The Junction City Lady Jays scored the first basket of the game on Tuesday night, and that was the only lead they would have the rest of the game as the Topeka Hayden Lady Wildcats defeated Junction City 58-20 on Tuesday night. 

After a close first quarter, Topeka Hayden scored 21 points in the second quarter while holding the Lady Jays scoreless. The halftime score was 30-3 in favor of Topeka Hayden. 

Shots began to fall in the second half for Junction City, as five players scored on the night. Three players had four points, and those players were Makenna Hatcher, Morgan Nabus, and Sara Rexrode. 

With the loss, Junction City falls to 1-17 on the season.

The Blue Jays continue their hot streak and stay undefeated at home this season as Junction City beat Topeka Hayden 73-58. 

The first half was very close, tied at the end of the first quarter, then Junction City leading 30-28 at halftime. 

The Blue Jays exploded out of halftime by scoring 26 third-quarter points and holding the Wildcats to eight. The Blue Jay lead was 52-36. 

Despite several comeback attempts from Hayden, the Blue Jays secured a 15-point win thanks to four players in double-digits. Junior Larkin Turner led the way with 22 points, Ja'Twaan Williams had 14, Lovell Autry added 12, and Jackson Austin and Tre Ruffin finished with 11 points. 

With the win, Junction City improves to 16-2 on the season and will hit the road to take on Emporia on Friday. 

By Anthony GorgesJC PostGirls recapThe Junction City Lady Jays scored the first basket of the game on Tuesday night, and that was the only lead they would have the rest of the game as the Topeka Hayden Lady Wildcats defeated Junction City 58-20 on Tuesday night. After a close first quarter, Topeka Hayden scored 21 points in the second quarter while holding the Lady Jays scoreless. The halftime score was 30-3 in favor of Topeka Hayden. Shots began to fall in the second half for Junction City, as five players scored on the night. Three players had four points, and those players were Makenna Hatcher, Morgan Nabus, and Sara Rexrode. With the loss, Junction City falls to 1-17 on the season.Boys recapThe Blue Jays continue their hot streak and stay undefeated at home this season as Junction City beat Topeka Hayden 73-58. The first half was very close, tied at the end of the first quarter, then Junction City leading 30-28 at halftime. The Blue Jays exploded out of halftime by scoring 26 third-quarter points and holding the Wildcats to eight. The Blue Jay lead was 52-36. Despite several comeback attempts from Hayden, the Blue Jays secured a 15-point win thanks to four players in double-digits. Junior Larkin Turner led the way with 22 points, Ja'Twaan Williams had 14, Lovell Autry added 12, and Jackson Austin and Tre Ruffin finished with 11 points. With the win, Junction City improves to 16-2 on the season and will hit the road to take on Emporia on Friday.

Blue Jay boys defeat Topeka Hayden, Lady Jays fall

MADDY ROHR Senior in Agricultural Communications &amp; Journalism

How did you get into rodeo? My mom has always had performance horses and my aunt and cousin both rodeo so I have been surround by it my entire life. When I was little my parents bought me a barrel horse and I have loved it ever since.&nbsp;

What advice would you give to youth/high school rodeo athletes? Be kind always. How you treat people and make them feel is way more important than winning and the best part of rodeo is the people.&nbsp;

What is one thing you want people to know about K-State Rodeo? K-State Rodeo hosts a lot of events throughout the year in addition to the K-State Rodeo in February including a high school rodeo, ranch rodeo, iron women jackpot, memorial team roping and event specific clinics with professional rodeo athletes.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707491295681.png" alt="K-State Rodeo's Maddy Rohr, photo submitted by athlete" />
 <figcaption>K-State Rodeo's Maddy Rohr, photo submitted by athlete</figcaption>
 </figure>MADDY ROHR Senior in Agricultural Communications &amp; JournalismEvents: Barrel RacingHow did you get into rodeo? My mom has always had performance horses and my aunt and cousin both rodeo so I have been surround by it my entire life. When I was little my parents bought me a barrel horse and I have loved it ever since.&nbsp;What advice would you give to youth/high school rodeo athletes? Be kind always. How you treat people and make them feel is way more important than winning and the best part of rodeo is the people.&nbsp; What is one thing you want people to know about K-State Rodeo? K-State Rodeo hosts a lot of events throughout the year in addition to the K-State Rodeo in February including a high school rodeo, ranch rodeo, iron women jackpot, memorial team roping and event specific clinics with professional rodeo athletes.

Meet Maddy Rohr - K-State Rodeo Athlete

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;Four Kansas State football players – offensive linemen&nbsp;Cooper Beebe&nbsp;and&nbsp;KT Leveston, defensive end&nbsp;Khalid Duke&nbsp;and tight end&nbsp;Ben Sinnott&nbsp;– have been invited to participate in the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine, as the NFL on Tuesday released the list of 321 prospects requested for the multi-day event in Indianapolis, Indiana.

It marks the second-straight year the Wildcats have had four players selected to participate in the NFL Combine, which is the most since K-State had five participants in 2013. Additionally, the four invitees this season are the second most among returning Big 12 teams.

The 2024 NFL Scouting Combine runs February 26 through March 4 with on-field workouts inside Lucas Oil Stadium slated for February 29 through March 3. Those workouts will be televised live on NFL Network. The NFL Combine is one of the most important events for prospects leading up to the NFL Draft, which will be held April 25-27 in Detroit, Michigan.

A 2023 Consensus All-American who became the first offensive lineman in school history to earn the distinction, Beebe played in 51 games with 48 starts as he was a two-time First Team All-American and Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year. A native of Kansas City, Kansas, Beebe was a finalist for the Outland Trophy and William V. Campbell Trophy – often referred to as the “Academic Heisman” – while he was a finalist for the Lombardi Award in 2023.

Leveston saw action in 50 career games with 32 starts – including a streak of 27 straight starts to finish out his career – as he earned All-Big 12 Honorable Mention honors in both 2022 and 2023. A native of Waco, Texas, Leveston, along with Beebe, helped the Wildcats rank in the top 30 nationally in 11 offensive categories, including scoring (10th – 37.1 points per game), rushing (11th – 204.1 yards per game), third down conversions (11th – 47.9%), rushing touchdowns (12th – 32) and first downs (12th – 310).

Duke, a product of Atlanta, Georgia, saw time in 46 career games with 34 starts as he earned All-Big 12 honors each of the last two seasons, including second-team accolades in 2023. Duke, who also earned votes for the 2023 Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year award, finished sixth in the Big 12 with 6.0 sacks and totaled 8.0 tackles for loss, both career highs.

A native of Waterloo, Iowa, Sinnott finished his three-year playing career by tying for the most receiving touchdowns by a K-State tight end (10), ranking third at the position in receptions (82) and fourth in receiving yards (1,138). Just the fourth tight end in school history to eclipse the 1,000-yard receiving mark, Sinnott was a 2023 Honorable Mention All-American by Phil Steele in addition to being named a semifinalist for the 2023 John Mackey Award as well as an All-Big 12 First Team honoree in both 2022 and 2023.

