MANHATTAN — Kansas State University is opening its doors to the public for the exploration of endless possibilities at the <a href="https://www.k-state.edu/openhouse/">All-University Open House</a> from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 1. Open
 House will take place on the Manhattan campus with activities, 
learning, fun and food. This event for all ages is an opportunity to 
explore K-State while getting an insider's look at the university's 
academic programs, student organizations and campus life.

"K-State Open House is a popular tradition that showcases all K-State
 has to offer," said Karen Goos, vice provost for enrollment management 
at K-State. "As an educational and research leader, K-State offers great
 value to students, and this event is an opportunity for their work and 
passions to shine."

The event offers a mix of activities, projects, displays, 
demonstrations, food and entertainment. Tours of campus and on-campus 
housing are available throughout the day.

The Carl R. Ice College of Engineering invites visitors to get a 
sneak peek of this year's student-built formula car and watch several 
student competitions. Don't miss the College of Agriculture's bug 
petting zoo, and take the shuttle to the grain science department's 
north complex to enjoy a free lunch. Many additional dining and snack 
options are available across campus.

Test your balance and coordination with the College of Health and 
Human Sciences, and tour the nursing program facilities. Graduate 
students in communications sciences and disorders will provide free 
hearing screenings at 127 Campus Creek Complex.

The College of Arts and Sciences will feature many displays 
throughout campus, including interactive art projects and the English 
department's custom poetry from the Poet-in-a-Box. While visiting the 
College of Business Administration, grab a snack and take a turn at the 
bounce house obstacle course.

Test your paper airplane skills and explore a living wax museum with 
the College of Education. The College of Architecture, Planning &amp; 
Design's events include BOXhattan, which offers visitors a chance to try
 their hand at city planning.

Take a stroll to the College of Veterinary Medicine complex to see a 
variety of exhibits and activities. Children may bring their stuffed 
animals in for "treatment," and visitors of all ages can learn about pet
 first aid and how to diagnose sick patients.

Visit <a href="https://k-state.edu/openhouse">k-state.edu/openhouse</a> for the full schedule of events and to learn more.&nbsp;

K-State open house offers hands-on experience of campus life

The Junction City Police Department Community Involvement Unit is accepting applications for the Law Enforcement Summer Camp from June 5 to 9.

The camp is limited to 25 participants going into the seventh, eighth or ninth grade during the fall of 2023. The application deadline is May 4th. 

Forms can be given to the School Resource Officer at the Junction City Middle School, Junction City High School, Junction City Freshman Success Academy, mailed, emailed, or hand delivered to the Junction City Police Department, 210 E. Ninth. 

Click <a href="https://www.junctioncity-ks.gov/252/Law-Enforcement-Summer-Camp?fbclid=IwAR1rXXDK3SbawkyfvZlyRhaQ3TOgDkTM2BsWcc5LedsNKI-HJxh6mA_tiBA">HERE</a> to apply or for more information.

Law enforcement summer camp offered by Junction City PD

Annual event aims to reduce wildfire risk in the state&nbsp;

K-State Research and Extension news service&nbsp;

MANHATTAN —&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansasforests.org/">Kansas Forest Service</a>&nbsp;officials have announced that an annual project that aids in training new wildland firefighters and helps reduce the risk of wildland fires&nbsp;will be held April 3 to 7 in Scott City.&nbsp;

The Hazard Fuels Mitigation project will take place at the Scott Wildlife Area and Historic Lake Scott State Park. The exercise is held in partnership with the&nbsp;<a href="https://ksoutdoors.com/">Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks,</a>and Hutchinson Community College.&nbsp;

“This annual project is a great opportunity for the Kansas Forest Service and our partner agencies to work together to improve wildfire response and incident management skills, while at the same time doing work that will reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires around Scott Lake​,” said Eric Ward, assistant fire manager with the Kansas Forest Service, and incident commander for this year’s project.&nbsp;

Officials said the project includes conducting prescribed burns; reducing undesirable vegetation; removing deceased trees from wooded areas; and establishing fire breaks in hazardous areas. Hutchinson Community College students in the fire science program will gain experience working alongside mentors in the wildland fire community.&nbsp;

Scott Wildlife Area will be closed during the project, for the safety of mitigation personnel and local hunters. For more information on the closure,&nbsp;<a href="https://ksoutdoors.com/">visit the website for the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks</a>.&nbsp;

Continuous updates throughout the mitigation project will be posted on the Kansas Forest Service Twitter Page, @KSforestservice, as well as Facebook and Instagram. Questions, comments or concerns should be directed to Kansas Forest Service public information officer Shawna Hartman,<a href="mailto:shartman@ksu.edu">shartman@ksu.edu</a>.&nbsp;

Forest Service to lead fire mitigation project in western Kansas

The annual For the Love of Horses Gala will be 5 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, April 1, at Rock Springs Ranch.

