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

The Junction City boys and girls varsity basketball teams hit the road on Friday night for their first of five straight road games. The Blue Jays and Lady Jays played at Topeka Hayden High School. The two teams split the doubleheader, with Hayden winning the girls game and Junction City winning the boys game.

Girls recap - Topeka Hayden 61, Junction City 23

The Wildcats of Topeka Hayden won the opening tip and jumped out to an early five-point lead, but Junction City was battling early. The Lady Jays had back-to-back baskets to cut the lead down to one, trailing 9-8. JCHS forced back-to-back turnovers but could not convert to take the lead. Hayden quickly responded and then ended the first quarter on a 10-0 run. The Wildcats led 19-8 at the end of the first quarter and then just poured it on for the rest of the game. Topeka Hayden won the game 61-23 and improved to 13-4 on the year.

*One of the bright spots for Junction City was sophomore Laniyah Warmack. She scored in double digits, leading the team with 10 points and several steals. Laniyah Warmack was named our Blu Restaurant Player of the Game. (For being our Blu Restaurant Player of the Game, Laniyah receives a $20 free meal coupon voucher to Blu Restaurant in Junction City, located at 602 N. Washington St.)

Boys recap - Junction City 76, Topeka Hayden 56

Basketball is always referred to as a game of runs. That would accurately depict the first two minutes of the boys game on Friday night. Junction City junior Khaliel Walker scored the first five points of the game. Quickly, the Wildcats responded with a 5-0 run to tie the game at 5-5. Then again, Junction City responded with another 5-0 run to jump back in front, 10-5. The Blue Jays dominated the rest of first quarter, capped off with a right-wing three-pointer by Lovell Autry as time expired. The Blue Jays led 27-11 at the end of the first quarter.

In second-quarter action, Hayden came alive. Their senior big man (and KU football commit) Connor Hanika settled in, as well as their guards, who knocked down some three-pointers late in the first half to cut the deficit to single digits. Junction City quickly responded and led by 11, 34-23 at the half.

Third-quarter action is when the Blue Jays really took control. Senior guard Lovell Autry took over and scored several shots near the basket. Guard Jaycen Lanier and Jett Thompson both added three-pointers, and junior Brody Boeckman dominated the glass with several putbacks within four feet of the rim. JCHS led 60-39 after three quarters.

In the fourth, Junction City was able to put several young players in and mostly empty their bench. The Blue Jays won the game 76-56 and improved to 9-7 on the season. Four players scored in double digits. Autry had 20, Boeckman 15, and Walker and Thompson both added 11 points.

*Our Blu Restaurant Player of the Game was junior Khaliel Walker. He connected on three three-pointers and took two charges, along with playing great defense throughout the whole game. (For being our Blu Restaurant Player of the Game, Khaliel receives a $20 free meal coupon voucher to Blu Restaurant in Junction City, located at 602 N. Washington St.)

Both Junction City boys and girls teams will play at Emporia High on Tuesday.

By Anthony GorgesJC PostThe Junction City boys and girls varsity basketball teams hit the road on Friday night for their first of five straight road games. The Blue Jays and Lady Jays played at Topeka Hayden High School. The two teams split the doubleheader, with Hayden winning the girls game and Junction City winning the boys game.Girls recap - Topeka Hayden 61, Junction City 23The Wildcats of Topeka Hayden won the opening tip and jumped out to an early five-point lead, but Junction City was battling early. The Lady Jays had back-to-back baskets to cut the lead down to one, trailing 9-8. JCHS forced back-to-back turnovers but could not convert to take the lead. Hayden quickly responded and then ended the first quarter on a 10-0 run. The Wildcats led 19-8 at the end of the first quarter and then just poured it on for the rest of the game. Topeka Hayden won the game 61-23 and improved to 13-4 on the year.*One of the bright spots for Junction City was sophomore Laniyah Warmack. She scored in double digits, leading the team with 10 points and several steals. Laniyah Warmack was named our Blu Restaurant Player of the Game. (For being our Blu Restaurant Player of the Game, Laniyah receives a $20 free meal coupon voucher to Blu Restaurant in Junction City, located at 602 N. Washington St.)Boys recap - Junction City 76, Topeka Hayden 56Basketball is always referred to as a game of runs. That would accurately depict the first two minutes of the boys game on Friday night. Junction City junior Khaliel Walker scored the first five points of the game. Quickly, the Wildcats responded with a 5-0 run to tie the game at 5-5. Then again, Junction City responded with another 5-0 run to jump back in front, 10-5. The Blue Jays dominated the rest of first quarter, capped off with a right-wing three-pointer by Lovell Autry as time expired. The Blue Jays led 27-11 at the end of the first quarter.In second-quarter action, Hayden came alive. Their senior big man (and KU football commit) Connor Hanika settled in, as well as their guards, who knocked down some three-pointers late in the first half to cut the deficit to single digits. Junction City quickly responded and led by 11, 34-23 at the half.Third-quarter action is when the Blue Jays really took control. Senior guard Lovell Autry took over and scored several shots near the basket. Guard Jaycen Lanier and Jett Thompson both added three-pointers, and junior Brody Boeckman dominated the glass with several putbacks within four feet of the rim. JCHS led 60-39 after three quarters.In the fourth, Junction City was able to put several young players in and mostly empty their bench. The Blue Jays won the game 76-56 and improved to 9-7 on the season. Four players scored in double digits. Autry had 20, Boeckman 15, and Walker and Thompson both added 11 points.*Our Blu Restaurant Player of the Game was junior Khaliel Walker. He connected on three three-pointers and took two charges, along with playing great defense throughout the whole game. (For being our Blu Restaurant Player of the Game, Khaliel receives a $20 free meal coupon voucher to Blu Restaurant in Junction City, located at 602 N. Washington St.)Both Junction City boys and girls teams will play at Emporia High on Tuesday.

Lady Jays fall to Topeka Hayden, Blue Jays win by 20

The Junction City Blue Jays and Lady Jays hit the road for their next five games. The first road game is tonight at Topeka Hayden High School.&nbsp;

You can listen live to the game on 107.9 FM / 1420 AM KJCK Radio. You can also l<a href="https://streamdb9web.securenetsystems.net/cirrusencore/KJCKAM">isten live by clicking here.&nbsp;</a>

Girls will tip-off at 6:30 p.m., and the boys will follow. In girls action, Junction City is 2-13, Topeka Hayden is 12-4.&nbsp;

Boys action, Junction City is 8-7, and Hayden is 8-8.&nbsp;

The Junction City Blue Jays and Lady Jays hit the road for their next five games. The first road game is tonight at Topeka Hayden High School.&nbsp;You can listen live to the game on 107.9 FM / 1420 AM KJCK Radio. You can also l<a href="https://streamdb9web.securenetsystems.net/cirrusencore/KJCKAM">isten live by clicking here.&nbsp;</a>Girls will tip-off at 6:30 p.m., and the boys will follow. In girls action, Junction City is 2-13, Topeka Hayden is 12-4.&nbsp;Boys action, Junction City is 8-7, and Hayden is 8-8.&nbsp;

LISTEN LIVE: Blue Jays begin road trip Playing at Topeka Hayden

Four Junction City High School Blue Jay football players signed their National Letters of Intent (NLI) on Wednesday afternoon at Junction City High School. Each athlete has now committed and signed to play college football this coming fall.

Jackson Hollie – Kansas State University, Manhattan


Jamarcus Tyson – William Jewell University, Liberty, Missouri


J’Sean Green – Kansas Wesleyan University, Salina


Kingston Timms – Butler Community College, El Dorado

Junction City High School head football coach Randall Zimmerman spoke about the four student-athletes before they signed. “These are great kids that have been raised the right way,” Coach Zimmerman said. “They are tremendous leaders in our community.”

Several students from Junction City High School were in attendance, including many football players from this year’s JCHS team. Zimmerman addressed the younger athletes in attendance, encouraging them to follow the examples set by the four signees. “These are great examples for you younger guys to follow,” Zimmerman said. “Watch them in the classroom, watch them in the hallways, watch them in the weight room, and watch how they go about their everyday lives. Then mimic it. If you do that, you’ll be in great shape.” *In the 2025 football season, Junction City went 7-3 and won the Centennial League.&nbsp;

Many family members and friends were in attendance at the Signing Day ceremony. Each player thanked their family, coaches, and the Junction City community for supporting them from the beginning.

