<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/89828b95-3485-4f3a-be55-4124e831c2bf?elinkdata=36942">Harper Taylor</a> was pleased with her basketball team's work on the defensive end of the court, but not so much on the offensive side.

Kansas Wesleyan limited Tabor to 55 points on 43 percent shooting that included 0 of 6 from 3-point range and forced 14 turnovers - nine of them steals. The Coyotes, though, shot 37 percent, had 14 turnovers of their own and were outscored 44-28 in the paint resulting in a 55-50 Kansas Conference loss Saturday night inside Mabee Arena.

KWU fell to 11-13 overall, 8-9 in the KCAC while Tabor improved to 11-13 and 9-9 in conference play.

The first and second halves were mirror images. The Coyotes scored four points in the first quarter and eight in the third but flipped the switch in the second and fourth quarters scoring 19 in each.

"We came out pretty flat in the first; we came out pretty flat in the third," coach <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/dc1d9570-b969-4b4e-8c89-15fe48386e0e?elinkdata=36942">Harper Taylor</a> said. "We had great second and fourth quarters, we just needed one more quarter that was as good as the second and the fourth. Offensively, we struggled a lot."

Tabor, perennially one of the top defensive teams in the NAIA, entered the game allowing conference opponents an average of 57 points on 42 percent shooting. KWU was 20 of 54 from the field including 5 of 17 from long range.

"We just aren't making quick enough decisions offensively," Taylor said. "We're like a half a second late, two seconds late. Tabor is really disciplined. They run their defensive schemes really well and we just couldn't match it."

The Coyotes trailed 16-4 midway through the second quarter but battled back. They ended the half on a 5-2 run and trailed 26-23 at intermission.

Wesleyan scored two points in the final 3½ minutes of the third quarter but held the Bluejays to two points during that span and trailed 34-31 entering the final 10 minutes.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/634b5046-4fa0-45ca-83d4-ac341d441ddb?elinkdata=36942">Odessa Ozuna's</a> layup with 6½ minutes remaining tied it at 38 but Tabor scored six of the next seven and led 44-39 with 4:44 left. The Coyotes fought back one more time and got within 51-50 on an <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4f25c478-8721-4fab-b4fc-6fb147febd58?elinkdata=36942">Izzy McCool</a> layup with 19.4 second left but the Bluejays made four free throws sandwiched around an errant KWU shot down the stretch.

"The defensive effort was great," Taylor said. "Once you have it, you've got to be able to turn it into points. If you can't turn it into points, then you're not going to win. But I thought we fought really hard."

McCool accounted for nearly half of the scoring finishing with 23 points on 10 of 16 shooting. She scored 14 in the second half.

"Izzy just had something in her that said she wasn't going to walk away with a loss," Taylor said. "As an upperclassman and someone who has experience, she knows that. She knew that nobody else was going to get us going, I thought she did a great job of trying to take the charge and lead us to the win tonight."

Ozuna added 10 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals.

Lillie Veer led Tabor with 18 points while Tayton Smith had 10 points and 11 rebounds.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/89828b95-3485-4f3a-be55-4124e831c2bf?elinkdata=36942">Harper Taylor</a> was pleased with her basketball team's work on the defensive end of the court, but not so much on the offensive side.Kansas Wesleyan limited Tabor to 55 points on 43 percent shooting that included 0 of 6 from 3-point range and forced 14 turnovers - nine of them steals. The Coyotes, though, shot 37 percent, had 14 turnovers of their own and were outscored 44-28 in the paint resulting in a 55-50 Kansas Conference loss Saturday night inside Mabee Arena.KWU fell to 11-13 overall, 8-9 in the KCAC while Tabor improved to 11-13 and 9-9 in conference play.The first and second halves were mirror images. The Coyotes scored four points in the first quarter and eight in the third but flipped the switch in the second and fourth quarters scoring 19 in each."We came out pretty flat in the first; we came out pretty flat in the third," coach <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/dc1d9570-b969-4b4e-8c89-15fe48386e0e?elinkdata=36942">Harper Taylor</a> said. "We had great second and fourth quarters, we just needed one more quarter that was as good as the second and the fourth. Offensively, we struggled a lot."Tabor, perennially one of the top defensive teams in the NAIA, entered the game allowing conference opponents an average of 57 points on 42 percent shooting. KWU was 20 of 54 from the field including 5 of 17 from long range."We just aren't making quick enough decisions offensively," Taylor said. "We're like a half a second late, two seconds late. Tabor is really disciplined. They run their defensive schemes really well and we just couldn't match it."The Coyotes trailed 16-4 midway through the second quarter but battled back. They ended the half on a 5-2 run and trailed 26-23 at intermission.Wesleyan scored two points in the final 3½ minutes of the third quarter but held the Bluejays to two points during that span and trailed 34-31 entering the final 10 minutes.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/634b5046-4fa0-45ca-83d4-ac341d441ddb?elinkdata=36942">Odessa Ozuna's</a> layup with 6½ minutes remaining tied it at 38 but Tabor scored six of the next seven and led 44-39 with 4:44 left. The Coyotes fought back one more time and got within 51-50 on an <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4f25c478-8721-4fab-b4fc-6fb147febd58?elinkdata=36942">Izzy McCool</a> layup with 19.4 second left but the Bluejays made four free throws sandwiched around an errant KWU shot down the stretch."The defensive effort was great," Taylor said. "Once you have it, you've got to be able to turn it into points. If you can't turn it into points, then you're not going to win. But I thought we fought really hard."McCool accounted for nearly half of the scoring finishing with 23 points on 10 of 16 shooting. She scored 14 in the second half."Izzy just had something in her that said she wasn't going to walk away with a loss," Taylor said. "As an upperclassman and someone who has experience, she knows that. She knew that nobody else was going to get us going, I thought she did a great job of trying to take the charge and lead us to the win tonight."Ozuna added 10 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals.Lillie Veer led Tabor with 18 points while Tayton Smith had 10 points and 11 rebounds.

🏀 Coyote Women's Basketball comes up short in defensive battle against Tabor

Kansas Wesleyan Baseball split Saturday's doubleheader with the Saint Ambrose University Bees at Dean Evans Stadium, but claimed a 3-1 win in the series after Friday's sweep.

Saturday's first game went to extra innings, but did not go in Wesleyan's favor as KWU lost 18-13, but in the finale, the Coyotes put together a strong start and got a 9-2 win.

Things started great for the Coyotes in the first game, but didn't end so well.

KWU raced out to a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first as <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/2d9cc101-3f74-4032-b01d-efd9b5af18e3?elinkdata=36906">Niko Olson</a> was hit by a pitch and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/2b1b0dce-0496-4805-b928-17b2b656d9f3?elinkdata=36906">Garrett Garfield</a> doubled. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/2c45ff0b-0b0c-4197-abff-2dcc15c5a8bd?elinkdata=36906">Fernando Ruvalcaba</a> then reach on an error that allowed both runners to score.

Wesleyan blew the game open in the bottom of the second, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a1df864e-85e9-402f-a74b-3825042e7409?elinkdata=36906">Blake Dale</a> walked, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ceec9191-be7b-469f-bcb5-c2d715640d07?elinkdata=36906">Coulson Riggs</a> singled and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/35e21dc1-5ed8-4b1c-8a3a-699e8c7b4298?elinkdata=36906">Tyler Nordyke</a> reached on an error that brought in a run. Then Olson stepped up and hit a 3-run homer, and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/31beae9d-afbf-4f79-b317-cd42c0b89bab?elinkdata=36906">Carter Allen</a> followed with a solo shot giving KWU a 7-1 lead.

Ruvalcaba's 2-run homer in the fourth made it 9-1 Coyotes.

Garfield drove in a run in the bottom of the sixth and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b69edc61-ec94-42d6-8422-76acd5d4715c?elinkdata=36906">Logan Baptista</a> drove in two with a single to make it 12-2 heading to the seventh.

That's when Saint Ambrose started its comeback. The Bees scored two in the seventh to keep the game going, then scored six in the eighth to make it 12-10.

Wesleyan got a run in the bottom of the eighth as Riggs singled and scored pinch runner <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/44578c8d-b934-4063-a0ef-231df85b5c41?elinkdata=36906">Lakin Franz</a> to make it 13-10.

In the top of the ninth, Saint Ambrose scored three times, all with two outs to tie the game.

The Coyotes couldn't get anything going in the bottom of the ninth forcing extra innings.

Saint Ambrose hit two homers in the 10th to take an 18-13 lead and then hold on for the win.

Riggs had three of KWU's 13 hits. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/d6cf170d-ce16-4aa6-9bbe-73ecf9a485c1?elinkdata=36906">Thalen Wright</a> went seven innings, allowing four runs on 10 hits with five strikeouts, but took the no decision.

The Coyotes bounced back in a big way in the second game, scoring six runs in the bottom of the first inning on the way to a 9-2 win.

Olson led off the first with a single and then scored on Garfield's double. Ruvalcaba walked and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a772bfc4-c776-4d69-bf7b-c5dcb15d3a93?elinkdata=36906">Joe Finder</a> singled to load the bases. Dale was hit by a pitch, forcing in a run, and then Riggs unloaded the bases with a grand slam to make it 6-0.

The Coyotes added another run in the third as Olson singled to bring in <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/142f2b74-5ede-4b42-b748-40ae5a025a6e?elinkdata=36906">Logan Arndt</a> who walked earlier in the inning.

