubleheader at Stanion Field on Saturday to close out the opening week of KJCCC play. The T-Birds will be looking for a repeat of last year when CCCC followed up a series-opening split with the Beavers by earning a doubleheader sweep at Pratt to earn a 3-1 series win. Saturday's games will be the first of a four-game road trip away from home with next week's KJCCC series against Seward County set to begin on the road in Liberal.&nbsp;

T-Bird baseball gets KJCCC play underway; home split with Pratt

After falling to Hesston in the state semifinals, the Southeast of Saline boy's basketball team will return to the Hutchinson Sports Arena one final time on Saturday, looking for a top-three finish at state in back-to-back seasons.

Standing in their way is a Galena team that entered this year’s 3A tournament undefeated as the 1-seed, knocking off Wellsville 38-35 before falling in overtime to Marysville 45-42 on Friday.

The Trojans come into this contest at 23-2 with a chance to further raise the watermark on their best season in program history, while the Bulldogs will hope to avoid falling in back-to-back games after starting their campaign 24-0.

Southeast was as close as it was possible to be to playing for a first-ever state title on Friday, but a three at the horn careened around the inside of the rim and crawled out allowing Hesston to escape by the skin of their teeth.

“Hesston is a darn good team and against someone like that, you have to be good for 32 minutes,” SES head coach Bryson Flax said. “We had a stretch where we weren’t as good defensively and they capitalized on it but that’s playoff basketball at its finest, things have to bounce your way and some things did but some things didn’t.”

While many teams across the state over the years have come into this third-place game with low spirits and energy, the Trojans have always found ways to overcome that, taking third in 2016, 2017 and again last season.

“I hope our guys still feel like they have something to play for,” Flax said. “Last night was kind of emotional in the locker room and our guys put in a lot of time to play in the late game but we have a mature group with a lot of pride, I think they’ll come out and play hard.”

In addition to the mental burden, Southeast will have to overcome tired legs as well after closing out their semifinal contest around 14 hours before this game will tip off.

“It’s tough to play in this game especially after playing such a high-intensity game last night,” he said. “The turnaround is quick and there are a lot of challenges that come with that but a lot of times this game comes down to who has a little extra juice left in the tank.”

Galena has played a defensive-focused brand of basketball all season long, holding their opponents to just 38 points per game, and should present some challenges for the Trojans this afternoon.

“Galena has a lot of size and they play zone for most of their games,” Flax said. “That size in that zone can throw you off and mess with your pace but they’re a talented team. You don’t win 24 games without being good, they can play and it’s going to be a challenge.”

Dictating the tempo will be critical for Southeast this afternoon, as the Trojans look to get right back to playing their own brand of transition-heavy hoops on Saturday.

“I think the pace will be big in this game,” Flax said. “They don’t have any issue playing in the 30s and we have to be able to rebound against their size.”

Tip-off between the Trojans and Bulldogs is set for 2:00 at the Hutchinson Sports Arena and as always, the game can be heard on KINA (910 AM or 107.5 FM) courtesy of Bennington State Bank and Eagle Radio.