Following each player signing their National Letter of Intent, family members were called to the stage to take photos with their student-athletes. Below are more photos from the Signing Day ceremony.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770244564822.jpeg" alt="Four Blue Jay Players sign Letters of Intent - Pictured left to right - Jackson Hollie, Jamarcus Tyson, J'Sean Green, and Kingston Timms." />
 <figcaption>Four Blue Jay Players sign Letters of Intent - Pictured left to right - Jackson Hollie, Jamarcus Tyson, J'Sean Green, and Kingston Timms.</figcaption>
 </figure>By Anthony GorgesJC PostFour Junction City High School Blue Jay football players signed their National Letters of Intent (NLI) on Wednesday afternoon at Junction City High School. Each athlete has now committed and signed to play college football this coming fall.Jackson Hollie – Kansas State University, Manhattan
Jamarcus Tyson – William Jewell University, Liberty, Missouri
J’Sean Green – Kansas Wesleyan University, Salina
Kingston Timms – Butler Community College, El DoradoJunction City High School head football coach Randall Zimmerman spoke about the four student-athletes before they signed. “These are great kids that have been raised the right way,” Coach Zimmerman said. “They are tremendous leaders in our community.”Several students from Junction City High School were in attendance, including many football players from this year’s JCHS team. Zimmerman addressed the younger athletes in attendance, encouraging them to follow the examples set by the four signees. “These are great examples for you younger guys to follow,” Zimmerman said. “Watch them in the classroom, watch them in the hallways, watch them in the weight room, and watch how they go about their everyday lives. Then mimic it. If you do that, you’ll be in great shape.” *In the 2025 football season, Junction City went 7-3 and won the Centennial League.&nbsp;Many family members and friends were in attendance at the Signing Day ceremony. Each player thanked their family, coaches, and the Junction City community for supporting them from the beginning.Following each player signing their National Letter of Intent, family members were called to the stage to take photos with their student-athletes. Below are more photos from the Signing Day ceremony.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770244505470.jpeg" alt=" " />
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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770245121994.jpeg" alt="" />
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Four Junction City High School Football Players sign National Letter of Intent to play College Football

&nbsp;The Junction City High School boys wrestling team won The Junction City Invitational Wrestling Tournament on Saturday at the Blue Jay Event Center. The tournament victory marks the Blue Jays’ third consecutive tournament win this season.

Junction City wrapped up the regular season with a 16-4 record in duals, and is currently ranked No. 9 in Class 6A.

The JCHS boys team had several individual performances during the tournament, with the following wrestlers earning top-four finishes in their respective weight classes:

The Junction City girls wrestling team placed third at their home tournament and crowned two first-place finishers.

Tournament champions for the Blue Jays were Bre Villanueva (115 lbs.) and Elizabeth Edgergton-Diaz (130 lbs.).

Additional placers included Shalina Hicks, who finished third at 190 lbs., and Miracle Simon, who earned a fourth-place finish at 135 lbs. Ammy Ngircheungel also placed fourth at 170 lbs.

*The Junction City High School boys and girls wrestling teams will return to action this Saturday for the Centennial League Wrestling Tournament at Washburn Rural. Wrestling begins at 9:00 a.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770154489711.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By Anthony Gorges&nbsp;JC Post&nbsp;The Junction City High School boys wrestling team won The Junction City Invitational Wrestling Tournament on Saturday at the Blue Jay Event Center. The tournament victory marks the Blue Jays’ third consecutive tournament win this season.Junction City wrapped up the regular season with a 16-4 record in duals, and is currently ranked No. 9 in Class 6A.The JCHS boys team had several individual performances during the tournament, with the following wrestlers earning top-four finishes in their respective weight classes:<ul>
 <li>106 lbs: Colden Blockcolsky (27-5), 1st place
</li><li>113 lbs: Riley Luckenbill (27-6), 4th place
</li><li>126 lbs: Jayden Melton (28-5), 2nd place
</li><li>132 lbs: Gavin Sieker (8-13), 4th place
</li><li>138 lbs: Ka’yun Herring (19-8), 1st place
</li><li>157 lbs: Tyler Proietti (20-11), 2nd place
</li><li>165 lbs: Cody Owens (21-10), 3rd place
</li><li>190 lbs: Christian Simmers (29-4), 3rd place
</li><li>215 lbs: Chris Coy (20-5), 2nd place
</li><li>285 lbs: Avery Florence (16-10), 4th place
</li>
 </ul>Girls Wrestling ResultsThe Junction City girls wrestling team placed third at their home tournament and crowned two first-place finishers.Tournament champions for the Blue Jays were Bre Villanueva (115 lbs.) and Elizabeth Edgergton-Diaz (130 lbs.).Additional placers included Shalina Hicks, who finished third at 190 lbs., and Miracle Simon, who earned a fourth-place finish at 135 lbs. Ammy Ngircheungel also placed fourth at 170 lbs.*The Junction City High School boys and girls wrestling teams will return to action this Saturday for the Centennial League Wrestling Tournament at Washburn Rural. Wrestling begins at 9:00 a.m.

Junction City Boys Win Junction City Invitational, Girls Place 3rd

LUBBOCK, Texas (AP) — Kansas freshman Darryn Peterson scored 19 points, including two 3-pointers in the final 1:20 for his only field goals of the second half, and the 11th-ranked Jayhawks overcame a late nine-point deficit to beat No. 13 Texas Tech 64-61 on Monday night.

Peterson, who played a season-high 35 minutes, hit a 3 from the right corner with 1:20 left to tie the game at 61. His next one, with 44 seconds remaining, put the Jayhawks (17-5, 7-2 Big 12) ahead to stay in their sixth consecutive win.

The Red Raiders (16-6, 6-3), playing without starting point guard Christian Anderson, had a 59-50 lead with 6:05 to go after a jumper by LeJuan Watts. But they made only one of their last 12 shots while Kansas closed on a 14-2 run.

Melvin Council Jr. had 16 points, Flory Bidunga scored 14 and Bryson Tiller grabbed 10 rebounds for Kansas.

Watts had 19 points and 12 rebounds to lead Texas Tech, which beat Kansas in each of the previous two seasons under coach Grant McCasland after never before winning consecutive games in the 53-game series. The Red Raiders had been 11-0 at home this season.

Donovan Atwell had 12 points on four 3s for Texas Tech, including bookend 3s during an 11-0 run early in the second half for a six-point lead.

Anderson, who averages 19.6 points per game and leads the Big 12 with 7.5 assists, missed the game because of illness. He was in uniform and was riding a stationary bicycle early in the second half, but never played.

Texas Tech visits West Virginia on Sunday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770119610569.jpeg" alt="Kansas guard Darryn Peterson looks to pass the ball during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Texas Tech, Monday, Feb. 2, 2026, in Lubbock, Texas. (AP Photo/Annie Rice)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas guard Darryn Peterson looks to pass the ball during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Texas Tech, Monday, Feb. 2, 2026, in Lubbock, Texas. (AP Photo/Annie Rice)</figcaption>
 </figure>LUBBOCK, Texas (AP) — Kansas freshman Darryn Peterson scored 19 points, including two 3-pointers in the final 1:20 for his only field goals of the second half, and the 11th-ranked Jayhawks overcame a late nine-point deficit to beat No. 13 Texas Tech 64-61 on Monday night.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Nice with it <a href="https://t.co/ZwTWvG212F">pic.twitter.com/ZwTWvG212F</a>&mdash; Kansas Men’s Basketball (@KUHoops) <a href="https://twitter.com/KUHoops/status/2018561094818890202?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Peterson, who played a season-high 35 minutes, hit a 3 from the right corner with 1:20 left to tie the game at 61. His next one, with 44 seconds remaining, put the Jayhawks (17-5, 7-2 Big 12) ahead to stay in their sixth consecutive win.The Red Raiders (16-6, 6-3), playing without starting point guard Christian Anderson, had a 59-50 lead with 6:05 to go after a jumper by LeJuan Watts. But they made only one of their last 12 shots while Kansas closed on a 14-2 run.Melvin Council Jr. had 16 points, Flory Bidunga scored 14 and Bryson Tiller grabbed 10 rebounds for Kansas.Watts had 19 points and 12 rebounds to lead Texas Tech, which beat Kansas in each of the previous two seasons under coach Grant McCasland after never before winning consecutive games in the 53-game series. The Red Raiders had been 11-0 at home this season.Donovan Atwell had 12 points on four 3s for Texas Tech, including bookend 3s during an 11-0 run early in the second half for a six-point lead.Anderson, who averages 19.6 points per game and leads the Big 12 with 7.5 assists, missed the game because of illness. He was in uniform and was riding a stationary bicycle early in the second half, but never played.<h2>Up next</h2>Kansas hosts Utah on Saturday.Texas Tech visits West Virginia on Sunday.