KWU put two more on the board in the fifth. Dale led off with a single then went to third on a throwing error on a pickoff attempt and then scored on <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ddb8c10e-5acf-4698-b49f-36a4a735a49a?elinkdata=36906">Jackson Harriger's</a> single. Olson drove in another run with a sacrifice fly to make it 9-1.

Saint Ambrose got one more run in the seventh, but the Coyotes closed the game out for the win.

Olson and Harriger had two hits to lead the Coyotes. Riggs drove in four. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/8ef10613-5c60-4551-9435-7fc86d42bf21?elinkdata=36906">Wil Yamka</a> was masterful on the mound for the Coyotes, scattering three hits over six innings while striking out eight. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/61e2618d-f4ea-400b-91e5-7c150c89b72d?elinkdata=36906">Tyler Wise</a> pitched the seventh.

The Coyotes will head to Hobbs, N.M. to play a doubleheader with University of the Southwest on Tuesday to make up some of the games lost to inclement weather to start the season.

Kansas Wesleyan Baseball split Saturday's doubleheader with the Saint Ambrose University Bees at Dean Evans Stadium, but claimed a 3-1 win in the series after Friday's sweep.Saturday's first game went to extra innings, but did not go in Wesleyan's favor as KWU lost 18-13, but in the finale, the Coyotes put together a strong start and got a 9-2 win.Things started great for the Coyotes in the first game, but didn't end so well.KWU raced out to a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first as <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/2d9cc101-3f74-4032-b01d-efd9b5af18e3?elinkdata=36906">Niko Olson</a> was hit by a pitch and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/2b1b0dce-0496-4805-b928-17b2b656d9f3?elinkdata=36906">Garrett Garfield</a> doubled. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/2c45ff0b-0b0c-4197-abff-2dcc15c5a8bd?elinkdata=36906">Fernando Ruvalcaba</a> then reach on an error that allowed both runners to score.Wesleyan blew the game open in the bottom of the second, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a1df864e-85e9-402f-a74b-3825042e7409?elinkdata=36906">Blake Dale</a> walked, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ceec9191-be7b-469f-bcb5-c2d715640d07?elinkdata=36906">Coulson Riggs</a> singled and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/35e21dc1-5ed8-4b1c-8a3a-699e8c7b4298?elinkdata=36906">Tyler Nordyke</a> reached on an error that brought in a run. Then Olson stepped up and hit a 3-run homer, and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/31beae9d-afbf-4f79-b317-cd42c0b89bab?elinkdata=36906">Carter Allen</a> followed with a solo shot giving KWU a 7-1 lead.Ruvalcaba's 2-run homer in the fourth made it 9-1 Coyotes.Garfield drove in a run in the bottom of the sixth and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b69edc61-ec94-42d6-8422-76acd5d4715c?elinkdata=36906">Logan Baptista</a> drove in two with a single to make it 12-2 heading to the seventh.That's when Saint Ambrose started its comeback. The Bees scored two in the seventh to keep the game going, then scored six in the eighth to make it 12-10.Wesleyan got a run in the bottom of the eighth as Riggs singled and scored pinch runner <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/44578c8d-b934-4063-a0ef-231df85b5c41?elinkdata=36906">Lakin Franz</a> to make it 13-10.In the top of the ninth, Saint Ambrose scored three times, all with two outs to tie the game.The Coyotes couldn't get anything going in the bottom of the ninth forcing extra innings.Saint Ambrose hit two homers in the 10th to take an 18-13 lead and then hold on for the win.Riggs had three of KWU's 13 hits. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/d6cf170d-ce16-4aa6-9bbe-73ecf9a485c1?elinkdata=36906">Thalen Wright</a> went seven innings, allowing four runs on 10 hits with five strikeouts, but took the no decision.The Coyotes bounced back in a big way in the second game, scoring six runs in the bottom of the first inning on the way to a 9-2 win.Olson led off the first with a single and then scored on Garfield's double. Ruvalcaba walked and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a772bfc4-c776-4d69-bf7b-c5dcb15d3a93?elinkdata=36906">Joe Finder</a> singled to load the bases. Dale was hit by a pitch, forcing in a run, and then Riggs unloaded the bases with a grand slam to make it 6-0.The Coyotes added another run in the third as Olson singled to bring in <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/142f2b74-5ede-4b42-b748-40ae5a025a6e?elinkdata=36906">Logan Arndt</a> who walked earlier in the inning.KWU put two more on the board in the fifth. Dale led off with a single then went to third on a throwing error on a pickoff attempt and then scored on <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ddb8c10e-5acf-4698-b49f-36a4a735a49a?elinkdata=36906">Jackson Harriger's</a> single. Olson drove in another run with a sacrifice fly to make it 9-1.Saint Ambrose got one more run in the seventh, but the Coyotes closed the game out for the win.Olson and Harriger had two hits to lead the Coyotes. Riggs drove in four. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/8ef10613-5c60-4551-9435-7fc86d42bf21?elinkdata=36906">Wil Yamka</a> was masterful on the mound for the Coyotes, scattering three hits over six innings while striking out eight. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/61e2618d-f4ea-400b-91e5-7c150c89b72d?elinkdata=36906">Tyler Wise</a> pitched the seventh.The Coyotes will head to Hobbs, N.M. to play a doubleheader with University of the Southwest on Tuesday to make up some of the games lost to inclement weather to start the season.

⚾️ Baseball splits Saturday doubleheader with Saint Ambrose, wins series

MANHATTAN, Kansas&nbsp;–&nbsp;Behind a career-high performance from Nastja Claessens, K-State registered a 77-52 win over BYU on Saturday afternoon at Bramlage Coliseum.

K-State (13-12, 6-6 Big 12) was led by Claessens with a career-high 25 points on 9-of-14 shooting including 4-of-6 from long distance. She added four rebounds, four assists and two steals. Claessens, a product of Waregem, Belgium, is the second international player in program history with three or more game with 20 or more points scored.

Joining Claessens in double figures was freshman guard Gina Garcia with 12 points, three assists and three steals. Senior guard Tess Heal added 11 points and seven rebounds.

Junior guard Taryn Sides handed out 13 assists to go with seven points and five rebounds. She is the only player in the nation this season with two or more games with 12 or more assists and zero turnovers.

BYU (16-8, 5-7) was led by Delaney Gibb with 11 points.

- K-State held a four-point advantage at the end of the first quarter and scored the first six points of the second stanza to build a 10-point margin, 24-14, with 8:22 remaining following a Garcia layup.

- The Wildcats maintained a 10-point lead following a Jordan Speiser 3-pointer with 3:15 left to send the score to 32-22.

- BYU would narrow the K-State lead to five, 35-30, on five quick points from Marya Hudgins but free throws from Claessens and Heal sent the Wildcats into halftime with a 38-30 lead.

- With a 14-2 run in the first six minutes of the third quarter, K-State improved its lead to 20, 52-32. During the run, Brandie Harrod carded six points, while Heal and Garcia added four apiece.

- The Wildcats would hold BYU to nine points in the third quarter on 1-of-14 shooting (.071) from the field, as K-State would hold a 57-39 lead entering the final quarter.

- The Cougars forced K-State into a timeout less than a minute into the fourth frame, as BYU scored four quick points to narrow the game to 14, 57-43.

- K-State responded with an 18-3 run over the next six minutes to push its advantage to 29, 75-46, following a jumper from Ivona Scekic with 3:43 remaining.

- The Wildcats held BYU to 21.4 percent (6-of-28) shooting for the entirety of the second half, as K-State outscored BYU in the last 20 minutes, 39-22.

- For the game, K-State shot 47.6 percent (30-of-63), including 40.0 percent (8-of-20) from three-point range. The Wildcats dished out 22 assists on its 30 made field goals.

- K-State leads the series, 6-0. Head coach Jeff Mittie is 10-8 in his career against BYU. The Wildcats are 3-0 in games played in Manhattan.

- K-State head coach Jeff Mittie owns a career record of 685-390 (.637), including a mark of 231-155 (.598).

- In its 30th&nbsp;season of play in the Big 12, K-State owns a record of 251-253 (.498) in Big 12 action.

- K-State is 419-163 (.720) in its 38th-season inside Bramlage Coliseum, including a 149-55 (.730) record under Mittie.

- The Wildcats are 239-204 (.540) in games played in the month of February. Under head coach Jeff Mittie, K-State is 42-45 (.483) in games during the second month.

- K-State's starting five consisted of guards Gina Garcia, Brandie Harrod, Tess Heal, and Taryn Sides and forward Nastja Claessens. This was the second time this lineup has started together this season. This was the 24th&nbsp;career start for Sides. This was the 23rd&nbsp;career start for Garcia. Heal made her 12th&nbsp;start this season and her 86th&nbsp;&nbsp;career start. Claessens made her 21st&nbsp;career start. This was the Harrod’s 21st&nbsp;career start.

- The Wildcats held a 37-24 lead at halftime on Sunday. Under Mittie, K-State is 182-22 (.892) when leading at halftime, including a 6-1 mark this season.

- Since the 2011-12 season, K-State is 211-93 (.694) when three or more players reach double figures in scoring in the same game. The Wildcats are 11-6 this season when this occurs.

- Since the start of the quarter-system in women’s college basketball in the 2015-16 season, K-State is 171-72 (.704) when scoring 20 or more points in any quarter in a game, including an 11-7 mark this season. The Wildcats have 32 quarters this season with 20 or more points scored.

