MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Kansas State offensive coordinator&nbsp;Conor Riley&nbsp;and defensive coordinator&nbsp;Joe Klanderman&nbsp;met with members of the media on Thursday at the Vanier Family Football Complex prior to Kansas State’s game on Saturday against Arizona State. Links to video and audio of both press conferences are above, and a transcript of select quotes are below.

CONOR RILEY, OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR

On if opposing defenses are playing K-State differently the last few games…

“No, not terribly different. You look at the latter part of the Kansas game, and I think there’s a little bit more pressure than maybe what they typically had done. You look at the latter part of the Houston game, and maybe a little bit more where they’re loading the box. How much was it? What the weather was like. Some of our challenges that we had getting the ball to the perimeter in that particular game, those are all some of the things you analyze.”

On if they need to be better against particular loaded boxes and pressure…

“I do know one thing – we need to stay on blocks much better. When you look at that – and credit our last opponent, and quite honestly, our last two opponents – I think that they were both very good up front. We knew going into it they were going to be very good up front. We need to do a better job at executing, and we need to do a better job of being more physical at the point of contact. It’s kind of one of those things where we’re getting a double hat on a guy, and we just didn’t get that much movement. That’s something that certainly we’ve emphasized and we’ve worked, and we need to be much better at.”

On Arizona State’s safeties and nickel do well…

“Well, when you look at their nickel and their safety, who I believe are their top two leading tacklers, both of them are aggressive. Both of them are very physical. They’re very active. I think they’re extremely well coached. I’ve coached against this defensive coordinator. He was at University of Nevada in 2021. Prior to that, he was at Western Illinois when I coached at North Dakota State. I just think he does a phenomenal job. I know the linebackers coach personally, and he’s a great coach as well. So, I think they’re very well coached, and I think they play very fast and play very aggressive.”

On if the offensive linemen took the last game hard…

“I think they’ve responded very well. I’ve been very pleased with how they’ve responded. They should – and all of us – look at how that game unfolded throughout it, and when we are called upon as an offensive line to run the football, we weren’t nearly as efficient as we needed to be at that very particular time.”

On if there were any younger players that stood out…

“Especially coming out of a bye week, you’re starting to see guys who are developing more and more this past week and for the past few weeks. I can speak to myself, I’ll start there – Gus Hawkins is doing a really, really good job. Navarro Schunke, both guys who have taken some of those reps during our developmental stuff last week, where I really thought those guys did some fantastic things. Tre Spivey is going to have more of an opportunity. I just continue to see him play with more and more confidence, and his knowledge of the offense is continuing to get better. I’m very, very pleased with him. I think Joe Jackson, his role is continuing to improve as well.”

On Avery Johnson’s various rush attempts per game…

“A little bit of it is what is the defense giving us when you start getting into some of the read game? I thought that they had a pretty good plan last week as opposed to two weeks ago. So, some of it is dictated on that. We every single week have a dedicated, what you’d call, dedicated quarterback run. Absolutely you do, and I still contend you need to be very measured when you’re using those tools. Then you have a little bit more of the read game. On some of the read game, you can see where he’s very effective, and you can see where some teams have done a good job of taking some of that away.”

JOE KLANDERMAN, DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR

On playing against Arizona State running back Cam Skattebo…

“He’s a phenomenal player. He’s really good. There’s a lot of really good backs in this league, and it’s hard to compare and contrast them, but he’s right up there with any of them. Unbelievable contact balance, competitor. I’m not a big stats guy, but I bet he breaks as many tackles as anybody in the league or in the country for that matter. He’s a good football player.”

On what stands out the running game of Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt..

“The first thing that I thought when I saw him was how decisive he is. I don’t think he hesitates when he either sees what he likes or doesn’t see what he likes. He’s quick to pull it down and scramble if he doesn’t see what he likes. He’s quick to pull the trigger on something that’s open. He’s decisive when he’s pulling the ball in their read game. He’s decisive in their RPO game. They got with a really good combination of guys over there.”

On Arizona State defeating UCF without running back Cam Skattebo..

“Well, schematically they’re very sound. So that didn’t surprise me that they were able to move the ball and do some things. They’ve got a tremendous receiver core, too. When you put all of those things in conjunction, the weapons they have, I feel like they have good receiving tight ends as well. They got a lot of weapons. They’re not a one-dimensional team. Skattebo is just so good that people think that he’s the reason – and he is a big part of the reason – but they have other ways that they can get you.”

On if any up-and-coming defenders excited him over the bye week…

“There were several, but the two that just jump into my mind right away are Jordan Allen and Ryan Davis. We did a little bit more work with guys that – I wouldn’t quite call them developmental guys, although they probably fit that category – guys that have played some but haven’t been in the mix a ton. That was kind of the emphasis of our practices this past week, and those two guys were above dominant. There were other people I could name, but those two guys stood out to me as guys that were outstanding.”

On the importance of the front seven making an impact against Arizona State’s running game…

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Kansas State offensive coordinator&nbsp;Conor Riley&nbsp;and defensive coordinator&nbsp;Joe Klanderman&nbsp;met with members of the media on Thursday at the Vanier Family Football Complex prior to Kansas State’s game on Saturday against Arizona State. Links to video and audio of both press conferences are above, and a transcript of select quotes are below.CONOR RILEY, OFFENSIVE COORDINATOROn if opposing defenses are playing K-State differently the last few games…“No, not terribly different. You look at the latter part of the Kansas game, and I think there’s a little bit more pressure than maybe what they typically had done. You look at the latter part of the Houston game, and maybe a little bit more where they’re loading the box. How much was it? What the weather was like. Some of our challenges that we had getting the ball to the perimeter in that particular game, those are all some of the things you analyze.”On if they need to be better against particular loaded boxes and pressure…“I do know one thing – we need to stay on blocks much better. When you look at that – and credit our last opponent, and quite honestly, our last two opponents – I think that they were both very good up front. We knew going into it they were going to be very good up front. We need to do a better job at executing, and we need to do a better job of being more physical at the point of contact. It’s kind of one of those things where we’re getting a double hat on a guy, and we just didn’t get that much movement. That’s something that certainly we’ve emphasized and we’ve worked, and we need to be much better at.”On Arizona State’s safeties and nickel do well…“Well, when you look at their nickel and their safety, who I believe are their top two leading tacklers, both of them are aggressive. Both of them are very physical. They’re very active. I think they’re extremely well coached. I’ve coached against this defensive coordinator. He was at University of Nevada in 2021. Prior to that, he was at Western Illinois when I coached at North Dakota State. I just think he does a phenomenal job. I know the linebackers coach personally, and he’s a great coach as well. So, I think they’re very well coached, and I think they play very fast and play very aggressive.”On if the offensive linemen took the last game hard…“I think they’ve responded very well. I’ve been very pleased with how they’ve responded. They should – and all of us – look at how that game unfolded throughout it, and when we are called upon as an offensive line to run the football, we weren’t nearly as efficient as we needed to be at that very particular time.”On if there were any younger players that stood out…“Especially coming out of a bye week, you’re starting to see guys who are developing more and more this past week and for the past few weeks. I can speak to myself, I’ll start there – Gus Hawkins is doing a really, really good job. Navarro Schunke, both guys who have taken some of those reps during our developmental stuff last week, where I really thought those guys did some fantastic things. Tre Spivey is going to have more of an opportunity. I just continue to see him play with more and more confidence, and his knowledge of the offense is continuing to get better. I’m very, very pleased with him. I think Joe Jackson, his role is continuing to improve as well.”On Avery Johnson’s various rush attempts per game…“A little bit of it is what is the defense giving us when you start getting into some of the read game? I thought that they had a pretty good plan last week as opposed to two weeks ago. So, some of it is dictated on that. We every single week have a dedicated, what you’d call, dedicated quarterback run. Absolutely you do, and I still contend you need to be very measured when you’re using those tools. Then you have a little bit more of the read game. On some of the read game, you can see where he’s very effective, and you can see where some teams have done a good job of taking some of that away.”JOE KLANDERMAN, DEFENSIVE COORDINATOROn playing against Arizona State running back Cam Skattebo…“He’s a phenomenal player. He’s really good. There’s a lot of really good backs in this league, and it’s hard to compare and contrast them, but he’s right up there with any of them. Unbelievable contact balance, competitor. I’m not a big stats guy, but I bet he breaks as many tackles as anybody in the league or in the country for that matter. He’s a good football player.”On what stands out the running game of Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt..“The first thing that I thought when I saw him was how decisive he is. I don’t think he hesitates when he either sees what he likes or doesn’t see what he likes. He’s quick to pull it down and scramble if he doesn’t see what he likes. He’s quick to pull the trigger on something that’s open. He’s decisive when he’s pulling the ball in their read game. He’s decisive in their RPO game. They got with a really good combination of guys over there.”On Arizona State defeating UCF without running back Cam Skattebo..“Well, schematically they’re very sound. So that didn’t surprise me that they were able to move the ball and do some things. They’ve got a tremendous receiver core, too. When you put all of those things in conjunction, the weapons they have, I feel like they have good receiving tight ends as well. They got a lot of weapons. They’re not a one-dimensional team. Skattebo is just so good that people think that he’s the reason – and he is a big part of the reason – but they have other ways that they can get you.”On if any up-and-coming defenders excited him over the bye week…“There were several, but the two that just jump into my mind right away are Jordan Allen and Ryan Davis. We did a little bit more work with guys that – I wouldn’t quite call them developmental guys, although they probably fit that category – guys that have played some but haven’t been in the mix a ton. That was kind of the emphasis of our practices this past week, and those two guys were above dominant. There were other people I could name, but those two guys stood out to me as guys that were outstanding.”On the importance of the front seven making an impact against Arizona State’s running game…

K-State Coordinators Discuss Arizona State Game

The Kansas Wesleyan Coaches' Show returns for week eleven as the Kansas Wesleyan Coyotes (6-4) travel to Sterling in search of a win over the Warriors (2-8)

On this week's show, we sat down and visited with co-interim head coaches David Leonard and Chris Snyder, Rush LB Richie Garcia, and AD Miguel Paredes

Saturday's football game can be heard on KINA (910 AM/107.5 FM) with Tyler Henry and Brooks Garretson on the call. Pregame coverage begins at noon with kickoff scheduled for 1:00.

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 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/djGuU5XZxFE"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Wesleyan Coaches' Show returns for week eleven as the Kansas Wesleyan Coyotes (6-4) travel to Sterling in search of a win over the Warriors (2-8)On this week's show, we sat down and visited with co-interim head coaches David Leonard and Chris Snyder, Rush LB Richie Garcia, and AD Miguel ParedesSaturday's football game can be heard on KINA (910 AM/107.5 FM) with Tyler Henry and Brooks Garretson on the call. Pregame coverage begins at noon with kickoff scheduled for 1:00.

Kansas Wesleyan Coaches Show - Week 11

The Kansas Wesleyan Coyotes rolled to a 98-27 win over the Kansas Christian Falcons on Wednesday night in Mabee Arena.

It was the last non-conference tilt of the season before Kansas Conference play starts on Saturday at Ottawa. KWU still has one more non-conference game against Bellevue later this month.

All 15 players suited out for the game played for the Coyotes, with the minutes very balanced with everyone playing between 12 and 19 minutes in the game.

The Coyotes rolled out to a 24-0 lead after the first quarter. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/da3ee09f-52c7-4470-8e68-17a4396bbe48?elinkdata=15304">LaMyah Ricks</a> provided the first point of the game on an administrative technical for illegal uniforms against Kansas Christian.

Wesleyan led 10-0 when <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/8c8c8f18-2eff-4a5a-a61c-f6bca7f29b5b?elinkdata=15304">Jill Stephens</a> hit a 3-pointer and was fouled, converting the charity to make it 14-0 with 4:58 left in the first. On KWU's next possession, Stephens was fouled again on a 3-pointer and went to the line and converted all three free throws.

A three by Stephens with just under a minute left capped the first quarter scoring.