🏀 Darryn Peterson hits two late 3s as KU wins at Texas Tech

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Joshua Jefferson scored 19 points to lead five players in double figures as No. 8 Iowa beat Kansas State 95-61 on Sunday.

The Cyclones (20-2, 7-2 Big 12 Conference) got 18 points from Milan Momcilovic, 16 from Tamin Lipsey, 13 from Killyan Toure and 11 from Nate Heise en route to their fourth consecutive win.

They handed the Wildcats (10-12, 1-8 Big 12) their worst loss under coach Jerome Tang, who was hired ahead of the 2023 season.

Iowa State used two big runs in the first half to build a 29-point lead at the break. The second was a suffocating 25-4 run that covered nearly five minutes.

The Cyclones held the Wildcats to a season-low 21 points in the first half. The Wildcats shot just 31% from the field and matched their largest halftime deficit of the season. It swelled to 39 points in the second half.

P.J. Haggerty led Kansas State with 23 points and nine rebounds. Since transferring from Memphis, Haggerty has scored in double digits in all 22 of Kansas State’s games this season.

David Castillo added 11 points, including a 4-of-10 performance beyond the arc, for the Wildcats.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1769989774899.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Joshua Jefferson scored 19 points to lead five players in double figures as No. 8 Iowa beat Kansas State 95-61 on Sunday.The Cyclones (20-2, 7-2 Big 12 Conference) got 18 points from Milan Momcilovic, 16 from Tamin Lipsey, 13 from Killyan Toure and 11 from Nate Heise en route to their fourth consecutive win.They handed the Wildcats (10-12, 1-8 Big 12) their worst loss under coach Jerome Tang, who was hired ahead of the 2023 season.Iowa State used two big runs in the first half to build a 29-point lead at the break. The second was a suffocating 25-4 run that covered nearly five minutes.The Cyclones held the Wildcats to a season-low 21 points in the first half. The Wildcats shot just 31% from the field and matched their largest halftime deficit of the season. It swelled to 39 points in the second half.P.J. Haggerty led Kansas State with 23 points and nine rebounds. Since transferring from Memphis, Haggerty has scored in double digits in all 22 of Kansas State’s games this season.David Castillo added 11 points, including a 4-of-10 performance beyond the arc, for the Wildcats.<h2>Up next</h2>Kansas State: Visits TCU on Saturday.Iowa State: Hosts Baylor on Saturday.

🏀 K-State suffers 34-point loss to No. 8 Iowa State

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Darryn Peterson scored 18 points in 20 minutes and No. 14 Kansas beat No. 13 BYU 90-82 on Saturday in the 1,000th game played at historic Allen Fieldhouse.

Bryson Tiller had career-high 21 points and seven rebounds for Kansas (16-5, 6-2 Big 12).

Although the Jayhawks led by as many as 21 points, BYU stayed within striking distance in the second half, cutting the lead to six as the clock ticked under two minutes to go. Kansas outscored the Cougars 8-4 in the final minute to withstand the late rally.

Richie Saunders scored a career-high 33 for BYU (17-4, 5-3). His six three-pointers tied a career-high.

Kansas carried a 20-point lead into halftime, shooting 64.3% from the field. That included 18 points from Peterson and the Jayhawks made 9 of 12 from beyond the arc.

BYU freshman AJ Dybantsa, who entered the game averaging a nation-leading 23.6 points, went without a shot until the 11:24 mark in the first half. Dybantsa scored his first basket with 7:22 left in the period, ending a 13-0 run by the Jayhawks with a 3-pointer. He finished with 17 points.

Excitement about the matchup between top prospects Peterson and Dybantsa fizzled when Peterson exited the game a little more than 3 1/2 minutes into the second half. He missed Kansas’ previous game with an ankle sprain and has been limited to just 11 appearances, battling hamstring and calf injuries.

Kansas: Plays Monday at No.11 Texas Tech.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769912256749.jpeg" alt="Kansas guard Darryn Peterson (22) reacts after scoring a three-point basket during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against BYU, Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, in Lawrence, Kan. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas guard Darryn Peterson (22) reacts after scoring a three-point basket during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against BYU, Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, in Lawrence, Kan. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Darryn Peterson scored 18 points in 20 minutes and No. 14 Kansas beat No. 13 BYU 90-82 on Saturday in the 1,000th game played at historic Allen Fieldhouse.Bryson Tiller had career-high 21 points and seven rebounds for Kansas (16-5, 6-2 Big 12).Although the Jayhawks led by as many as 21 points, BYU stayed within striking distance in the second half, cutting the lead to six as the clock ticked under two minutes to go. Kansas outscored the Cougars 8-4 in the final minute to withstand the late rally.Richie Saunders scored a career-high 33 for BYU (17-4, 5-3). His six three-pointers tied a career-high.Kansas carried a 20-point lead into halftime, shooting 64.3% from the field. That included 18 points from Peterson and the Jayhawks made 9 of 12 from beyond the arc.BYU freshman AJ Dybantsa, who entered the game averaging a nation-leading 23.6 points, went without a shot until the 11:24 mark in the first half. Dybantsa scored his first basket with 7:22 left in the period, ending a 13-0 run by the Jayhawks with a 3-pointer. He finished with 17 points.Excitement about the matchup between top prospects Peterson and Dybantsa fizzled when Peterson exited the game a little more than 3 1/2 minutes into the second half. He missed Kansas’ previous game with an ankle sprain and has been limited to just 11 appearances, battling hamstring and calf injuries.<h2>Up next</h2>Kansas: Plays Monday at No.11 Texas Tech.BYU: Visits Oklahoma State on Wednesday.

🏀 Bryson Tiller scores 21 as KU beats BYU 

Recap – Derby 83, Junction City 60

In the final non-Centennial League game of the season, the Junction City Blue Jays traveled to Derby to take on the Panthers.

Derby won the opening tip and scored the first basket of the game. Junction City quickly responded, as senior Jackson Hollie dunked the ball with two hands to tie the game at 2. JC then took a 4–2 lead, but that would be their only lead of the game.

It was a high-scoring first quarter, with Derby putting up 29 points in the opening frame. Junction City trailed 29–18 at the end of the first quarter.

In second-quarter action, the Panthers grew their lead to 15 at 35–20. The Blue Jays responded after head coach Easton Burgardt called a timeout to fire his guys up. Junction City tightened up on the defensive end, and senior Lovell Autry scored several baskets getting downhill and to the rim to cut the deficit to seven. Derby stretched the lead back to double digits and went into halftime ahead 42–32.

In the third quarter, Junction City once again cut the lead to single digits, trailing 52–44, but from that point on, it was all Derby. The Panthers led 67–48 at the end of the third quarter.

In fourth-quarter action, Derby grew the lead to 26. Both coaches emptied their benches, and each team was able to get every player on its varsity roster into the game. Derby went on to win by a final score of 83–60.

Derby improves to 10–5 on the season, while Junction City falls to 8–7.

Senior Lovell Autry led the way with 21 points. Seniors Jackson Hollie and Jett Thompson both scored 10 points in the game.

Our Blu Restaurant Player of the Game was 6’6” senior Jackson Hollie. It marked the first double-digit scoring performance of his varsity career. For being named Blu Restaurant Player of the Game, Jackson receives a $20 free meal voucher from Blu Restaurant in Junction City, located at 602 N. Washington St.

Junction City is back in action next Friday night as the Blue Jays travel to Topeka Hayden High School.