- This season, K-State owns 35 quarters with an effort of 50.0 percent or better shooting from the field, including the first (53.8) and third (61.5) quarters on Saturday.

- K-State owns a record of 121-31 (.796) when holding an opponent to single digits in any quarter in a game, including a 7-2 record this season. The Wildcats held BYU to nine points in the third quarter on Saturday. This was the 11th&nbsp;quarter this season holding an opponent to single digits in a quarter.

- K-State carded a 30-7 advantage in points off turnovers. This was the third time this season K-State has scored 30 or more points off turnovers.

- Claessens reached double figures in scoring for the 13th&nbsp;time this season.

- Claessens tied her career-high with 4 three-pointers. This was her fifth game this season with two or more connections from long range.

- Sides dished out a career-best 13 assists. Her 13 assists is tied for third in program history for assists in a single game. She moved into 18th&nbsp;on the K-State career assists list with 288 assists. She carded her third career game, including her second this season, with 10 or more assists. This was her 25th&nbsp;career game and her 10th&nbsp;this season with five or more assists.

- Brandie Harrod tied her career-high with 10 rebounds on Saturday, including five offensive boards. She tallied her second career game with 10 or more boards. This was her 15th&nbsp;career game with five or more rebounds. She ranks fourth in program history for offensive rebounds in a freshman season with 59.

- Heal reached double figures for the 86th&nbsp;time in her career, including her 12th&nbsp;time this season. Heal’s collegiate career point total now stands at 1,699 points.

- Heal hauled in seven rebounds on Saturday. This was her 37th&nbsp;career game, including her eighth this season with five or more rebounds.

- Garcia reached double figures in points for the fifth time this season and third time in Big 12 action.

- Ivona Scekic sent back a career-high four shots on Saturday. This was her second career game with two or more blocks.

On the overall completeness of the team’s performance…

“I think at both ends for sure. I would say that we played very well together, very connected all day long. And I thought the start was a good, solid start. Sometimes the start doesn't from a results standpoint, everybody's always caught up in the score, but from a coaching perspective, you want to get things established. You want to get ball movement established. You want to get your attack established. Defensively, you want to see how connected your team is in the game plan. And from that standpoint, I felt like we were solid. I felt that we were getting better as the game went on. And that's what you want to see.”

On Nastja Claessens’ performance…

“Yeah, well, it makes a big difference, right? Makes a big difference. And I thought [Nastja Claessen’s] aggressiveness was really good. I did think it started at the defensive end on [Delaney Gibb], she drew a tough assignment there. I thought she did an excellent job with it. I thought [Brandie Harrod] had an excellent start defensively. I thought those two because they were involved in the trap on Gibb early, and then they were involved in some switching action. And I thought those two really were connected defensively all day long. And then I think it carried over to the offense. I think she had a good rhythm. I think her focus was really good activity. And the ball moved. The ball moved to her well today.”

On Taryn Sides’ 13-assist performance…

“Well, the 13 assists are pretty special. People have to make shots, but you're finding the right player. The zero turnovers is really what I'm really impressed with, because we're coming off of a couple games where we've had trouble with that as a team, so [Taryn Sides] really protected the ball well today.”

On the quick turnaround between games…

“Yeah, I was really concerned. We were a really tired team yesterday. Yesterday's practice was really tired, and we had some players that normally aren't tired. [Gina Garcia], we have team dinner the night before games, so we had that at six o'clock, and I asked her, I said, ‘you get a nap this afternoon?’ She goes, ‘I did two hours, and I feel a lot better.’ And the season's a grind. Sometimes it hits players differently, but our group overall was pretty tired. I'm glad we didn't play yesterday. Today, we had good energy at the shootaround. Looked to be refreshed a little bit, but certainly glad to have a good bounce back game.”

On how they were able to take advantage of turnovers…

“I think we just passed the ball to the right player today. I feel at times that we haven’t moved the ball very well. We haven’t played together very well. Today, I thought we played together very well, probably the best we've seen all year, of players not forcing things, taking what the defense gave them when we got turnovers. I thought our spacing was really, really good, but you're right. We haven't converted those plays very well, and today, hopefully, is a big step forward to us, because today we certainly did.”

“Overall, they were really, really spectacular today. They were on it defensively. I was equally as impressed with them offensively. I thought they had us in rotation. Most of the night kind of had us flying around because they create an advantage and then defensively, see what the film says. Maybe we're easy to guard, but they did a tremendous job guarding as well, and credit to them, scary team. You know, as we come down this stretch, glad we don't have to play them a second time and in conference play.”&nbsp;

On how K-State affected their game…

“I mean, it's kind of been us most of the year. Some of it was sloppy, some of it was them defensively, and then even giving up turnovers. We shouldn't give up those points. They were just on it. Number four, Claessens got it started early, and she kept it going all night, and just kind of seemed like every one of their players did a great job of keeping the ball in an advantageous situation, and did a good job of letting the defense dictate whose turn it was to shoot. And I know Sides didn't score a whole lot tonight for her, but she was tremendous, you know, just distributing and making plays for her team.”

“Almost every other thing, every other quarter, we didn't make as many shots as why it was so drastic between that quarter and others. But there were a couple positions where we missed some of our assignments and it just turned into us in rotations or layup or turnover to a layup that we need to fix, and we have to get back to some of the little things you know that make us good guarding who we're guarding and being in our position defensively to help as a collective unit.”

K-State Junior Forward Nastja Claessens

On how she feels postgame…&nbsp;

“Really good to get the win after last week, it was a team effort. We played well, passed the ball well. So, to end the game like this, it just feels amazing.”

On round of applause after leaving the game…

“It’s just nice that the fans come and we deliver something to the fans and play well, it really means something. They keep cheering you on, so it’s really nice to end the game like that.”

On coach's message after the Arizona loss…

“I think just playing hard. When we play hard, we pass the ball really well. I think we're a really good team, and he said that in practice, and I think we're ready for this game, because the feeling after the game against Arizona was not the greatest. So we really wanted to come out today and have a great game. And I think we did that.”

On having this game as an example moving forward…

“It is nice, but we had different games this season like that, so we just have to keep focusing and trying to keep working hard and winning games.”

“Yes, I think Coach Mittie really focuses on that, and really tells us that every practice that we have to share the ball, look for the easiest options. And we did that today, and we won. So I think that's a good thing.”

On the impact Tess has and her return…

“Yeah, Tess is a great leader on and off the court, and just having her in the team and being able to play, she brings like a competitive aspect to the team, I feel like, and she always gives great, great advice and is always positive. So it's really nice to have her back.”

K-State ends its two-game homestand on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m., as the Wildcats host Oklahoma State. For tickets call (800) 221-CATS or visit&nbsp;<a href="http://kstatesports.com/tickets" target="_blank">kstatesports.com/tickets</a>.