KCC got on the board with 9:19 to go in the second quarter when Olivia Bryson hit a pair of free throws. Meanwhile, the Coyotes continued to pull away, pushing the lead out to 52-10 at the half after <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4894d9ef-c548-4349-bdbe-0018639849dd?elinkdata=15304">Jada Renner's</a> 3-pointer with 38 seconds left.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/8edf6cd3-3716-4add-b4b1-8bdc287c124e?elinkdata=15304">Jocelyn Hall's</a> bucket with 25 seconds left in the third pushed Wesleyan's lead to 73-18.

The Coyotes hit the 90-point mark with three minutes left, and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/5098cb16-8a08-4042-b6dc-7b359c691786?elinkdata=15304">Kelsey Koza's</a> 3-pointer with a minute left made it 98-24. KCC hit a 3 with five seconds left, but the Coyotes did not go for the century mark, instead taking the win as it stood.

The 27 points allowed is the fewest by the Coyotes since 23 by Tabor on December 8, 2011.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/9de64876-6793-471b-bb8a-a7bc93c60f2d?elinkdata=15304">Hampton Williams</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/bfbae190-3369-4c9f-840f-a098c10cbe4a?elinkdata=15304">Jocelyn Hall</a> led the Coyotes with 13 points each. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f936427d-4b68-460f-9f8d-b3e7b5e9dc11?elinkdata=15304">Kelsey Koza</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/9c2e840e-0a8e-4df0-81b6-3004292f45c2?elinkdata=15304">Jada Renner</a> had 11 each and Stephens had 10 as KWU shot 46.3 percent from the field for the game. The Coyotes dominated in rebounding too, 50-26, led by eight by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/8b937a38-0a7c-4219-a026-c148c66b7de0?elinkdata=15304">Alexis Dixon</a>.

The Kansas Wesleyan Coyotes rolled to a 98-27 win over the Kansas Christian Falcons on Wednesday night in Mabee Arena.It was the last non-conference tilt of the season before Kansas Conference play starts on Saturday at Ottawa. KWU still has one more non-conference game against Bellevue later this month.All 15 players suited out for the game played for the Coyotes, with the minutes very balanced with everyone playing between 12 and 19 minutes in the game.The Coyotes rolled out to a 24-0 lead after the first quarter. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/da3ee09f-52c7-4470-8e68-17a4396bbe48?elinkdata=15304">LaMyah Ricks</a> provided the first point of the game on an administrative technical for illegal uniforms against Kansas Christian.Wesleyan led 10-0 when <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/8c8c8f18-2eff-4a5a-a61c-f6bca7f29b5b?elinkdata=15304">Jill Stephens</a> hit a 3-pointer and was fouled, converting the charity to make it 14-0 with 4:58 left in the first. On KWU's next possession, Stephens was fouled again on a 3-pointer and went to the line and converted all three free throws.A three by Stephens with just under a minute left capped the first quarter scoring.KCC got on the board with 9:19 to go in the second quarter when Olivia Bryson hit a pair of free throws. Meanwhile, the Coyotes continued to pull away, pushing the lead out to 52-10 at the half after <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4894d9ef-c548-4349-bdbe-0018639849dd?elinkdata=15304">Jada Renner's</a> 3-pointer with 38 seconds left.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/8edf6cd3-3716-4add-b4b1-8bdc287c124e?elinkdata=15304">Jocelyn Hall's</a> bucket with 25 seconds left in the third pushed Wesleyan's lead to 73-18.The Coyotes hit the 90-point mark with three minutes left, and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/5098cb16-8a08-4042-b6dc-7b359c691786?elinkdata=15304">Kelsey Koza's</a> 3-pointer with a minute left made it 98-24. KCC hit a 3 with five seconds left, but the Coyotes did not go for the century mark, instead taking the win as it stood.The 27 points allowed is the fewest by the Coyotes since 23 by Tabor on December 8, 2011.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/9de64876-6793-471b-bb8a-a7bc93c60f2d?elinkdata=15304">Hampton Williams</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/bfbae190-3369-4c9f-840f-a098c10cbe4a?elinkdata=15304">Jocelyn Hall</a> led the Coyotes with 13 points each. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f936427d-4b68-460f-9f8d-b3e7b5e9dc11?elinkdata=15304">Kelsey Koza</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/9c2e840e-0a8e-4df0-81b6-3004292f45c2?elinkdata=15304">Jada Renner</a> had 11 each and Stephens had 10 as KWU shot 46.3 percent from the field for the game. The Coyotes dominated in rebounding too, 50-26, led by eight by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/8b937a38-0a7c-4219-a026-c148c66b7de0?elinkdata=15304">Alexis Dixon</a>.

Women's Basketball cruises to 98-27 win over Kansas Christian

Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid Quotes

OPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“Alright, as far as the injuries go, Charles (Omenihu) and (Isiah) Pacheco will start working today and we’ll just gradually build them up as we go and that’s really it, everybody else is practicing. So, (we) look forward to the challenge of playing the Bills, (they’re) a real good football team, we know that. We’ve played them several times here over the last few years, so we know they’re well coached and a good team and they’ve got good players. We’ve got to start our workday today and get busy with it – get preparation. The time’s yours.”

Q: Could you imagine a scenario where either Isiah Pacheco or Charles Omenihu play this week?

Q: Do the Bills look different on offense with some of the defections at wide receiver or pretty much the same stuff?

REID:&nbsp;“They’re doing well – similar, similar stuff but the quarterback’s (Bills QB Josh Allen) playing real well and he likes those receivers that he has. They’re moving around well and they seem to be on the same page – (they have) good tight ends (and a) good running back.’

REID:&nbsp;“He’s (Wanya Morris) doing good.”

Q: What happened with Wanya Morris when he got hurt against the Broncos?

REID:&nbsp;“He (Wanya Morris) got on the stationary bike where he was waiting to get the thing (injury) under control there. He tweaks it every now and then and that’s what happens, so he comes out and he’s able to go back in.”

Q: What’s your optimism on a return for JuJu Smith-Schuster?

REID:&nbsp;“There’s a good chance he’s (JuJu Smith-Schuster) back. We’ll see as we go through practice but if it’s up to him, he’s back.”

Q: How has Bills QB Josh Allen been able to reduce his turnovers this season based on what you’ve seen on tape?

REID:&nbsp;“He’s (Bills QB Josh Allen) doing a great job with the ball, he’s using everybody and he’s not forcing anything in there, obviously, so I think he’s doing great with his decision-making.”

Q: Every position has a rookie learning curve but what is the difficulty learning left tackle in the NFL?

REID:&nbsp;“We’ll you’ve got good players on the other side that play against that left tackle and when you’re young, there’s going to be a couple hiccups in there. You’ve just got to bear with it as they grow. Before Wanya (Morris) got hurt, he was going a nice job out there but that thing – he had the bone bruise before and then he tweaks it every once in a while, so it takes a minute to calm down and then he comes back in. Every week he’s gotten a little bit better – that he’s been starting so that’s a positive going forward here.”

Q: Is Wanya Morris’ bone bruise a long-term issue that you may have some concern about going forward?

REID:&nbsp;“He’s (Wanya Morris) not doing anything to hurt it worse, that’s not what’s going on, but these things are a little bit like a high ankle sprain that way where you bring them back and they tweak it and they sit for little bit, it calms down, (they) come back out and they go. (It’s a) different injury but I mean, it’s what he had.”

Q: What do you think has enabled DeAndre Hopkins to have an impact so fast?

REID:&nbsp;“He’s (DeAndre Hopkins) always been a great player, and this offense gives him opportunities – his style of player and the quarterback trust him. What he is, is what you saw on Sunday with the one catch on the crossing route. (He’s) dirty tough, lands on the football, was able to get up – shows no sign of weakness on that and wants to get back in and go and that’s been him. Tough catch, contested ball, lands on it, hard and gets back in and plays and wants more.”

Q: Do you agree that DeAndre Hopkins gives you a different dimension than other guys have in the past?

REID:&nbsp;“He’s (DeAndre Hopkins) great with the contested balls, that’s what he’s great with, so if you get it in – he has long arms and big hands and if you get it in that radius, you’re pretty sure he’s going to get that son of a gun. We’ve had good receivers here and we have good receivers here but that’s his strength right there.”

Q: How do you measure how many carries Kareem Hunt will have in a game?

REID:&nbsp;“We threw him (Kareem Hunt) the ball a little bit more this past week, they were doing a good job inside just kind of shutting off the run game part of it. We ended up getting him the ball – we like to give him the ball whatever way we can get him the ball because he’s a good player. He’s doing well for just coming off the couch. I mean, he’s like second in the league, for the number of games he’s played, in carries and yards. He’s doing a heck of a job, and he wants more. He’s not asking to come out now. That’s not quite how he’s wired, but he’s doing well. He fell on his leg there – one of the guys fell on his leg and kind of tweaked it a little bit but he’s fine.”

Q: Xavier Worthy started strong and has kind of tapered off as the season has gone on, can you sense any frustration from him?

REID:&nbsp;“I haven’t. He’s (Xavier Worthy) a competitive kid and these things work like that. He’s got a lot of guys around him that have played and he’s learning as he goes but he’s so smart and he’s got talent. Teams are playing all that shell coverage on the backend so some of his deep stuff, they try to take it away there. That’s not the only thing he can do. It’s just a matter of getting him – there’s going to be a game here somewhere where he gets a lot of catches and we all kind of go, ‘Alright.’ That’s how those things work.”

Q: How important is Leo Chenal to the special teams unit?

REID:&nbsp;“(Assistant Head Coach/Special Teams Coordinator Dave) Toub banks on him to be a core guy for them. (Defensive Coordinator Steve) Spags (Spagnuolo) banks on him to be a guy for him that he can move around and do different things. From spying on a quarterback to being a very good pass rusher to being able to set an edge in the run game. He’s a valuable guy. He doesn’t say much but does a lot, so we all depend on him.”

Q: What was it like working with Bills Head Coach Sean McDermott?

REID:&nbsp;“I haven’t watched his (Bills Head Coach Sean McDermott) press conference but he’s got a great personality – a fellow red head. He’s a heck of a football coach and he came from a father that was a football coach and so he grew up around it. He was a good football player himself and just top notch. I have a lot of respect for him (and for) what he’s done.

Q: What did you see on the way Xavier Worthy was able to create separation on that deep pass and was there anything more than just a missed throw?

REID:&nbsp;“That was it. He (Xavier Worthy) did a great job on that one of getting behind the guy and that’s a good corner too so he gave him a little hesi (hesitation) move and took it from there. (He) did a nice job with it and somewhere we’ll get all that worked out, it’ll happen, just have to keep rolling.”

Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes Quotes

Q:&nbsp;What was your first reaction to the burglary situation?

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“I mean, obviously it’s frustrating (and) disappointing. I can’t get into too many of the details because the investigation is still ongoing, but obviously, it’s something that you don’t want to happen to really anybody but obviously yourself.”

Q:&nbsp;Were you or your family home?

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“I can’t speak too much about the details of everything just with the investigation going on but I’m sure at some point that will be talked about.”

Q:&nbsp;Would you say your play has to improve week in and week out?

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“Yeah, I think I learned a lot about myself last year just when I felt like I wasn’t playing my best football and we were kind of struggling throughout the season and I kind of learned how to just find ways to win. It kind of helped me grow up, not only as a player, but as a person to show that it’s not about stats, it’s not about how you get it done, it’s just about getting it done. I know how tough it was last year when we were losing those football games, and if we’re finding ways to win this year and I’m not putting up the stats, I feel a lot happier when I go home.”

Q:&nbsp;What are you saying to your tackles coming out of the huddle and getting off the field when blocks are getting missed and you’re taking unnecessary hits?

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“I believe in those guys. I believe in all the guys that are on that field with me. I believe in my teammates because more than even on the field, I see the work they put in every single day and how hard they work to go out there and execute at a high level. There’s times where I need to get rid of the football and I take some unnecessary hits as well. It’s about coming together as a team and being that unit that’s in sync every single snap. I think if we do that, we’ll go out there and execute at the level that we want to.”

Q:&nbsp;What is it about this game that brings out the best in you and Bills QB Josh Allen and how much respect do you have for the other side of the field?