By TYLER HENRY Salina Post contributor<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599179528888.png" alt="Coverage of Trojan hoops is presented by Salina Ortho: Quality orthopedic care when you need it!" />
 <figcaption>Coverage of Trojan hoops is presented by Salina Ortho: Quality orthopedic care when you need it!</figcaption>
 </figure>After falling to Hesston in the state semifinals, the Southeast of Saline boy's basketball team will return to the Hutchinson Sports Arena one final time on Saturday, looking for a top-three finish at state in back-to-back seasons.Standing in their way is a Galena team that entered this year’s 3A tournament undefeated as the 1-seed, knocking off Wellsville 38-35 before falling in overtime to Marysville 45-42 on Friday.The Trojans come into this contest at 23-2 with a chance to further raise the watermark on their best season in program history, while the Bulldogs will hope to avoid falling in back-to-back games after starting their campaign 24-0.Southeast was as close as it was possible to be to playing for a first-ever state title on Friday, but a three at the horn careened around the inside of the rim and crawled out allowing Hesston to escape by the skin of their teeth.“Hesston is a darn good team and against someone like that, you have to be good for 32 minutes,” SES head coach Bryson Flax said. “We had a stretch where we weren’t as good defensively and they capitalized on it but that’s playoff basketball at its finest, things have to bounce your way and some things did but some things didn’t.”While many teams across the state over the years have come into this third-place game with low spirits and energy, the Trojans have always found ways to overcome that, taking third in 2016, 2017 and again last season.“I hope our guys still feel like they have something to play for,” Flax said. “Last night was kind of emotional in the locker room and our guys put in a lot of time to play in the late game but we have a mature group with a lot of pride, I think they’ll come out and play hard.”In addition to the mental burden, Southeast will have to overcome tired legs as well after closing out their semifinal contest around 14 hours before this game will tip off.“It’s tough to play in this game especially after playing such a high-intensity game last night,” he said. “The turnaround is quick and there are a lot of challenges that come with that but a lot of times this game comes down to who has a little extra juice left in the tank.”Galena has played a defensive-focused brand of basketball all season long, holding their opponents to just 38 points per game, and should present some challenges for the Trojans this afternoon.“Galena has a lot of size and they play zone for most of their games,” Flax said. “That size in that zone can throw you off and mess with your pace but they’re a talented team. You don’t win 24 games without being good, they can play and it’s going to be a challenge.”Dictating the tempo will be critical for Southeast this afternoon, as the Trojans look to get right back to playing their own brand of transition-heavy hoops on Saturday.“I think the pace will be big in this game,” Flax said. “They don’t have any issue playing in the 30s and we have to be able to rebound against their size.”Tip-off between the Trojans and Bulldogs is set for 2:00 at the Hutchinson Sports Arena and as always, the game can be heard on KINA (910 AM or 107.5 FM) courtesy of Bennington State Bank and Eagle Radio.

Trojans return to Hutch seeking second-straight top-three finish at state

Week one honors have officially been handed out after a busy week of Champions Indoor Football, and the first CIF Offensive Player of the Week recipient is none other than rookie Liberty quarterback Jerod Evans.

Evans played exceptionally well in his debut, helping Salina to a 75-45 shootout victory over the Topeka Tropics last Saturday.

The rookie completed 86% of his passes for 174 yards, six touchdowns, and zero interceptions, with just two incompletions all game.

Evans also carried the ball three times for seven yards and two additional scores, bringing his touchdown total on the day up to eight.

The Liberty will be back in action on Saturday, March 11 when they make the trip to Sioux City to battle the Bandits.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618021366432.png" alt="Coverage of Salina Liberty football is presented by Ryan Roofing" />
 <figcaption>Coverage of Salina Liberty football is presented by Ryan Roofing</figcaption>
 </figure>Week one honors have officially been handed out after a busy week of Champions Indoor Football, and the first CIF Offensive Player of the Week recipient is none other than rookie Liberty quarterback Jerod Evans.Evans played exceptionally well in his debut, helping Salina to a 75-45 shootout victory over the Topeka Tropics last Saturday.The rookie completed 86% of his passes for 174 yards, six touchdowns, and zero interceptions, with just two incompletions all game.Evans also carried the ball three times for seven yards and two additional scores, bringing his touchdown total on the day up to eight.The Liberty will be back in action on Saturday, March 11 when they make the trip to Sioux City to battle the Bandits.

Liberty QB Jerod Evans named CIF Offensive Player of the Week

Southeast of Saline and Hesston’s 3A state semifinal game was a 32-minute dogfight filled with big runs, late lead changes, and three consequential shots inside the final 20 seconds.

Trailing by two and with time winding to a close, Eli Sawyers caught the ball at the free-throw line, shook his defender, and knocked down a smooth fadeaway jumper to tie the game at 51 with ten seconds remaining.&nbsp;

After calling timeout, the Swathers broke the Southeast press, firing the ball up the floor to Micah Dahlsten who sped past the rest of the Trojans and laid the ball in to deliver Hesston the lead with just four seconds left.