MANHATTAN, Kansas&nbsp;–&nbsp;Behind a career-high performance from Nastja Claessens, K-State registered a 77-52 win over BYU on Saturday afternoon at Bramlage Coliseum.K-State (13-12, 6-6 Big 12) was led by Claessens with a career-high 25 points on 9-of-14 shooting including 4-of-6 from long distance. She added four rebounds, four assists and two steals. Claessens, a product of Waregem, Belgium, is the second international player in program history with three or more game with 20 or more points scored.Joining Claessens in double figures was freshman guard Gina Garcia with 12 points, three assists and three steals. Senior guard Tess Heal added 11 points and seven rebounds.Junior guard Taryn Sides handed out 13 assists to go with seven points and five rebounds. She is the only player in the nation this season with two or more games with 12 or more assists and zero turnovers.BYU (16-8, 5-7) was led by Delaney Gibb with 11 points.HOW IT HAPPENED- K-State held a four-point advantage at the end of the first quarter and scored the first six points of the second stanza to build a 10-point margin, 24-14, with 8:22 remaining following a Garcia layup.- The Wildcats maintained a 10-point lead following a Jordan Speiser 3-pointer with 3:15 left to send the score to 32-22.- BYU would narrow the K-State lead to five, 35-30, on five quick points from Marya Hudgins but free throws from Claessens and Heal sent the Wildcats into halftime with a 38-30 lead.- With a 14-2 run in the first six minutes of the third quarter, K-State improved its lead to 20, 52-32. During the run, Brandie Harrod carded six points, while Heal and Garcia added four apiece.- The Wildcats would hold BYU to nine points in the third quarter on 1-of-14 shooting (.071) from the field, as K-State would hold a 57-39 lead entering the final quarter.- The Cougars forced K-State into a timeout less than a minute into the fourth frame, as BYU scored four quick points to narrow the game to 14, 57-43.- K-State responded with an 18-3 run over the next six minutes to push its advantage to 29, 75-46, following a jumper from Ivona Scekic with 3:43 remaining.- The Wildcats held BYU to 21.4 percent (6-of-28) shooting for the entirety of the second half, as K-State outscored BYU in the last 20 minutes, 39-22.- For the game, K-State shot 47.6 percent (30-of-63), including 40.0 percent (8-of-20) from three-point range. The Wildcats dished out 22 assists on its 30 made field goals.QUICK FACTS- K-State leads the series, 6-0. Head coach Jeff Mittie is 10-8 in his career against BYU. The Wildcats are 3-0 in games played in Manhattan.- K-State head coach Jeff Mittie owns a career record of 685-390 (.637), including a mark of 231-155 (.598).- In its 30th&nbsp;season of play in the Big 12, K-State owns a record of 251-253 (.498) in Big 12 action.- K-State is 419-163 (.720) in its 38th-season inside Bramlage Coliseum, including a 149-55 (.730) record under Mittie.- The Wildcats are 239-204 (.540) in games played in the month of February. Under head coach Jeff Mittie, K-State is 42-45 (.483) in games during the second month.TEAM NOTES- K-State's starting five consisted of guards Gina Garcia, Brandie Harrod, Tess Heal, and Taryn Sides and forward Nastja Claessens. This was the second time this lineup has started together this season. This was the 24th&nbsp;career start for Sides. This was the 23rd&nbsp;career start for Garcia. Heal made her 12th&nbsp;start this season and her 86th&nbsp;&nbsp;career start. Claessens made her 21st&nbsp;career start. This was the Harrod’s 21st&nbsp;career start.- The Wildcats held a 37-24 lead at halftime on Sunday. Under Mittie, K-State is 182-22 (.892) when leading at halftime, including a 6-1 mark this season.- Since the 2011-12 season, K-State is 211-93 (.694) when three or more players reach double figures in scoring in the same game. The Wildcats are 11-6 this season when this occurs.- Since the start of the quarter-system in women’s college basketball in the 2015-16 season, K-State is 171-72 (.704) when scoring 20 or more points in any quarter in a game, including an 11-7 mark this season. The Wildcats have 32 quarters this season with 20 or more points scored.- This season, K-State owns 35 quarters with an effort of 50.0 percent or better shooting from the field, including the first (53.8) and third (61.5) quarters on Saturday.- K-State owns a record of 121-31 (.796) when holding an opponent to single digits in any quarter in a game, including a 7-2 record this season. The Wildcats held BYU to nine points in the third quarter on Saturday. This was the 11th&nbsp;quarter this season holding an opponent to single digits in a quarter.- K-State carded a 30-7 advantage in points off turnovers. This was the third time this season K-State has scored 30 or more points off turnovers.PLAYER NOTES- Claessens reached double figures in scoring for the 13th&nbsp;time this season.- Claessens tied her career-high with 4 three-pointers. This was her fifth game this season with two or more connections from long range.- Sides dished out a career-best 13 assists. Her 13 assists is tied for third in program history for assists in a single game. She moved into 18th&nbsp;on the K-State career assists list with 288 assists. She carded her third career game, including her second this season, with 10 or more assists. This was her 25th&nbsp;career game and her 10th&nbsp;this season with five or more assists.- Brandie Harrod tied her career-high with 10 rebounds on Saturday, including five offensive boards. She tallied her second career game with 10 or more boards. This was her 15th&nbsp;career game with five or more rebounds. She ranks fourth in program history for offensive rebounds in a freshman season with 59.- Heal reached double figures for the 86th&nbsp;time in her career, including her 12th&nbsp;time this season. Heal’s collegiate career point total now stands at 1,699 points.- Heal hauled in seven rebounds on Saturday. This was her 37th&nbsp;career game, including her eighth this season with five or more rebounds.- Garcia reached double figures in points for the fifth time this season and third time in Big 12 action.- Ivona Scekic sent back a career-high four shots on Saturday. This was her second career game with two or more blocks.FROM THE HEAD COACHK-State Head Coach Jeff MittieOn the overall completeness of the team’s performance…“I think at both ends for sure. I would say that we played very well together, very connected all day long. And I thought the start was a good, solid start. Sometimes the start doesn't from a results standpoint, everybody's always caught up in the score, but from a coaching perspective, you want to get things established. You want to get ball movement established. You want to get your attack established. Defensively, you want to see how connected your team is in the game plan. And from that standpoint, I felt like we were solid. I felt that we were getting better as the game went on. And that's what you want to see.”On Nastja Claessens’ performance…“Yeah, well, it makes a big difference, right? Makes a big difference. And I thought [Nastja Claessen’s] aggressiveness was really good. I did think it started at the defensive end on [Delaney Gibb], she drew a tough assignment there. I thought she did an excellent job with it. I thought [Brandie Harrod] had an excellent start defensively. I thought those two because they were involved in the trap on Gibb early, and then they were involved in some switching action. And I thought those two really were connected defensively all day long. And then I think it carried over to the offense. I think she had a good rhythm. I think her focus was really good activity. And the ball moved. The ball moved to her well today.”On Taryn Sides’ 13-assist performance…“Well, the 13 assists are pretty special. People have to make shots, but you're finding the right player. The zero turnovers is really what I'm really impressed with, because we're coming off of a couple games where we've had trouble with that as a team, so [Taryn Sides] really protected the ball well today.”On the quick turnaround between games…“Yeah, I was really concerned. We were a really tired team yesterday. Yesterday's practice was really tired, and we had some players that normally aren't tired. [Gina Garcia], we have team dinner the night before games, so we had that at six o'clock, and I asked her, I said, ‘you get a nap this afternoon?’ She goes, ‘I did two hours, and I feel a lot better.’ And the season's a grind. Sometimes it hits players differently, but our group overall was pretty tired. I'm glad we didn't play yesterday. Today, we had good energy at the shootaround. Looked to be refreshed a little bit, but certainly glad to have a good bounce back game.”On how they were able to take advantage of turnovers…“I think we just passed the ball to the right player today. I feel at times that we haven’t moved the ball very well. We haven’t played together very well. Today, I thought we played together very well, probably the best we've seen all year, of players not forcing things, taking what the defense gave them when we got turnovers. I thought our spacing was really, really good, but you're right. We haven't converted those plays very well, and today, hopefully, is a big step forward to us, because today we certainly did.”BYU Head Coach Lee CummardOpening Statement…“Overall, they were really, really spectacular today. They were on it defensively. I was equally as impressed with them offensively. I thought they had us in rotation. Most of the night kind of had us flying around because they create an advantage and then defensively, see what the film says. Maybe we're easy to guard, but they did a tremendous job guarding as well, and credit to them, scary team. You know, as we come down this stretch, glad we don't have to play them a second time and in conference play.”&nbsp;On how K-State affected their game…“I mean, it's kind of been us most of the year. Some of it was sloppy, some of it was them defensively, and then even giving up turnovers. We shouldn't give up those points. They were just on it. Number four, Claessens got it started early, and she kept it going all night, and just kind of seemed like every one of their players did a great job of keeping the ball in an advantageous situation, and did a good job of letting the defense dictate whose turn it was to shoot. And I know Sides didn't score a whole lot tonight for her, but she was tremendous, you know, just distributing and making plays for her team.”On the third quarter….“Almost every other thing, every other quarter, we didn't make as many shots as why it was so drastic between that quarter and others. But there were a couple positions where we missed some of our assignments and it just turned into us in rotations or layup or turnover to a layup that we need to fix, and we have to get back to some of the little things you know that make us good guarding who we're guarding and being in our position defensively to help as a collective unit.”FROM THE FLOORK-State Junior Forward Nastja ClaessensOn how she feels postgame…&nbsp;“Really good to get the win after last week, it was a team effort. We played well, passed the ball well. So, to end the game like this, it just feels amazing.”On round of applause after leaving the game…“It’s just nice that the fans come and we deliver something to the fans and play well, it really means something. They keep cheering you on, so it’s really nice to end the game like that.”On coach's message after the Arizona loss…“I think just playing hard. When we play hard, we pass the ball really well. I think we're a really good team, and he said that in practice, and I think we're ready for this game, because the feeling after the game against Arizona was not the greatest. So we really wanted to come out today and have a great game. And I think we did that.”On having this game as an example moving forward…“It is nice, but we had different games this season like that, so we just have to keep focusing and trying to keep working hard and winning games.”On sharing the ball…“Yes, I think Coach Mittie really focuses on that, and really tells us that every practice that we have to share the ball, look for the easiest options. And we did that today, and we won. So I think that's a good thing.”On the impact Tess has and her return…“Yeah, Tess is a great leader on and off the court, and just having her in the team and being able to play, she brings like a competitive aspect to the team, I feel like, and she always gives great, great advice and is always positive. So it's really nice to have her back.”UP NEXTK-State ends its two-game homestand on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m., as the Wildcats host Oklahoma State. For tickets call (800) 221-CATS or visit&nbsp;<a href="http://kstatesports.com/tickets" target="_blank">kstatesports.com/tickets</a>.

🏀 K-State Paced by Claessens in Win Over BYU

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Led by 28 points from standout freshman Jaliya Davis, the Kansas Jayhawks defeated the Cincinnati Bearcats, 80-71, in front of 6,171 fans inside Allen Fieldhouse on Saturday night.&nbsp;

Davis’ 28 points led the way, while three other Jayhawks scored double digits, as junior S’Mya Nichols (16 points), senior Lily Meister (14 points) and senior Elle Evans (12 points) helped propel Kansas to victory. Davis has now scored 20 or more points in 11 games this season, including five of the last six games.

Kansas improves to 15-10 (5-8) in Big 12 Conference play with its second-straight Big 12 Conference home win after defeating BYU, 81-60, inside Allen Fieldhouse on Feb. 4. Cincinnati falls to 8-16 (3-9 Big 12) this season.

Cincinnati jumped out to an early advantage, leading 6-2 in the opening minutes until Kansas leaned on its leading scorers. Nichols connected on a 3-pointer, followed by a Davis lay-in to give Kansas an early first quarter lead, 7-6. Both teams would trade first quarter leads until Cincinnati took a 21-17 advantage into the second quarter.