By Anthony GorgesJC PostRecap – Derby 83, Junction City 60In the final non-Centennial League game of the season, the Junction City Blue Jays traveled to Derby to take on the Panthers.Derby won the opening tip and scored the first basket of the game. Junction City quickly responded, as senior Jackson Hollie dunked the ball with two hands to tie the game at 2. JC then took a 4–2 lead, but that would be their only lead of the game.It was a high-scoring first quarter, with Derby putting up 29 points in the opening frame. Junction City trailed 29–18 at the end of the first quarter.In second-quarter action, the Panthers grew their lead to 15 at 35–20. The Blue Jays responded after head coach Easton Burgardt called a timeout to fire his guys up. Junction City tightened up on the defensive end, and senior Lovell Autry scored several baskets getting downhill and to the rim to cut the deficit to seven. Derby stretched the lead back to double digits and went into halftime ahead 42–32.In the third quarter, Junction City once again cut the lead to single digits, trailing 52–44, but from that point on, it was all Derby. The Panthers led 67–48 at the end of the third quarter.In fourth-quarter action, Derby grew the lead to 26. Both coaches emptied their benches, and each team was able to get every player on its varsity roster into the game. Derby went on to win by a final score of 83–60.Derby improves to 10–5 on the season, while Junction City falls to 8–7.Senior Lovell Autry led the way with 21 points. Seniors Jackson Hollie and Jett Thompson both scored 10 points in the game.Our Blu Restaurant Player of the Game was 6’6” senior Jackson Hollie. It marked the first double-digit scoring performance of his varsity career. For being named Blu Restaurant Player of the Game, Jackson receives a $20 free meal voucher from Blu Restaurant in Junction City, located at 602 N. Washington St.Junction City is back in action next Friday night as the Blue Jays travel to Topeka Hayden High School.

🏀 Derby Rolls Past the Blue Jays in Boys-Only Action on Friday

Junction City boys only basketball action tonight in Derby. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

Junction City Blue Jays (8-6) at Derby Panthers (9-5). It is the final non-league game of the regular season.&nbsp;

You can hear the game on 107.9 FM / 1420 AM KJCK Radio. You can also <a href="https://streamdb9web.securenetsystems.net/cirrusencore/KJCKAM">hear the game by clicking here.&nbsp;</a>

Junction City boys only basketball action tonight in Derby. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.Junction City Blue Jays (8-6) at Derby Panthers (9-5). It is the final non-league game of the regular season.&nbsp;You can hear the game on 107.9 FM / 1420 AM KJCK Radio. You can also <a href="https://streamdb9web.securenetsystems.net/cirrusencore/KJCKAM">hear the game by clicking here.&nbsp;</a>

🏀 LISTEN LIVE: Junction City boys basketball at Derby High School

Both the Junction City boys and girls varsity wrestling teams won their duals on Thursday night at the Blue Jay Event Center in Junction City. The evening also featured senior night ceremonies for the Blue Jays as well. (Below are the outcomes from each match). **Photos provided by USD 475 Communication Coordinator Matt Hoover.&nbsp;

Girls Wrestling results -&nbsp;Junction City 64 — Salina-South 18

Boys Wrestling results - Junction City 48, Salina South 13

**Both wrestling teams are back in action on Saturday in the Blue Jay Event Center. Wrestling begins at 9:00 a.m. for the Junction City Invitational.&nbsp;There will be 36 teams in attendance, 18 for the girls and 18 for the boys. The girls will wrestle in the aux gym, and the boys in the main gym.&nbsp;

Gate fee is $5 for students and $7 for adults.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769797961088.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By Anthony GorgesJC PostBoth the Junction City boys and girls varsity wrestling teams won their duals on Thursday night at the Blue Jay Event Center in Junction City. The evening also featured senior night ceremonies for the Blue Jays as well. (Below are the outcomes from each match). **Photos provided by USD 475 Communication Coordinator Matt Hoover.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769797987163.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Girls Wrestling results -&nbsp;Junction City 64 — Salina-South 18<ul>
 <li>100 lbs:&nbsp;Jennifer Nguyen (Salina-South) over Te’kiya Jackson (Junction City) —&nbsp;Wins by pin</li><li>105 lbs:&nbsp;Taylor Sheets (Salina-South) over Zaley Rock (Junction City) —&nbsp;Wins by pin</li><li>110 lbs:&nbsp;Mwanaisha Kagoni (Junction City) —&nbsp;Wins by forfeit</li><li>115 lbs:&nbsp;Juliana (Bree) Villanueva (Junction City) —&nbsp;Wins by pin</li><li>120 lbs:&nbsp;Kiera Lawton (Junction City) —&nbsp;Wins by forfeit</li><li>125 lbs:&nbsp;Liliona Martinez (Junction City) —&nbsp;Wins by forfeit</li><li>130 lbs:&nbsp;Elizabeth Edgerton-Diaz (Junction City) —&nbsp;Wins by major decision</li><li>135 lbs:&nbsp;Miracle Simon (Junction City) —&nbsp;Wins by pin</li><li>140 lbs:&nbsp;Elaina Twitty (Junction City) —&nbsp;Wins by pin</li><li>145 lbs:&nbsp;Kimaiya Celestin (Junction City) —&nbsp;Wins by pin</li><li>155 lbs:&nbsp;Catherine Dee (Junction City) —&nbsp;Wins by pin</li><li>170 lbs:&nbsp;Johana Jasper (Salina-South) over Ammy Ngircheungel (Junction City) —&nbsp;Wins by pin</li><li>190 lbs:&nbsp;Shalina Hicks (Junction City) —&nbsp;Wins by forfeit</li><li>235 lbs:&nbsp;Ka’Ori Herring (Junction City) —&nbsp;Wins by forfeit</li>
 </ul><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769797835788.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Boys Wrestling results - Junction City 48, Salina South 13<ul>
 <li>106 lbs:&nbsp;Colden Blockcolsky (Junction City) —&nbsp;Wins by decision</li><li>113 lbs:&nbsp;Heero Franco (Salina-South) over Riley Luckenbill (Junction City) —&nbsp;Wins by decision</li><li>120 lbs:&nbsp;Braden Blockcolsky (Junction City) —&nbsp;Wins by decision</li><li>126 lbs:&nbsp;Jayden Melton (Junction City) —&nbsp;Wins by tech fall</li><li>132 lbs:&nbsp;Gavin Sieker (Junction City) —&nbsp;Wins by pin</li><li>138 lbs:&nbsp;Ka’yun Herring (Junction City) —&nbsp;Wins by tech fall</li><li>144 lbs:&nbsp;DeSean McCray (Salina-South) over Jordyn Alvarado (Junction City) —&nbsp;Wins by pin</li><li>150 lbs:&nbsp;Jayden Dykes (Salina-South) over Hudson Bohanan (Junction City) —&nbsp;Wins by major decision</li><li>157 lbs:&nbsp;Tyler Proietti (Junction City) —&nbsp;Wins by decision</li><li>165 lbs:&nbsp;Cody Owens (Junction City) —&nbsp;Wins by pin</li><li>175 lbs:&nbsp;Blake Proietti (Junction City) —&nbsp;Wins by decision</li><li>190 lbs:&nbsp;Christian Simmers (Junction City) —&nbsp;Wins by pin</li><li>215 lbs:&nbsp;Chris Coy (Junction City) —&nbsp;Wins by major decision</li><li>285 lbs:&nbsp;Avery Florence (Junction City) —&nbsp;Wins by tech fall</li>
 </ul><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769797880869.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>**Both wrestling teams are back in action on Saturday in the Blue Jay Event Center. Wrestling begins at 9:00 a.m. for the Junction City Invitational.&nbsp;There will be 36 teams in attendance, 18 for the girls and 18 for the boys. The girls will wrestle in the aux gym, and the boys in the main gym.&nbsp;Gate fee is $5 for students and $7 for adults.&nbsp;

Junction City Boys and Girls Wrestling Win Duals over Salina South

Season tickets for the seven-game 2026 home campaign will go on sale on Tuesday, February 3.

NEW ORDERS: Tickets will go on sale online only to the public beginning at 5 p.m., next Tuesday, February 3, with a pick-your-own seat map with availability from last season's inventory. Phone and in-person orders will be available starting at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, February 4.