With their season on the line, SES put the ball in the capable hands of veteran Luke Gebhardt, who carried the ball into the corner and pump-faked to get his defender in the air before launching a three for the win.

The ball looked like it was destined for the nylon but instead, took three caroms off the inside of the rim and bounced out, allowing Hesston to hold on for dear life and advance with a 53-51 victory.

This heartbreaking loss was just the second of the year for the now 23-2 Trojans, as the Swathers avenged their only loss of the campaign.

“There are a few possessions in every game that bounce right or left and those just didn’t go our way,” SES head coach Bryson Flax said. “I thought we played hard, I thought we fought, we just couldn’t get it done.”

Given a chance to do things differently, the Trojans wouldn’t have changed a thing, and there’s no question that Southeast made the right choice putting the ball in the hands of a proven veteran regardless of the result.

“When we had the ball it was going to Luke or Eli and we wanted Luke to go downhill,” Flax said. “I’m proud of him, he took that shot with confidence and it rattled out but they ran the play exactly how we drew it up.”

Sawyers and Gebhardt were the only Trojans in double figures on Friday, with Eli scoring 27, and Luke tacking on 11 more.

On the other end, just five Swathers scored throughout the entire game, but it was just enough to send Hesston through to the state championship game on Saturday.

The Trojans will return to Hutch for one final showdown on Saturday, as Southeast squares off with Galena in this year’s third-place game.

“When we show up we have to be prepared and we have to be ready to compete one more time,” Flax said. “It’s good that these guys get one more chance to play and for a lot of them, it will be the last time they step on the basketball court, certainly together. We just have to find a way.”

By TYLER HENRY Salina Post contributor<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599179528888.png" alt="Coverage of SES hoops is presented by Salina Ortho: Quality orthopedic care when you need it" />
 <figcaption>Coverage of SES hoops is presented by Salina Ortho: Quality orthopedic care when you need it</figcaption>
 </figure>Southeast of Saline and Hesston’s 3A state semifinal game was a 32-minute dogfight filled with big runs, late lead changes, and three consequential shots inside the final 20 seconds.Trailing by two and with time winding to a close, Eli Sawyers caught the ball at the free-throw line, shook his defender, and knocked down a smooth fadeaway jumper to tie the game at 51 with ten seconds remaining.&nbsp;After calling timeout, the Swathers broke the Southeast press, firing the ball up the floor to Micah Dahlsten who sped past the rest of the Trojans and laid the ball in to deliver Hesston the lead with just four seconds left.With their season on the line, SES put the ball in the capable hands of veteran Luke Gebhardt, who carried the ball into the corner and pump-faked to get his defender in the air before launching a three for the win. The ball looked like it was destined for the nylon but instead, took three caroms off the inside of the rim and bounced out, allowing Hesston to hold on for dear life and advance with a 53-51 victory.This heartbreaking loss was just the second of the year for the now 23-2 Trojans, as the Swathers avenged their only loss of the campaign.“There are a few possessions in every game that bounce right or left and those just didn’t go our way,” SES head coach Bryson Flax said. “I thought we played hard, I thought we fought, we just couldn’t get it done.”Given a chance to do things differently, the Trojans wouldn’t have changed a thing, and there’s no question that Southeast made the right choice putting the ball in the hands of a proven veteran regardless of the result.“When we had the ball it was going to Luke or Eli and we wanted Luke to go downhill,” Flax said. “I’m proud of him, he took that shot with confidence and it rattled out but they ran the play exactly how we drew it up.”Sawyers and Gebhardt were the only Trojans in double figures on Friday, with Eli scoring 27, and Luke tacking on 11 more.On the other end, just five Swathers scored throughout the entire game, but it was just enough to send Hesston through to the state championship game on Saturday.The Trojans will return to Hutch for one final showdown on Saturday, as Southeast squares off with Galena in this year’s third-place game.“When we show up we have to be prepared and we have to be ready to compete one more time,” Flax said. “It’s good that these guys get one more chance to play and for a lot of them, it will be the last time they step on the basketball court, certainly together. We just have to find a way.”