In the second quarter, the Jayhawks went back to Davis, who scored five points in just over a minute to give Kansas a 22-21 lead. Davis and Nichols would combine to score the next 10 points for the Jayhawks as Kansas took a 32-27 lead midway through the second quarter.

The Jayhawks would work their lead up to as many as 11 on an Evans 3-pointer at 40-29 with 2:53 remaining in the half as Kansas would go on to take a 40-36 lead into the break.

In the third quarter, the Jayhawks went on an 8-2 run to rebuild their lead up to 12, forcing Cincinnati to take a timeout with 2:16 remaining in the quarter, as Kansas led, 60-48. The Jayhawks entered the final quarter leading, 64-53.

Cincinnati clawed back again in the fourth quarter, as they would use an 11-0 run to tie the game at 66-66 with six minutes remaining. With just over two minutes left, Kansas regained a lead at 74-70 on a pair of Nichols’ free throws. With 47 seconds remaining and the shot clock winding down, Davis hit a contested jumper to put Kansas up 77-71.

The Jayhawks were able to wind down the clock in the final minute, as Kansas took down Cincinnati, 80-71.&nbsp;

Kansas heads to Lubbock, Texas, on Tuesday, Feb. 10, to face No. 18 Texas Tech. Tipoff from United Supermarkets Arena is set for 6 p.m. CT on ESPN+.

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Led by 28 points from standout freshman Jaliya Davis, the Kansas Jayhawks defeated the Cincinnati Bearcats, 80-71, in front of 6,171 fans inside Allen Fieldhouse on Saturday night.&nbsp;Davis’ 28 points led the way, while three other Jayhawks scored double digits, as junior S’Mya Nichols (16 points), senior Lily Meister (14 points) and senior Elle Evans (12 points) helped propel Kansas to victory. Davis has now scored 20 or more points in 11 games this season, including five of the last six games.Kansas improves to 15-10 (5-8) in Big 12 Conference play with its second-straight Big 12 Conference home win after defeating BYU, 81-60, inside Allen Fieldhouse on Feb. 4. Cincinnati falls to 8-16 (3-9 Big 12) this season.Cincinnati jumped out to an early advantage, leading 6-2 in the opening minutes until Kansas leaned on its leading scorers. Nichols connected on a 3-pointer, followed by a Davis lay-in to give Kansas an early first quarter lead, 7-6. Both teams would trade first quarter leads until Cincinnati took a 21-17 advantage into the second quarter.In the second quarter, the Jayhawks went back to Davis, who scored five points in just over a minute to give Kansas a 22-21 lead. Davis and Nichols would combine to score the next 10 points for the Jayhawks as Kansas took a 32-27 lead midway through the second quarter.The Jayhawks would work their lead up to as many as 11 on an Evans 3-pointer at 40-29 with 2:53 remaining in the half as Kansas would go on to take a 40-36 lead into the break.In the third quarter, the Jayhawks went on an 8-2 run to rebuild their lead up to 12, forcing Cincinnati to take a timeout with 2:16 remaining in the quarter, as Kansas led, 60-48. The Jayhawks entered the final quarter leading, 64-53.Cincinnati clawed back again in the fourth quarter, as they would use an 11-0 run to tie the game at 66-66 with six minutes remaining. With just over two minutes left, Kansas regained a lead at 74-70 on a pair of Nichols’ free throws. With 47 seconds remaining and the shot clock winding down, Davis hit a contested jumper to put Kansas up 77-71.The Jayhawks were able to wind down the clock in the final minute, as Kansas took down Cincinnati, 80-71.&nbsp;Kansas heads to Lubbock, Texas, on Tuesday, Feb. 10, to face No. 18 Texas Tech. Tipoff from United Supermarkets Arena is set for 6 p.m. CT on ESPN+.NOTES<ul>
 <li>Freshman Jaliya Davis scored 28 points, marking her 11th 20+ point performance of the season and fifth in the last six games.</li><li>Junior S’Mya Nichols added 16 points, marking her 22nd game this season and 77th of her career with at least 10 points.</li><li>Senior Elle Evans connected on 4-of-6 from beyond the arc on Saturday, marking her sixth game this season with four or more 3-pointers.</li><li>Freshman guard Libby Fandel hit 2-of-4 3-pointers, marking her fifth time with two or more 3-pointers this season and the first since going 2-for-2 from beyond the arc against West Virginia on Jan. 1, 2026.</li><li>Kansas had four players score double figures in Jaliya Davis (28), S’Mya Nichols (16), Lily Meister (14) and Elle Evans (12). The game marked the fourth time this season Kansas had four or more players scoring in double figures, and the first time since a 83-61 win over Kansas State on Jan. 25, 2026.</li><li>The win marks Kansas’ 10th home win this season, tying last season’s total mark with two home games left to play.&nbsp;</li><li>Today’s attendance of 6,171 is the largest for a Kansas women’s basketball game this season, surpassing the Jan. 25 game against Kansas State which saw 6,129 fans. Kansas is now averaging 4,011 fans per game for the year, which is just under 100 fans per game away from the school record average of 4,109 fans per game from the 2008-09 season.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>

🏀 Jaliya Davis’ 28 Points Leads Kansas Past Cincinnati, 80-71

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Flory Bidunga had 17 points, 10 rebounds and seven blocks and No. 11 Kansas beat Utah 71-59 on Saturday to take a seven-game winning streak into its Monday night home showdown with top-ranked Arizona.

Trey White added 16 points for Kansas (18-5, 8-2 Big 12). Darryn Peterson had 14. and Melvin Council 11.

Keanu Dawes led Utah (9-14, 1-9) with 20 points. Terrence Brown added 16. and Don McHenry had 12. The Utes have list five straight.

The Jayhawks led 38-31 at halftime and didn't take a double-digit lead until Council hit a short jumper midway through the second half. That was part of a 10-0 run, capped by a thunderous dunk by Peterson that made it 60-44.

Utah: Hosts No. 8 Houston on Tuesday night.

Kansas: Hosts No. 1 Arizona on Monday night.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770501860007.jpeg" alt="Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Flory Bidunga had 17 points, 10 rebounds and seven blocks and No. 11 Kansas beat Utah 71-59 on Saturday to take a seven-game winning streak into its Monday night home showdown with top-ranked Arizona.Trey White added 16 points for Kansas (18-5, 8-2 Big 12). Darryn Peterson had 14. and Melvin Council 11.Keanu Dawes led Utah (9-14, 1-9) with 20 points. Terrence Brown added 16. and Don McHenry had 12. The Utes have list five straight.The Jayhawks led 38-31 at halftime and didn't take a double-digit lead until Council hit a short jumper midway through the second half. That was part of a 10-0 run, capped by a thunderous dunk by Peterson that made it 60-44.<h2>Up next</h2>Utah: Hosts No. 8 Houston on Tuesday night.Kansas: Hosts No. 1 Arizona on Monday night.

🏀 Flory Bidunga's 17 points, 10 rebounds lift KU over Utah 

FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — Xavier Edmonds scored a career-high 26 points and his six unanswered points down the stretch lifted TCU over Kansas State 84-82 on Saturday.

Edmonds made the tying and go-ahead free throws for an 83-82 lead with six seconds left, capping a rally from a five-point deficit in the final minute and a half. He had two free throws with 1:10 remaining and his dunk with 35 seconds left had made it a one-point game.

An alley-oop dunk by Khamari McGriff gave Kansas State an 82-77 lead with 1 1/2 minutes to go. The Wildcats, who did not score again, had turnovers on their three remaining possessions.

Micah Robinson made one of two free throws with two seconds left for the final margin.

Edmonds made nine of 10 shots, seven of 13 free throws and grabbed 10 rebounds for his fifth consecutive double-double. Robinson scored 16 points, David Punch 14 and Jayden Pierre 10 for the Horned Frogs (14-9, 4-6 Big 12).

PJ Haggerty scored 30, Marcus Johnson 15, Nate Johnson 13 with 11 rebounds, and David Castillo 11 for K-State (10-13, 1-10).

Marcus Johnson connected on his first four 3-point attempts and the Wildcats jumped out to a 29-14 lead. Later in the half, TCU rallied with a 15-2 run and K-State led 46-42 at halftime.

Eight consecutive points from Haggerty turned a three-point K-State lead into a 64-53 advantage eight minutes into the second half. The Wildcats still had a double-digit lead — 78-68 — with 5 1/2 minutes remaining.

TCU has a four-game winning streak in the series.

TCU: The Horned Frogs host No. 7 Iowa State on Tuesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770502128873.png" alt="K-State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>K-State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — Xavier Edmonds scored a career-high 26 points and his six unanswered points down the stretch lifted TCU over Kansas State 84-82 on Saturday.Edmonds made the tying and go-ahead free throws for an 83-82 lead with six seconds left, capping a rally from a five-point deficit in the final minute and a half. He had two free throws with 1:10 remaining and his dunk with 35 seconds left had made it a one-point game.An alley-oop dunk by Khamari McGriff gave Kansas State an 82-77 lead with 1 1/2 minutes to go. The Wildcats, who did not score again, had turnovers on their three remaining possessions.Micah Robinson made one of two free throws with two seconds left for the final margin.Edmonds made nine of 10 shots, seven of 13 free throws and grabbed 10 rebounds for his fifth consecutive double-double. Robinson scored 16 points, David Punch 14 and Jayden Pierre 10 for the Horned Frogs (14-9, 4-6 Big 12).PJ Haggerty scored 30, Marcus Johnson 15, Nate Johnson 13 with 11 rebounds, and David Castillo 11 for K-State (10-13, 1-10).Marcus Johnson connected on his first four 3-point attempts and the Wildcats jumped out to a 29-14 lead. Later in the half, TCU rallied with a 15-2 run and K-State led 46-42 at halftime.Eight consecutive points from Haggerty turned a three-point K-State lead into a 64-53 advantage eight minutes into the second half. The Wildcats still had a double-digit lead — 78-68 — with 5 1/2 minutes remaining.TCU has a four-game winning streak in the series.<h2>Up next</h2>TCU: The Horned Frogs host No. 7 Iowa State on Tuesday.