SEASON TICKET RENEWALS: Fans who had season tickets last season have until the priority deadline of Friday, April 24, to keep their seat locations for next season.Season tickets continue to be the most affordable option for fans starting at just $35.71 per game. For the first time in three seasons, season ticket prices are increasing throughout the stadium. With a seven-game home schedule, the per-game price for most areas of the stadium is cheaper than the previous two years. 

Price increases support K-State Athletics in this new era of college athletics, helping cover the rising costs of goods and staffing and also reflect the overall increase in value in individual game tickets.&nbsp;&nbsp;

KSUSeason tickets for the seven-game 2026 home campaign will go on sale on Tuesday, February 3.NEW ORDERS: Tickets will go on sale online only to the public beginning at 5 p.m., next Tuesday, February 3, with a pick-your-own seat map with availability from last season's inventory. Phone and in-person orders will be available starting at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, February 4.SEASON TICKET RENEWALS: Fans who had season tickets last season have until the priority deadline of Friday, April 24, to keep their seat locations for next season.Season tickets continue to be the most affordable option for fans starting at just $35.71 per game. For the first time in three seasons, season ticket prices are increasing throughout the stadium. With a seven-game home schedule, the per-game price for most areas of the stadium is cheaper than the previous two years. Price increases support K-State Athletics in this new era of college athletics, helping cover the rising costs of goods and staffing and also reflect the overall increase in value in individual game tickets.&nbsp;&nbsp;

K-State football tickets are about to go on sale

The Junction City High School varsity boys’ and girls’ wrestling teams will host a dual on Thursday night at the Blue Jay Event Center at Junction City High School. The dual will be against Salina South and will also serve as Senior Night for Junction City wrestlers.

Admission for the wrestling dual on Thursday is $7 for adults and $5 for students.
Junction City High School students will get in FREE with a valid JCHS student ID.

The varsity boys’ team will begin the dual at 5:00 p.m.

*An intermission will follow to recognize the JCHS seniors.

The varsity girls’ team will then compete at approximately 6:30 p.m. to conclude the dual.

Both Junction City and Salina South will have full lineups, resulting in 14 matches in each dual.

By Anthony GorgesJC PostThe Junction City High School varsity boys’ and girls’ wrestling teams will host a dual on Thursday night at the Blue Jay Event Center at Junction City High School. The dual will be against Salina South and will also serve as Senior Night for Junction City wrestlers.Admission for the wrestling dual on Thursday is $7 for adults and $5 for students.
Junction City High School students will get in FREE with a valid JCHS student ID.The varsity boys’ team will begin the dual at 5:00 p.m.*An intermission will follow to recognize the JCHS seniors.The varsity girls’ team will then compete at approximately 6:30 p.m. to conclude the dual.Both Junction City and Salina South will have full lineups, resulting in 14 matches in each dual.

Junction City boys and girls Wrestling set to host a Dual on Thursday night

On Tuesday night inside the Blue Jay Event Center at Junction City High School, the full program of Blue Jay basketball swept the Scots of Topeka Highland Park. The JCHS teams went 6-0, winning freshman through varsity games on both the boys’ and girls’ sides.

Girls recap – Junction City 53, Topeka HP 19

The Junction City Lady Jays won their second game of the season, handling the Scots from the opening tip. Junction City started the game on a 10-0 run, thanks to early baskets by sophomores Aniyah Henry-Rivers and Laniyah Warmack, along with Isabel Pruitt. Highland Park took a timeout with 5:13 to go in the first quarter, but the Lady Jays never let up. At the end of the first quarter, JCHS led 14-5.

The second quarter did not feature much scoring, and neither team was able to get going on the offensive end. Junction City led 22-8 at the half.

Third-quarter action is when the Lady Jays really hit their stride. Junction City sophomore Laniyah Warmack scored 15 of the 22 third-quarter points. Warmack converted many steals into layups and even connected on a corner three-pointer to cap off her excellent performance. The Lady Jays led 44-13 at the end of the third and had a continuously running clock in the fourth quarter over Highland Park.

Junction City won the game 53-19 and picked up their second win of the season, both of which have come on their home court.

Several players were involved in scoring the ball. Three players were in double digits; Laniyah Warmack had a career-high 24 points, while Aniyah Henry-Rivers and Isabel Pruitt both added 10 points.

*Our Blu Restaurant Player of the Game was Laniyah Warmack. For being our Blu Restaurant Player of the Game, she receives a free $20 meal coupon voucher from Blu Restaurant of Junction City, located at 602 N. Washington St.

Junction City moves to 2-12 on the year and will host Olathe East in girls-only action on Friday night at Junction City High School.

Boys recap – Junction City 76, Topeka HP 66

The Junction City Blue Jay boys basketball team got back in the win column Tuesday night, beating the Scots 76-66. The Blue Jays started the scoring with a corner three-pointer by senior Jett Thompson, and then JCHS kept that momentum going, jumping out to an early 10-1 lead. The Blue Jays were running up and down the floor and led by 14, 18-4, at the end of the first quarter.

In second-quarter action, Highland Park found their game as they began running up and down the floor and knocking down some three-pointers. For Junction City, Lovell Autry and Brody Boeckman led the way in scoring in the first half, and the Blue Jays held a 34-25 lead at the break.

Third-quarter action is when things tightened up. It was quite the show between #11 in white (Lovell Autry) and #11 in green (Jojo Kingcannon). Both players really took off in the third quarter, trading baskets and serving as true facilitators on the court. Junction City led 48-40 after a three-pointer in the corner by junior Khaliel Walker, but Highland Park quickly responded with a 9-2 run. The Blue Jays made two free throws to end the third quarter and led by four, 53-49, after three.

In the first three minutes of the fourth quarter, neither team could get a stop on the defensive end. Junction City led 62-60 before Jett Thompson hit a corner three-pointer, giving the Blue Jays a 65-60 lead. They were able to get a couple of stops down the stretch and held on to win 76-66.

Four players scored in double digits on Tuesday night for Junction City. Lovell Autry scored 26, Brody Boeckman scored 16, Jett Thompson added 13, and Jaycen Lanier finished with 10. A total of eight players scored for the Blue Jays. Topeka Highland Park was led in scoring by Kingcannon with 24 points.

*Our Blu Restaurant Player of the Game was Jett Thompson. For being our Blu Restaurant Player of the Game, Jett receives a free $20 meal coupon voucher from Blu Restaurant of Junction City, located at 602 N. Washington St.

The Blue Jays move to 8-6 on the year with the win. They will play at Derby in boys-only action on Friday at 7:30 pm. As always, you can hear the game on 107.9 FM / 1420 AM KJCK.