The event is a celebration to benefit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rainbowmeadowsranch.com/">Rainbow Meadows Equine Rescue and Retirement Inc.</a>&nbsp;of Junction City. Rainbow Meadows has been providing safe refuge for abused, abandoned and neglected horses, donkeys and mules since 2005.

“Our For the Love of Horses…Benefit and Gala has always been our hallmark fundraising event, and we’ve really missed it over the past few years,” said Karen Everhart, executive director. “It’s such a special evening that brings together many of our supporters and reinforces the Rainbow Meadows mission and vision. We’re very excited to be bringing it back this year and look forward to seeing our long-term supporters as well as some new local faces.”

There will be friends, food, fun and a series of silent auctions. Tickets are $75 per person or $500 for a table of eight.

For more information or to purchase tickets, click&nbsp;<a href="https://rainbowmeadowsrescue.ticketleap.com/for-the-love-of-horses-gala/">HERE</a>.

'For the Love of Horses' gala registration extended

Recent obituaries and service times

BUCHANAN COUNTY —Two people were injured in an accident just after 3:30p.m. Friday in Buchanan County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Chevy Cobalt driven by Michael W. Ordonez, 26, Manhattan, Kan., was northbound on Interstate 29 just south of the I-229 exit in St. Joseph.

The driver failed to observe a 2011 Chevy Equinox driven by&nbsp; Stanley J. Drimmel, 70, Lancaster, Kansas, slow for an upcoming construction zone.

The Cobalt rear-ended the Equinox. The impact, pushed the Equinox into the rear of a 2018 Chevy Impala driven by David J. Mears, 94, St. Joseph.

Buchanan County EMS transported a passenger in the Cobalt Marisa E. Lord, 29, Manhattan, Kan. and a passenger in the Equinox&nbsp; Cynthia A. Drimmel, 68, Lancaster, Kan., to Mosaic Life Care.

The drivers were not injured. Lord was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

Manhattan woman hospitalized after 3-vehicle crash

by BECKY GOFF Little Apple Post

MANHATTAN - Kansas State University Foundation has announced the upcoming retirement of Lois Cox,&nbsp;CFA, CFP, senior vice president of investments and chief investment officer.

Cox has been with the KSU Foundation for 18 years and will retire on June 30,2023.

Cox graduated from Kansas State University's College of Business Administration in 1988.

Previously she has worked as a portfolio manager for Kansas Farm Bureau for 20 years before joining the Foundation in 2005 as the director of investments.

In 2013, Cox moved into the role of chief investment officer, or CIO.

"Our work has allowed us to meet our ultimate objective of intergenerational equity — creating sustainable and relevant value across generations in support of Kansas State University,"&nbsp;said Cox.&nbsp;"We're proud to have generated a 10-year annualized return of 9.25% and a 20-year annualized return of 7.9%."

KSU Foundation President and Chief Executive Officer, Greg Willems was impressed by Cox's integrity and her impact on the foundation's overall mission and success.

"Lois is one of my most admired professionals I've had the privilege of working with in my career. I've learned so much from her example and professional interaction with others," said Willems.&nbsp;"Lois has done a masterful job of maximizing our investment management strategy and returns and has expertly balanced the efforts of her staff with contributions from our board and asset management committee." "More importantly, Lois brought a mix of leadership, wisdom and professional acumen that helped elevate our organization's capability and mission — she's the kind of professional that cares deeply about her colleagues and organization and extends her impact well beyond her area of direct expertise and influence, and that's the true brilliance of her career and contributions." RSR Partners is conducting a national search to recruit Cox's replacement.

The full retirement announcement <a href="https://ksufoundation.org/impact/release/ksu-foundation-chief-investment-officer-lois-cox-announces-retirement/">can be found here</a>.