Associate Athletics Director for Communications

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;Four Kansas State football players – offensive linemen&nbsp;Cooper Beebe&nbsp;and&nbsp;KT Leveston, defensive end&nbsp;Khalid Duke&nbsp;and tight end&nbsp;Ben Sinnott&nbsp;– have been invited to participate in the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine, as the NFL on Tuesday released the list of 321 prospects requested for the multi-day event in Indianapolis, Indiana.It marks the second-straight year the Wildcats have had four players selected to participate in the NFL Combine, which is the most since K-State had five participants in 2013. Additionally, the four invitees this season are the second most among returning Big 12 teams.The 2024 NFL Scouting Combine runs February 26 through March 4 with on-field workouts inside Lucas Oil Stadium slated for February 29 through March 3. Those workouts will be televised live on NFL Network. The NFL Combine is one of the most important events for prospects leading up to the NFL Draft, which will be held April 25-27 in Detroit, Michigan.A 2023 Consensus All-American who became the first offensive lineman in school history to earn the distinction, Beebe played in 51 games with 48 starts as he was a two-time First Team All-American and Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year. A native of Kansas City, Kansas, Beebe was a finalist for the Outland Trophy and William V. Campbell Trophy – often referred to as the “Academic Heisman” – while he was a finalist for the Lombardi Award in 2023.Leveston saw action in 50 career games with 32 starts – including a streak of 27 straight starts to finish out his career – as he earned All-Big 12 Honorable Mention honors in both 2022 and 2023. A native of Waco, Texas, Leveston, along with Beebe, helped the Wildcats rank in the top 30 nationally in 11 offensive categories, including scoring (10th – 37.1 points per game), rushing (11th – 204.1 yards per game), third down conversions (11th – 47.9%), rushing touchdowns (12th – 32) and first downs (12th – 310).Duke, a product of Atlanta, Georgia, saw time in 46 career games with 34 starts as he earned All-Big 12 honors each of the last two seasons, including second-team accolades in 2023. Duke, who also earned votes for the 2023 Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year award, finished sixth in the Big 12 with 6.0 sacks and totaled 8.0 tackles for loss, both career highs.A native of Waterloo, Iowa, Sinnott finished his three-year playing career by tying for the most receiving touchdowns by a K-State tight end (10), ranking third at the position in receptions (82) and fourth in receiving yards (1,138). Just the fourth tight end in school history to eclipse the 1,000-yard receiving mark, Sinnott was a 2023 Honorable Mention All-American by Phil Steele in addition to being named a semifinalist for the 2023 John Mackey Award as well as an All-Big 12 First Team honoree in both 2022 and 2023.– k-statesports.com –RYAN LACKEYAssociate Athletics Director for Communications

Four Wildcats Invited to 2024 NFL Combine

LUBBOCK, Texas (AP) — Kansas coach Bill Self said he didn’t curse or yell, and wasn’t really trying to get thrown out of the game. Still, he had seen enough in a lopsided road loss for his sixth-ranked Jayhawks.

Self was ejected for the first time in his 21 seasons at Kansas after getting two technical fouls in quick succession with just under six minutes remaining in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-texas-tech-basketball-score-44de925dfc8f30e91372e7d06feb93e5" target="_blank">79-50 loss at Texas Tech</a>&nbsp;on Monday night. He became the third Big 12 coach this month with a first-time ejection at his school.

“I did say a magic word, I guess, multiple times that got me a couple of techicals,” Self said.

Those technical fouls came right after Kansas center Hunter Dickinson was called for an offensive foul under the basket, though that wasn’t all that bothered the coach.

“I honestly feel the game’s not being called the way it needs to be called,” Self said. “Regardless of it’s our favor or their favor, it makes no difference to me.”

Pop Isaacs made all four free throws after Self left the court for a 63-43 lead.

“That was frustration, but I felt that all year,” Self said. “So, good officials ... good officials, I just don’t see it the same way that it’s being called.”

Self said there has been a lot of physicality, “more this year than there has been in years past.”

It was the 722nd game at Kansas for Self, whose only other ejection in 31 seasons overall as a college head coach came in 1999 while with Tulsa at Wyoming.

Houston coach Kelvin Sampson got two technical fouls and was ejected with 15:08 remaining in a home win February 6.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/houston-oklahoma-state-basketball-score-shead-09f5cb4b675e83182250b12abda87d6e" target="_blank">Sampson stormed to the other end of the court</a>&nbsp;and started yelling at the officials for not calling fouls against Oklahoma State.

Sampson had to be restrained by his players and assistant coaches and ushered off the floor. It was his first ejection in 10 years of coaching at Houston.

Baylor’s Scott Drew, who also in his 21st season is tied with Self as the Big 12’s longest-tenured coaches,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/drew-ejected-rhoades-big-12-officials-a88f8bf6bac105a0402accad03be16f1" target="_blank">got his first career ejection February 2</a>&nbsp;after two technical fouls in a home win over Iowa State. Both fouls, one midway through the first half and the other with 11 1/2 minutes left, apparently were because he was outside the coaching box.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/baylor-rhoades-fined-drew-ejection-f0fa248782a2dfee47089dc052fd02c4" target="_blank">The Big 12 fined Baylor athletic director Mack Rhoades</a>&nbsp;$25,000 and issued a public reprimand because of his criticism of officials after Drew’s ejection. Rhoades called the officiating in that game “an embarrassment” for the league.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707833592901.jpeg" alt="Kansas head coach Bill Self leaves the court after his second technical foul during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Texas Tech, Monday, Feb. 12, 2024, in Lubbock, Texas. (AP Photo/Justin Rex)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas head coach Bill Self leaves the court after his second technical foul during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Texas Tech, Monday, Feb. 12, 2024, in Lubbock, Texas. (AP Photo/Justin Rex)</figcaption>
 </figure>LUBBOCK, Texas (AP) — Kansas coach Bill Self said he didn’t curse or yell, and wasn’t really trying to get thrown out of the game. Still, he had seen enough in a lopsided road loss for his sixth-ranked Jayhawks.Self was ejected for the first time in his 21 seasons at Kansas after getting two technical fouls in quick succession with just under six minutes remaining in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-texas-tech-basketball-score-44de925dfc8f30e91372e7d06feb93e5" target="_blank">79-50 loss at Texas Tech</a>&nbsp;on Monday night. He became the third Big 12 coach this month with a first-time ejection at his school.“I did say a magic word, I guess, multiple times that got me a couple of techicals,” Self said.Those technical fouls came right after Kansas center Hunter Dickinson was called for an offensive foul under the basket, though that wasn’t all that bothered the coach.“I honestly feel the game’s not being called the way it needs to be called,” Self said. “Regardless of it’s our favor or their favor, it makes no difference to me.”Pop Isaacs made all four free throws after Self left the court for a 63-43 lead.“That was frustration, but I felt that all year,” Self said. “So, good officials ... good officials, I just don’t see it the same way that it’s being called.”Self said there has been a lot of physicality, “more this year than there has been in years past.”It was the 722nd game at Kansas for Self, whose only other ejection in 31 seasons overall as a college head coach came in 1999 while with Tulsa at Wyoming.Houston coach Kelvin Sampson got two technical fouls and was ejected with 15:08 remaining in a home win February 6.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/houston-oklahoma-state-basketball-score-shead-09f5cb4b675e83182250b12abda87d6e" target="_blank">Sampson stormed to the other end of the court</a>&nbsp;and started yelling at the officials for not calling fouls against Oklahoma State.Sampson had to be restrained by his players and assistant coaches and ushered off the floor. It was his first ejection in 10 years of coaching at Houston.Baylor’s Scott Drew, who also in his 21st season is tied with Self as the Big 12’s longest-tenured coaches,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/drew-ejected-rhoades-big-12-officials-a88f8bf6bac105a0402accad03be16f1" target="_blank">got his first career ejection February 2</a>&nbsp;after two technical fouls in a home win over Iowa State. Both fouls, one midway through the first half and the other with 11 1/2 minutes left, apparently were because he was outside the coaching box.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/baylor-rhoades-fined-drew-ejection-f0fa248782a2dfee47089dc052fd02c4" target="_blank">The Big 12 fined Baylor athletic director Mack Rhoades</a>&nbsp;$25,000 and issued a public reprimand because of his criticism of officials after Drew’s ejection. Rhoades called the officiating in that game “an embarrassment” for the league.

🏀 MBB: Bill Self gets first ejection at KU while becoming third Big 12 coach tossed this month

LUBBOCK, Texas (AP) — Darrion Williams had a perfect night for Texas Tech, and the Red Raiders never trailed in a lopsided victory over sixth-ranked Kansas.

Williams scored a career-high 30 points on 12-of-12 shooting, including four 3-pointers. He also made both of his free throws and had 11 rebounds in Texas Tech's 79-50 win Monday night.