By Anthony GorgesJC PostOn Tuesday night inside the Blue Jay Event Center at Junction City High School, the full program of Blue Jay basketball swept the Scots of Topeka Highland Park. The JCHS teams went 6-0, winning freshman through varsity games on both the boys’ and girls’ sides.Girls recap – Junction City 53, Topeka HP 19The Junction City Lady Jays won their second game of the season, handling the Scots from the opening tip. Junction City started the game on a 10-0 run, thanks to early baskets by sophomores Aniyah Henry-Rivers and Laniyah Warmack, along with Isabel Pruitt. Highland Park took a timeout with 5:13 to go in the first quarter, but the Lady Jays never let up. At the end of the first quarter, JCHS led 14-5.The second quarter did not feature much scoring, and neither team was able to get going on the offensive end. Junction City led 22-8 at the half.Third-quarter action is when the Lady Jays really hit their stride. Junction City sophomore Laniyah Warmack scored 15 of the 22 third-quarter points. Warmack converted many steals into layups and even connected on a corner three-pointer to cap off her excellent performance. The Lady Jays led 44-13 at the end of the third and had a continuously running clock in the fourth quarter over Highland Park.Junction City won the game 53-19 and picked up their second win of the season, both of which have come on their home court.Several players were involved in scoring the ball. Three players were in double digits; Laniyah Warmack had a career-high 24 points, while Aniyah Henry-Rivers and Isabel Pruitt both added 10 points.*Our Blu Restaurant Player of the Game was Laniyah Warmack. For being our Blu Restaurant Player of the Game, she receives a free $20 meal coupon voucher from Blu Restaurant of Junction City, located at 602 N. Washington St.Junction City moves to 2-12 on the year and will host Olathe East in girls-only action on Friday night at Junction City High School.Boys recap – Junction City 76, Topeka HP 66The Junction City Blue Jay boys basketball team got back in the win column Tuesday night, beating the Scots 76-66. The Blue Jays started the scoring with a corner three-pointer by senior Jett Thompson, and then JCHS kept that momentum going, jumping out to an early 10-1 lead. The Blue Jays were running up and down the floor and led by 14, 18-4, at the end of the first quarter.In second-quarter action, Highland Park found their game as they began running up and down the floor and knocking down some three-pointers. For Junction City, Lovell Autry and Brody Boeckman led the way in scoring in the first half, and the Blue Jays held a 34-25 lead at the break.Third-quarter action is when things tightened up. It was quite the show between #11 in white (Lovell Autry) and #11 in green (Jojo Kingcannon). Both players really took off in the third quarter, trading baskets and serving as true facilitators on the court. Junction City led 48-40 after a three-pointer in the corner by junior Khaliel Walker, but Highland Park quickly responded with a 9-2 run. The Blue Jays made two free throws to end the third quarter and led by four, 53-49, after three.In the first three minutes of the fourth quarter, neither team could get a stop on the defensive end. Junction City led 62-60 before Jett Thompson hit a corner three-pointer, giving the Blue Jays a 65-60 lead. They were able to get a couple of stops down the stretch and held on to win 76-66.Four players scored in double digits on Tuesday night for Junction City. Lovell Autry scored 26, Brody Boeckman scored 16, Jett Thompson added 13, and Jaycen Lanier finished with 10. A total of eight players scored for the Blue Jays. Topeka Highland Park was led in scoring by Kingcannon with 24 points.*Our Blu Restaurant Player of the Game was Jett Thompson. For being our Blu Restaurant Player of the Game, Jett receives a free $20 meal coupon voucher from Blu Restaurant of Junction City, located at 602 N. Washington St.The Blue Jays move to 8-6 on the year with the win. They will play at Derby in boys-only action on Friday at 7:30 pm. As always, you can hear the game on 107.9 FM / 1420 AM KJCK.

Junction City 🏀 sweeps Topeka Highland Park on Tuesday night

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (AP) — Honor Huff scored 17 points and Treysen Eaglestaff scored 12 points and grabbed nine rebounds and West Virginia beat Kansas State 59-54 on Tuesday night.

Brenen Lorient scored 10 points for West Virginia (14-7, 5-3 Big 12), which has won three of four and six of its last nine games. It was the third fewest points scored this season for Kansas State.

P.J. Haggerty scored 16 points, David Castillo scored 15 points and Nate Johnson 13 for Kansas State (10-11, 1-7). The Wildcats have lost seven of their last eight.

West Virginia led 57-54 with 22 seconds left before the Jayhawks intentionally fouled Huff. He missed the front end of a one-and-one and Kansas State took possession.

Lorient blocked Haggerty's layup attempt with 14 seconds left. Kansas State maintained possession but Haggerty's 3-point attempt with 10 seconds left was off the mark.

Taj Manning fouled Huff and he made both foul shots with eight seconds left to seal the win.

Kansas State: Hosts No. 8 Iowa State on Sunday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769569866855.png" alt="Photo K-State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo K-State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (AP) — Honor Huff scored 17 points and Treysen Eaglestaff scored 12 points and grabbed nine rebounds and West Virginia beat Kansas State 59-54 on Tuesday night.Brenen Lorient scored 10 points for West Virginia (14-7, 5-3 Big 12), which has won three of four and six of its last nine games. It was the third fewest points scored this season for Kansas State.P.J. Haggerty scored 16 points, David Castillo scored 15 points and Nate Johnson 13 for Kansas State (10-11, 1-7). The Wildcats have lost seven of their last eight.West Virginia led 57-54 with 22 seconds left before the Jayhawks intentionally fouled Huff. He missed the front end of a one-and-one and Kansas State took possession.Lorient blocked Haggerty's layup attempt with 14 seconds left. Kansas State maintained possession but Haggerty's 3-point attempt with 10 seconds left was off the mark.Taj Manning fouled Huff and he made both foul shots with eight seconds left to seal the win.<h2>Up Next</h2>Kansas State: Hosts No. 8 Iowa State on Sunday.West Virginia: Hosts Baylor on Saturday.

🏀 Huff, Eaglestaff help lift West Virginia past Kansas State

Junction City High school boys and girls host Topeka-Highland Park tonight inside the Blue Jay Event Center.&nbsp;

Girls tip-off is at 6:00 pm, and the boys will follow at 7:30 p.m.&nbsp;

You can hear both games on 107.9 FM / 1420 AM KJCK Radio or <a href="https://streamdb9web.securenetsystems.net/cirrusencore/KJCKAM">by clicking here.&nbsp;</a>

You can watch the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/YXGhHDBrbT0?si=7PdvyzbMdx1if1fL">girls livestream produced by BlueJayMedia produced here.&nbsp;</a>

You can watch the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/9EXIBWmAA8Y?si=tjfqghKK0Bvc-rsJ">boys livestream BlueJayMedia produced here.</a>

Junction City High school boys and girls host Topeka-Highland Park tonight inside the Blue Jay Event Center.&nbsp;Girls tip-off is at 6:00 pm, and the boys will follow at 7:30 p.m.&nbsp;You can hear both games on 107.9 FM / 1420 AM KJCK Radio or <a href="https://streamdb9web.securenetsystems.net/cirrusencore/KJCKAM">by clicking here.&nbsp;</a>You can watch the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/YXGhHDBrbT0?si=7PdvyzbMdx1if1fL">girls livestream produced by BlueJayMedia produced here.&nbsp;</a>You can watch the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/9EXIBWmAA8Y?si=tjfqghKK0Bvc-rsJ">boys livestream BlueJayMedia produced here.</a>

🏀 WATCH / LISTEN LIVE: Junction City boys and girls host Topeka Highland Park. 

SEATTLE (AP) — Sam Darnold threw for three touchdowns, the Seahawks’ “Dark Side” defense came up with a critical fourth-down stop, and Seattle advanced to the Super Bowl, beating the Los Angeles Rams 31-27 in an electrifying NFC championship game on Sunday.

Led by second-year coach Mike Macdonald and Darnold — an eight-year veteran playing for his fifth team — the Seahawks (16-3) reached the fourth Super Bowl in franchise history and first in 11 years. Seattle lost that most recent appearance to New England, its opponent in two weeks at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.

With Los Angeles (14-6) facing fourth-and-4 at the Seattle 6, coach Sean McVay elected to go for it and Matthew Stafford’s pass was&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/NFL/status/2015612455158976655" target="_blank">broken up in the end zone</a>&nbsp;by Devon Witherspoon. The Rams didn’t get the ball back until there were 25 seconds left, and Puka Nacua was tackled inbounds near midfield on the final play.

Stafford threw for 374 yards and three touchdowns, but the Rams were undone by critical errors, including a muffed punt by Xavier Smith in the third quarter. On the next play, Darnold connected with Jake Bobo for a 17-yard touchdown and a 24-13 lead.

Darnold, who flopped in his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/seahawks-sam-darnold-bye-playoffs-489ae91973a720c23bdbadb54676785e">playoff debut last season</a>&nbsp;with the Minnesota Vikings,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/seahawks-darnold-injury-74267fccc18bb171a3858acdb3f4e7e1">played through an oblique injury</a>&nbsp;and completed 25 of 36 passes for 346 yards with no turnovers. Jaxon Smith-Njigba had 153 yards receiving — the second-most in a playoff game in franchise history — and a touchdown on 10 catches.

“It’s amazing,” Darnold said. “To be able to do it with these guys in this locker room, though, with this coaching staff, that’s why it means the world to me.”

The Seahawks led 31-20 late in the third quarter on Darnold’s 13-yard TD pass to Cooper Kupp, but the Rams got back into the game when Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen was&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/NFLonFOX/status/2015606662904918099" target="_blank">flagged for taunting</a>&nbsp;after breaking up a pass to Nacua on third-and-12, giving Los Angeles a first down.