KSU Foundation Chief Investment Officer to retire

Preliminary estimates reported by the Labor Market Information Services division of the Kansas Department of Labor and the Bureau of Labor Statistics show a&nbsp;<a href="https://klic.dol.ks.gov/admin/gsipub/htmlarea/Uploads/Press%20Release/LR%20Feb2023%20SA%20Rate%20Chart%20File.pdf">seasonally adjusted unemployment rate</a>&nbsp;of 2.9% in February. This is unchanged from 2.9% in January and an increase from 2.4% in February 2022.

In Geary County, the jobless rate rose a half a percentage point to 4.5 percent — the second highest in the state behind only Linn County in southeast Kansas. Riley County's unemployment rate remained relatively stable at 2.9 percent.

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/kdol/viz/KansasLaborForceUnemploymentRatesbyCounty/KansasLaborForceUnemploymentRates">HERE</a>&nbsp;for the interactive map and more data.

Seasonally adjusted job estimates for Kansas indicate total nonfarm payroll employment decreased by 1,500 from January. Total nonfarm includes private sector and government employers.&nbsp;<a href="https://klic.dol.ks.gov/admin/gsipub/htmlarea/Uploads/Press%20Release/LR%20Feb2023%20SA%20PrivateEmpl%20Chart%20File.pdf">Private sector jobs</a>&nbsp;increased by 1,400 over the month, while government decreased by 2,900.

Since February 2022&nbsp;Kansas'&nbsp;<a href="https://klic.dol.ks.gov/admin/gsipub/htmlarea/Uploads/Press%20Release/LR%20Feb2023%20Seasonally%20Adj%20PR%20Packet.pdf">seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs</a>&nbsp;have increased by 41,300. This change is due to an increase of 38,000 private sector jobs and an increase of 3,300 government jobs.

The March 2023 Labor Report will be released April 21.

Geary Co.'s jobless rate second highest in the state; Riley Co. stable

Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.

Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Geary County Booking Photos March 24

Volunteers are needed for&nbsp;<a href="https://fb.me/e/13am59kvO">Operation Clean Sweep</a>, held in conjunction with Earth Day.

Volunteers should report to Spin City, 915 S. Washington at 8a.m. April 22.&nbsp;Bring gloves and drinking water. Lunch will be provided.&nbsp;

Over the last 10 years, volunteers for Operation Clean Sweep have removed 15.42 tons of trash from Junction City.

If possible, help the city plan for the event by pre-registering.

Volunteers are asked to pre-register with Cindy Sinklier by email at: Cindy.Sinklier@jcks.com. More information can be <a href="https://www.junctioncity-ks.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=105">found here</a>.

Operation Clean Sweep set for April in Junction City

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged scam.

Just after 3:30p.m. Thursday, officers filed a report for fraud in Manhattan. A 27-year-old man reported he was scammed by an unknown suspect into depositing a forged check and sending them the money online, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $1,350.&nbsp;Anyone with information can contact&nbsp;<a href="https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=353#">Crime Stoppers.</a>&nbsp;Using the Crime Stoppers service allows you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.&nbsp;

RCPD: Man lost $1,350 in scam with forged check

By JOHN MARSHALL AP Basketball Writer

LAS VEGAS — March has gone from madness to unprecedented.

With Miami's win over Houston and San Diego State's takedown of Alabama on Friday night, the men's NCAA Tournament will not have a No. 1 seed in the Elite Eight for the first time since seeding began in 1979.

"There's not a lot of difference between the best team in the country and the worst team in the country," San Diego State coach Brian Dutcher said. "You're seeing that on this stage."

Purdue, Kansas, Houston and Alabama are all gone, ensuring the Final Four will not have a No. 1 team for the first time since 2011 and the third overall. The four teams deemed by the NCAA to be the best in the country combined to win five tournament games this year, the fewest by three among No. 1 seeds since the field expanded to 64 teams in 1985.

Texas is the lone No. 2 seed remaining after bouncing Xavier out of the bracket 83-71 Friday night under interim coach Rodney Terry. The fewest combined No. 1-2 seeds in the Elite Eight before this year was two (three times).

How crazy has it been? The national title game is guaranteed to have at least one of these teams: San Diego State, Creighton, Florida Atlantic or Kansas State. The Aztecs, Bluejays and Owls have never been to the Elite Eight. The Wildcats were picked to finish last in the Big 12.