“Give him credit because (of) his work habits and his belief in this team. ... I do believe the game rewards those people that play it to win,” Red Raiders coach Grant McCasland said. “What an awesome combination he was tonight of scoring and facilitating and rebounding and just winning.”

The 12 field goals without a miss were the most ever for a Texas Tech player. Williams, a sophomore transfer from Nevada, was also the first NCAA player in the last 25 seasons with 30 points, 10 rebounds and a perfect shooting percentage against a ranked opponent, according to ESPN Stats.

Williams hit a 3 on the first shot of the game for the Red Raiders (18-6, 7-4 Big 12). They made 8 of 12 from long range over the first 13 minutes to jump ahead 27-14.

It was a frustrating night for Kansas (19-6, 7-5), which played its second game in a row without Big 12 leading scorer Kevin McCullar Jr., and with guard Dajuan Harris not at full strength after rolling his left ankle late in a 64-61 home win over 12th-ranked Baylor two days earlier.

“We're beat up and tired right now,” Jayhawks coach Bill Self said.

Self got his first ejection in 21 seasons at Kansas with 5:49 remaining after getting two technical fouls following an offensive foul call against Hunter Dickinson, though that wasn't the only thing that bothered the coach.

“I didn’t curse him, I didn't yell. But I did say a magic word, I guess, multiple times that got me a couple of technicals. I really wasn’t trying to get thrown out," Self said. “But, you know, the way things (were) with the game, I honestly feel the game's not being called the way it needs to be called, regardless of its our favor or their favor, it makes no difference to me.”

Warren Washington had 11 points for Tech in only 20 minutes. He was limping when he came out of the game with just over 16 minutes left, but returned about eight minutes later and had a dunk before departing for good.

Nicolas Timberlake and Johnny Furphy each had 13 points for Kansas. Harris finished with seven points on 2-of-8 shooting, while Dickinson was limited to five points while missing 10 of his 12 shots.

McCullar, who averages 19.5 points, 6.4 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game, is in his second season with the Jayhawks. He was part of two NCAA Tournament teams while playing 79 games in three seasons at Texas Tech from 2019-22.

Texas Tech made its first three 3s, and was up 12-4 on Joe Toussaint's shot four minutes into the game. Kansas got even with eight consecutive points after a timeout, but that was the game's only tie. The Red Raiders went ahead to stay on back-to-back 3s by Kerwin Walton and Isaacs.

The 29-point margin matched Texas Tech's largest over the Jayhawks. The other was 91-62 five years ago, also at home. It also matched Kansas' most lopsided loss when ranked and playing an unranked team, the other being against Kentucky in 1950. ... Unranked Big 12 teams are 9-3 at home against Top 10 teams this season.

Kansas: Without McCullar and with Harris not completely healthy, the Jayhawks shot a season-low 32.7% (17 of 52) from the field and their 50 points were also the fewest this season. Their big guys, Dickinson and KJ Adams, were a combined 3 of 23 from the field.

Texas Tech: The Red Raiders improved to 13-1 at home. None of the current players was on the roster two years ago when Tech also won at home against Kansas. ... Texas Tech had lost three in a row before its win at home Saturday over UCF, and fell out of the new AP poll earlier Monday.

Kansas, already with six wins against Top 25 opponents, plays Saturday at No. 25 Oklahoma. Those ranked wins include 78-66 over the then-No. 9 Sooners at home on Jan. 13.

Texas Tech plays Saturday at No. 10 Iowa State.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707795754653.png" alt="Kansas Athletics photo" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Athletics photo</figcaption>
 </figure>LUBBOCK, Texas (AP) — Darrion Williams had a perfect night for Texas Tech, and the Red Raiders never trailed in a lopsided victory over sixth-ranked Kansas.Williams scored a career-high 30 points on 12-of-12 shooting, including four 3-pointers. He also made both of his free throws and had 11 rebounds in Texas Tech's 79-50 win Monday night.“Give him credit because (of) his work habits and his belief in this team. ... I do believe the game rewards those people that play it to win,” Red Raiders coach Grant McCasland said. “What an awesome combination he was tonight of scoring and facilitating and rebounding and just winning.”The 12 field goals without a miss were the most ever for a Texas Tech player. Williams, a sophomore transfer from Nevada, was also the first NCAA player in the last 25 seasons with 30 points, 10 rebounds and a perfect shooting percentage against a ranked opponent, according to ESPN Stats.Williams hit a 3 on the first shot of the game for the Red Raiders (18-6, 7-4 Big 12). They made 8 of 12 from long range over the first 13 minutes to jump ahead 27-14.It was a frustrating night for Kansas (19-6, 7-5), which played its second game in a row without Big 12 leading scorer Kevin McCullar Jr., and with guard Dajuan Harris not at full strength after rolling his left ankle late in a 64-61 home win over 12th-ranked Baylor two days earlier.“We're beat up and tired right now,” Jayhawks coach Bill Self said.Self got his first ejection in 21 seasons at Kansas with 5:49 remaining after getting two technical fouls following an offensive foul call against Hunter Dickinson, though that wasn't the only thing that bothered the coach.“I didn’t curse him, I didn't yell. But I did say a magic word, I guess, multiple times that got me a couple of technicals. I really wasn’t trying to get thrown out," Self said. “But, you know, the way things (were) with the game, I honestly feel the game's not being called the way it needs to be called, regardless of its our favor or their favor, it makes no difference to me.”Pop Isaacs made all four free throws after Self left the court for a 63-43 lead.Warren Washington had 11 points for Tech in only 20 minutes. He was limping when he came out of the game with just over 16 minutes left, but returned about eight minutes later and had a dunk before departing for good.Nicolas Timberlake and Johnny Furphy each had 13 points for Kansas. Harris finished with seven points on 2-of-8 shooting, while Dickinson was limited to five points while missing 10 of his 12 shots.McCullar, who averages 19.5 points, 6.4 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game, is in his second season with the Jayhawks. He was part of two NCAA Tournament teams while playing 79 games in three seasons at Texas Tech from 2019-22.Texas Tech made its first three 3s, and was up 12-4 on Joe Toussaint's shot four minutes into the game. Kansas got even with eight consecutive points after a timeout, but that was the game's only tie. The Red Raiders went ahead to stay on back-to-back 3s by Kerwin Walton and Isaacs.BIG WINSThe 29-point margin matched Texas Tech's largest over the Jayhawks. The other was 91-62 five years ago, also at home. It also matched Kansas' most lopsided loss when ranked and playing an unranked team, the other being against Kentucky in 1950. ... Unranked Big 12 teams are 9-3 at home against Top 10 teams this season.BIG PICTUREKansas: Without McCullar and with Harris not completely healthy, the Jayhawks shot a season-low 32.7% (17 of 52) from the field and their 50 points were also the fewest this season. Their big guys, Dickinson and KJ Adams, were a combined 3 of 23 from the field.Texas Tech: The Red Raiders improved to 13-1 at home. None of the current players was on the roster two years ago when Tech also won at home against Kansas. ... Texas Tech had lost three in a row before its win at home Saturday over UCF, and fell out of the new AP poll earlier Monday.UP NEXTKansas, already with six wins against Top 25 opponents, plays Saturday at No. 25 Oklahoma. Those ranked wins include 78-66 over the then-No. 9 Sooners at home on Jan. 13.Texas Tech plays Saturday at No. 10 Iowa State.

🏀 Darrion Williams scores 30 points as Texas Tech beats Kansas

Junction City Parks and Recreation Director Joshua Gray said in this past week's 515 Report that some new upgrades have been received for Playground Park. They include new water drinking fountains with bottle filling stations and picnic tables and a double BBQ grill which are intended for the new shelter that will be arriving soon. He noted thank you to Quality Play for All for their partnership in bringing these upgraded amenities to the park.

This past Sunday, open skate was held at Spin City. This is the first Sunday that they have offered a public skate since 2020 and it was a huge success with over 300 paid admissions! It was the largest paid admissions day since Spring Break of last year. 