Trojans fall to Swathers at the buzzer of state semis

FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — Kevin Cross had 24 points in Tulane's 82-76 win over Wichita State on Friday in the American Athletic Conference Tournament quarterfinals.

The Green Wave, the tournament's No. 3 seed, will face second-seeded Memphis in Saturday's semifinals.

Cross added 13 rebounds for the Green Wave (19-10). Jaylen Forbes scored 19 points while shooting 6 for 14 (4 for 10 from 3-point range) and 3 of 4 from the free throw line, and added seven rebounds. R.J. McGee shot 4 for 7 (2 for 5 from 3-point range) and 7 of 8 from the free throw line to finish with 17 points, while adding seven rebounds.

Craig Porter Jr. finished with 22 points, six rebounds, 11 assists and two steals for the Shockers (16-14). Wichita State also got 14 points and two blocks from James Rojas. In addition, Jaykwon Walton finished with 13 points and six rebounds.

Tulane went into halftime ahead of Wichita State 46-40. Cross scored 14 points in the half. Cross led Tulane with 10 second-half points.

The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — Kevin Cross had 24 points in Tulane's 82-76 win over Wichita State on Friday in the American Athletic Conference Tournament quarterfinals.The Green Wave, the tournament's No. 3 seed, will face second-seeded Memphis in Saturday's semifinals.Cross added 13 rebounds for the Green Wave (19-10). Jaylen Forbes scored 19 points while shooting 6 for 14 (4 for 10 from 3-point range) and 3 of 4 from the free throw line, and added seven rebounds. R.J. McGee shot 4 for 7 (2 for 5 from 3-point range) and 7 of 8 from the free throw line to finish with 17 points, while adding seven rebounds.Craig Porter Jr. finished with 22 points, six rebounds, 11 assists and two steals for the Shockers (16-14). Wichita State also got 14 points and two blocks from James Rojas. In addition, Jaykwon Walton finished with 13 points and six rebounds.Tulane went into halftime ahead of Wichita State 46-40. Cross scored 14 points in the half. Cross led Tulane with 10 second-half points.The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

Tulane defeats Wichita State 82-76 in AAC quarterfinal

St. Thomas Aquinas 50, St. James Academy 47

Wichita Independent 57, Medicine Lodge 42

Some high school basketball scores provided by <a href="http://Scorestream.com">Scorestream.com</a>.

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS <h2>GIRLS PREP BASKETBALL</h2>KSHSAA State TournamentClass 6ASemifinalBV North 50, Derby 42Washburn Rural 51, Blue Valley 39Class 5ASemifinalSt. Thomas Aquinas 50, St. James Academy 47Wichita Bishop Carroll 60, Andover 32Class 4ASemifinalBishop Miege 54, Hugoton 33McPherson 52, Andale 33Class 3ASemifinalCheney 58, Phillipsburg 49Goodland 54, Silver Lake 51Class 2ASemifinalBerean Academy 39, Hillsboro 26Riverside 45, Pittsburg Colgan 42Class 1A Div ISemifinalDoniphan West 52, Norwich 38Quinter 42, Frankfort 38Class 1A Div IISemifinalHanover 62, St. John's Beloit-Tipton 41Lebo 52, Bucklin 37<h2>BOYS PREP BASKETBALL</h2>KSHSAA State TournamentClass 6ASemifinalBV Northwest 53, BV North 51Wichita Heights 61, Derby 45Class 5ASemifinalAndover 55, Highland Park 54Kapaun Mount Carmel 71, Hutchinson 50Class 4ASemifinalHugoton 55, Eudora 35McPherson 60, Bishop Miege 54Class 3ASemifinalHesston 53, Southeast Saline 51Marysville 45, Galena 42, OTClass 2ASemifinalMoundridge 56, Hays-TMP-Marian 55Wichita Independent 57, Medicine Lodge 42Class 1A Div ISemifinalMacksville 78, South Gray 65Olpe 45, Wichita Classical 44Class 1A Div IISemifinalGreeley County 64, South Central 41Lebo 68, Axtell 52Some high school basketball scores provided by <a href="http://Scorestream.com">Scorestream.com</a>.