On the next play, Stafford threw at Woolen again, and Nacua beat him in the corner of the end zone for a 34-yard touchdown.

The Rams forced a punt on Seattle’s next possession and went on a 14-play, 84-yard drive that came up empty thanks to Witherspoon’s pass breakup.

Seattle stayed aggressive on its final possession, with Darnold throwing for three first downs to run out most of the clock.

Davante Adams and Kyren Williams had receiving TDs for the Rams, and Kenneth Walker III rushed for a score for the Seahawks.

Rams: WR Jordan Whittington (chest) left in the third quarter. Defensive end Kobie Turner (cramps) also exited in the third.

Seahawks: LB Drake Thomas (shoulder) left in the fourth quarter. FB Brady Russell (hand) was injured in the second half and did not return.

Rams: Stafford turns 38 next month and has to wonder if this was his last, best chance at a second Super Bowl title.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769399039128.png" alt="eattle Seahawks’ Dareke Young (83) celebrates after recovering a fumble by Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Xavier Smith during a punt return during the second half of the NFC Championship NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)" />
 <figcaption>eattle Seahawks’ Dareke Young (83) celebrates after recovering a fumble by Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Xavier Smith during a punt return during the second half of the NFC Championship NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)</figcaption>
 </figure>SEATTLE (AP) — Sam Darnold threw for three touchdowns, the Seahawks’ “Dark Side” defense came up with a critical fourth-down stop, and Seattle advanced to the Super Bowl, beating the Los Angeles Rams 31-27 in an electrifying NFC championship game on Sunday.Led by second-year coach Mike Macdonald and Darnold — an eight-year veteran playing for his fifth team — the Seahawks (16-3) reached the fourth Super Bowl in franchise history and first in 11 years. Seattle lost that most recent appearance to New England, its opponent in two weeks at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.With Los Angeles (14-6) facing fourth-and-4 at the Seattle 6, coach Sean McVay elected to go for it and Matthew Stafford’s pass was&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/NFL/status/2015612455158976655" target="_blank">broken up in the end zone</a>&nbsp;by Devon Witherspoon. The Rams didn’t get the ball back until there were 25 seconds left, and Puka Nacua was tackled inbounds near midfield on the final play.Stafford threw for 374 yards and three touchdowns, but the Rams were undone by critical errors, including a muffed punt by Xavier Smith in the third quarter. On the next play, Darnold connected with Jake Bobo for a 17-yard touchdown and a 24-13 lead.Darnold, who flopped in his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/seahawks-sam-darnold-bye-playoffs-489ae91973a720c23bdbadb54676785e">playoff debut last season</a>&nbsp;with the Minnesota Vikings,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/seahawks-darnold-injury-74267fccc18bb171a3858acdb3f4e7e1">played through an oblique injury</a>&nbsp;and completed 25 of 36 passes for 346 yards with no turnovers. Jaxon Smith-Njigba had 153 yards receiving — the second-most in a playoff game in franchise history — and a touchdown on 10 catches.“It’s amazing,” Darnold said. “To be able to do it with these guys in this locker room, though, with this coaching staff, that’s why it means the world to me.”The Seahawks led 31-20 late in the third quarter on Darnold’s 13-yard TD pass to Cooper Kupp, but the Rams got back into the game when Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen was&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/NFLonFOX/status/2015606662904918099" target="_blank">flagged for taunting</a>&nbsp;after breaking up a pass to Nacua on third-and-12, giving Los Angeles a first down.On the next play, Stafford threw at Woolen again, and Nacua beat him in the corner of the end zone for a 34-yard touchdown.The Rams forced a punt on Seattle’s next possession and went on a 14-play, 84-yard drive that came up empty thanks to Witherspoon’s pass breakup.Seattle stayed aggressive on its final possession, with Darnold throwing for three first downs to run out most of the clock.Davante Adams and Kyren Williams had receiving TDs for the Rams, and Kenneth Walker III rushed for a score for the Seahawks.<h2>Injuries</h2>Rams: WR Jordan Whittington (chest) left in the third quarter. Defensive end Kobie Turner (cramps) also exited in the third.Seahawks: LB Drake Thomas (shoulder) left in the fourth quarter. FB Brady Russell (hand) was injured in the second half and did not return.<h2>Up next</h2>Rams: Stafford turns 38 next month and has to wonder if this was his last, best chance at a second Super Bowl title.

🏈 Sam Darnold and Seahawks advance to Super Bowl with thrilling win over Rams in NFC title game

DENVER (AP) — Drake Maye handled the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/patriots-broncos-afc-title-game-b1f16622fe4e7d14f4558e40ce5afe7a">sloppy, snowy conditions</a>&nbsp;better than the home team and he scored New England’s only touchdown on a 6-yard keeper, propelling the Patriots to their 12th Super Bowl with a 10-7 win over the Denver Broncos in the AFC championship game Sunday.

Maye threw for just 86 yards, but ran for 65 and iced the win with a 7-yard keeper on third-and-5 in the waning minutes to send the Patriots (17-3) to the Super Bowl in Mike Vrabel’s first year as coach.

The Patriots will play the winner of the NFC championship game between the Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks in the Super Bowl on Feb. 8 in Santa Clara, California.

“I’m just proud of this team,” said the 23-year-old Maye, who’s the second-youngest starting quarterback to reach the Super Bowl, behind only Miami’s Dan Marino. “Don’t have many words. Just thankful for this team. Love each and every one of them. It took everybody.”

Christian Gonzalez intercepted Jarrett Stidham, starting in place of an injured Bo Nix, with 2:11 remaining for New England’s second takeaway. The first set up the Patriots with a short field and led to Maye’s touchdown scamper that tied it at 7 heading into halftime.

With Nix looking on from a suite following ankle surgery Tuesday in Alabama, Stidham made his first start in more than two years. His first completion since the 2023 regular-season finale was a&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Broncos/status/2015518892354117789?s=20" target="_blank">52-yard dart</a>&nbsp;to Marvin Mims Jr. to the New England 7 that set up&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Broncos/status/2015519475064541595?s=20" target="_blank">Courtland Sutton’s 6-yard touchdown catch</a>.

That was Stidham’s highlight as he turned the ball over twice and finished 17 of 31 for 133 yards with the TD.

“I was super excited for the opportunity and just hate that we fell short,” Stidham said.

New England, which went 4-13 last year under Jerod Mayo, became the third team in the Super Bowl era to win a conference championship with 10 points or less. Buffalo beat Denver 10-7 in the 1991 AFC title game, and Los Angeles beat Tampa Bay 9-0 in the 1979 NFC championship game.

Vrabel, who won three Super Bowls as a playmaking linebacker for the Patriots, could become the first person in NFL history to also win as a head coach for the same franchise.

“I won’t win it. It’ll be the players that’ll win the game,” Vrabel said. “I promise you, it won’t be me that’ll win it, and I promise you that I’ll do everything I can, and our staff, to have them ready for the game.”

The Broncos (15-4) finished one step shy of fulfilling Sean Payton’s preseason prediction of a trip to Super Bowl 60, and he pointed the finger right at himself.

He said he regretted his call on fourth-and-1 from the New England 14 in the second quarter when a chip-shot field goal before the snow came in would have given Denver a double-digit lead. Stidham’s throw to running back R.J. Harvey was incomplete and the Broncos’ early momentum vanished.

“There’s always regrets,” Payton said. “Yeah, I mean, look, I felt like here we are, fourth-and-1. We felt close enough ... So, yeah, there’ll always be second thoughts.”

The Broncos were left clinging to a 7-0 lead that was short-lived. Elijah Ponder recovered&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Patriots/status/2015532622156636284?s=20" target="_blank">Stidham’s backward pass</a>&nbsp;at the Denver 12, setting up the tying touchdown two plays later.

“I thought I threw it forward and obviously the replay said differently,” Stidham said. “Probably should have just eaten the sack and let (Jeremy) Crawshaw punt the ball and flip the field.”

Both kickers missed two field goals in the frigid conditions with Denver’s Wil Lutz and New England’s Andy Borregales wide on long tries just before the snow came in at halftime. Lutz’s 45-yard attempt late in the fourth quarter was tipped by Leonard Taylor III.