Upcoming public skate dates are March 11, 13, and 15th from 1-5p.m.

Junction City Parks and Recreation Director Joshua Gray said in this past week's 515 Report that some new upgrades have been received for Playground Park. They include new water drinking fountains with bottle filling stations and picnic tables and a double BBQ grill which are intended for the new shelter that will be arriving soon. He noted thank you to Quality Play for All for their partnership in bringing these upgraded amenities to the park.This past Sunday, open skate was held at Spin City. This is the first Sunday that they have offered a public skate since 2020 and it was a huge success with over 300 paid admissions! It was the largest paid admissions day since Spring Break of last year. Upcoming public skate dates are March 11, 13, and 15th from 1-5p.m.

Junction City Parks and Recreation

OLIVIA BURCH Junior in Psychology

How did you get into rodeo? Through friends that rodeo'd

What advice would you give to youth/high school rodeo athletes? Everyon'e at a different place dont' compare yourself

What is one thing you want people to know about K-State Rodeo? It's a good community of people who work hard to do what they love.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707489981711.png" alt="K-State Rodeo Juniors, picture from K-State Rodeo" />
 <figcaption>K-State Rodeo Juniors, picture from K-State Rodeo</figcaption>
 </figure>OLIVIA BURCH Junior in PsychologyHometown: Pella, IowaEvents: Barrel RacingHow did you get into rodeo? Through friends that rodeo'dWhat advice would you give to youth/high school rodeo athletes? Everyon'e at a different place dont' compare yourselfWhat is one thing you want people to know about K-State Rodeo? It's a good community of people who work hard to do what they love.

Meet Olivia Burch - K-State Rodeo Athlete

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and Andy Reid have made the Kansas City Chiefs a dynasty.

First, they had to become the first back-to-back&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/b54b564106fa7ce480f89ad771c86e1c">Super Bowl</a>&nbsp;champions in 19 years.

Mahomes made sure of it, leading another super comeback on the NFL’s biggest stage in America’s showcase capital.

Mahomes threw a 3-yard touchdown pass to Mecole Hardman in overtime, and the Chiefs rallied to beat the San Francisco 49ers 25-22 on Sunday, becoming the NFL's ninth repeat Super Bowl champs.

With pop star&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-swift-las-vegas-kelce-chiefs-49ers-2cd5b56b6959ed053056cd6f28a82d0a">Taylor Swift watching boyfriend Kelce</a>&nbsp;from a suite, the Chiefs captured their third title in five years, a run that puts them among the league's greatest franchises.

“Well, you know the goal has always been to get three,” Kelce screamed on stage after&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1756898718291501128">sharing a kiss with Swift</a>. “But we couldn’t get here without getting that two, and having that target on our back all year. ... How about that. We get a chance to do it three times in a row.”

The NFL’s first Super Bowl in Las Vegas was a sloppy, mistake-filled affair that was mostly boring until the back-and-forth fourth quarter and OT. It was the second of 58 Super Bowls to be tied after regulation, and the first played under new overtime rules that ensured both teams got the ball.

The Chiefs (15-6) trailed 22-19 after Jake Moody kicked a 27-yard field goal on the first possession of overtime, but Mahomes rallied the Chiefs, completing another impressive comeback in a rematch of the Super Bowl four years ago.

Mahomes ran 8 yards on fourth-and-1 to keep the Chiefs' chances alive and then scrambled 19 yards to set up the winning score, which came 14:57 into the extra period — just before what would have been the second OT.

“With all the adversity we’ve been through this season to come through tonight. ... I’m proud of the guys,” said Mahomes, who earned his third Super Bowl MVP award. “This is awesome. Legendary.”

After he connected with a wide-open Hardman, the Chiefs ran on the field as red-and-yellow confetti fell onto the turf.

Mahomes and Reid are now halfway to Tom Brady and Bill Belichick, who won six championships in 20 years together with the New England Patriots and were the most recent team to go back-to-back following the 2003-04 seasons.

The 28-year-old Mahomes becomes the fourth starting QB to win three Super Bowls — joining Brady, Joe Montana, Terry Bradshaw and Troy Aikman — and second-youngest.

“I am going to celebrate tonight, celebrate at the parade and then work my way to get back in this game next year,” Mahomes said. “I am going to do whatever I can to be back in this game next year. Three-peat.”

The most excitement in the first half came when a frustrated Kelce&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-travis-kelce-andy-reid-0906fba1661065186f7d9c51ae77e94b">bumped Reid</a>&nbsp;on the sideline, knocking the Chiefs' 65-year-old coach a few steps back after teammate Isiah Pacheco fumbled inside the red zone during the second quarter.

“You guys saw that?” Kelce said. “I’m going to keep it between us unless my ‘mic’d up’ tells the world. I was just telling him how much I loved him.”

The action picked up after a crucial blunder by San Francisco’s special teams set up Mahomes’ 16-yard TD pass to Marquez Valdes-Scantling for a 13-10 lead.

Brock Purdy and the 49ers (14-6) answered but they couldn’t make enough plays, denying Mr. Irrelevant an opportunity to go from last pick in the 2022 NFL draft to Super Bowl champion.

“We have the offense to score touchdowns and I failed to put the team in position to do that," Purdy said.

Niners wide receiver Jauan Jennings threw a TD pass and caught one, joining Eagles quarterback Nick Foles six years ago as the only players to do both in the Super Bowl.

After Moody’s 53-yard field goal gave the Niners a 19-16 lead with 1:53 remaining, Mahomes and Kelce went to work. Mahomes connected with Kelce for a 22-yard gain to set up Harrison Butker’s tying kick, a 29-yarder with 3 seconds left.

A holding call on Kansas City’s Trent McDuffie extended San Francisco’s opening drive of overtime and Purdy made key throws to drive the 49ers to the Chiefs 9. But San Francisco settled for a field goal.

Purdy, Christian McCaffrey and the Niners jumped ahead 10-0, but that’s no big deal for Mahomes and the Chiefs in the Super Bowl. They’ve trailed by 10 points in all three of their victories, including last year’s 38-35 win over Philadelphia.

Mahomes wasn’t at his best early and threw an interception. But with the game on the line, he was a magician once again. He finished 34 of 46 for 333 yards and two TDs.

The Chiefs were hardly dominant during the regular season and entered the playoffs as the AFC's No. 3 seed. They won at Buffalo and at Baltimore in the postseason — the first road playoff games of Mahomes' career — and entered the Super Bowl as 2 1/2-point underdogs, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://sportsbook.fanduel.com/">FanDuel Sportsbook</a>.

“The Kansas City Chiefs are never underdogs. Just know that,” Mahomes said.

They became the first team to win consecutive Super Bowls as underdogs; the Philadelphia Eagles were slight favorites a year ago.

The game turned when San Francisco’s Ray-Ray McCloud couldn’t scoop a punt that hit teammate Darrell Luter Jr.’s leg and the Chiefs recovered at the 49ers 16, leading to Mahomes' go-ahead TD pass to Valdes-Scantling.

The Niners answered on the next possession with Purdy tossing a 10-yard TD pass to Jennings for a 16-13 lead. Moody’s extra point was blocked.

Niners coach Kyle Shanahan gambled on fourth-and-3 from the Chiefs 15, passing up a chance for a tying field goal. Purdy hit George Kittle for a 4-yard gain and then found Jennings for the score.

Shanahan resorted to trickery for the only touchdown of the first half.

Jennings, a wide receiver who had never thrown a pass in an NFL game, tossed a 21-yard TD to McCaffrey. He was hit as&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1756843057931014599">he threw a wobbly pass across the field</a>, but McCaffrey snagged it and sprinted to the end zone.

Shanahan fell to 0-2 as a head coach in Super Bowls and 0-3 overall, including a loss when he was offensive coordinator for Atlanta. That was the game in which Brady and the Patriots rallied from a 28-3 deficit to win in OT.

“When you go against guys like Tom Brady and Pat Mahomes, you never feel comfortable with a lead. Those guys are two of the best to ever play the game,” Shanahan said.