🏀 Haggerty scored 30 for K-State in a loss at TCU

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina Post

The Sacred Heart basketball teams continued their domination of the NCAA on Friday night in a doubleheader sweep of Minneapolis on the road.

Girls: #6 Sacred Heart 68, Minneapolis 49

The Lady Knights had this game wrapped up early, taking a 17-6 lead into the second quarter, and a 37-18 lead into the half.

Minneapolis got things going offensively in the second half but the damage was done as Sacred Heart pulled away for a 68-49 victory.

Most of Sacred Heart’s damage was done by the trio of Skylar Douglas (21), Emmy Lee (20) and Addie Lee (18), who combined to account for 59 of the Lady Knight’s 68 points.

Baylee Randall-Hurt did her best to keep up, scoring 18 in the loss, but despite ten different Lady Lions scoring, no one else managed more than six points.

With this win, 6th-ranked Sacred Heart improves to 16-3 overall and 7-1 in league play while Minneapolis falls to 8-8 and 4-5 respectively.

The boys' game was a lower-scoring affair, but one the Knights would still win handily after holding Minneapolis to just 12 first-half points.

Sacred Heart’s offense took a while to get going, with a 10-5 lead after a quarter, and a 23-12 advantage at halftime.

In the second half, things picked up a bit, and the Knights held the Lions to just four points in the fourth quarter, pulling away for a 48-27 victory.

Nine different Knights contributed to the scoring, led by Dom Matteucci, who finished the night with 16 points.

Tanner Norris led the way for the Lions with nine points, while Owen Just was held to eight.

With this victory, the 3rd-ranked Knights improve to 17-2 on the year, and remain undefeated in league play at 8-0 while the Lions slide to 4-12 and 3-6, respectively.

You can watch both of these games on-demand any time below.

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina PostThe Sacred Heart basketball teams continued their domination of the NCAA on Friday night in a doubleheader sweep of Minneapolis on the road.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765031258309.jpeg" alt="Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here." />
 <figcaption>Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here.</figcaption>
 </figure>Girls: #6 Sacred Heart 68, Minneapolis 49The Lady Knights had this game wrapped up early, taking a 17-6 lead into the second quarter, and a 37-18 lead into the half.Minneapolis got things going offensively in the second half but the damage was done as Sacred Heart pulled away for a 68-49 victory.Most of Sacred Heart’s damage was done by the trio of Skylar Douglas (21), Emmy Lee (20) and Addie Lee (18), who combined to account for 59 of the Lady Knight’s 68 points.Baylee Randall-Hurt did her best to keep up, scoring 18 in the loss, but despite ten different Lady Lions scoring, no one else managed more than six points.With this win, 6th-ranked Sacred Heart improves to 16-3 overall and 7-1 in league play while Minneapolis falls to 8-8 and 4-5 respectively.Boys: #3 Sacred Heart 48, Minneapolis 27The boys' game was a lower-scoring affair, but one the Knights would still win handily after holding Minneapolis to just 12 first-half points.Sacred Heart’s offense took a while to get going, with a 10-5 lead after a quarter, and a 23-12 advantage at halftime.In the second half, things picked up a bit, and the Knights held the Lions to just four points in the fourth quarter, pulling away for a 48-27 victory.Nine different Knights contributed to the scoring, led by Dom Matteucci, who finished the night with 16 points.Tanner Norris led the way for the Lions with nine points, while Owen Just was held to eight.With this victory, the 3rd-ranked Knights improve to 17-2 on the year, and remain undefeated in league play at 8-0 while the Lions slide to 4-12 and 3-6, respectively.You can watch both of these games on-demand any time below.https://www.youtube.com/live/U6MZIz2KWU8

🏀 Sacred Heart sweeps Minneapolis on Friday night

Kansas Wesleyan Baseball opened a four game series with the Saint Ambrose University Bees on Friday at Dean Evans Stadium with a sweep.

The Coyotes picked up a run-rule shortened 11-1 win in the opener and finished the sweep with a 10-3 win in the second contest.

The victories push KWU's record to 3-0 overall on the season.

Ambrose opened the first game taking a 1-0 lead with a lead-off homer, but in the bottom of the inning, the Coyotes got things going. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1317dc9d-3d11-483c-9d90-a37e40bfe363?elinkdata=36762">Niko Olson</a> led off with a double and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b22aa698-38a1-4af0-98c5-c318e4c6b0bf?elinkdata=36762">Carter Allen</a> reached on a bunt single. Two batters later <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/664a97aa-e8d0-46b0-bb3f-fd47ff07da94?elinkdata=36762">Fernando Ruvalcaba</a> launched a ball into the stratosphere for a 3-run homer to put the Coyotes ahead.

In the third, the Coyotes put three more on the board. Allen led off the inning with a single and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/7cbbe1e6-80c7-4a77-895a-f5024ecacb87?elinkdata=36762">Garrett Garfield</a> was hit by a pitch. Ruvalcaba walked to load the bases. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/90d56eea-233d-4a21-afed-987a8495e429?elinkdata=36762">Joe Finder</a> hit into a fielder's choice that kept the Coyotes off the board, but <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4ea9f69d-0f0e-4761-8762-43fe71cd9993?elinkdata=36762">Logan Baptista</a> followed with a walk to bring in a run. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/2ae24d0a-ac44-4bf9-80d9-6c21d0407ad0?elinkdata=36762">Blake Dale</a> then singled down the line in left bringing in two runs to make it 6-1.

In the fourth, Finder doubled to score <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/0289a5e9-a20e-4df9-8fe4-bdf58498dde7?elinkdata=36762">Coulson Riggs</a> who was running for Allen who reached earlier in the inning on a bunt single.

The Coyotes added two more in the sixth on Baptista's RBI single and pinch hitter <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/90f3ae45-9dfa-4fed-a215-6e39874ae41c?elinkdata=36762">Zac Goldenberg's</a> RBI single.

Wesleyan ended it in the seventh. Allen walked and then moved to third on Garfield's groundout when no one covered third base on the play. Ruvalcaba then doubled to bring a run, and Baptista finished it off with a double to right center to score pinch runner <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4ad1db69-5512-4966-9ce7-33d417353734?elinkdata=36762">Remson Cronkhite</a>.

Allen and Ruvalcaba had three hits each for the Coyotes. Ruvalcaba drove in four runs and Baptista drove in three. Baptista was masterful on the mound for the Coyotes, scattering four hits over six innings with six strikeouts. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a5de72b8-01da-4b7f-ab63-03600ca7677c?elinkdata=36762">Aidan Henderson</a> pitched the seventh with two strikeouts.

In the second game, the Coyotes struggled out of the gates, leaving the bases loaded in the first, and Saint Ambrose got a run on the board in the top of the second, but again the Coyotes answered.

Dale and Goldenberg led off the inning with walks and after a wild pitch moved the runners up, Allen doubled to score two runs and put the Coyotes up. Garfield followed with a ground-rule double to make it 3-1 after two innings.

SAU got a run back in the top of the third, but in the bottom of the inning the Coyotes blew the game open with six runs.

Dale singled and then scored on Goldenberg's double down the line in left. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/55531468-9fbf-4343-a199-18afe2ffb2fd?elinkdata=36762">Tyler Nordyke</a> drove in a run with a sacrifice fly and after Olson singled, Allen followed with a 2-run homer. Garfield walked and then scored on Ruvalcaba's double and Finder followed with a RBI single to make it 9-2.

Ambrose got one back in the fifth, but the Coyotes also answered right back. Garfield led off the inning with a single and pinch runner Cronkhite later scored on Finder's single to right making it 10-3.

Olson, Allen, Garfield and Finder had two hits each for the Coyotes. Allen drove in four runs and Finder two.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/75274e89-263c-47cb-8a95-8e6968a2b790?elinkdata=36762">Shaw Lee</a> improved to 2-0 on the young season going five innings allowing three runs, two earned on eight hits with two strikeouts. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b6f9adf2-b182-4bff-a68a-ea6bcd693427?elinkdata=36762">Tyler Wise</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/cb971c9b-0b26-43e0-b533-62b0f24013b4?elinkdata=36762">Daniel Turnham</a> each tossed a hitless inning for the Coyotes.