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“You’re playing the best – I mean, the best of the best. That’s what you want in this league, and I’ve been able to go up against (Bills QB) Josh (Allen) a multitude of times. Every single game, it seems like it comes down to the very end. He’s a guy that competes and he has that fire. I think you can see that fire that he plays with and that kind of goes through his entire team and a lot of guys have had a lot of success. We know it’s going to take our best football. I think that’s what we know and if we don’t, (then) we’re going to lose, and we’ve lost some and we’ve won some. I’m just hoping that this week we can get out there, play our best football and find a way to get a win.”

Q:&nbsp;On the friendship with Bills QB Josh Allen.

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“We still stay in touch. I mean, especially in the off-seasons just kind of with both of our love for golf and just being around the people. I know (Bills QB) Shane Buechele – he was here and now he’s there (in Buffalo). He’s a really good dude. I think that’s why his team plays so hard for him. Obviously, we’re both competitors, so in the season, (there’s) not as much talking as we’re both going for that ultimate goal – the Super Bowl, but at the same time, there’s a ton of respect both ways.”

Q:&nbsp;Are you surprised that you’re able to play with DeAndre Hopkins?

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“Yeah, for sure – because I mean, I watched some (of) Tennessee’s tape, but at the same time, not having him (DeAndre Hopkins) here, you didn’t know what to expect as far as the player on and off the field. He gets in the room and he’s a leader from day one. He’s teaching younger guys, he’s helping younger guys in the room about stuff that he’s learned. Then, you get on the practice field, and you see how explosive he still is and how he can still make these plays and he can go one-on-one with the best of the best and win. It was definitely a pleasant surprise for me just seeing him on that football field. I think I can even give him more and more chances as it goes on because he seems like he’s making plays every time I do.”

Q:&nbsp;How long do you focus on missed throws that happen in a game and what is your process like as you watch film?

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“I just kind of go back to the fundamentals and trying to make those throws. I mean, you can only do so much as far as when you miss stuff, but you go back and learn from it as best as you can. You get back to your fundamentals. There’s a couple – these last few weeks, I’ve missed Xavier (Worthy) on some of those deep shots. I feel like if I hit those shots, the offense looks completely different. Not only for those numbers and those stats, but it opens up everything else for everybody else. (I’m) just trying to get back to that. He’s (Xavier Worthy) getting open every single game – hitting those throws whenever I can, and it’ll take pressure off (of) the rest of the offense as well.”

Q:&nbsp;What stood out about Xavier Worthy getting open on the play down the sideline?

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“I think you can see how much he (Xavier Worthy) learned from week to week. I mean, the week before, he got open and kind of faded a little bit and caught the ball and ended up being out of bounds. Whereas you saw on that double move, he kind of restacked the guy, we say, got back on the red line, gave me room to throw and then I threw the ball out of bounds. You see those steady progressions each and every week and I think in the long run, it’s going to really pay off because he is getting open. I have the confidence (that) I’ll be able to hit him on some of those shots down the field. Like I said, it’s going to open up the rest of the offense as well.”

Q:&nbsp;You mentioned that you learned how to embrace winning the game, stats aside. How would you describe how that looks and feels during a game?

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“I think you get a feel for how the defense is playing, you get a feel for how the whole game is going – the flow of the offense. Then, you try to make the best decision on when to not and when to take chances. In certain games you have to take some of those chances. You have to go out there and score some points and I feel like I’ve done that at certain points this year. Then, in certain games the defense is kind of shutting the door (and) they’re winning the game kind of for us. I just have to execute in those big moments, and I think last week, if I execute on that throw to Travis (Kelce) or Xavier (Worthy) on that last drive, that would’ve been kind of reading the game the right way and getting us enough room for the win. Luckily for us, Leo (Chenal) makes a great play whenever I don’t execute in that moment, but I’ve learned from playing (in) a lot of games kind of when are those big moments and when you need to go out there and make plays.”

Q: What have you appreciated or noticed for what Chris Jones has done this season from a leadership standpoint on the defensive side of the ball?

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“First off, like you said, leadership. He (Chris Jones) comes to work every single day (and) he gets after it. He’s practicing hard, he’s showing that – I mean, he’s another guy that’s going to have a gold jacket and he’s showing that he can get in there and get reps in practice and he can get after it. I think more than anything is that he understands the scheme that the offense is doing so sometimes he’s taking up two blockers, he’s taking up three blockers so that a blitzer can get free. A lot of times you might try to do too much in that situation, but he’s kind of – he knows that when his time comes, when they do give him that single one-on-one block, he’s going to win and those are usually the biggest moments of the game. I think they do a great job as a full defense of executing and running the entire scheme. It’s not about one guy but it does help when you have that guy in the middle.”

Q: DeAndre Hopkins has a bit of a distinct skillset. How does that effect your reliability and connectivity with him?

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“I think just the ability to win one-on-one is special. I mean, that truly is special and sometimes it gets lost because whenever you’ve got a guy in the boundary that’s one-on-one with – I mean, like this week, he (DeAndre Hopkins) was with (Broncos CB Patrick) Surtain (II) and Surtain’s one of the best corners in the league and he was winning some of those matchups. He’s really kind of showcasing that he can win one-on-one versus anybody. That’s stuff that puts pressure on the defense when I’m hitting those guys in those one-on-one matchups and making them push guys over which is opening up everybody else and so that, as well as being able to make tough and contested catches – like the deep cross he had over the middle of the field. That’s stuff that just in my mind shows me that I need to give him more and more chances in those situations.”

Q: Is there any part of DeAndre Hopkins’ game that you didn’t realize that he had?

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“I think just kind of the wiggle that he (DeAndre Hopkins) has. Not only catching the ball and able to make stuff miss and get up the field but as well as running the routes. Whenever you get around a guy like that, you don’t see those things often so to be able to see that at such a high level, I think it showcases to everybody what type of player he is.”

Q: What does the Buffalo defense look like this year and what kind of strengths do they have this year that are causing you guys problems?

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“I think it’s what they (the Bills defense) do every year. They do a great job of being really, really good at their scheme with great players. They rush the passer well and it’s not just one guy, it’s a multitude of guys that play extremely hard and get after the passer. Then, they turn the ball over and that’s the staple of great defenses is being able to rush the passer, stop the run and turn the ball over and they do all of those things really, really well. It’s going to take our best football, like I said. I know it sounds cliché, but in order to win this game, you’re going to have to play your best football. I think that we’re going to have to go out there and do that and it’s going to be a tough environment to do it in.”

Q: DeAndre Hopkins posted a photo of Tom Brady and Randy Moss on his social media. Did you see that and do you think that there are any similarities there?

Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid QuotesNovember 13, 2024HEAD COACH ANDY REIDOPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“Alright, as far as the injuries go, Charles (Omenihu) and (Isiah) Pacheco will start working today and we’ll just gradually build them up as we go and that’s really it, everybody else is practicing. So, (we) look forward to the challenge of playing the Bills, (they’re) a real good football team, we know that. We’ve played them several times here over the last few years, so we know they’re well coached and a good team and they’ve got good players. We’ve got to start our workday today and get busy with it – get preparation. The time’s yours.”Q: Could you imagine a scenario where either Isiah Pacheco or Charles Omenihu play this week?REID:&nbsp;“Eh. Unlikely.”Q: Do the Bills look different on offense with some of the defections at wide receiver or pretty much the same stuff?REID:&nbsp;“They’re doing well – similar, similar stuff but the quarterback’s (Bills QB Josh Allen) playing real well and he likes those receivers that he has. They’re moving around well and they seem to be on the same page – (they have) good tight ends (and a) good running back.’Q: How is Wanya Morris doing?REID:&nbsp;“He’s (Wanya Morris) doing good.”Q: What happened with Wanya Morris when he got hurt against the Broncos?REID:&nbsp;“He (Wanya Morris) got on the stationary bike where he was waiting to get the thing (injury) under control there. He tweaks it every now and then and that’s what happens, so he comes out and he’s able to go back in.”Q: What’s your optimism on a return for JuJu Smith-Schuster?REID:&nbsp;“There’s a good chance he’s (JuJu Smith-Schuster) back. We’ll see as we go through practice but if it’s up to him, he’s back.”Q: How has Bills QB Josh Allen been able to reduce his turnovers this season based on what you’ve seen on tape?REID:&nbsp;“He’s (Bills QB Josh Allen) doing a great job with the ball, he’s using everybody and he’s not forcing anything in there, obviously, so I think he’s doing great with his decision-making.”Q: Every position has a rookie learning curve but what is the difficulty learning left tackle in the NFL?REID:&nbsp;“We’ll you’ve got good players on the other side that play against that left tackle and when you’re young, there’s going to be a couple hiccups in there. You’ve just got to bear with it as they grow. Before Wanya (Morris) got hurt, he was going a nice job out there but that thing – he had the bone bruise before and then he tweaks it every once in a while, so it takes a minute to calm down and then he comes back in. Every week he’s gotten a little bit better – that he’s been starting so that’s a positive going forward here.”Q: Is Wanya Morris’ bone bruise a long-term issue that you may have some concern about going forward?REID:&nbsp;“He’s (Wanya Morris) not doing anything to hurt it worse, that’s not what’s going on, but these things are a little bit like a high ankle sprain that way where you bring them back and they tweak it and they sit for little bit, it calms down, (they) come back out and they go. (It’s a) different injury but I mean, it’s what he had.”Q: What do you think has enabled DeAndre Hopkins to have an impact so fast?REID:&nbsp;“He’s (DeAndre Hopkins) always been a great player, and this offense gives him opportunities – his style of player and the quarterback trust him. What he is, is what you saw on Sunday with the one catch on the crossing route. (He’s) dirty tough, lands on the football, was able to get up – shows no sign of weakness on that and wants to get back in and go and that’s been him. Tough catch, contested ball, lands on it, hard and gets back in and plays and wants more.”Q: Do you agree that DeAndre Hopkins gives you a different dimension than other guys have in the past?REID:&nbsp;“He’s (DeAndre Hopkins) great with the contested balls, that’s what he’s great with, so if you get it in – he has long arms and big hands and if you get it in that radius, you’re pretty sure he’s going to get that son of a gun. We’ve had good receivers here and we have good receivers here but that’s his strength right there.”Q: How do you measure how many carries Kareem Hunt will have in a game?REID:&nbsp;“We threw him (Kareem Hunt) the ball a little bit more this past week, they were doing a good job inside just kind of shutting off the run game part of it. We ended up getting him the ball – we like to give him the ball whatever way we can get him the ball because he’s a good player. He’s doing well for just coming off the couch. I mean, he’s like second in the league, for the number of games he’s played, in carries and yards. He’s doing a heck of a job, and he wants more. He’s not asking to come out now. That’s not quite how he’s wired, but he’s doing well. He fell on his leg there – one of the guys fell on his leg and kind of tweaked it a little bit but he’s fine.”Q: Xavier Worthy started strong and has kind of tapered off as the season has gone on, can you sense any frustration from him?REID:&nbsp;“I haven’t. He’s (Xavier Worthy) a competitive kid and these things work like that. He’s got a lot of guys around him that have played and he’s learning as he goes but he’s so smart and he’s got talent. Teams are playing all that shell coverage on the backend so some of his deep stuff, they try to take it away there. That’s not the only thing he can do. It’s just a matter of getting him – there’s going to be a game here somewhere where he gets a lot of catches and we all kind of go, ‘Alright.’ That’s how those things work.”Q: How important is Leo Chenal to the special teams unit?REID:&nbsp;“(Assistant Head Coach/Special Teams Coordinator Dave) Toub banks on him to be a core guy for them. (Defensive Coordinator Steve) Spags (Spagnuolo) banks on him to be a guy for him that he can move around and do different things. From spying on a quarterback to being a very good pass rusher to being able to set an edge in the run game. He’s a valuable guy. He doesn’t say much but does a lot, so we all depend on him.”Q: What was it like working with Bills Head Coach Sean McDermott?REID:&nbsp;“I haven’t watched his (Bills Head Coach Sean McDermott) press conference but he’s got a great personality – a fellow red head. He’s a heck of a football coach and he came from a father that was a football coach and so he grew up around it. He was a good football player himself and just top notch. I have a lot of respect for him (and for) what he’s done.Q: What did you see on the way Xavier Worthy was able to create separation on that deep pass and was there anything more than just a missed throw?REID:&nbsp;“That was it. He (Xavier Worthy) did a great job on that one of getting behind the guy and that’s a good corner too so he gave him a little hesi (hesitation) move and took it from there. (He) did a nice job with it and somewhere we’ll get all that worked out, it’ll happen, just have to keep rolling.”Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes QuotesNovember 13, 2024QB PATRICK MAHOMESQ:&nbsp;What was your first reaction to the burglary situation?MAHOMES:&nbsp;“I mean, obviously it’s frustrating (and) disappointing. I can’t get into too many of the details because the investigation is still ongoing, but obviously, it’s something that you don’t want to happen to really anybody but obviously yourself.”Q:&nbsp;Were you or your family home?MAHOMES:&nbsp;“I can’t speak too much about the details of everything just with the investigation going on but I’m sure at some point that will be talked about.”Q:&nbsp;Would you say your play has to improve week in and week out?MAHOMES:&nbsp;“Yeah, I think I learned a lot about myself last year just when I felt like I wasn’t playing my best football and we were kind of struggling throughout the season and I kind of learned how to just find ways to win. It kind of helped me grow up, not only as a player, but as a person to show that it’s not about stats, it’s not about how you get it done, it’s just about getting it done. I know how tough it was last year when we were losing those football games, and if we’re finding ways to win this year and I’m not putting up the stats, I feel a lot happier when I go home.”Q:&nbsp;What are you saying to your tackles coming out of the huddle and getting off the field when blocks are getting missed and you’re taking unnecessary hits?MAHOMES:&nbsp;“I believe in those guys. I believe in all the guys that are on that field with me. I believe in my teammates because more than even on the field, I see the work they put in every single day and how hard they work to go out there and execute at a high level. There’s times where I need to get rid of the football and I take some unnecessary hits as well. It’s about coming together as a team and being that unit that’s in sync every single snap. I think if we do that, we’ll go out there and execute at the level that we want to.”Q:&nbsp;What is it about this game that brings out the best in you and Bills QB Josh Allen and how much respect do you have for the other side of the field?MAHOMES:&nbsp;“You’re playing the best – I mean, the best of the best. That’s what you want in this league, and I’ve been able to go up against (Bills QB) Josh (Allen) a multitude of times. Every single game, it seems like it comes down to the very end. He’s a guy that competes and he has that fire. I think you can see that fire that he plays with and that kind of goes through his entire team and a lot of guys have had a lot of success. We know it’s going to take our best football. I think that’s what we know and if we don’t, (then) we’re going to lose, and we’ve lost some and we’ve won some. I’m just hoping that this week we can get out there, play our best football and find a way to get a win.”Q:&nbsp;On the friendship with Bills QB Josh Allen.MAHOMES:&nbsp;“We still stay in touch. I mean, especially in the off-seasons just kind of with both of our love for golf and just being around the people. I know (Bills QB) Shane Buechele – he was here and now he’s there (in Buffalo). He’s a really good dude. I think that’s why his team plays so hard for him. Obviously, we’re both competitors, so in the season, (there’s) not as much talking as we’re both going for that ultimate goal – the Super Bowl, but at the same time, there’s a ton of respect both ways.”Q:&nbsp;Are you surprised that you’re able to play with DeAndre Hopkins?MAHOMES:&nbsp;“Yeah, for sure – because I mean, I watched some (of) Tennessee’s tape, but at the same time, not having him (DeAndre Hopkins) here, you didn’t know what to expect as far as the player on and off the field. He gets in the room and he’s a leader from day one. He’s teaching younger guys, he’s helping younger guys in the room about stuff that he’s learned. Then, you get on the practice field, and you see how explosive he still is and how he can still make these plays and he can go one-on-one with the best of the best and win. It was definitely a pleasant surprise for me just seeing him on that football field. I think I can even give him more and more chances as it goes on because he seems like he’s making plays every time I do.”Q:&nbsp;How long do you focus on missed throws that happen in a game and what is your process like as you watch film?MAHOMES:&nbsp;“I just kind of go back to the fundamentals and trying to make those throws. I mean, you can only do so much as far as when you miss stuff, but you go back and learn from it as best as you can. You get back to your fundamentals. There’s a couple – these last few weeks, I’ve missed Xavier (Worthy) on some of those deep shots. I feel like if I hit those shots, the offense looks completely different. Not only for those numbers and those stats, but it opens up everything else for everybody else. (I’m) just trying to get back to that. He’s (Xavier Worthy) getting open every single game – hitting those throws whenever I can, and it’ll take pressure off (of) the rest of the offense as well.”Q:&nbsp;What stood out about Xavier Worthy getting open on the play down the sideline?MAHOMES:&nbsp;“I think you can see how much he (Xavier Worthy) learned from week to week. I mean, the week before, he got open and kind of faded a little bit and caught the ball and ended up being out of bounds. Whereas you saw on that double move, he kind of restacked the guy, we say, got back on the red line, gave me room to throw and then I threw the ball out of bounds. You see those steady progressions each and every week and I think in the long run, it’s going to really pay off because he is getting open. I have the confidence (that) I’ll be able to hit him on some of those shots down the field. Like I said, it’s going to open up the rest of the offense as well.”Q:&nbsp;You mentioned that you learned how to embrace winning the game, stats aside. How would you describe how that looks and feels during a game?MAHOMES:&nbsp;“I think you get a feel for how the defense is playing, you get a feel for how the whole game is going – the flow of the offense. Then, you try to make the best decision on when to not and when to take chances. In certain games you have to take some of those chances. You have to go out there and score some points and I feel like I’ve done that at certain points this year. Then, in certain games the defense is kind of shutting the door (and) they’re winning the game kind of for us. I just have to execute in those big moments, and I think last week, if I execute on that throw to Travis (Kelce) or Xavier (Worthy) on that last drive, that would’ve been kind of reading the game the right way and getting us enough room for the win. Luckily for us, Leo (Chenal) makes a great play whenever I don’t execute in that moment, but I’ve learned from playing (in) a lot of games kind of when are those big moments and when you need to go out there and make plays.”Q: What have you appreciated or noticed for what Chris Jones has done this season from a leadership standpoint on the defensive side of the ball?MAHOMES:&nbsp;“First off, like you said, leadership. He (Chris Jones) comes to work every single day (and) he gets after it. He’s practicing hard, he’s showing that – I mean, he’s another guy that’s going to have a gold jacket and he’s showing that he can get in there and get reps in practice and he can get after it. I think more than anything is that he understands the scheme that the offense is doing so sometimes he’s taking up two blockers, he’s taking up three blockers so that a blitzer can get free. A lot of times you might try to do too much in that situation, but he’s kind of – he knows that when his time comes, when they do give him that single one-on-one block, he’s going to win and those are usually the biggest moments of the game. I think they do a great job as a full defense of executing and running the entire scheme. It’s not about one guy but it does help when you have that guy in the middle.”Q: DeAndre Hopkins has a bit of a distinct skillset. How does that effect your reliability and connectivity with him?MAHOMES:&nbsp;“I think just the ability to win one-on-one is special. I mean, that truly is special and sometimes it gets lost because whenever you’ve got a guy in the boundary that’s one-on-one with – I mean, like this week, he (DeAndre Hopkins) was with (Broncos CB Patrick) Surtain (II) and Surtain’s one of the best corners in the league and he was winning some of those matchups. He’s really kind of showcasing that he can win one-on-one versus anybody. That’s stuff that puts pressure on the defense when I’m hitting those guys in those one-on-one matchups and making them push guys over which is opening up everybody else and so that, as well as being able to make tough and contested catches – like the deep cross he had over the middle of the field. That’s stuff that just in my mind shows me that I need to give him more and more chances in those situations.”Q: Is there any part of DeAndre Hopkins’ game that you didn’t realize that he had?MAHOMES:&nbsp;“I think just kind of the wiggle that he (DeAndre Hopkins) has. Not only catching the ball and able to make stuff miss and get up the field but as well as running the routes. Whenever you get around a guy like that, you don’t see those things often so to be able to see that at such a high level, I think it showcases to everybody what type of player he is.”Q: What does the Buffalo defense look like this year and what kind of strengths do they have this year that are causing you guys problems?MAHOMES:&nbsp;“I think it’s what they (the Bills defense) do every year. They do a great job of being really, really good at their scheme with great players. They rush the passer well and it’s not just one guy, it’s a multitude of guys that play extremely hard and get after the passer. Then, they turn the ball over and that’s the staple of great defenses is being able to rush the passer, stop the run and turn the ball over and they do all of those things really, really well. It’s going to take our best football, like I said. I know it sounds cliché, but in order to win this game, you’re going to have to play your best football. I think that we’re going to have to go out there and do that and it’s going to be a tough environment to do it in.”Q: DeAndre Hopkins posted a photo of Tom Brady and Randy Moss on his social media. Did you see that and do you think that there are any similarities there?

Chiefs Quotes: 11-13-24

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;K-State women’s basketball head coach Jeff Mittie has announced the signing of three players for the 2025-26 season during the November Signing period on Wednesday.

The new additions to the K-State roster for next season are: guards Jordan Speiser (Warrenton, Missouri), Aniya’ Foy (Katy, Texas), and Gina Garcia Safont (Barcelona, Spain). The three signees have given K-State the number six signing class for 2025-26 according to ESPN.com.

Speiser, a 2024-25 Jersey Mike’s Naismith Trophy Girl’s High School Player of the Year Preseason Watch List, is a five-star prospect and ranked 10th&nbsp;overall in the class of 2025 by ESPNHoopGurlz. According to ProspectsNation.com, Speiser is ranked 14th&nbsp;in the nation and the number five wing in the country. According to 247sports, Speiser ranked 19th&nbsp;overall, rated as the number four shooting guard in the nation and the top player in the state of Missouri.

“Speiser is one of the most dynamic scorers in the country with unlimited range and ability to shoot the three-ball,” said Mittie. “Her work ethic and passion for the game was evident throughout the recruiting process.”

Following the conclusion of the summer of 2024, Speiser was rated as one of the top shooters in the nation by ESPN.com. During the summer, Speiser shot 54.5 percent at Nike Nationals and tallied an overall EYBL shooting percentage of 47.3 percent.

During her career at Lutheran of St. Charles County, Speiser is a two-time Missouri Basketball Coaches Association (MBCA) All-State Class 5 selection and a two-time MBCA Class 5 District 4 recipient. She helped the program to a state title in 2023 and a runner-up finish in 2024.

Foy is a four-star prospect and ranked 46th&nbsp;overall in the class of 2025 by ESPN HoopGurlz. According to ProspectsNation.com, Foy owns a four-star rating and checks in at 41st&nbsp;in the nation. According to 247sports, Foy is 52nd&nbsp;in the nation and ranks as the number four prospect in the state of Texas.

“Foy is one of the elite athletes in the country that has a smooth pull-up jumper and an explosive first step off the bounce,” stated Mittie about the Lone Star State signee. “She continued to impress our staff throughout her summer of competition.”

During her prep career at Cinco Ranch High School, Foy has averaged 20.4 points, 7.4 rebounds, 2.8 steals and 1.7 assists. She owns the school records for points in a game (42) and points scored in a season (694; 2023-24).

Through nine games this season, Foy is averaging 26.1 points per game, 7.4 rebounds, 3.7 steals and 2.2 assists. She opened her season with a 30-point effort on November 1, tallied 33 points on November 8 and set the Cinco Ranch school record for points in a game with 42 on Nov. 12.

During the 2023-24 season, Foy averaged 23.9 points per game and 8.6 rebounds while collecting 2023-24 6A All-Region 3 honors from the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches (TABC).

Garcia Safont has extensive international experience, as she has played for Spain in five different international competitions and for the Catalan National Team.