There were plenty of stars in the building as the NFL brought its biggest game to this gambling mecca — once a taboo idea. Jay-Z, LeBron James and Paul McCartney were among the celebrities in the crowd.

Post Malone sang “America the Beautiful,” Reba McEntire performed the national anthem and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-2024-halftime-show-review-usher-ccd211bedd0b3a3e5ea90522828f6a13">Usher electrified the crowd</a>&nbsp;at halftime. He brought out a number of guests, including Alicia Keys, H.E.R., Jermaine Dupri, Lil Jon and Ludacris.

Attendance was announced at 61,629 at the relatively compact Allegiant Stadium, the smallest crowd in Super Bowl history except for the pandemic game in Tampa, Florida, three years ago.

It didn't start out well, but thanks to Mahomes, those fans ended up seeing one of the best Super Bowl finishes.

Fans will get to celebrate the Chiefs on Wednesday, Valentine's Day. The Kansas City Sports Commission released the official route and timing late Sunday night, KMBC-TV&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kmbc.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-super-bowl-parade-route-schedule-time-2024/46708458">reported</a>. The parade will begin at 11 a.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707709748360.png" alt="Photo Kansas City Chiefs" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Chiefs</figcaption>
 </figure>LAS VEGAS (AP) — Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and Andy Reid have made the Kansas City Chiefs a dynasty.They’re already thinking three-peat.First, they had to become the first back-to-back&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/b54b564106fa7ce480f89ad771c86e1c">Super Bowl</a>&nbsp;champions in 19 years.Mahomes made sure of it, leading another super comeback on the NFL’s biggest stage in America’s showcase capital.Mahomes threw a 3-yard touchdown pass to Mecole Hardman in overtime, and the Chiefs rallied to beat the San Francisco 49ers 25-22 on Sunday, becoming the NFL's ninth repeat Super Bowl champs.With pop star&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-swift-las-vegas-kelce-chiefs-49ers-2cd5b56b6959ed053056cd6f28a82d0a">Taylor Swift watching boyfriend Kelce</a>&nbsp;from a suite, the Chiefs captured their third title in five years, a run that puts them among the league's greatest franchises.“Well, you know the goal has always been to get three,” Kelce screamed on stage after&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1756898718291501128">sharing a kiss with Swift</a>. “But we couldn’t get here without getting that two, and having that target on our back all year. ... How about that. We get a chance to do it three times in a row.”The NFL’s first Super Bowl in Las Vegas was a sloppy, mistake-filled affair that was mostly boring until the back-and-forth fourth quarter and OT. It was the second of 58 Super Bowls to be tied after regulation, and the first played under new overtime rules that ensured both teams got the ball.The Chiefs (15-6) trailed 22-19 after Jake Moody kicked a 27-yard field goal on the first possession of overtime, but Mahomes rallied the Chiefs, completing another impressive comeback in a rematch of the Super Bowl four years ago.Mahomes ran 8 yards on fourth-and-1 to keep the Chiefs' chances alive and then scrambled 19 yards to set up the winning score, which came 14:57 into the extra period — just before what would have been the second OT.“With all the adversity we’ve been through this season to come through tonight. ... I’m proud of the guys,” said Mahomes, who earned his third Super Bowl MVP award. “This is awesome. Legendary.”After he connected with a wide-open Hardman, the Chiefs ran on the field as red-and-yellow confetti fell onto the turf.Mahomes and Reid are now halfway to Tom Brady and Bill Belichick, who won six championships in 20 years together with the New England Patriots and were the most recent team to go back-to-back following the 2003-04 seasons.The 28-year-old Mahomes becomes the fourth starting QB to win three Super Bowls — joining Brady, Joe Montana, Terry Bradshaw and Troy Aikman — and second-youngest.“I am going to celebrate tonight, celebrate at the parade and then work my way to get back in this game next year,” Mahomes said. “I am going to do whatever I can to be back in this game next year. Three-peat.”The most excitement in the first half came when a frustrated Kelce&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-travis-kelce-andy-reid-0906fba1661065186f7d9c51ae77e94b">bumped Reid</a>&nbsp;on the sideline, knocking the Chiefs' 65-year-old coach a few steps back after teammate Isiah Pacheco fumbled inside the red zone during the second quarter.“You guys saw that?” Kelce said. “I’m going to keep it between us unless my ‘mic’d up’ tells the world. I was just telling him how much I loved him.”The action picked up after a crucial blunder by San Francisco’s special teams set up Mahomes’ 16-yard TD pass to Marquez Valdes-Scantling for a 13-10 lead.Brock Purdy and the 49ers (14-6) answered but they couldn’t make enough plays, denying Mr. Irrelevant an opportunity to go from last pick in the 2022 NFL draft to Super Bowl champion.“We have the offense to score touchdowns and I failed to put the team in position to do that," Purdy said.Niners wide receiver Jauan Jennings threw a TD pass and caught one, joining Eagles quarterback Nick Foles six years ago as the only players to do both in the Super Bowl.After Moody’s 53-yard field goal gave the Niners a 19-16 lead with 1:53 remaining, Mahomes and Kelce went to work. Mahomes connected with Kelce for a 22-yard gain to set up Harrison Butker’s tying kick, a 29-yarder with 3 seconds left.A holding call on Kansas City’s Trent McDuffie extended San Francisco’s opening drive of overtime and Purdy made key throws to drive the 49ers to the Chiefs 9. But San Francisco settled for a field goal.Purdy, Christian McCaffrey and the Niners jumped ahead 10-0, but that’s no big deal for Mahomes and the Chiefs in the Super Bowl. They’ve trailed by 10 points in all three of their victories, including last year’s 38-35 win over Philadelphia.Mahomes wasn’t at his best early and threw an interception. But with the game on the line, he was a magician once again. He finished 34 of 46 for 333 yards and two TDs.The Chiefs were hardly dominant during the regular season and entered the playoffs as the AFC's No. 3 seed. They won at Buffalo and at Baltimore in the postseason — the first road playoff games of Mahomes' career — and entered the Super Bowl as 2 1/2-point underdogs, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://sportsbook.fanduel.com/">FanDuel Sportsbook</a>.“The Kansas City Chiefs are never underdogs. Just know that,” Mahomes said.They became the first team to win consecutive Super Bowls as underdogs; the Philadelphia Eagles were slight favorites a year ago.The game turned when San Francisco’s Ray-Ray McCloud couldn’t scoop a punt that hit teammate Darrell Luter Jr.’s leg and the Chiefs recovered at the 49ers 16, leading to Mahomes' go-ahead TD pass to Valdes-Scantling.The Niners answered on the next possession with Purdy tossing a 10-yard TD pass to Jennings for a 16-13 lead. Moody’s extra point was blocked.Niners coach Kyle Shanahan gambled on fourth-and-3 from the Chiefs 15, passing up a chance for a tying field goal. Purdy hit George Kittle for a 4-yard gain and then found Jennings for the score.Shanahan resorted to trickery for the only touchdown of the first half.Jennings, a wide receiver who had never thrown a pass in an NFL game, tossed a 21-yard TD to McCaffrey. He was hit as&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1756843057931014599">he threw a wobbly pass across the field</a>, but McCaffrey snagged it and sprinted to the end zone.Shanahan fell to 0-2 as a head coach in Super Bowls and 0-3 overall, including a loss when he was offensive coordinator for Atlanta. That was the game in which Brady and the Patriots rallied from a 28-3 deficit to win in OT.“When you go against guys like Tom Brady and Pat Mahomes, you never feel comfortable with a lead. Those guys are two of the best to ever play the game,” Shanahan said.There were plenty of stars in the building as the NFL brought its biggest game to this gambling mecca — once a taboo idea. Jay-Z, LeBron James and Paul McCartney were among the celebrities in the crowd.Post Malone sang “America the Beautiful,” Reba McEntire performed the national anthem and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-2024-halftime-show-review-usher-ccd211bedd0b3a3e5ea90522828f6a13">Usher electrified the crowd</a>&nbsp;at halftime. He brought out a number of guests, including Alicia Keys, H.E.R., Jermaine Dupri, Lil Jon and Ludacris.Attendance was announced at 61,629 at the relatively compact Allegiant Stadium, the smallest crowd in Super Bowl history except for the pandemic game in Tampa, Florida, three years ago.It didn't start out well, but thanks to Mahomes, those fans ended up seeing one of the best Super Bowl finishes.Fans will get to celebrate the Chiefs on Wednesday, Valentine's Day. The Kansas City Sports Commission released the official route and timing late Sunday night, KMBC-TV&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kmbc.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-super-bowl-parade-route-schedule-time-2024/46708458">reported</a>. The parade will begin at 11 a.m.