It's also a lock the winning coach will be a first-time champion.

"It's a lot of really good programs in the country that have lost — I mean, we could go down the list of them," Alabama coach Nate Oats said. "That's what makes the NCAA Tournament the NCAA Tournament. They're all good teams."

The madness started in the opening round of the East Region, when fairytale Fairleigh Dickinson wrecked brackets around the world by becoming the second No. 16 seed to beat a No. 1.

Arkansas was the next giant killer, taking down reigning national champion and West Region No. 1 seed Kansas in the second round.

The Sweet 16 turned sour on Friday for Alabama, the bracket's No. 1 overall seed. The Crimson Tide were no match for Dutcher's ball-and-body-hawking San Diego State Aztecs in a 71-64 South Region loss in Louisville, Kentucky. San Diego State is the first Mountain West Conference school to reach the Elite Eight.

Miami capped the No. 1 carnage in the Midwest Region by taking apart one of the nation's stingiest defenses in a 89-75 win over Houston in Kansas City, Missouri that had Hurricanes coach Jim Larranaga dancing in the locker room.

"Unfortunately, one off-night and you go home in this tournament," Cougars coach Kelvin Sampson said.

AP Sports Writer Josh Dubow contributed to this report.

Crazy Eight: No top seeds among last 8 in March Madness

SEATTLE –&nbsp;K-State held an eight-point lead at halftime on Friday night in the Super 16 of the 2023 Postseason WNIT, but Washington used the energy of its home crowd to secure a 55-48 win at Alaska Airlines Arena.

K-State (19-17) was led by senior Gabby Gregory and sophomore Serena Sundell with a combined 31 points. Gregory carded her 19th&nbsp;20-point game of the season with 21 points on 7-of-13 shooting including a 5-of-9 effort from beyond the arc while playing all 40 minutes.

Sundell tallied 10 points, six rebounds and four assists.

Washington (18-14), playing in front of 3,245 fans, was paced by the tandem of Dalayah Daniels and Trinity Oliver with 17 points each. The Huskies outscored the Wildcats, 38-23, in the second half.

K-State falls at Washington in WNIT Super 16

By TOM CANAVAN AP Sports Writer

NEW YORK — Florida Atlantic coach Dusty May had a hard time keeping his emotions in check as he spoke about Kansas State forward Keyontae Johnson.

May's near-tears had nothing to do with preparing his Owls (34-3) to face Johnson and the Wildcats (26-9) in the East Region final on Saturday night at Madison Square Garden with a trip to the Final Four on the line.

Johnson is a special person to May and his family.

As an assistant coach at Florida, May recruited Johnson, met his family and played a major part in getting him to join the Gators. May ended up leaving for the FAU job for the 2018-19 season.

Two year later, Johnson's life changed. During a game against Florida State on Dec. 12, 2020, he collapsed and was rushed to a hospital, where he spent three days in a medically induced coma. He sat out the rest of that season and all of the next, then transferred to Kansas State, where he began playing again this fall and became one of the most important players on a team that reached the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament.

The third-seeded Wildcats got there with a 98-93 overtime victory over Michigan State on Thursday night, with Johnson scoring 22 points and getting the go-ahead basket on a reverse dunk after taking an alley-oop pass from Markquis Nowell.

During the game, May said Johnson had noticed his family among the 19,624 fans in the crowd and smiled at them.

"I said, 'Why wouldn't he be cherishing every moment with what he's been through!'" May said. "To come back and play this game on this stage, there's no other way but embracing and enjoying every single moment. And he's obviously doing that."

Johnson said he spoke with at least three doctors when he considered returning to basketball. Two of them said he could play.

"So I just went with what the two doctors said and trusted in God and trusted my faith just with everything," he said Friday after practice. "Just my circle kept me positive and just kept me in an uplifted mood, and it just got me through a lot."

On the court, Johnson — who's averaging team-highs of 17.7 points and 6.9 rebounds — seems to be having a blast.

"I just always try to keep a positive energy around me, always let the guys see I'm happy," Johnson said. "I can't be blessed enough to be here, so just trying to enjoy life, enjoy the moment."

Johnson still had some concerns about his health when he started practicing again last summer. But as he ramped up his work, his stress levels eased and his trust in his doctors grew.