“Garcia Safont is one of the top international point guards in the 2025 class,” Mittie said. “She possesses excellent vision, elite passing skills and range on her 3-point shot. Her experience and success in every tournament this summer was impressive.”

In 2024, Garcia Safont played for Spain at a pair of international tournaments: the 2024 FIBA U18 Women’s Eurobasket in Matosinhos, Portugal, and the FIBA U17 Women’s World Cup in Leon, Mexico. She helped Spain to a silver medal at the FIBA U18 Women’s Eurobasket by averaging 5.1 points, 4.0 assists, 2.1 rebounds and 1.4 steals in 20 minutes per game. In the semifinal game against Serbia, Garcia recorded seven points, eight assists and three steals. In the gold medal game against France, Garcia tallied nine points, four assists and four rebounds.

She helped Spain to a bronze medal at the FIBA U17 World Cup, as she was second in the tournament for assists per game at 5.1 and an assist to turnover ratio of 3.3. She also added in 7.0 points, 2.9 rebounds and 1.7 steals.

In the summer of 2023, Garcia played in the FIBA U16 Women’s Eurobasket in Izmir, Turkey. She helped Spain to a silver medal in this event by averaging 7.3 points, 3.4 assists, 3.1 steals and 2.6 rebounds in 26.3 minutes per game. She ranked eighth in the event for assists per game. In the gold medal game against France, Garcia tallied 11 points, four assists, two rebounds and a steal.

She also collected All-Star Five honors in the 2022 U15 Torneo Amistad while aiding Spain to a gold medal finish and the help Spain to another gold at the 2022 U15 Medac Tournament and was named tournament MVP.

When not representing Spain on the international stage, Garcia Safont plays for Segle XXI Barcelona, the same club current Wildcat Gisela Sanchez played for in Spain before coming to the United States to play collegiate basketball. She has helped Segle XXI to consecutive Spanish League LF2 titles in 2023 and 2024.

Through four games this season with Segle XXI, Garcia Safont is averaging 8.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.0 steals.

The Wildcats continue its five-game home stand on Thursday, November 14 at 5:30 p.m., as K-State hosts Creighton. Thursday is a doubleheader night with the men’s basketball game against LSU following at 8 p.m. Thursday’s game is Purple Pride Night, as fans are encouraged to wear purple. For tickets, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://kstatesports.com/tickets" target="_blank">kstatesports.com/tickets</a>&nbsp;or call (800) 221-CATS.

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;K-State women’s basketball head coach Jeff Mittie has announced the signing of three players for the 2025-26 season during the November Signing period on Wednesday.The new additions to the K-State roster for next season are: guards Jordan Speiser (Warrenton, Missouri), Aniya’ Foy (Katy, Texas), and Gina Garcia Safont (Barcelona, Spain). The three signees have given K-State the number six signing class for 2025-26 according to ESPN.com.Speiser, a 2024-25 Jersey Mike’s Naismith Trophy Girl’s High School Player of the Year Preseason Watch List, is a five-star prospect and ranked 10th&nbsp;overall in the class of 2025 by ESPNHoopGurlz. According to ProspectsNation.com, Speiser is ranked 14th&nbsp;in the nation and the number five wing in the country. According to 247sports, Speiser ranked 19th&nbsp;overall, rated as the number four shooting guard in the nation and the top player in the state of Missouri.“Speiser is one of the most dynamic scorers in the country with unlimited range and ability to shoot the three-ball,” said Mittie. “Her work ethic and passion for the game was evident throughout the recruiting process.”Following the conclusion of the summer of 2024, Speiser was rated as one of the top shooters in the nation by ESPN.com. During the summer, Speiser shot 54.5 percent at Nike Nationals and tallied an overall EYBL shooting percentage of 47.3 percent.During her career at Lutheran of St. Charles County, Speiser is a two-time Missouri Basketball Coaches Association (MBCA) All-State Class 5 selection and a two-time MBCA Class 5 District 4 recipient. She helped the program to a state title in 2023 and a runner-up finish in 2024.Foy is a four-star prospect and ranked 46th&nbsp;overall in the class of 2025 by ESPN HoopGurlz. According to ProspectsNation.com, Foy owns a four-star rating and checks in at 41st&nbsp;in the nation. According to 247sports, Foy is 52nd&nbsp;in the nation and ranks as the number four prospect in the state of Texas.“Foy is one of the elite athletes in the country that has a smooth pull-up jumper and an explosive first step off the bounce,” stated Mittie about the Lone Star State signee. “She continued to impress our staff throughout her summer of competition.”During her prep career at Cinco Ranch High School, Foy has averaged 20.4 points, 7.4 rebounds, 2.8 steals and 1.7 assists. She owns the school records for points in a game (42) and points scored in a season (694; 2023-24).Through nine games this season, Foy is averaging 26.1 points per game, 7.4 rebounds, 3.7 steals and 2.2 assists. She opened her season with a 30-point effort on November 1, tallied 33 points on November 8 and set the Cinco Ranch school record for points in a game with 42 on Nov. 12.During the 2023-24 season, Foy averaged 23.9 points per game and 8.6 rebounds while collecting 2023-24 6A All-Region 3 honors from the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches (TABC).Garcia Safont has extensive international experience, as she has played for Spain in five different international competitions and for the Catalan National Team.“Garcia Safont is one of the top international point guards in the 2025 class,” Mittie said. “She possesses excellent vision, elite passing skills and range on her 3-point shot. Her experience and success in every tournament this summer was impressive.”In 2024, Garcia Safont played for Spain at a pair of international tournaments: the 2024 FIBA U18 Women’s Eurobasket in Matosinhos, Portugal, and the FIBA U17 Women’s World Cup in Leon, Mexico. She helped Spain to a silver medal at the FIBA U18 Women’s Eurobasket by averaging 5.1 points, 4.0 assists, 2.1 rebounds and 1.4 steals in 20 minutes per game. In the semifinal game against Serbia, Garcia recorded seven points, eight assists and three steals. In the gold medal game against France, Garcia tallied nine points, four assists and four rebounds.She helped Spain to a bronze medal at the FIBA U17 World Cup, as she was second in the tournament for assists per game at 5.1 and an assist to turnover ratio of 3.3. She also added in 7.0 points, 2.9 rebounds and 1.7 steals.In the summer of 2023, Garcia played in the FIBA U16 Women’s Eurobasket in Izmir, Turkey. She helped Spain to a silver medal in this event by averaging 7.3 points, 3.4 assists, 3.1 steals and 2.6 rebounds in 26.3 minutes per game. She ranked eighth in the event for assists per game. In the gold medal game against France, Garcia tallied 11 points, four assists, two rebounds and a steal.She also collected All-Star Five honors in the 2022 U15 Torneo Amistad while aiding Spain to a gold medal finish and the help Spain to another gold at the 2022 U15 Medac Tournament and was named tournament MVP.When not representing Spain on the international stage, Garcia Safont plays for Segle XXI Barcelona, the same club current Wildcat Gisela Sanchez played for in Spain before coming to the United States to play collegiate basketball. She has helped Segle XXI to consecutive Spanish League LF2 titles in 2023 and 2024.Through four games this season with Segle XXI, Garcia Safont is averaging 8.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.0 steals.The Wildcats continue its five-game home stand on Thursday, November 14 at 5:30 p.m., as K-State hosts Creighton. Thursday is a doubleheader night with the men’s basketball game against LSU following at 8 p.m. Thursday’s game is Purple Pride Night, as fans are encouraged to wear purple. For tickets, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://kstatesports.com/tickets" target="_blank">kstatesports.com/tickets</a>&nbsp;or call (800) 221-CATS.

K-State Signs Top-10 Class in November Signing Period

The No. 24-ranked Coyotes open Kansas Conference play Saturday against Ottawa. Tipoff is 5 p.m. inside Wilson Field House in Ottawa.LIVE COVERAGE

The No. 24-ranked Coyotes open Kansas Conference play Saturday against Ottawa. Tipoff is 5 p.m. inside Wilson Field House in Ottawa.LIVE COVERAGE<ul>
 <li>The video stream of the game will be available online through the KCAC Network at&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f02658d8-0edb-47fa-b9a4-acd9a96b9ee2?elinkdata=15277" target="_blank">www.kcacnetwork.com/kansaswesleyan</a>.Ottawa will be handling production of the stream.</li><li>Live Stats will be available at&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/69b5e969-525b-4c3a-9e55-cde57b10062f?elinkdata=15277" target="_blank">https://kwucoyotes.com/sidearmstats/mbball/summary</a></li><li>Radio coverage will be on&nbsp;KG Prime FM 94.5.&nbsp;The online stream is available at&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/88bf595a-5785-48dc-93fb-70ad34a72b52?elinkdata=15277" target="_blank">https://radio.securenetsystems.net/cwa/index.cfm?stationCallSign=KSKGHD2</a>. Devin Hanney will have the call with pregame starting immediately after the women's game.</li>
 </ul>RECORDS<ul>
 <li>Kansas Wesleyan 4-1</li><li>Ottawa 4-1</li>
 </ul>THE SERIES<ul>
 <li>The Coyotes have won the last six including a three-game sweep last season. KWU won 77-67 December 6 in Ottawa, 89-83 February 19 in Mabee Arena, and completed the trifecta by winning 75-69 in the quarterfinals of the KCAC Tournament in Mabee Arena. Ottawa leads the series 24-19 since 2006.</li>
 </ul>KANSAS WESLEYAN AT A GLANCE<ul>
 <li>The Coyotes are 4-1 with victories over Northern New Mexico and Wayland Baptist in Mabee Arena, Manhattan Christian in Manhattan and Waldorf in Sioux City, Iowa. They're coming off a 92-86 loss to Morningside last Saturday in Sioux City.</li><li><a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/87791bf2-32da-497b-b44b-d173b1f222de?elinkdata=15277" target="_blank">Alex Littlejohn</a>&nbsp;has picked up where he left off last season. He was named the KCAC Offensive Player of the Week on Monday after averaging 22.7 points, 10.3 rebounds and five assists last week. He had 34 points, 12 rebounds, six assists and four steals against Morningside. He's averaging 19.6 points, 11.0 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 2.0 steals and is shooting 54.8 percent from the field through the five games.</li><li><a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/bde192ea-abf3-4e3d-9eef-4657b4e5e3e7?elinkdata=15277" target="_blank">Easton Hunter's</a>&nbsp;averaging 11.6 points and Hutchinson Community College transfer&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3aa972c9-6b10-4db6-b068-af02743c5890?elinkdata=15277" target="_blank">Landon Wagler</a>&nbsp;8.6. Hunter's shooting 52.2 percent from 3-point range (12 of 23) and Wagler 40.7 percent (11 of 27).</li>
 </ul>OTTAWA AT A GLANCE<ul>
 <li>Like KWU the Braves are 4-1. They have defeated Jarvis Christian, Calvary, Kansas Christian at home and Culver-Stockton on the road. They lost to Baker at home in their second game of the season.</li><li>The Braves played an exhibition game at NCAA Division II Washburn on Tuesday, losing 97-57, and play another exhibition on Friday morning against Chadron State at Kansas City's Municipal Auditorium before facing the Coyotes on Saturday.</li><li>Newcomer Keith Robinson is the top scorer (18.6) followed by returners Jayden Hibbitt (15.6) and Deondre Buggage (15.4). The Braves are averaging 89.4 points. Hibbitt also averages a team-best 6.8 rebounds.</li><li>Ottawa is led by first-year head coach Matt Cross. He was head coach at Texas College from 2021-24 and also has been head women's coach at LSU-Shreveport and head men's coach Talladega College.</li>
 </ul>

KWU MBB opens KCAC play on Saturday heading to Ottawa

The Coyotes play Kansas Conference and Gene Bissell Division opponent Sterling in their regular-season finale. Kickoff is 1 p.m. Saturday at Smisor Stadium in Sterling.LIVE COVERAGE

THE SERIESThe Coyotes have won the last six including a 24-13 victory a year ago in the season finale at JRI Stadium. They have held Sterling to 14 points or less in all six games. KWU has a 12-11 lead in the series since 2001 and leads the all-time series 49-34-3.KANSAS WESLEYAN AT A GLANCE

"Our kids have done a good job the last couple of weeks dealing with adversity. (Last Saturday) we were down for the first time in the last few weeks and they battled back through that and (Ottawa's) trick plays. That's usually pretty demoralizing for a lot of teams but our kids responded."Our defense played really well, they only gave up that one long (80-yard) run and offensively we scored enough points to win the game. I'm very proud of our players."We have to be ready for adversity. The theme this week is deal with the grass (Sterling's turf) and don't complain about it. It's going to be their Senior Day, but the positive is it's going to be good weather. I've told the kids you won't hear me talk about playoffs because we have to take care of business. There's nothing we can do about the playoffs anyway."