🏈 Patrick Mahomes rallies the Chiefs to second straight Super Bowl title

KORD OSTRANDER Sophomore

How did you get into rodeo? Family

What advice would you give to youth/high school rodeo athletes? Put in the work.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707488985082.png" alt="K-State Rodeo's Kord Ostrander, picture submitted by athlete" />
 <figcaption>K-State Rodeo's Kord Ostrander, picture submitted by athlete</figcaption>
 </figure>KORD OSTRANDER SophomoreHometown: Glenwood, IAEvents: Team RopingHow did you get into rodeo? FamilyWhat advice would you give to youth/high school rodeo athletes? Put in the work.

Meet Kord Ostrander - K-State Rodeo Athlete

Junction City High School was one of the host sites for the 6A girls' regional wrestling tournament on Saturday.

17 girls' wrestling teams traveled to the Blue Jay Event Center for a chance to compete and eventually go on to the state wrestling tournament. 

Several wrestlers had success for Junction City, with three girls advancing to the state wrestling tournament. 

The three girls who qualified for state are, senior Charly Goodwin, who wrestles at 110 pounds, sophomore Juliana Villanueva at 115 pounds, and freshman Victoria Perez at 190 pounds. 

Villanueva took first place in the 115-pound weight class and continues her undefeated season. As for Goodwin and Perez, both finished with a second-place finish in their respective weight classes.

The 6A state wrestling tournament is at Hartman Arena in Park City and is Feb. 22-24.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707672927422.jpeg" alt="The Junction City High School girls' wrestling team poses as they celebrate three of their teammates who qualified for the 6A girl's state wrestling tournament. (Photo courtesy of USD 475-Geary County Schools Facebook page)." />
 <figcaption>The Junction City High School girls' wrestling team poses as they celebrate three of their teammates who qualified for the 6A girl's state wrestling tournament. (Photo courtesy of USD 475-Geary County Schools Facebook page).</figcaption>
 </figure>By Anthony GorgesJC PostJunction City High School was one of the host sites for the 6A girls' regional wrestling tournament on Saturday.17 girls' wrestling teams traveled to the Blue Jay Event Center for a chance to compete and eventually go on to the state wrestling tournament. Several wrestlers had success for Junction City, with three girls advancing to the state wrestling tournament. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707674722690.jpeg" alt="The three JCHS girls wrestlers that qualified for the 6A state wrestling tournament. (Pictured left to right) Victoria Perez, Charly Goodwin, and Juliana Villanueva. (Photo courtesy of USD 475-Geary County Schools Facebook page)." />
 <figcaption>The three JCHS girls wrestlers that qualified for the 6A state wrestling tournament. (Pictured left to right) Victoria Perez, Charly Goodwin, and Juliana Villanueva. (Photo courtesy of USD 475-Geary County Schools Facebook page).</figcaption>
 </figure>The three girls who qualified for state are, senior Charly Goodwin, who wrestles at 110 pounds, sophomore Juliana Villanueva at 115 pounds, and freshman Victoria Perez at 190 pounds. Villanueva took first place in the 115-pound weight class and continues her undefeated season. As for Goodwin and Perez, both finished with a second-place finish in their respective weight classes.The 6A state wrestling tournament is at Hartman Arena in Park City and is Feb. 22-24.

6A girls regional wrestling tournament was a success for Junction City 

PROVO, Utah (AP) — Fousseyni Traore scored 14 points and had eight rebounds to lead No. 21 BYU to a 72-66 victory over Kansas State on Saturday night.

Spencer Johnson and Jaxson Robinson added 12 points apiece for the Cougars (17-6, 5-5 Big 12) while Noah Waterman chipped in 11 points and Trevin Knell added 10. Aly Khalifa had a team-high six assists in his return to the lineup following a two-game absence because of the flu.

Arthur Kaluma led the Wildcats (15-9, 5-6) with 18 points and eight rebounds and Cam Carter added 14 points.

BYU led by 17 points in the second half, but Kansas State pulled within 66-64 with a run that included Kaluma’s 3-pointer with 1:11 left. Kaluma returned to help lead the rally after going to the locker room earlier in the second half with an ankle injury.

Robinson and Johnson countered with baskets in the final minute to help BYU keep the Wildcats from completing the comeback.

“We needed both of those buckets,” Robinson said. “Obviously, it all came down to the defensive end. We forced 16 turnovers and only turned the ball over seven times. Can’t complain about that.”

The Cougars missed five shots and three free throws over a five-minute stretch to open the door for Kansas State to rally.

“We just pressured the ball a lot more and picked up a little higher,” Kaluma said. “Went into a little bit of a press. I feel like we just had more energy.”

Kansas State struggled to find any consistent offensive rhythm during the first half. The Wildcats committed nine turnovers and scored one field goal over the final four minutes before halftime.

BYU scored 14 points off 16 Kansas State turnovers by game’s end.

“We said this was going to be a 15-round fight,” Kansas State coach Jerome Tang said. “The problem is they got to throw the last punch tonight instead of us.”

BYU did not fully capitalize on its tough first-half defense. The Cougars went 2 of 13 from 3-point range in the first half while also missing a few layups. Still, BYU built a 36-27 halftime lead by attacking the rim with Traore doing the most damage inside.

Tylor Perry’s flagrant foul on Traore was a turning point in the first half. Traore hit two free throws and made a layup to turn a two-point BYU lead into a six-point advantage.

Waterman and Johnson made back-to-back 3-pointers to extend BYU’s lead to 45-32 early in the second half. The Cougars pulled ahead 58-41 on Robinson’s 3-pointer.

BYU’s offense stagnated a bit late in the second half when the team missed open looks from the perimeter and at the rim.

“We got to the rim the way we wanted to. We got shots we wanted,” BYU coach Mark Pope said. “I liked us offensively. You’re going to go through little spells where things don’t go in and that’s why you win games defensively.”

Kansas State endured too many stretches with too many missed shots and turnovers to avoid losing its fifth straight road game.