Friday prep basketball state tournament scores

UPDATE 10 p.m. Friday:&nbsp;The below list now includes information about the&nbsp;Southeast of Saline boys game on Saturday.

UPDATE 9:55 p.m. Thursday: The below list now includes information about the&nbsp;Southeast of Saline boys game on Friday.

UPDATE 8:30 p.m. Monday: The below list now includes information about the Southeast of Saline boys game on Thursday.

Following are the sports programs and events scheduled for KINA (910 AM and 107.5 FM) this week.

Monday Coach Heron O'Neal Show:&nbsp; 6 p.m.&nbsp; at AJ's at the Alley

Wednesday KIN Scoreboard Show:&nbsp; 10 p.m.

Thursday Southeast of Saline State Basketball Pregame Show:&nbsp; 5:45 p.m.

Southeast of Saline Trojans vs. Perry LeCompton Kaws State Basketball:&nbsp; 6 p.m.&nbsp; in Hutchinson&nbsp;&nbsp;

KIN Scoreboard Show:&nbsp; 10 p.m.

Friday Southeast of Saline State Basketball Pregame Show:&nbsp; 7:45 p.m.

Southeast of Saline Trojans vs. Hesston Swathers State Basketball:&nbsp; 8 p.m.&nbsp; at Hutchinson Sports Arena&nbsp;

Saturday MRN&nbsp; Nascar Live:&nbsp; 8 a.m.

UPDATE 10 p.m. Friday:&nbsp;The below list now includes information about the&nbsp;Southeast of Saline boys game on Saturday.UPDATE 9:55 p.m. Thursday: The below list now includes information about the&nbsp;Southeast of Saline boys game on Friday.UPDATE 8:30 p.m. Monday: The below list now includes information about the Southeast of Saline boys game on Thursday.By SALINA POSTFollowing are the sports programs and events scheduled for KINA (910 AM and 107.5 FM) this week.Monday Coach Heron O'Neal Show:&nbsp; 6 p.m.&nbsp; at AJ's at the Alley Wednesday KIN Scoreboard Show:&nbsp; 10 p.m. Thursday Southeast of Saline State Basketball Pregame Show:&nbsp; 5:45 p.m.Southeast of Saline Trojans vs. Perry LeCompton Kaws State Basketball:&nbsp; 6 p.m.&nbsp; in Hutchinson&nbsp;&nbsp; KIN Scoreboard Show:&nbsp; 10 p.m. Friday Southeast of Saline State Basketball Pregame Show:&nbsp; 7:45 p.m.Southeast of Saline Trojans vs. Hesston Swathers State Basketball:&nbsp; 8 p.m.&nbsp; at Hutchinson Sports Arena&nbsp;KIN Scoreboard Show:&nbsp; 10 p.m. Saturday MRN&nbsp; Nascar Live:&nbsp; 8 a.m.Southeast of Saline State Third Place Basketball Pregame Show:&nbsp; 1:45 p.m.Southeast of Saline Trojans vs. Galina Bulldogs State Basketball Third Place Game: 2 p.m. in Hutchinson Sports Arena.&nbsp;&nbsp;Salina Liberty Champions Indoor Football Pregame Show:&nbsp; 6:30 p.m. Salina Liberty vs. Sioux City Bandits Champions Indoor Football:&nbsp; 7 p.m.&nbsp; at Tyson Event Center KIN Scoreboard Show:&nbsp; 10 p.m. Sunday PRN&nbsp; The Pit Reporters:&nbsp; 9 a.m. MRN&nbsp; United Rentals Work United 500:&nbsp; 1:30 p.m. at Phoenix Raceway