The one person worried at that point was first-year Kansas State coach Jerome Tang, who said Johnson had promised an answer about whether he planned join the Wildcats before the staff took a summer break.

Johnson then took a late visit to Nebraska and didn't decide to attend the school in Manhattan, Kansas, until just before the start of the year.

Johnson said his return serves as motivation for people looking to overcome adversity.

"I don't really think about it, I just go out there and play," Johnson said. "Everything happens for a reason, but I've just got my faith in God and I know he's going to lead the way and not fail me."

Johnson could apply for a medical redshirt that would give him another season at Kansas State, but he could also choose to go to the NBA.

"Basketball was almost taken away from me," he said, "so I go out there to have fun and show my teammates the love and joy that I have for them."

K-State's Keyontae Johnson thriving 2 years after collapse

By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports Writer

Guardians ace Shane Bieber was musing about Cleveland manager <a href="https://apnews.com/article/mlb-sports-baseball-cleveland-guardians-terry-francona-5ac553a2cc1c52b1e97956e1dc00d413">Terry Francona's importance</a>
 to the club earlier this spring when he made a somewhat surprising 
acknowledgement of what baseball's youngest team had done a year ago.

“We kind of maximized our input,” Bieber said, “and our output.”

Indeed,
 that young bunch of Guardians rolled to the AL Central title by a 
whopping 11 games last season. They did it by relying on one of the best
 bullpens in baseball, crafty hitting and speed on the basepaths, and 
some wisdom from their 63-year-old manager, who heads into a new year 
feeling good after a series of serious health concerns.

"Just him being in the clubhouse, it breeds confidence," Guardians outfielder Steven Kwan said.

The
 Guardians return largely intact, poised to defend their title in an 
otherwise down division, though with some extra pop in the lineup with 
the arrival of <a href="https://apnews.com/article/mlb-sports-cleveland-new-york-yankees-josh-naylor-cb1b1c0a05da520e9e98b81bd06b8f65">switch-hitter Josh Bell</a>
 and catcher Mike Zunino. Bieber again tops the rotation, while Jose 
Ramirez should finally be at his best for Cleveland after dealing with a
 thumb injury much of last season.

“The way we played last year, 
we had to play a pretty clean game,” Francona said. “If that’s the way 
it is, I’m OK with that. Just know that if someone hits a three-run 
homer every once in a while, it makes it easier.

“Sometimes you 
can outslug some mistakes,” added Francona, who is beginning his 11th 
season in Cleveland. “We didn’t have that ability last year and I didn’t
 mind it because it’s a fun way to play, but it’s a demanding way to 
play.”

1. Cleveland Guardians. Their dream 
season a year ago, which included a wild-card win over Tampa Bay, ended 
with a loss to the Yankees in the divisional round. But the arrival of 
Bell and Zunino, and help from top prospects Bo Naylor and George Valera
 at some point this season, could have Cleveland in the mix for its 
first World Series title since 1948.

2. Minnesota Twins. The return of Carlos Correa on a <a href="https://apnews.com/article/carlos-correa-twins-mets-giants-physical-explainer-271a482bcf7c704282cfb94f1ccb68c1">club-record $200 million contract</a>
 signals the Twins, who led the division for 108 days before fading 
badly, aren't planning to give up easily. It would help their cause if 
lineup mainstays Byron Buxton, Jose Miranda and Jorge Polanco can stay 
healthy.

3. Chicago White Sox. After one of the most disappointing
 seasons in recent memory, Tony La Russa headed off into retirement and 
the White Sox hired longtime Royals coach <a href="https://apnews.com/article/mlb-sports-chicago-white-sox-coaching-cbc40207fc7c82a8ac2c161c478ebf6f">Pedro Grifol</a>
 as their new manager. He has work ahead of him after Jose Abreu, their 
biggest star, signed a three-year deal with Houston last November.

4. Detroit Tigers. The <a href="https://apnews.com/article/mlb-sports-miguel-cabrera-detroit-bf2b6a9859d67dac7eb3c3ed54f376ec">last go-around for Miguel Cabrera</a>
 could be a bumpy one. AJ Hinch is back as the manager with new GM Scott
 Harris calling the shots in the front office, but the club hasn't had a
 winning season since 2016 and are a longshot to end that streak. Riley 
Greene and Spencer Torkelson at least provide hope for the future.