Kansas Wesleyan Baseball opened a four game series with the Saint Ambrose University Bees on Friday at Dean Evans Stadium with a sweep.The Coyotes picked up a run-rule shortened 11-1 win in the opener and finished the sweep with a 10-3 win in the second contest.The victories push KWU's record to 3-0 overall on the season.Ambrose opened the first game taking a 1-0 lead with a lead-off homer, but in the bottom of the inning, the Coyotes got things going. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1317dc9d-3d11-483c-9d90-a37e40bfe363?elinkdata=36762">Niko Olson</a> led off with a double and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b22aa698-38a1-4af0-98c5-c318e4c6b0bf?elinkdata=36762">Carter Allen</a> reached on a bunt single. Two batters later <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/664a97aa-e8d0-46b0-bb3f-fd47ff07da94?elinkdata=36762">Fernando Ruvalcaba</a> launched a ball into the stratosphere for a 3-run homer to put the Coyotes ahead.In the third, the Coyotes put three more on the board. Allen led off the inning with a single and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/7cbbe1e6-80c7-4a77-895a-f5024ecacb87?elinkdata=36762">Garrett Garfield</a> was hit by a pitch. Ruvalcaba walked to load the bases. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/90d56eea-233d-4a21-afed-987a8495e429?elinkdata=36762">Joe Finder</a> hit into a fielder's choice that kept the Coyotes off the board, but <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4ea9f69d-0f0e-4761-8762-43fe71cd9993?elinkdata=36762">Logan Baptista</a> followed with a walk to bring in a run. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/2ae24d0a-ac44-4bf9-80d9-6c21d0407ad0?elinkdata=36762">Blake Dale</a> then singled down the line in left bringing in two runs to make it 6-1.In the fourth, Finder doubled to score <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/0289a5e9-a20e-4df9-8fe4-bdf58498dde7?elinkdata=36762">Coulson Riggs</a> who was running for Allen who reached earlier in the inning on a bunt single.The Coyotes added two more in the sixth on Baptista's RBI single and pinch hitter <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/90f3ae45-9dfa-4fed-a215-6e39874ae41c?elinkdata=36762">Zac Goldenberg's</a> RBI single.Wesleyan ended it in the seventh. Allen walked and then moved to third on Garfield's groundout when no one covered third base on the play. Ruvalcaba then doubled to bring a run, and Baptista finished it off with a double to right center to score pinch runner <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4ad1db69-5512-4966-9ce7-33d417353734?elinkdata=36762">Remson Cronkhite</a>.Allen and Ruvalcaba had three hits each for the Coyotes. Ruvalcaba drove in four runs and Baptista drove in three. Baptista was masterful on the mound for the Coyotes, scattering four hits over six innings with six strikeouts. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a5de72b8-01da-4b7f-ab63-03600ca7677c?elinkdata=36762">Aidan Henderson</a> pitched the seventh with two strikeouts.In the second game, the Coyotes struggled out of the gates, leaving the bases loaded in the first, and Saint Ambrose got a run on the board in the top of the second, but again the Coyotes answered.Dale and Goldenberg led off the inning with walks and after a wild pitch moved the runners up, Allen doubled to score two runs and put the Coyotes up. Garfield followed with a ground-rule double to make it 3-1 after two innings.SAU got a run back in the top of the third, but in the bottom of the inning the Coyotes blew the game open with six runs.Dale singled and then scored on Goldenberg's double down the line in left. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/55531468-9fbf-4343-a199-18afe2ffb2fd?elinkdata=36762">Tyler Nordyke</a> drove in a run with a sacrifice fly and after Olson singled, Allen followed with a 2-run homer. Garfield walked and then scored on Ruvalcaba's double and Finder followed with a RBI single to make it 9-2.Ambrose got one back in the fifth, but the Coyotes also answered right back. Garfield led off the inning with a single and pinch runner Cronkhite later scored on Finder's single to right making it 10-3.Olson, Allen, Garfield and Finder had two hits each for the Coyotes. Allen drove in four runs and Finder two.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/75274e89-263c-47cb-8a95-8e6968a2b790?elinkdata=36762">Shaw Lee</a> improved to 2-0 on the young season going five innings allowing three runs, two earned on eight hits with two strikeouts. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b6f9adf2-b182-4bff-a68a-ea6bcd693427?elinkdata=36762">Tyler Wise</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/cb971c9b-0b26-43e0-b533-62b0f24013b4?elinkdata=36762">Daniel Turnham</a> each tossed a hitless inning for the Coyotes.

⚾️ KWU Baseball sweeps Saint Ambrose to open series

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Kansas Athletics announced Friday that Ernest “Ernie” Shelby and Lynette Woodard have been named the 2026 honorees for Marian E. Washington Trailblazer Series.

In honor of Black History Month, Kansas Athletics recognizes the notable achievements and accomplishments of African-Americans who have helped shape the Jayhawk program throughout the years by creating the Marian E. Washington Trailblazer Series. The series began 2020 and each February, this endeavor chronicles several prominent African-Americans and their impact on Kansas Athletics.

See below for more information on Ernie Shelby and Lynette Woodard.

Ernest “Ernie” Shelby | Los Angeles, Calif. | Track and Field | 1957–59

Lynette Woodard | Wichita, Kan. | Women’s Basketball | 1978-1981

Marian E. Washington Trailblazer Series Honorees

2026 –&nbsp;Ernie Shelby (track &amp; field), Lynette Woodard (basketball)

2025 –&nbsp;Darnell Valentine (basketball), Erika Oliver (rowing)

2024 –&nbsp;Vickie Adkins (basketball), Isaac "Bud" Stallworth (basketball)

2023 –&nbsp;Angela Aycock (basketball), Kelsie Payne (volleyball), Breonna Barker (swimming), Halcon "Tudie" MacKnight (track &amp; field), Walt Wesley (basketball)

2022 –&nbsp;Nikki (Wahle) Barrett (soccer), Tamecka Dixon (basketball), Ed Harvey (football/baseball), Maurice King (basketball)

2021 –&nbsp;Adrian Mitchell-Newell (basketball), Homer Floyd (football), Gloria Graves (softball), LaVannes Squires (basketball)

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Kansas Athletics announced Friday that Ernest “Ernie” Shelby and Lynette Woodard have been named the 2026 honorees for Marian E. Washington Trailblazer Series.In honor of Black History Month, Kansas Athletics recognizes the notable achievements and accomplishments of African-Americans who have helped shape the Jayhawk program throughout the years by creating the Marian E. Washington Trailblazer Series. The series began 2020 and each February, this endeavor chronicles several prominent African-Americans and their impact on Kansas Athletics.See below for more information on Ernie Shelby and Lynette Woodard.Ernest “Ernie” Shelby | Los Angeles, Calif. | Track and Field | 1957–59<ul>
 <li>Competed in track and field at KU, specializing in the long jump and emerging as one of the nation’s top collegiate athletes.</li><li>Recorded a personal-best long jump of 7.95 meters on June 22, 1956; also jumped an unofficial 8.01 meters on March 28, 1958, which was not record-eligible.</li><li>Won national championships in the long jump in 1958 and 1959.</li><li>Became the first African American captain of KU’s men’s track and field team in 1959, leading the Jayhawks to the NCAA outdoor national championship.</li><li>Actively engaged in racial equity efforts on campus and in Lawrence, Kan., participating in challenges to segregation at local businesses in 1957 and 1958.</li><li>Pursued interests in the arts after his athletic career, including jazz composition and singing, according to alumni accounts.</li><li>Left a lasting legacy at KU through elite athletic performance, leadership and advocacy for social change during the late 1950s civil rights era.</li>
 </ul>Lynette Woodard | Wichita, Kan. | Women’s Basketball | 1978-1981<ul>
 <li>Played women’s basketball at KU from 1978–81, becoming one of the most dominant players in collegiate history.</li><li>Finished her KU career as the all-time leading scorer in women’s college basketball history at the time with 3,649 points.</li><li>Earned four All-America honors and led KU to the AIAW national championship game in 1981.</li><li>Won the Wade Trophy in 1981 as the nation’s top women’s college basketball player.</li><li>Became the first woman named Kansas Female Athlete of the Year.</li><li>Made history in 1984 as the first woman to play on a U.S. Olympic women’s basketball team, helping Team USA win gold at the Los Angeles Games.</li><li>Broke another barrier in 1985 as the first female member of the Harlem Globetrotters.</li><li>Advocated for women’s sports and gender equity, expanding opportunities for girls and women in athletics.</li><li>Built a legacy at KU defined by excellence, leadership and her role in advancing women’s athletics during the post–Title IX era.</li>
 </ul>Marian E. Washington Trailblazer Series Honorees2026 –&nbsp;Ernie Shelby (track &amp; field), Lynette Woodard (basketball)2025 –&nbsp;Darnell Valentine (basketball), Erika Oliver (rowing)2024 –&nbsp;Vickie Adkins (basketball), Isaac "Bud" Stallworth (basketball)2023 –&nbsp;Angela Aycock (basketball), Kelsie Payne (volleyball), Breonna Barker (swimming), Halcon "Tudie" MacKnight (track &amp; field), Walt Wesley (basketball)2022 –&nbsp;Nikki (Wahle) Barrett (soccer), Tamecka Dixon (basketball), Ed Harvey (football/baseball), Maurice King (basketball)2021 –&nbsp;Adrian Mitchell-Newell (basketball), Homer Floyd (football), Gloria Graves (softball), LaVannes Squires (basketball)

Ernie Shelby and Lynette Woodard Honored as 2026 Marian E. Washington Trailblazers

For many high school students across the country, National Signing Day represents a new beginning, as student-athletes put pen to paper and make official their intent to continue their journey at the collegiate level.

This year's signing class includes a myriad of student-athletes from our area, and below, you can see signees from all eleven of our area schools.