"(The defense) is playing so well because we're all comfortable with each other. I tell them all the time have a short-term memory. If we mess up on a play don't dwell on it, forget about it and we're just going to move on and do better on the next play."I do enjoy rushing (the quarterback), that's what I did in juco. I was a rush outside linebacker. I also drop into (pass) coverage, I can get out into the flats and cover a guy. I'm long, I'm tall, I'm physical. I've been playing a super long time, and I'm used to getting on the D-line and getting them dirty."We need to rally to the ball, wrap up tackles. Ottawa got that lucky run on us right up the middle gap and we missed a couple of tackles. Our scheme is good, we just tighten up on our tackling."

NEXT WEEKThe Coyotes play a first-round game in the NAIA Championship Series on Saturday.

 Matchups, starting times and sites will be announced Sunday.

The Coyotes play Kansas Conference and Gene Bissell Division opponent Sterling in their regular-season finale. Kickoff is 1 p.m. Saturday at Smisor Stadium in Sterling.LIVE COVERAGE<ul>
 <li>The video stream of the game will be available online through the KCAC Network at&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/32dfdd67-6302-4611-96fa-5a12f0aa4e57?elinkdata=15224" target="_blank">www.kcacnetwork.com/kansaswesleyan</a>. Sterling will be handling production of the stream.</li><li>Live Stats will be available at&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f85359c1-d732-4a89-bdb3-6bbe46d5b19c?elinkdata=15224" target="_blank">https://kwucoyotes.com/sidearmstats/football/summary</a></li><li>Radio coverage will be on KINA starting at Noon with Tyler Henry and Brooks Garretson. The online radio stream is available at&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ae71db41-4e74-4ef9-9682-bfb1decece7d?elinkdata=15224" target="_blank">https://radio.securenetsystems.net/ce/kina2</a>.</li>
 </ul>RECORDS<ul>
 <li>Kansas Wesleyan 6-4, 4-0 Bissell</li><li>Sterling 2-8, 2-2 Bissell</li>
 </ul>THE SERIESThe Coyotes have won the last six including a 24-13 victory a year ago in the season finale at JRI Stadium. They have held Sterling to 14 points or less in all six games. KWU has a 12-11 lead in the series since 2001 and leads the all-time series 49-34-3.KANSAS WESLEYAN AT A GLANCE<ul>
 <li>The Coyotes clinched the Bissell Division title and secured a berth in the NAIA playoffs with a 23-20 victory over Ottawa last Saturday at JRI Stadium. They led 20-3 after three quarters and held off Ottawa's fourth quarter comeback attempt in notching their fourth consecutive victory.</li><li>Junior tailback&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/43cb1844-9ac1-4606-a303-66a74b36c2ca?elinkdata=15224" target="_blank">Luke Armstrong</a>&nbsp;led the way with 181 yards rushing on 23 carries (7.9 average) and a touchdown. He leads the KCAC and ranks third in the NAIA with 1,123 rushing yards and is third in the NAIA in yards per carry at 8.0. Junior tailback&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/5fd5ab8b-b60b-4a18-a9f0-f699032e7156?elinkdata=15224" target="_blank">Zarek Fewell</a>&nbsp;has 499 yards on 110 carries (4.5 average).</li><li>Senior linebacker&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e4e2f809-8aeb-494a-9370-29c95716ba18?elinkdata=15224" target="_blank">Ricardo Garcia</a>&nbsp;was named the KCAC Defensive Player of the Week on Monday after his effort against Ottawa. Garcia had seven tackles, half a sack, 1.5 tackles for loss, blocked a punt and recovered a fumble.</li><li>Freshman linebacker&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ad46d699-5106-4c4c-a8d3-4ed51b7ec04c?elinkdata=15224" target="_blank">Myles Elam</a>&nbsp;led the defense with 10 tackles. He's tied for 10th in the NAIA with 9.5 tackles per game and has five tackles for loss on the season. This week KWU coaches recognized the linebacking corps that's anchored&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/74ca8f5b-83e1-404d-ab0b-8113b04899e2?elinkdata=15224" target="_blank">Daniel Cabrera</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/2f4bf93d-7acc-40e2-9c95-43101141d5c5?elinkdata=15224" target="_blank">Daren Hawkins</a>, Elam and Garcia.</li><li>Placekickers&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/6d169a46-79d3-43f5-a2f8-017c8734b3cf?elinkdata=15224" target="_blank">Cole Segraves</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c3cc2988-4a5d-49d3-b80a-70856a05f2af?elinkdata=15224" target="_blank">Talon Cope</a>&nbsp;saved the day Saturday. Segraves made a 50-yard field goal in the second quarter and&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/d0a26695-8913-43bc-afdc-5be124662c2e?elinkdata=15224" target="_blank">Talon Cope</a>&nbsp;was good from 28 yards and 36 yards - the second in the fourth quarter that provided the margin of victory.</li><li>The Coyotes scored 21 points in the first quarter of year's game against Sterling - two on touchdown passes from&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/5ce5f324-be1c-4978-9d22-d4d7a566ec64?elinkdata=15224" target="_blank">Byron McNair</a>&nbsp;to&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/2da67cef-51cc-44f2-be26-84d918b86fea?elinkdata=15224" target="_blank">Jacob Backus</a>&nbsp;- and led 21-13 at halftime. Tailback&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/dea26b7f-446e-4878-a7e4-6f626da25fa6?elinkdata=15224" target="_blank">Nick Allsman</a>&nbsp;led the offense with 109 yards rushing. The defense registered five sacks, intercepted three passes, and held Sterling to 48 yards rushing on 47 attempts.</li>
 </ul>STERLING AT A GLANCE<ul>
 <li>The Warriors lost to Avila 20-7 last Saturday in Sterling. They had won their two previous games defeating Ottawa (27-21) and Saint Mary (26-25) after starting the season 0-7.</li><li>Sterling averages 16 points and their opponents 32. The Warriors also average 266 yards - 124 rushing, 142 passing. Opponents average 338 total yards, 181 rushing.</li><li>Sterling has employed three quarterbacks this season. Rocklin Baptista, a junior, has thrown for 930 yards, 11 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. Freshman Sebastian Moyer started last week and has 187 yards and five interceptions on the year. Kendrick Bell has a team-best 502 yards rushing and five touchdowns; Ryan Stucky is the top receiver with 36 catches for 489 yards.</li><li>Baptista was 10 of 24 for 169 yards, a touchdown and three interceptions in last year's game against KWU.</li><li>Sterling is led by first-year head coach Reggie Langford. He is also the team's offensive coordinator. Langford played quarterback for the Warriors and graduated in 2015.</li>
 </ul>CO-HEAD COACH CHRIS SNYDER"Our kids have done a good job the last couple of weeks dealing with adversity. (Last Saturday) we were down for the first time in the last few weeks and they battled back through that and (Ottawa's) trick plays. That's usually pretty demoralizing for a lot of teams but our kids responded."Our defense played really well, they only gave up that one long (80-yard) run and offensively we scored enough points to win the game. I'm very proud of our players."We have to be ready for adversity. The theme this week is deal with the grass (Sterling's turf) and don't complain about it. It's going to be their Senior Day, but the positive is it's going to be good weather. I've told the kids you won't hear me talk about playoffs because we have to take care of business. There's nothing we can do about the playoffs anyway."SENIOR LB RICARDO GARCIA"(The defense) is playing so well because we're all comfortable with each other. I tell them all the time have a short-term memory. If we mess up on a play don't dwell on it, forget about it and we're just going to move on and do better on the next play."I do enjoy rushing (the quarterback), that's what I did in juco. I was a rush outside linebacker. I also drop into (pass) coverage, I can get out into the flats and cover a guy. I'm long, I'm tall, I'm physical. I've been playing a super long time, and I'm used to getting on the D-line and getting them dirty."We need to rally to the ball, wrap up tackles. Ottawa got that lucky run on us right up the middle gap and we missed a couple of tackles. Our scheme is good, we just tighten up on our tackling."NEXT WEEKThe Coyotes play a first-round game in the NAIA Championship Series on Saturday. Matchups, starting times and sites will be announced Sunday.

KWU Football closes regular season on Saturday at Sterling

KANSAS CITY, Mo.—Kansas City Royals catcher&nbsp;Salvador Perez&nbsp;and shortstop&nbsp;Bobby Witt Jr.&nbsp;have been named winners of the 2024 Louisville Slugger Silver Slugger Award, as announced tonight by Louisville Slugger.

Perez was voted a winner over three other American League finalists at the catcher position: Houston’s&nbsp;Yainer Diaz, Oakland’s&nbsp;Shea Langeliers&nbsp;and Seattle’s&nbsp;Cal Raleigh. This marks Salvy’s fifth career Silver Slugger Award, following 2016, 2018, 2020 and 2021, extending his franchise record, ahead of Hall of Famer&nbsp;George Brett, who won the award three times.

Salvy is the ninth player to win at least five Louisville Silver Slugger Awards as a catcher since the award was established in 1980, joining&nbsp;Mike Piazza&nbsp;(10),&nbsp;Iván Rodríguez&nbsp;(7),&nbsp;Brian McCann&nbsp;(6),&nbsp;Lance Parrish&nbsp;(6),&nbsp;Gary Carter&nbsp;(5),&nbsp;Joe Mauer&nbsp;(5),&nbsp;Jorge Posada&nbsp;(5) and&nbsp;Buster Posey&nbsp;(5).

Perez, who is also a five-time&nbsp;Rawlings&nbsp;Gold Glove Award-winner, is now the second catcher to win five&nbsp;Rawlings&nbsp;Gold Gloves and five Louisville Slugger Silver Slugger awards, joining the Hall of Famer Pudge Rodríguez, who won 13 Gold Gloves and seven Silver Slugger Awards.&nbsp;

Among qualified American League catchers in 2024 (min. 50% games at the position), Perez ranked 1st in RBI (104), on-base percentage (.330), slugging percentage (.456), OPS (.786) and extra-base hits (55), 2nd in batting average (.271) and hits (160) and 3rd in home runs (27).

Salvy’s 104 RBI were the 2nd most ever by a catcher (min. 50% games) in his age-34 season or older, trailing only&nbsp;Carlton Fisk, who had 107 RBI at age 37 in 1985.

Salvy played in 158 games in 2024, the 2nd-highest total of his 13-year career, and made 90 starts behind the plate. His 27 home runs tied for the 2nd-highest total of his career and marked his eighth season with at least 20 HR. Perez ranked 2nd among all Major League players with 29 go-ahead RBI, trailing only&nbsp;Aaron Judge&nbsp;(32).

Witt Jr. is a first-time Louisville Slugger Silver Slugger Award-winner, after besting two other American League finalists at shortstop: Baltimore’s&nbsp;Gunnar Henderson&nbsp;and Texas’&nbsp;Corey Seager.

Witt Jr. is the first shortstop in Royals history to win a Louisville Slugger Silver Slugger Award. He led all Major League players in 2024 with a .332 batting average and 211 hits. Among qualified shortstops in the American League, he also ranked 1st in runs (125), RBI (109), on-base percentage (.389), slugging percentage (.588), OPS (.977), extra-base hits (88) and games (161).

Witt Jr. hit 32 home runs (2nd among AL shortstops) and had 30 stolen bases to become the first shortstop in Major League history to record consecutive 30/30 seasons. He also became the second player ever (regardless of position) to lead the Majors in batting average during a 30/30 season, joining&nbsp;Mookie Betts&nbsp;in 2018.