5.
 Kansas City Royals. The Royals fired GM Dayton Moore late last season, 
giving the job to his longtime understudy JJ Picollo, and hired Matt 
Quatraro from the Rays to replace fired manage Mike Matheny. But when it
 comes to the roster, little has changed from a team that went 65-97 and
 finished last a year ago.

Cabrera is 
coming off the worst year of his Hall of Fame-caliber career, hitting 
just .254 with five homers and 43 RBIs in 112 games for Detroit. But 
while Cabrera, who turns 40 in April, no doubt hopes to have a big final
 year, the truth is no matter how much he struggles, fans are going to 
head to the ballpark to see the two-time MVP one last time.

“I’m going to go out there and be me," Cabrera said earlier this spring. "If I can hit, I want to be in the lineup.”

Naylor
 and Valera are two of the division's top prospects, but the Guardians' 
duo are hardly the only ones that could make a splash this season. The 
White Sox have high expectations for 24-year-old Cuban outfielder Oscar 
Colas; the Twins are hopeful that second baseman Edouard Julien can 
build off a dominant performance at Double-A and shortstop Royce Lewis 
can return from a torn ACL at some point this season; and the Royals 
could see the midseason arrival of outfielder Tyler Gentry.

Perhaps
 a couple of those hot prospects can follow in the footsteps of Kwan, 
who finished third in voting for AL rookie of the year, and Royals 
infielder Bobby Witt Jr., who finished right behind him in fourth last 
season.

AL Central Preview: Guardians try defending lackluster division

By TOM CANAVAN AP Sports Writer

NEW YORK (AP) — Markquis Nowell broke the NCAA Tournament record for assists in a game with 19, his last two on spectacular passes in the final minute of overtime, and Kansas State beat Michigan State 98-93 on Thursday night in a Sweet 16 thriller at Madison Square Garden.

Playing in his hometown and fighting through a second-half ankle injury, Nowell found Keyontae Johnson for a reverse alley-oop with 58 seconds left in OT to give the Wildcats (26-9) the lead for good in this back-and-forth East Region semifinal. He then threw an inbound pass to Ismael Massoud, who knocked down a jumper with 15 seconds left for a 96-93 lead.

With Michigan State needing a 3 to tie, Nowell stole the ball from the Spartans' Tyson Walker and drove for a clinching layup at the buzzer. The 5-foot-8, Harlem-raised Nowell finished with 20 points and five steals in a signature performance at basketball's most famous arena that drew tweets of praise from&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/PatrickMahomes/status/1639055465060474880">Patrick Mahomes</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/KDTrey5/status/1639071625432936448">Kevin Durant</a>.

“That was a legendary display of controlling a basketball game Markquis,” Durant tweeted.

Johnson scored 22 points for the No. 3 seed Wildcats, who will face either fourth-seeded Tennessee or ninth-seeded Florida Atlantic on Saturday as they seek the program's first Final Four berth since 1964.

A.J. Hoggard scored a career-high 25 points for seventh-seeded Michigan State (21-13). Joey Hauser added 18 points and Walker had 16, including a layup with 5 seconds left in regulation that forced the first overtime of this year's NCAA Tournament.

UNLV's Mark Wade had the previous NCAA tourney assists record with 18 during the Runnin' Rebels 1987 Final Four win over Indiana.

Nowell turned his ankle early in the second half, was helped off the court and had it taped. Michigan State took the lead with him sidelined, and when he returned, he pushed off the ankle&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/MarchMadnessMBB/status/1639055043642163201">to bank in a 3-pointer that beat the shot clock</a>&nbsp;and tied the game at 55-all.

🏀 Nowell breaks NCAA assist record, KSU beats MSU in OT

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — KU forward Zach Clemence is the third Jayhawk to enter the transfer portal. Cam Martin and Bobby Petitford are also looking to leave. 

Clemence played in 20 games this past season and hit double figures once against Oklahoma.

Once an athlete's name is entered in the database, coaches and staff from other schools are permitted to make contact with the athlete to inquire about their interest in visiting the campus and accepting a scholarship.

Three KU basketball players in transfer portal

The Lady Jays youth softball clinic is scheduled for 9 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 1. There is no cost and participants will receive $5 off fees for any summer camp offered by Junction City softball.

The youth camp is offered to third- through eighth-graders and will be held at Cleary Park Softball Fields, 1002 W. 11th.