The Patriots’ victory was their 40th in the playoffs, breaking a tie with the San Francisco 49ers for the most in NFL history.

It was sunny at kickoff with a temperature of 26 degrees, but by halftime the snowflakes began falling and grounds crews had to use snowblowers to mark the hashmarks and yard lines by the fourth quarter, when it was 16 degrees.

“It was a lot of fun out there,” Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II said. “Snow game, for the conference, to go to the Super Bowl — it doesn’t get any better than that. I felt like I was a little kid out there just playing in the snow.”

And the Patriots had the most fun of all.

“What an atmosphere out here,” said Maye, in his second NFL season. “Battle of the elements. Love this team. How about the defense? I love each and every one of them.”

The Patriots have allowed 26 points across three playoff games. The only team to allow fewer points over three playoff games before a Super Bowl appearance was the 2000 Ravens, who allowed just 16 points.

After gaining just 72 yards in the first half, the Patriots opened the second half in swirling snow with a 16-play, 64-yard drive that ate up 9 1/2 minutes and ended with a 23-yard field goal by Borregales that proved the difference.

Stidham, who was drafted by the Patriots in 2019, made his first start since the 2023 regular-season finale. The Broncos were the only team in the league that didn’t give their backup QB any snaps or handoffs the last two seasons.

The Patriots have averaged 18 points per game in the playoffs, the fewest by any team to make the Super Bowl since the 1979 Rams, who averaged 15.

“I’ll take an ugly win before I take a pretty loss,” Diggs said. “Nobody’s satisfied. Happy, but not complacent. We’re blessed to be where we are, but we know there’s more out there for us.”

Coming up just short of a trip to the Super Bowl will drive Denver, said Surtain, who suggested: “This is not the last time we’re going to be here. We’re going to just keep on building and getting better.”

Nix, who had 11 game-winning drives in his first two NFL seasons, got hurt on Denver’s final drive in overtime against Buffalo last week, and this title game will always be dogged in Denver by the what-ifs.

“It (stinks),” linebacker Alex Singleton said. “We’ll remember it for the rest of our lives.”

Patriots: LB Robert Spillane (ankle) left in the first quarter.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769427461444.jpeg" alt="New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) hands off against the Denver Broncos during the second half of the AFC Championship NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)" />
 <figcaption>New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) hands off against the Denver Broncos during the second half of the AFC Championship NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)</figcaption>
 </figure>DENVER (AP) — Drake Maye handled the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/patriots-broncos-afc-title-game-b1f16622fe4e7d14f4558e40ce5afe7a">sloppy, snowy conditions</a>&nbsp;better than the home team and he scored New England’s only touchdown on a 6-yard keeper, propelling the Patriots to their 12th Super Bowl with a 10-7 win over the Denver Broncos in the AFC championship game Sunday.Maye threw for just 86 yards, but ran for 65 and iced the win with a 7-yard keeper on third-and-5 in the waning minutes to send the Patriots (17-3) to the Super Bowl in Mike Vrabel’s first year as coach.The Patriots will play the winner of the NFC championship game between the Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks in the Super Bowl on Feb. 8 in Santa Clara, California.“I’m just proud of this team,” said the 23-year-old Maye, who’s the second-youngest starting quarterback to reach the Super Bowl, behind only Miami’s Dan Marino. “Don’t have many words. Just thankful for this team. Love each and every one of them. It took everybody.”Christian Gonzalez intercepted Jarrett Stidham, starting in place of an injured Bo Nix, with 2:11 remaining for New England’s second takeaway. The first set up the Patriots with a short field and led to Maye’s touchdown scamper that tied it at 7 heading into halftime.With Nix looking on from a suite following ankle surgery Tuesday in Alabama, Stidham made his first start in more than two years. His first completion since the 2023 regular-season finale was a&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Broncos/status/2015518892354117789?s=20" target="_blank">52-yard dart</a>&nbsp;to Marvin Mims Jr. to the New England 7 that set up&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Broncos/status/2015519475064541595?s=20" target="_blank">Courtland Sutton’s 6-yard touchdown catch</a>.That was Stidham’s highlight as he turned the ball over twice and finished 17 of 31 for 133 yards with the TD.“I was super excited for the opportunity and just hate that we fell short,” Stidham said.New England, which went 4-13 last year under Jerod Mayo, became the third team in the Super Bowl era to win a conference championship with 10 points or less. Buffalo beat Denver 10-7 in the 1991 AFC title game, and Los Angeles beat Tampa Bay 9-0 in the 1979 NFC championship game.Vrabel, who won three Super Bowls as a playmaking linebacker for the Patriots, could become the first person in NFL history to also win as a head coach for the same franchise.“I won’t win it. It’ll be the players that’ll win the game,” Vrabel said. “I promise you, it won’t be me that’ll win it, and I promise you that I’ll do everything I can, and our staff, to have them ready for the game.”The Broncos (15-4) finished one step shy of fulfilling Sean Payton’s preseason prediction of a trip to Super Bowl 60, and he pointed the finger right at himself.He said he regretted his call on fourth-and-1 from the New England 14 in the second quarter when a chip-shot field goal before the snow came in would have given Denver a double-digit lead. Stidham’s throw to running back R.J. Harvey was incomplete and the Broncos’ early momentum vanished.“There’s always regrets,” Payton said. “Yeah, I mean, look, I felt like here we are, fourth-and-1. We felt close enough ... So, yeah, there’ll always be second thoughts.”The Broncos were left clinging to a 7-0 lead that was short-lived. Elijah Ponder recovered&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Patriots/status/2015532622156636284?s=20" target="_blank">Stidham’s backward pass</a>&nbsp;at the Denver 12, setting up the tying touchdown two plays later.“I thought I threw it forward and obviously the replay said differently,” Stidham said. “Probably should have just eaten the sack and let (Jeremy) Crawshaw punt the ball and flip the field.”Both kickers missed two field goals in the frigid conditions with Denver’s Wil Lutz and New England’s Andy Borregales wide on long tries just before the snow came in at halftime. Lutz’s 45-yard attempt late in the fourth quarter was tipped by Leonard Taylor III.The Patriots’ victory was their 40th in the playoffs, breaking a tie with the San Francisco 49ers for the most in NFL history.It was sunny at kickoff with a temperature of 26 degrees, but by halftime the snowflakes began falling and grounds crews had to use snowblowers to mark the hashmarks and yard lines by the fourth quarter, when it was 16 degrees.“It was a lot of fun out there,” Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II said. “Snow game, for the conference, to go to the Super Bowl — it doesn’t get any better than that. I felt like I was a little kid out there just playing in the snow.”And the Patriots had the most fun of all.“What an atmosphere out here,” said Maye, in his second NFL season. “Battle of the elements. Love this team. How about the defense? I love each and every one of them.”The Patriots have allowed 26 points across three playoff games. The only team to allow fewer points over three playoff games before a Super Bowl appearance was the 2000 Ravens, who allowed just 16 points.After gaining just 72 yards in the first half, the Patriots opened the second half in swirling snow with a 16-play, 64-yard drive that ate up 9 1/2 minutes and ended with a 23-yard field goal by Borregales that proved the difference.Stidham, who was drafted by the Patriots in 2019, made his first start since the 2023 regular-season finale. The Broncos were the only team in the league that didn’t give their backup QB any snaps or handoffs the last two seasons.The Patriots have averaged 18 points per game in the playoffs, the fewest by any team to make the Super Bowl since the 1979 Rams, who averaged 15.“I’ll take an ugly win before I take a pretty loss,” Diggs said. “Nobody’s satisfied. Happy, but not complacent. We’re blessed to be where we are, but we know there’s more out there for us.”Coming up just short of a trip to the Super Bowl will drive Denver, said Surtain, who suggested: “This is not the last time we’re going to be here. We’re going to just keep on building and getting better.”Nix, who had 11 game-winning drives in his first two NFL seasons, got hurt on Denver’s final drive in overtime against Buffalo last week, and this title game will always be dogged in Denver by the what-ifs.“It (stinks),” linebacker Alex Singleton said. “We’ll remember it for the rest of our lives.”<h2>Injuries</h2>Patriots: LB Robert Spillane (ankle) left in the first quarter.Broncos: WR Pat Bryant left with a hamstring injury in the second quarter.—

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