Witt Jr., who also won a&nbsp;Rawlings&nbsp;Gold Glove Award this season for the first time, is now the 13th different shortstop (18th occurrence) to win a&nbsp;Rawlings&nbsp;Gold Glove and a Louisville Slugger Silver Slugger Award in the same season, and the first since&nbsp;Brandon Crawford&nbsp;in 2015.

This marks the third time in Royals history that they had two Louisville Slugger Silver Slugger Award winners in the same season, following 1980 (Brett and&nbsp;Willie Wilson) and 1982 (Wilson and&nbsp;Hal McRae). The Royals are one of two American League teams to have multiple winners this season, along with the Yankees.

KANSAS CITY, Mo.—Kansas City Royals catcher&nbsp;Salvador Perez&nbsp;and shortstop&nbsp;Bobby Witt Jr.&nbsp;have been named winners of the 2024 Louisville Slugger Silver Slugger Award, as announced tonight by Louisville Slugger.Perez was voted a winner over three other American League finalists at the catcher position: Houston’s&nbsp;Yainer Diaz, Oakland’s&nbsp;Shea Langeliers&nbsp;and Seattle’s&nbsp;Cal Raleigh. This marks Salvy’s fifth career Silver Slugger Award, following 2016, 2018, 2020 and 2021, extending his franchise record, ahead of Hall of Famer&nbsp;George Brett, who won the award three times.Salvy is the ninth player to win at least five Louisville Silver Slugger Awards as a catcher since the award was established in 1980, joining&nbsp;Mike Piazza&nbsp;(10),&nbsp;Iván Rodríguez&nbsp;(7),&nbsp;Brian McCann&nbsp;(6),&nbsp;Lance Parrish&nbsp;(6),&nbsp;Gary Carter&nbsp;(5),&nbsp;Joe Mauer&nbsp;(5),&nbsp;Jorge Posada&nbsp;(5) and&nbsp;Buster Posey&nbsp;(5).Perez, who is also a five-time&nbsp;Rawlings&nbsp;Gold Glove Award-winner, is now the second catcher to win five&nbsp;Rawlings&nbsp;Gold Gloves and five Louisville Slugger Silver Slugger awards, joining the Hall of Famer Pudge Rodríguez, who won 13 Gold Gloves and seven Silver Slugger Awards.&nbsp;Among qualified American League catchers in 2024 (min. 50% games at the position), Perez ranked 1st in RBI (104), on-base percentage (.330), slugging percentage (.456), OPS (.786) and extra-base hits (55), 2nd in batting average (.271) and hits (160) and 3rd in home runs (27).Salvy’s 104 RBI were the 2nd most ever by a catcher (min. 50% games) in his age-34 season or older, trailing only&nbsp;Carlton Fisk, who had 107 RBI at age 37 in 1985.Salvy played in 158 games in 2024, the 2nd-highest total of his 13-year career, and made 90 starts behind the plate. His 27 home runs tied for the 2nd-highest total of his career and marked his eighth season with at least 20 HR. Perez ranked 2nd among all Major League players with 29 go-ahead RBI, trailing only&nbsp;Aaron Judge&nbsp;(32).Witt Jr. is a first-time Louisville Slugger Silver Slugger Award-winner, after besting two other American League finalists at shortstop: Baltimore’s&nbsp;Gunnar Henderson&nbsp;and Texas’&nbsp;Corey Seager.Witt Jr. is the first shortstop in Royals history to win a Louisville Slugger Silver Slugger Award. He led all Major League players in 2024 with a .332 batting average and 211 hits. Among qualified shortstops in the American League, he also ranked 1st in runs (125), RBI (109), on-base percentage (.389), slugging percentage (.588), OPS (.977), extra-base hits (88) and games (161).Witt Jr. hit 32 home runs (2nd among AL shortstops) and had 30 stolen bases to become the first shortstop in Major League history to record consecutive 30/30 seasons. He also became the second player ever (regardless of position) to lead the Majors in batting average during a 30/30 season, joining&nbsp;Mookie Betts&nbsp;in 2018.Witt Jr., who also won a&nbsp;Rawlings&nbsp;Gold Glove Award this season for the first time, is now the 13th different shortstop (18th occurrence) to win a&nbsp;Rawlings&nbsp;Gold Glove and a Louisville Slugger Silver Slugger Award in the same season, and the first since&nbsp;Brandon Crawford&nbsp;in 2015.This marks the third time in Royals history that they had two Louisville Slugger Silver Slugger Award winners in the same season, following 1980 (Brett and&nbsp;Willie Wilson) and 1982 (Wilson and&nbsp;Hal McRae). The Royals are one of two American League teams to have multiple winners this season, along with the Yankees.

Salvador Perez, Bobby Witt Jr. named Louisville Slugger Silver Slugger Award winners

McPHERSON - Kansas Wesleyan Women's Volleyball saw its season come to a close on Tuesday night at the Coyotes dropped a straight set decision to the KCAC No. 2 seeded McPherson College Bulldogs 25-21, 25-22, 25-23 inside McPherson's Holman Fieldhouse.

The first set started out going back and forth between the teams until McPherson was able to build a 12-8 lead. The Coyotes tried to make a run on the Bulldogs, but every time, McPherson was able to grow its lead, pushing out to a 22-17 advantage.

The Coyotes then put together a four point run to get within one at 22-21, but McPherson closed the set with three straight to win 25-21.

Wesleyan scored the first two points of the second set, but McPherson scored six of the next seven to take a 6-3 lead. The Coyotes tied it back up at 7 on a kill by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/bfae9ed6-0b78-45ee-bf41-35e468144c7d?elinkdata=15250">Kylee Harris</a>, but McPherson would regain the lead at 10-8. KWU took a 12-11 lead on a McPherson error, but the Bulldogs would come back and take a 15-14 lead.

After the Coyotes tied it at 15, McPherson used a 6-1 run to take a 21-16 lead. The Bulldogs led 23-17 when the Coyotes rattled off five straight, three coming on kills by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b289f5bb-e5c7-4e6d-9df7-3fc8eb1251e8?elinkdata=15250">Rylee Serpan</a> to get within a point at 23-22, but the Bulldogs would score the final two points to close out the set.

McPherson jumped out to an 8-2 lead to start the third set, but the Coyotes worked their way back into it, getting within a point at 15-14 on <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/82d9e259-1212-4761-a2e5-e5f1856befe1?elinkdata=15250">Kate Bebout's</a> kill. McPherson pushed out to a 21-17 lead but the Coyotes scored the next three to again get within one at 21-20.

Back-to-back kills by freshman <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b322e5a1-ca85-4add-b3db-fa844f26cd1f?elinkdata=15250">Madelyn Wolf</a> tied the set at 23-all, but McPherson closed out the match scoring the final two points to grab the win.

The Coyotes got 16 kills from <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1475acc1-f10c-4744-9cd0-99b3eb360aa6?elinkdata=15250">Rylee Serpan</a> in the match while <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a397e6ed-de80-4849-9a19-af9e185c7985?elinkdata=15250">Kylee Harris</a> added 12 and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/267e27db-0c0b-4efd-a67f-2a4d2ca56d2f?elinkdata=15250">Kate Bebout</a> added eight. KWU hit .258 as a team in the match. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1de82040-b4bc-4e7b-8aea-262b2b79d6d1?elinkdata=15250">Josie Deckinger</a> closed out her stellar KWU career with 40 assists and eight digs. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/6de058f6-0ea9-4cc0-997e-4de75f6145d6?elinkdata=15250">Kori Arnold</a> had 13 digs.

McPHERSON - Kansas Wesleyan Women's Volleyball saw its season come to a close on Tuesday night at the Coyotes dropped a straight set decision to the KCAC No. 2 seeded McPherson College Bulldogs 25-21, 25-22, 25-23 inside McPherson's Holman Fieldhouse.The first set started out going back and forth between the teams until McPherson was able to build a 12-8 lead. The Coyotes tried to make a run on the Bulldogs, but every time, McPherson was able to grow its lead, pushing out to a 22-17 advantage.The Coyotes then put together a four point run to get within one at 22-21, but McPherson closed the set with three straight to win 25-21.Wesleyan scored the first two points of the second set, but McPherson scored six of the next seven to take a 6-3 lead. The Coyotes tied it back up at 7 on a kill by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/bfae9ed6-0b78-45ee-bf41-35e468144c7d?elinkdata=15250">Kylee Harris</a>, but McPherson would regain the lead at 10-8. KWU took a 12-11 lead on a McPherson error, but the Bulldogs would come back and take a 15-14 lead.After the Coyotes tied it at 15, McPherson used a 6-1 run to take a 21-16 lead. The Bulldogs led 23-17 when the Coyotes rattled off five straight, three coming on kills by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b289f5bb-e5c7-4e6d-9df7-3fc8eb1251e8?elinkdata=15250">Rylee Serpan</a> to get within a point at 23-22, but the Bulldogs would score the final two points to close out the set.McPherson jumped out to an 8-2 lead to start the third set, but the Coyotes worked their way back into it, getting within a point at 15-14 on <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/82d9e259-1212-4761-a2e5-e5f1856befe1?elinkdata=15250">Kate Bebout's</a> kill. McPherson pushed out to a 21-17 lead but the Coyotes scored the next three to again get within one at 21-20.Back-to-back kills by freshman <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b322e5a1-ca85-4add-b3db-fa844f26cd1f?elinkdata=15250">Madelyn Wolf</a> tied the set at 23-all, but McPherson closed out the match scoring the final two points to grab the win.The Coyotes got 16 kills from <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1475acc1-f10c-4744-9cd0-99b3eb360aa6?elinkdata=15250">Rylee Serpan</a> in the match while <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a397e6ed-de80-4849-9a19-af9e185c7985?elinkdata=15250">Kylee Harris</a> added 12 and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/267e27db-0c0b-4efd-a67f-2a4d2ca56d2f?elinkdata=15250">Kate Bebout</a> added eight. KWU hit .258 as a team in the match. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1de82040-b4bc-4e7b-8aea-262b2b79d6d1?elinkdata=15250">Josie Deckinger</a> closed out her stellar KWU career with 40 assists and eight digs. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/6de058f6-0ea9-4cc0-997e-4de75f6145d6?elinkdata=15250">Kori Arnold</a> had 13 digs.

Volleyball falls to McPherson in straight sets in KCAC Quarterfinals

ATLANTA (AP) — Hunter Dickinson scored 28 points and Bill Self became the winningest coach in Kansas history as the No. 1 Jayhawks pulled away from Michigan State for a 77-69 victory in the Champions Classic on Tuesday night.

Spartans forward Jaxon Kohler hit a 3-pointer to tie the game at 52 with just under nine minutes remaining. KJ Adams Jr. hit a pair of free throws to put Kansas (3-0) ahead to stay.

Self improved to 591-143 in his 22nd season coaching the Jayhawks, pushing him past Phog Allen's mark of 590-129 in 36 seasons on the Kansas sideline.

Frankie Fidler led Michigan State (2-1) with 15 points.

The Jayhawks posted their second straight win over one of the nation's prominent programs, following up&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-carolina-kansas-tar-heels-jayhawks-score-top-25-9919dca6cfb7cfca72b0d3133ba1026a">a 92-89 win</a>&nbsp;over No. 10 North Carolina.

Kansas: After missing 15 straight shots from the field, Kansas ripped off a 14-2 run that turned an 18-16 deficit into a 30-20 lead.

Michigan State: The Spartans couldn't overcome a tough shooting night, especially from beyond the arc. They made just 3 of 24 from 3-point range.

Dajuan Harris Jr. gave the Jayhawks some breathing room when he laid one in off a fast break, drew a foul and completed the three-point play for a 68-59 lead with 4:25 to go. After tumbling to the court, Harris remained on his back for a few seconds, clapping furiously. He finished with 11 points and six assists.

The 7-foot-2 Dickinson made 13 of 21 shots from the field, including his only 3-point attempt, and grabbed 12 rebounds. He also had three steals and a block at the defensive end.