To register, click <a href="https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=2pNwzRMrok2198ZQP0iNs8rzUkhFWqREvRS5DVcWAjpUM05ZUEFSQUZHTVpOMDVXSDYzVUg2VFJHTS4u&amp;fbclid=IwAR3y0mOJXxN1FLpSxudy9D5zo9HTu-SpIRbCpu4Iuwd6knjjrHLwHwHE5iw">HERE</a>.

2023 Lady Jays youth softball camp is right around the corner

By RALPH D. RUSSO AP College Sports Writer

NEW YORK — Stories of New York City point guards have an almost mythical quality.

There are Hall of Famers and trailblazers such as Bob Cousy and Nate "Tiny" Archibald. In the 1980s, Kenny Smith and Kenny Anderson followed a similar path — from the same Catholic high school in Queens to the Atlantic Coast Conference to the NBA.

From Pearl Washington to Mark Jackson, Stephon Marbury to Sue Bird, tenacious players forged by rugged games played at the famous courts at Rucker Park and West Fourth Street are a part of basketball lore.

And while New York City high schools haven't been pumping out stars in recent years the way they used to, three of the four teams that have reached the NCAA Tournament's East Regional at Madison Square Garden have point guards with Big Apple backgrounds.

Michigan State's Tyson Walker and Kansas State's Markquis Nowell will renew their acquaintance in the Sweet 16 when the seventh-seeded Spartans (21-12) face the third-seeded Wildcats (25-9) on Thursday night.

"I grew up playing in parks with him," Nowell said. "I just want to give a big shoutout to New York City for breeding tough and gritty guards and just give him a shoutout."

The other point guard who's making a homecoming this week will only be able to watch his team at The Garden. No. 4 seed Tennessee managed to reach the second weekend of the tournament without the injured Zakai Zeigler, who blew out his left knee on Feb. 28.

"I had no doubt in my mind that we were going to be here in this situation," said Zeigler, who grew up on Long Island and finished his high school career in the Bronx. "So now that I'm back here and I can have some pizza, I feel great."

The Volunteers (25-10) face ninth-seeded FAU (33-3) in the late game of the doubleheader.

The 5-foot-8 Nowell became one of the breakout stars of this NCAA Tournament when he went off for 27 points in a second-round victory against Kentucky.

Nowell, whose Twitter handle is @MrNewYorkCityy and is @mr.newyorkcity on Instagram, grew up in Harlem, attended high school in the Bronx and went to college at Arkansas Little-Rock before transferring to Manhattan — Kansas, that is.

"I made a promise to myself back when I was in high school that I was going to do anything and everything in my power to be the best player that came out of New York," Nowell said. "So I kind of keep that edge and that kind of just reminds me every day that I wake up that I still have more work to do. Guys like Carmelo (Anthony), Bernard King and all the greats came out of New York, so that just keeps me grounded and keeps me working hard."

Ask Nowell about the New York City point guards he idolized in high school and he brings up the Mavericks' Kemba Walker, who led UConn to a national championship and was a first-round pick in the NBA draft in 2011, and the Pelicans' Jose Alvarado, who played at Georgia Tech.

Alvarado went to Christ the King High School in Queens, a power in both boys and girls basketball that also produced Bird and the Spartans' Walker.

Like Nowell, Walker started his college career at a mid-major (Northeastern) and transferred after two seasons to Michigan State in 2021.

According to 247 Sports rankings, the last top-30 national recruit to come from a New York City high school was Moses Brown, a 7-footer who went to UCLA from Archbishop Molloy, where Smith and Anderson starred in the '80s.

"Are we as good as we once was? Well, if you take away all the kids that grew up in New York that go to prep school outside of New York ... and consider them New York, yes, we are," said Cardozo High School coach Ron Neclario, the winningest NYC public school coach ever. "Do we have as many high, high, high majors? Maybe not, but we have plenty of low-majors. We have plenty of mid-majors."

Where Nowell leans into his New York roots, Walker takes a low-key approach.

"Just got to be tough. Got a different type of finesse with you," he said.

Walker was also a difference-maker in the second round of the tournament, scoring 23 points to lead Michigan State past second-seeded Marquette.

"I think sometimes the New York swagger is a very cocky swagger, and sometimes that's good," Michigan State coach Tom Izzo said. "He's kind of had the happy medium. He's got enough cockiness to be confident, and yet he's an unbelievable kid."