BYU bullied Kansas State around the rim and applied enough defensive pressure to overcome a below-average shooting night from the perimeter.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707653779709.png" alt="Photo K-State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo K-State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>PROVO, Utah (AP) — Fousseyni Traore scored 14 points and had eight rebounds to lead No. 21 BYU to a 72-66 victory over Kansas State on Saturday night.Spencer Johnson and Jaxson Robinson added 12 points apiece for the Cougars (17-6, 5-5 Big 12) while Noah Waterman chipped in 11 points and Trevin Knell added 10. Aly Khalifa had a team-high six assists in his return to the lineup following a two-game absence because of the flu.Arthur Kaluma led the Wildcats (15-9, 5-6) with 18 points and eight rebounds and Cam Carter added 14 points.BYU led by 17 points in the second half, but Kansas State pulled within 66-64 with a run that included Kaluma’s 3-pointer with 1:11 left. Kaluma returned to help lead the rally after going to the locker room earlier in the second half with an ankle injury.Robinson and Johnson countered with baskets in the final minute to help BYU keep the Wildcats from completing the comeback.“We needed both of those buckets,” Robinson said. “Obviously, it all came down to the defensive end. We forced 16 turnovers and only turned the ball over seven times. Can’t complain about that.”The Cougars missed five shots and three free throws over a five-minute stretch to open the door for Kansas State to rally.“We just pressured the ball a lot more and picked up a little higher,” Kaluma said. “Went into a little bit of a press. I feel like we just had more energy.”Kansas State struggled to find any consistent offensive rhythm during the first half. The Wildcats committed nine turnovers and scored one field goal over the final four minutes before halftime.BYU scored 14 points off 16 Kansas State turnovers by game’s end.“We said this was going to be a 15-round fight,” Kansas State coach Jerome Tang said. “The problem is they got to throw the last punch tonight instead of us.”BYU did not fully capitalize on its tough first-half defense. The Cougars went 2 of 13 from 3-point range in the first half while also missing a few layups. Still, BYU built a 36-27 halftime lead by attacking the rim with Traore doing the most damage inside.Tylor Perry’s flagrant foul on Traore was a turning point in the first half. Traore hit two free throws and made a layup to turn a two-point BYU lead into a six-point advantage.Waterman and Johnson made back-to-back 3-pointers to extend BYU’s lead to 45-32 early in the second half. The Cougars pulled ahead 58-41 on Robinson’s 3-pointer.BYU’s offense stagnated a bit late in the second half when the team missed open looks from the perimeter and at the rim.“We got to the rim the way we wanted to. We got shots we wanted,” BYU coach Mark Pope said. “I liked us offensively. You’re going to go through little spells where things don’t go in and that’s why you win games defensively.”Kansas State outrebounded BYU 42-34.BIG PICTUREKansas State endured too many stretches with too many missed shots and turnovers to avoid losing its fifth straight road game.BYU bullied Kansas State around the rim and applied enough defensive pressure to overcome a below-average shooting night from the perimeter.UP NEXTKansas State hosts TCU on Saturday.BYU hosts UCF on Tuesday night.

🏀 BYU holds off late Kansas State rally for victory

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Hunter Dickinson scored 15 points to lead a balanced attack as No. 4 Kansas extended its home winning streak to 18 games with a 64-61 win over No. 13 Baylor on Saturday night.

Baylor got the ball with 14.2 seconds left and a chance to tie it, but Jayden Nunn's 3-point try from the corner was short. After Nicolas Timberlake missed the front end of a one-and-one, Ja'Kobe Walter's 3-point attempt caromed off the rim.

Kansas, 13-0 at home this season, played without guard Kevin McCullar, who is out with a knee injury. Timberlake made his first start with the Jayhawks.

Baylor coach Scott Drew is now 1-15 in Allen Fieldhouse.

Kansas (19-5, 7-4 Big 12) got 14 points from Dajuan Harris, 13 from KJ Adams and 11 from Johnny Furphy.

Baylor (17-6, 6-4) was led by Yves Missi with 21 points and Walter with 17.

Kansas kept Baylor at arm's length for most of the second half. After Baylor trimmed the deficit to 37-36 early in the half, the Jayhawks responded with a 6-0 run. Baylor again trimmed it to a one-possession game at 44-41, but a 9-1 Kansas run opened a double-digit lead.

Baylor kept the game within reach, getting within 3 points but couldn't get over the hump.

Dickinson was the story in the first half. He scored 13, more than half his team's first 25 points. Kansas jumped out quickly, racing to an 18-6 lead by the second media timeout. In that opening stretch, the Jayhawks hit seven of their first 10 shots.

Dickinson picked up his second foul with 2:59 left in the first half and sat the rest of the half.

Kansas led by as many as 13 points in the first half before Baylor trimmed it to 34-28 at halftime.

Houston: The Bears did not let the big, early deficit take them out of their game. They answered nearly every Kansas run.

Kansas: The Jayhawks need McCullar to get healthy moving forward. He leads the team with 19.5 points per game.

Baylor: The Bears return home Tuesday night for a game against Oklahoma.

Kansas: The Jayhawks will travel to Texas Tech on Monday night.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707617325166.png" alt="Photo Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Hunter Dickinson scored 15 points to lead a balanced attack as No. 4 Kansas extended its home winning streak to 18 games with a 64-61 win over No. 13 Baylor on Saturday night.Baylor got the ball with 14.2 seconds left and a chance to tie it, but Jayden Nunn's 3-point try from the corner was short. After Nicolas Timberlake missed the front end of a one-and-one, Ja'Kobe Walter's 3-point attempt caromed off the rim.Kansas, 13-0 at home this season, played without guard Kevin McCullar, who is out with a knee injury. Timberlake made his first start with the Jayhawks.Baylor coach Scott Drew is now 1-15 in Allen Fieldhouse.Kansas (19-5, 7-4 Big 12) got 14 points from Dajuan Harris, 13 from KJ Adams and 11 from Johnny Furphy.Baylor (17-6, 6-4) was led by Yves Missi with 21 points and Walter with 17.Kansas kept Baylor at arm's length for most of the second half. After Baylor trimmed the deficit to 37-36 early in the half, the Jayhawks responded with a 6-0 run. Baylor again trimmed it to a one-possession game at 44-41, but a 9-1 Kansas run opened a double-digit lead.Baylor kept the game within reach, getting within 3 points but couldn't get over the hump.Dickinson was the story in the first half. He scored 13, more than half his team's first 25 points. Kansas jumped out quickly, racing to an 18-6 lead by the second media timeout. In that opening stretch, the Jayhawks hit seven of their first 10 shots.Dickinson picked up his second foul with 2:59 left in the first half and sat the rest of the half.Kansas led by as many as 13 points in the first half before Baylor trimmed it to 34-28 at halftime.THE TAKEAWAYHouston: The Bears did not let the big, early deficit take them out of their game. They answered nearly every Kansas run.Kansas: The Jayhawks need McCullar to get healthy moving forward. He leads the team with 19.5 points per game.UP NEXTBaylor: The Bears return home Tuesday night for a game against Oklahoma.Kansas: The Jayhawks will travel to Texas Tech on Monday night.

🏀 MBB: No. 4 Kansas wins 18th straight at home, tops Baylor

ABBY MUCK Sophomore in Animal Science

Hometown: Caledonia, Illinois

How did you get into rodeo? My grandparents and parents introduced it to me.

What advice would you give to youth/high school rodeo athletes? Don’t take this time for granted. Ten years from now you’ll forget how you placed but you will always remember the friends and memories you made.&nbsp;

What is one thing you want people to know about K-State Rodeo? It is the biggest rodeo in the Central Plains region. Arguably the biggest in all of college rodeo.

*Questionnaires were sent to the K-State Rodeo team and we will feature athletes daily leading up to the 2024 K-State Rodeo, which will be Thursday, February 15th through Sunday, February 18th.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707247740960.png" alt="K-State Rodeo's Abby Muck, picture submitted by athlete" />
 <figcaption>K-State Rodeo's Abby Muck, picture submitted by athlete</figcaption>
 </figure>ABBY MUCK Sophomore in Animal ScienceHometown: Caledonia, IllinoisEvents: Breakaway RopingHow did you get into rodeo? My grandparents and parents introduced it to me.What advice would you give to youth/high school rodeo athletes? Don’t take this time for granted. Ten years from now you’ll forget how you placed but you will always remember the friends and memories you made.&nbsp; What is one thing you want people to know about K-State Rodeo? It is the biggest rodeo in the Central Plains region. Arguably the biggest in all of college rodeo. *Questionnaires were sent to the K-State Rodeo team and we will feature athletes daily leading up to the 2024 K-State Rodeo, which will be Thursday, February 15th through Sunday, February 18th.

Meet Abby Muck - K-State Rodeo Athlete

Chapman Boys Basketball fell to Concordia 60 - 56 Friday night.

For Chapman&nbsp;

Chapman CJ Holm had 19 points,&nbsp;Kelan Gruver 16 and Weston Langvardt 11.

Chapman Boys Basketball fell to Concordia 60 - 56 Friday night.For Chapman&nbsp;

Chapman CJ Holm had 19 points,&nbsp;Kelan Gruver 16 and Weston Langvardt 11.