Kansas returns home Saturday to face Oakland. Michigan State hosts Bowling Green on Saturday.

ATLANTA (AP) — Hunter Dickinson scored 28 points and Bill Self became the winningest coach in Kansas history as the No. 1 Jayhawks pulled away from Michigan State for a 77-69 victory in the Champions Classic on Tuesday night.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">That 591 feeling 🙌 <a href="https://t.co/3iU7RtBZJ8">pic.twitter.com/3iU7RtBZJ8</a>&mdash; Kansas Men’s Basketball (@KUHoops) <a href="https://twitter.com/KUHoops/status/1856519667768000823?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Spartans forward Jaxon Kohler hit a 3-pointer to tie the game at 52 with just under nine minutes remaining. KJ Adams Jr. hit a pair of free throws to put Kansas (3-0) ahead to stay.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The most history. The best tradition. The Winningest Coach. <a href="https://t.co/MHLyzgySbU">pic.twitter.com/MHLyzgySbU</a>&mdash; Kansas Men’s Basketball (@KUHoops) <a href="https://twitter.com/KUHoops/status/1856512354957013244?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Self improved to 591-143 in his 22nd season coaching the Jayhawks, pushing him past Phog Allen's mark of 590-129 in 36 seasons on the Kansas sideline.Frankie Fidler led Michigan State (2-1) with 15 points.The Jayhawks posted their second straight win over one of the nation's prominent programs, following up&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-carolina-kansas-tar-heels-jayhawks-score-top-25-9919dca6cfb7cfca72b0d3133ba1026a">a 92-89 win</a>&nbsp;over No. 10 North Carolina.<h2>Takeaways</h2>Kansas: After missing 15 straight shots from the field, Kansas ripped off a 14-2 run that turned an 18-16 deficit into a 30-20 lead.Michigan State: The Spartans couldn't overcome a tough shooting night, especially from beyond the arc. They made just 3 of 24 from 3-point range.<h2>Key moment</h2>Dajuan Harris Jr. gave the Jayhawks some breathing room when he laid one in off a fast break, drew a foul and completed the three-point play for a 68-59 lead with 4:25 to go. After tumbling to the court, Harris remained on his back for a few seconds, clapping furiously. He finished with 11 points and six assists.<h2>Key stats</h2>The 7-foot-2 Dickinson made 13 of 21 shots from the field, including his only 3-point attempt, and grabbed 12 rebounds. He also had three steals and a block at the defensive end.<h2>Up next</h2>Kansas returns home Saturday to face Oakland. Michigan State hosts Bowling Green on Saturday.___

🏀 Bill Self becomes winningest coach in KU history in win over Michigan State

AKRON, Ohio (AP) — Gerry Faust, the gravel-voiced Cincinnati high school coach who lived a dream by becoming the coach at Notre Dame, has died. He was 89.

Notre Dame said in an email to The Associated Press on Tuesday that the family confirmed Faust’s death. No details were immediately provided.

Faust guided the Fighting Irish from 1981 through 1985, compiling a record of 30-26-1. He succeeded Dan Devine as coach of Notre Dame and preceded Lou Holtz.

“I have always loved Notre Dame and still do,” he said after he was fired following the 1985 season.

He spent the next nine seasons as the head coach at the University of Akron, bringing the program from Division II to major-college status. His record was 43-53-3 with the Zips.

He remained at Akron after his coaching days, working as a fundraiser and in the development office before retiring in 2001.

It was as a high school coach that Faust first stepped into the spotlight.

After graduating in 1958 from the University of Dayton with a degree in marketing and management, Faust accepted his first coaching position as an assistant at his high school alma mater, Dayton Chaminade. His father, Gerry Sr., had coached at Chaminade for 49 years.

Two seasons later, Faust accepted an offer to build a football program at a new high school, Archbishop Moeller, in suburban Cincinnati.

He spent three years constructing the foundation of what would become a legendary program in high school athletics.

In 1963, Moeller’s first varsity team surprised many with a 9-1 record.

In the next 17 years, Faust’s Moeller teams posted nine undefeated seasons, won 10 city championships, eight regional titles and five big-school state championships.

Four times Faust teams were awarded mythical national championships, each following unbeaten and untied seasons in 1976, ’77, ’79 and ’80.

The 1980 team completed a 13-0 season and capped Faust’s high school coaching record at a remarkable 174-17-2, a success rate of nearly 91%.

There was a public outcry when Faust was selected to take over at Notre Dame in the spring of 1981. The school’s administrators were admonished for elevating a high school coach to the most revered position in college coaching.

Faust’s first team in South Bend went 5-6 and he followed that with marks of 6-4, 7-5, 7-5 and 5-6.

His first Akron team in 1986 went 7-4, but his teams — playing a difficult Division I-AA schedule and, eventually, some of the top teams in I-A — never reached that level again.

AKRON, Ohio (AP) — Gerry Faust, the gravel-voiced Cincinnati high school coach who lived a dream by becoming the coach at Notre Dame, has died. He was 89.Notre Dame said in an email to The Associated Press on Tuesday that the family confirmed Faust’s death. No details were immediately provided.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">We are deeply saddened by the loss of Gerry Faust. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Faust family and Gerry’s loved ones. → <a href="https://t.co/4emkI07LeQ">https://t.co/4emkI07LeQ</a> <a href="https://t.co/RoDIt4n1Xo">pic.twitter.com/RoDIt4n1Xo</a>&mdash; The Fighting Irish (@FightingIrish) <a href="https://twitter.com/FightingIrish/status/1856366849522307429?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 12, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Faust guided the Fighting Irish from 1981 through 1985, compiling a record of 30-26-1. He succeeded Dan Devine as coach of Notre Dame and preceded Lou Holtz.“I have always loved Notre Dame and still do,” he said after he was fired following the 1985 season.He spent the next nine seasons as the head coach at the University of Akron, bringing the program from Division II to major-college status. His record was 43-53-3 with the Zips.He remained at Akron after his coaching days, working as a fundraiser and in the development office before retiring in 2001.It was as a high school coach that Faust first stepped into the spotlight.After graduating in 1958 from the University of Dayton with a degree in marketing and management, Faust accepted his first coaching position as an assistant at his high school alma mater, Dayton Chaminade. His father, Gerry Sr., had coached at Chaminade for 49 years.Two seasons later, Faust accepted an offer to build a football program at a new high school, Archbishop Moeller, in suburban Cincinnati.He spent three years constructing the foundation of what would become a legendary program in high school athletics.In 1963, Moeller’s first varsity team surprised many with a 9-1 record.In the next 17 years, Faust’s Moeller teams posted nine undefeated seasons, won 10 city championships, eight regional titles and five big-school state championships.Four times Faust teams were awarded mythical national championships, each following unbeaten and untied seasons in 1976, ’77, ’79 and ’80.The 1980 team completed a 13-0 season and capped Faust’s high school coaching record at a remarkable 174-17-2, a success rate of nearly 91%.There was a public outcry when Faust was selected to take over at Notre Dame in the spring of 1981. The school’s administrators were admonished for elevating a high school coach to the most revered position in college coaching.Faust’s first team in South Bend went 5-6 and he followed that with marks of 6-4, 7-5, 7-5 and 5-6.His first Akron team in 1986 went 7-4, but his teams — playing a difficult Division I-AA schedule and, eventually, some of the top teams in I-A — never reached that level again.<h2>___</h2>

Gerry Faust, former head football coach at Notre Dame, has died at 89

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;For the fourth time in her career, K-State senior center Ayoka Lee has been named to Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) Wade Watch List. The award is annually given to the best player in college women’s basketball.

Lee was previously named to the Wade Trophy Watch List in the 2021, 2022 and 2024 seasons.

The Wade Trophy is the oldest and most prestigious national player of the year award in college women’s basketball. It is named in honor of the late, legendary Delta State University head coach Lily Margaret Wade, who won three consecutive national championships with the Lady Statesmen. First awarded in 1978 by the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD), now known as SHAPE America, the Wade Trophy has been presented to the WBCA NCAA Division I National Player of the Year since 2001.

The committee will narrow the watch list for the honor to four finalists in mid-March. The winner of the 2025 Wade Trophy will be announced in April in Tampa — site of the 2025 WBCA Convention and NCAA Women’s Final Four.

Lee adds Tuesday’s recognition to her preseason haul of honors which includes: Associated Press All-America honorable mention selection, preseason All-America Second Team honors from The Athletic, selection to the Wooden Award Watch List, selection to the Jersey Mike’s Naismith Women’s Player of the Year Watch List, 2024-25 Lisa Leslie Award Watch List and being named the Big 12 Preseason Player of the Year by the league’s coaches and her unanimous selection to the preseason All-Big 12 team.

During the 2023-24 season, Lee was a Second Team All-America selection by The Athletic, a Third Team All-America honoree by The Sporting News, an honorable mention Associated Press All-American, an honorable mention WBCA All-American, a 2024 John R. Wooden Award National Ballot top-15 candidate, an All-Big 12 First Team selection, a Big 12 All-Defensive Team member and Big 12 All-Tournament Team recipient.

In her career, Lee ranks third in school history for points scored with 2,201, holds the school record for career scoring average at 19.1, owns the school record for career rebounds with 1,122, holds the school record for career rebounding average at 9.8, the school record holder for career blocks with 312 and blocks per game at 2.71 and owns the school record for career double-doubles with 60. She is the first player in program history with 300 or more career blocks and 100 or more career steals.

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;For the fourth time in her career, K-State senior center Ayoka Lee has been named to Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) Wade Watch List. The award is annually given to the best player in college women’s basketball.Lee was previously named to the Wade Trophy Watch List in the 2021, 2022 and 2024 seasons.The Wade Trophy is the oldest and most prestigious national player of the year award in college women’s basketball. It is named in honor of the late, legendary Delta State University head coach Lily Margaret Wade, who won three consecutive national championships with the Lady Statesmen. First awarded in 1978 by the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD), now known as SHAPE America, the Wade Trophy has been presented to the WBCA NCAA Division I National Player of the Year since 2001.The committee will narrow the watch list for the honor to four finalists in mid-March. The winner of the 2025 Wade Trophy will be announced in April in Tampa — site of the 2025 WBCA Convention and NCAA Women’s Final Four.Lee adds Tuesday’s recognition to her preseason haul of honors which includes: Associated Press All-America honorable mention selection, preseason All-America Second Team honors from The Athletic, selection to the Wooden Award Watch List, selection to the Jersey Mike’s Naismith Women’s Player of the Year Watch List, 2024-25 Lisa Leslie Award Watch List and being named the Big 12 Preseason Player of the Year by the league’s coaches and her unanimous selection to the preseason All-Big 12 team.During the 2023-24 season, Lee was a Second Team All-America selection by The Athletic, a Third Team All-America honoree by The Sporting News, an honorable mention Associated Press All-American, an honorable mention WBCA All-American, a 2024 John R. Wooden Award National Ballot top-15 candidate, an All-Big 12 First Team selection, a Big 12 All-Defensive Team member and Big 12 All-Tournament Team recipient.In her career, Lee ranks third in school history for points scored with 2,201, holds the school record for career scoring average at 19.1, owns the school record for career rebounds with 1,122, holds the school record for career rebounding average at 9.8, the school record holder for career blocks with 312 and blocks per game at 2.71 and owns the school record for career double-doubles with 60. She is the first player in program history with 300 or more career blocks and 100 or more career steals.K-State women’s basketball season tickets are available now. Prices start at just $75 with a Wildcat 4-Pack to see every game in Bramlage. Order now by visiting&nbsp;<a href="http://kstatesports.com/tickets" target="_blank">kstatesports.com/tickets</a>&nbsp;or calling 1-800-221-CATS.K-State, ranked 10th in this week’s Associated Press poll, continues its five-game homestand on Thursday evening as the Wildcats host Creighton at 5:30 p.m. Thursday’s game is Purple Pride Night, as fans are encouraged to wear purple. Thursday’s game will feature a halftime performance from the national act Episode One. For tickets, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://kstatesports.com/tickets" target="_blank">kstatesports.com/tickets</a>&nbsp;or call (800) 221-CATS.

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