Izzo joked after beating Marquette about how Walker owed him cab ride and a slice of pizza for helping him earn a trip home.

"Got me my pizza last night," Izzo said. "I'm looking for the cab ride today."

Nowell is one of four Kansas State players from the New York area, along with Tykei Greene, Nae'Qwan Tomlin and Ismael Massoud. None has ever played at The Garden, only dreamed about it.

"I had my big brother, my father, my uncles working me out every day for a moment like this," Nowell said. "Standing here, being here at Madison Square Garden."

🏀 NYC guards lead Wildcats, Spartans to Sweet 16 in MSG

By DENNIS WASZAK Jr. AP Pro Football Writer

The New York Jets and former Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman agreed to terms on a one-year deal Wednesday, according to a person with knowledge of the contract.

The speedy and versatile Hardman gives the Jets and new offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett another playmaker on what could be a much-improved offense.

The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the Jets hadn't announced the agreement. ESPN first reported Hardman and the Jets agreed to terms on a contract. Financial terms weren't immediately available, but NFL Network reported it could be worth up to $6.5 million.

The 25-year-old Hardman spent his first four seasons with the Chiefs after being a second-round draft pick out of Georgia in 2019. He has 151 catches for 2,088 yards and 16 touchdowns in his career and has rushed 20 times for 125 yards and two scores.

Hardman also adds value on special teams. He has averaged 9.0 yards on punt returns and 23.8 yards on kickoffs — with one touchdown return on each during his career.

With Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers saying last week he intends to play for the Jets this season and the teams continuing to work out details, New York has added a couple of playmaking pieces on offense.

Along with Hardman, the Jets also signed former Packers wide receiver Allen Lazard to a four-year, $44 million deal last week. The addition of Hardman made fellow wide receiver Elijah Moore expendable.

New York traded Moore and the No. 74 pick in this year's draft to Cleveland for the 42nd overall selection, according to a person with knowledge of the deal. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the deal has not been finalized, but the Jets will have three of the top 50 picks in the draft next month: Nos. 13, 42 and 43.

One or more of those picks could factor in a potential trade for Rodgers.

The Jets still have a deep wide receiver room with AP Offensive Rookie of the Year Garrett Wilson, Corey Davis and Denzel Mims on the roster, to go along with Hardman and Lazard.

Hardman played in only eight regular-season games last season because of an abdominal injury. He returned for the AFC championship game and had two catches for 10 yards and rushed twice for 7 yards before reinjuring his abdomen. Hardman sat out the Chiefs' Super Bowl victory over the Philadelphia Eagles.

NOTES: The Jets announced they have re-signed FB Nick Bawden, who spent last season on injured reserve after being hurt in training camp. ... New York also made its signing of former Ravens OL Trystan Colon official.

AP Sports Writer Tom Withers contributed.

🏈 AP source: Jets, WR Mecole Hardman agree on 1-year deal

By RONALD BLUM AP Baseball Writer

MIAMI — Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout had dreamed of this moment, along with millions of fans throughout Japan and the United States: the two biggest stars on the planet, longtime teammates, facing each other at 60 feet, 6 inches, the world title at stake.

And then Ohtani got Trout to swing under a slider on the outside corner, sealing Japan's 3-2 win Tuesday night and its first World Baseball Classic title since 2009.

"This is the best moment in my life," Ohtani said through a translator.

Ohtani, the two-way star who has captivated fans across two continents, was voted MVP of the WBC after batting .435 with one homer, four doubles, eight RBIs and 10 walks while going 2-0 with a save and a 1.86 ERA on the mound, striking out 11 in 9 2/3 innings.

"I think every baseball fan wanted to see that. I've been answering questions about it for the last month-and a-half," said Trout, Ohtani's Los Angeles Angels teammate since 2018.

"Did you think it was going to end in any other way?"

Watching the eighth and ninth innings unfold, Japan first baseman Kazuma Okamoto was in disbelief.

"I thought it was like a Manga," he said through an interpreter, referring to a Japanese comic book.

U.S. manager Mark DeRosa savored the matchup — except for the ending.

"I just would have liked to have seen Mike hit a 500-foot homer," he said.

Ohtani had given a pregame pep talk in Japan's clubhouse.

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