Irish lose to Concordia

Friday night was homecoming at Junction City High School, so it was a packed house inside Blue Jay Event Center for both boys and girls games.

It was another thrilling rivalry game between the boys teams of Junction City and Manhattan High School.

A back and forth game all the way to the end went the way of the Blue Jays, as Junction City held off Manhattan 56-53.

After being tied at the end of the first quarter, the Blue Jays led the Indians by one point at halftime and at the end of the third quarter. The fourth quarter saw Manhattan take a 49-47 lead with just over two minutes to play, but a clutch three pointer and some late free throws by Jackson Austin propelled the Blue Jays to victory. 

Junction City was led in scoring by junior Larkin Turner with 22 points. Sophomore Lovell Autry added 14 points.

For the Indians, senior Asher Newcomer led the team with 18 points, Jason Kim finished the night with 14 points. Kim had a three-point shot at the buzzer to try and force overtime, but the shot missed. With the win Junction City improves to 15-2, while Manhattan falls to 10-7.

The Manhattan Lady Indians jumped out to a quick 21 point lead and then coasted to a big 61-18 win over the Junction City Lady Jays on Friday night.

Manhattan had several contributors on the night, as 10 different players scored at least a point. 

For the Lady Jays, senior Sara Rexrode once again led the team in scoring with seven points.

Manhattan improves to 10-7 on the season, and Junction City falls to 1-16.&nbsp;

Up next for Manhattan is a home matchup against Emporia on Tuesday. As for Junction City, it is another home game as the Blue Jays host Topeka Hayden on Tuesday night.&nbsp;

By Anthony GorgesJC PostFriday night was homecoming at Junction City High School, so it was a packed house inside Blue Jay Event Center for both boys and girls games.Boys recapIt was another thrilling rivalry game between the boys teams of Junction City and Manhattan High School.A back and forth game all the way to the end went the way of the Blue Jays, as Junction City held off Manhattan 56-53.After being tied at the end of the first quarter, the Blue Jays led the Indians by one point at halftime and at the end of the third quarter. The fourth quarter saw Manhattan take a 49-47 lead with just over two minutes to play, but a clutch three pointer and some late free throws by Jackson Austin propelled the Blue Jays to victory. Junction City was led in scoring by junior Larkin Turner with 22 points. Sophomore Lovell Autry added 14 points.For the Indians, senior Asher Newcomer led the team with 18 points, Jason Kim finished the night with 14 points. Kim had a three-point shot at the buzzer to try and force overtime, but the shot missed. With the win Junction City improves to 15-2, while Manhattan falls to 10-7.Girls recapThe Manhattan Lady Indians jumped out to a quick 21 point lead and then coasted to a big 61-18 win over the Junction City Lady Jays on Friday night.Manhattan had several contributors on the night, as 10 different players scored at least a point. For the Lady Jays, senior Sara Rexrode once again led the team in scoring with seven points.Manhattan improves to 10-7 on the season, and Junction City falls to 1-16.&nbsp;Up next for Manhattan is a home matchup against Emporia on Tuesday. As for Junction City, it is another home game as the Blue Jays host Topeka Hayden on Tuesday night.&nbsp;

JC boys win another close game, Manhattan girls win big in rivalry games

LAS VEGAS (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs ruled out All-Pro left guard Joe Thuney for the Super Bowl against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday because of a pectoral injury.

Wide receiver Rashee Rice and running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire, though, appear ready to go.

Rice was a full participant in practice Friday after he was stepped on near the end of the previous day's workout, while Edwards-Helaire also put in a full practice after dealing with an illness earlier in the week.

The only player that the Chiefs listed as questionable on the final injury report was running back Jerick McKinnon, who remains on injured reserve after surgery in January for a core muscle injury. The Chiefs have until Saturday afternoon to add him onto the active roster for the Super Bowl, though Reid described his chances of playing as “slim” earlier in the week.

The 49ers are healthy headed into the game with no one on the active roster listed with an injury designation.

“Guys have worked hard these two weeks,” 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said. “The guys who have been banged up, they’ve done everything possible to be healthy for this game. It’s our first time everyone is full and healthy. It’s the right game to have it that way.”

Backup defensive tackle Kalia Davis, who is currently on injured reserve but has practiced this week, was listed as questionable for San Francisco with an ankle injury. Davis is not expected to be activated on Saturday to play in the game.

Chiefs coach Andy Reid insisted all week he wasn't counting Thuney out, right through the end of a 66-minute workout Friday at the practice facility of the AFC West-rival Raiders. But given Thuney had not practiced since before he was hurt in the divisional round in Buffalo, it had become increasingly clear that Allegretti would get the start in his place.

The longtime backup has done this before. Allegretti also started the Super Bowl against Tampa Bay in 2021 because of injuries.

“Next-man-up mentality," Chiefs right guard Trey Smith said. “Nick is a consummate professional. He'll be ready to go. He's done a great job these past couple of weeks of preparation. Our coaches will have us prepared and Nick will do great.”

The Chiefs experienced a scare near the end of Thursday's practice when Rice accidentally was stepped on and limped off the field. The rookie wide receiver has become one of Patrick Mahomes' go-to targets, catching 20 passes for 223 yards and a score in three playoff games, while also helping to draw some of the attention away from tight end Travis Kelce.

Edwards-Helaire was inactive for last year's Super Bowl despite proclaiming himself healthy following a high ankle sprain.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707535269629.png" alt="Joe Thuney-photo Kansas City Chiefs" />
 <figcaption>Joe Thuney-photo Kansas City Chiefs</figcaption>
 </figure>LAS VEGAS (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs ruled out All-Pro left guard Joe Thuney for the Super Bowl against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday because of a pectoral injury.Wide receiver Rashee Rice and running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire, though, appear ready to go.Rice was a full participant in practice Friday after he was stepped on near the end of the previous day's workout, while Edwards-Helaire also put in a full practice after dealing with an illness earlier in the week.The only player that the Chiefs listed as questionable on the final injury report was running back Jerick McKinnon, who remains on injured reserve after surgery in January for a core muscle injury. The Chiefs have until Saturday afternoon to add him onto the active roster for the Super Bowl, though Reid described his chances of playing as “slim” earlier in the week.The 49ers are healthy headed into the game with no one on the active roster listed with an injury designation.“Guys have worked hard these two weeks,” 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said. “The guys who have been banged up, they’ve done everything possible to be healthy for this game. It’s our first time everyone is full and healthy. It’s the right game to have it that way.”Backup defensive tackle Kalia Davis, who is currently on injured reserve but has practiced this week, was listed as questionable for San Francisco with an ankle injury. Davis is not expected to be activated on Saturday to play in the game.Chiefs coach Andy Reid insisted all week he wasn't counting Thuney out, right through the end of a 66-minute workout Friday at the practice facility of the AFC West-rival Raiders. But given Thuney had not practiced since before he was hurt in the divisional round in Buffalo, it had become increasingly clear that Allegretti would get the start in his place.The longtime backup has done this before. Allegretti also started the Super Bowl against Tampa Bay in 2021 because of injuries.“Next-man-up mentality," Chiefs right guard Trey Smith said. “Nick is a consummate professional. He'll be ready to go. He's done a great job these past couple of weeks of preparation. Our coaches will have us prepared and Nick will do great.”The Chiefs experienced a scare near the end of Thursday's practice when Rice accidentally was stepped on and limped off the field. The rookie wide receiver has become one of Patrick Mahomes' go-to targets, catching 20 passes for 223 yards and a score in three playoff games, while also helping to draw some of the attention away from tight end Travis Kelce.Edwards-Helaire was inactive for last year's Super Bowl despite proclaiming himself healthy following a high ankle sprain.“This is what you always work for since you were a child,” said Edwards-Helaire, a former first-round pick who lost his job to Isiah Pacheco last season and will be a free agent after this season. “And it's always a hard thing to get to, but obviously we're able to do the things we needed to in order to get back.”___