This list will be updated as more signings and information is made available so check back for updates

Salina Central Kaden Snyder - Kansas University - Football Jesus Delgado - Butler Community College - Football Noah Peck - Hutch Community College - Football Kory Serocki - Baker University - Football Cooper Reves - University of Northern Iowa - Wrestling Julian Glover - Southeast Community College - Wrestling Allison Robinett - University of Nebraska Kearney - Track and Field

Salina South Jalen Cheeks - Butler Community College - Football

Abilene Jaxon Cuba - Benedictine College - Football Pierce Casteel - Concordia University - Football

Chapman Aven Woods - Johnson County Community College - Baseball Carly Thurlow - Colby Community College - Cross Country Kinsey Thurlow -&nbsp;Colby Community College - Cross Country

Ellsworth Cooper McGowan - Emporia State University - Football Cameron Gardner - Sterling College - Football Alexis Moore - Oklahoma Christian University - Volleyball Felis De La Cruz - Bethany College - Tennis Inari Rippert - Bethany College - Tennis

For many high school students across the country, National Signing Day represents a new beginning, as student-athletes put pen to paper and make official their intent to continue their journey at the collegiate level.This year's signing class includes a myriad of student-athletes from our area, and below, you can see signees from all eleven of our area schools.This list will be updated as more signings and information is made available so check back for updates<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765031258309.jpeg" alt="Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here." />
 <figcaption>Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here.</figcaption>
 </figure>Salina Central Kaden Snyder - Kansas University - Football Jesus Delgado - Butler Community College - Football Noah Peck - Hutch Community College - Football Kory Serocki - Baker University - Football Cooper Reves - University of Northern Iowa - Wrestling Julian Glover - Southeast Community College - Wrestling Allison Robinett - University of Nebraska Kearney - Track and FieldSalina South Jalen Cheeks - Butler Community College - FootballAbilene Jaxon Cuba - Benedictine College - Football Pierce Casteel - Concordia University - FootballChapman Aven Woods - Johnson County Community College - Baseball Carly Thurlow - Colby Community College - Cross Country Kinsey Thurlow -&nbsp;Colby Community College - Cross CountryEllsworth Cooper McGowan - Emporia State University - Football Cameron Gardner - Sterling College - Football Alexis Moore - Oklahoma Christian University - Volleyball Felis De La Cruz - Bethany College - Tennis Inari Rippert - Bethany College - Tennis

Area athletes commit to colleges on National Signing Day

KANSAS CITY, Mo.—The Kansas City Royals announced today former player, coach, manager, broadcaster and baseball operations staffer&nbsp;John Wathan&nbsp;has been voted into the Royals Hall of Fame. He will become the 32nd member of the Royals Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony will be announced at a later date.

“After 52 years in baseball and 47 with the Royals, I can honestly say I have always bled Royal blue,” Wathan said. “This is the ultimate honor for living as a Royal all those years. I couldn’t begin to thank everyone involved on this journey with me. It has been a real privilege to be with one organization that long. It is a rare feat and one that I have been so proud of for all these years.”

“Few people in this organization have impacted the Royals the way Duke has – serving in so many roles and contributing at such a high level over so many years,” Royals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager&nbsp;J.J. Picollo&nbsp;said. “This honor is incredibly well deserved for Duke and his family, and we’re proud to recognize a professional life devoted to the Royals and to Kansas City.”

Wathan was selected 4th overall by the Royals in the 1971 January Draft and played all 10 of his big league seasons for Kansas City as a catcher, first baseman and outfielder. Wathan’s first big league season was 1976, when the Royals won their first American League West championship. His last big league season as a player was 1985, when the Royals won their first World Series. He hit .305 with more walks (50) than strikeouts (42) for the 1980 American League Champion Royals, and in 1982 had 36 stolen bases as a catcher, a single-season Major League record that still stands.

“John Wathan is truly the Royals man for all seasons,” said&nbsp;Curt Nelson, Senior Director of the Royals Hall of Fame. “As a player, he was a key contributor in a career that bookended the entire first Royals&nbsp; championship era. He followed that with decades of service as a coach, manager, broadcaster, instructor and scout. All of it with class and a deep devotion to the Royals and Kansas City.”

After retiring as a player in 1985, Wathan returned as a member of the Royals Major League coaching staff in 1986 took on his first managerial duties with Triple-A Omaha in 1987. He made it back to Kansas City as Royals Manager on Aug. 28, 1987. During his time at the helm (1987-91), the Royals were 287-270 (.515), including a 92-70 record in 1989, which then tied for 3rd most single-season wins in club history. At the end of his tenure, his 287 wins and 557 games managed ranked 3rd in club history (currently 5th and 6th respectively), and his .515 winning percentage still ranks 4th.

After a brief time away, Wathan returned to the Royals as a broadcaster in 1996. He later became a fixture in scouting and player development for more than 20 years. In all, Wathan spent 51 years in professional baseball, including 47 of those as a member of the Kansas City Royals before his retirement following the 2022 season.

Wathan was placed on the ballot by the Royals Hall of Fame Executive Board and elected through the Royals Hall of Fame Veterans Committee voting process. The committee consists of 16 voting members selected by the board, comprised of Royals Hall of Fame members, Royals Club Executives, and media members. Candidates must be named on at least 75% of all ballots cast to be elected.

KANSAS CITY, Mo.—The Kansas City Royals announced today former player, coach, manager, broadcaster and baseball operations staffer&nbsp;John Wathan&nbsp;has been voted into the Royals Hall of Fame. He will become the 32nd member of the Royals Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony will be announced at a later date.“After 52 years in baseball and 47 with the Royals, I can honestly say I have always bled Royal blue,” Wathan said. “This is the ultimate honor for living as a Royal all those years. I couldn’t begin to thank everyone involved on this journey with me. It has been a real privilege to be with one organization that long. It is a rare feat and one that I have been so proud of for all these years.”“Few people in this organization have impacted the Royals the way Duke has – serving in so many roles and contributing at such a high level over so many years,” Royals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager&nbsp;J.J. Picollo&nbsp;said. “This honor is incredibly well deserved for Duke and his family, and we’re proud to recognize a professional life devoted to the Royals and to Kansas City.”Wathan was selected 4th overall by the Royals in the 1971 January Draft and played all 10 of his big league seasons for Kansas City as a catcher, first baseman and outfielder. Wathan’s first big league season was 1976, when the Royals won their first American League West championship. His last big league season as a player was 1985, when the Royals won their first World Series. He hit .305 with more walks (50) than strikeouts (42) for the 1980 American League Champion Royals, and in 1982 had 36 stolen bases as a catcher, a single-season Major League record that still stands.“John Wathan is truly the Royals man for all seasons,” said&nbsp;Curt Nelson, Senior Director of the Royals Hall of Fame. “As a player, he was a key contributor in a career that bookended the entire first Royals&nbsp; championship era. He followed that with decades of service as a coach, manager, broadcaster, instructor and scout. All of it with class and a deep devotion to the Royals and Kansas City.”After retiring as a player in 1985, Wathan returned as a member of the Royals Major League coaching staff in 1986 took on his first managerial duties with Triple-A Omaha in 1987. He made it back to Kansas City as Royals Manager on Aug. 28, 1987. During his time at the helm (1987-91), the Royals were 287-270 (.515), including a 92-70 record in 1989, which then tied for 3rd most single-season wins in club history. At the end of his tenure, his 287 wins and 557 games managed ranked 3rd in club history (currently 5th and 6th respectively), and his .515 winning percentage still ranks 4th.After a brief time away, Wathan returned to the Royals as a broadcaster in 1996. He later became a fixture in scouting and player development for more than 20 years. In all, Wathan spent 51 years in professional baseball, including 47 of those as a member of the Kansas City Royals before his retirement following the 2022 season.Wathan was placed on the ballot by the Royals Hall of Fame Executive Board and elected through the Royals Hall of Fame Veterans Committee voting process. The committee consists of 16 voting members selected by the board, comprised of Royals Hall of Fame members, Royals Club Executives, and media members. Candidates must be named on at least 75% of all ballots cast to be elected.For additional information, members of the media may contact Curt Nelson, Senior Director, Royals Hall of Fame, at (816) 504-4337 or via email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:curt.nelson%40royals.com?subject=" target="_blank">curt.nelson@royals.com</a>.The Royals Hall of Fame was established in 1986 to celebrate the accomplishments of those players, coaches and other personnel who have made exceptional contributions to Royals baseball. Previous Royals Hall of Fame inductees include:1986: Pitcher Steve Busby and Outfielder Amos Otis1987: Manager Dick Howser, Second Baseman Cookie Rojas and Pitcher Paul Splittorff1989: Pitcher Dennis Leonard and Designated Hitter Hal McRae1992: Club President Joe Burke, Pitcher Larry Gura and Shortstop Fred Patek1993: Owner Ewing Kauffman1994: Third Baseman George Brett1995: Second Baseman Frank White&nbsp;1996: Royals First Lady Muriel Kauffman and First Baseman John Mayberry1998: Relief Pitcher Dan Quisenberry2000: Manager Whitey Herzog and Outfielder Willie Wilson&nbsp;&nbsp;2003: Pitcher Jeff Montgomery2004: Radio Announcer Denny Matthews2005: Pitcher Bret Saberhagen2006: Pitcher Mark Gubicza2008: Scout Art Stewart2011: Pitcher Kevin Appier2012: Groundskeeper George Toma2015: First Baseman/DH Mike Sweeney2023: Manager Ned Yost2024: General Manager Cedric Tallis, General Manager John Schuerholz and Outfielder Bo Jackson