HONOLULU (AP) —&nbsp;No. 1 Kansas fell to No. 4 Marquette 59-73 in the semifinal game of the 2023 Allstate Maui Invitational Tuesday night at the Stan Sherriff Center in Hawaii.

The early-season clash of top-five teams with national title hopes ended up being one-sided. The Golden Eagles (5-0) led for all but 22 seconds and were up by 17 with about seven minutes to play.

Kevin McCullar Jr. had 24 points and eight rebounds to pace the Jayhawks (4-1). Preseason All-America center Hunter Dickinson was held to 13 points and eight boards. He entered the game averaging 24.3 points and 12 rebounds per game.

Marquette’s Ighodaro shot 9-of-15 from the field and scored 14 second-half points. Chase Ross added 12 points and six rebounds, and Kam Jones scored 10.

BIG PICTUREKansas has no shortage of elite talent on its roster, but with several transfers — including Dickinson, who previously played at Michigan — it will take time for coach Bill Self and his staff to mesh his many pieces. KJ Adams Jr., Dajuan Harris Jr. and McCullar each received All-Big 12 honors last season. Adams was the league’s most improved player, while Harris has been Big 12 defensive player of the year each of the past two seasons.

Marquette rolled to its biggest statement win in two-plus years under coach Shaka Smart.

UP NEXTKansas will look to rebound against No. 7 Tennessee in the third-place game Wednesday.

Marquette will play for the tournament championship Wednesday against No. 2 Purdue.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700645583103.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HONOLULU (AP) —&nbsp;No. 1 Kansas fell to No. 4 Marquette 59-73 in the semifinal game of the 2023 Allstate Maui Invitational Tuesday night at the Stan Sherriff Center in Hawaii.The early-season clash of top-five teams with national title hopes ended up being one-sided. The Golden Eagles (5-0) led for all but 22 seconds and were up by 17 with about seven minutes to play.Kevin McCullar Jr. had 24 points and eight rebounds to pace the Jayhawks (4-1). Preseason All-America center Hunter Dickinson was held to 13 points and eight boards. He entered the game averaging 24.3 points and 12 rebounds per game.Marquette’s Ighodaro shot 9-of-15 from the field and scored 14 second-half points. Chase Ross added 12 points and six rebounds, and Kam Jones scored 10.BIG PICTUREKansas has no shortage of elite talent on its roster, but with several transfers — including Dickinson, who previously played at Michigan — it will take time for coach Bill Self and his staff to mesh his many pieces. KJ Adams Jr., Dajuan Harris Jr. and McCullar each received All-Big 12 honors last season. Adams was the league’s most improved player, while Harris has been Big 12 defensive player of the year each of the past two seasons.Marquette rolled to its biggest statement win in two-plus years under coach Shaka Smart.UP NEXTKansas will look to rebound against No. 7 Tennessee in the third-place game Wednesday.Marquette will play for the tournament championship Wednesday against No. 2 Purdue.

🏀 No. 1 Kansas falls to No. 4 Marquette in Maui Invitational Semifinals

<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/watch/?Archive=22914&amp;type=Archive" target="_blank">Watch Coach Klieman’s Press Conference</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/podcasts/chris-klieman-press-conference-november-21-2023/4862" target="_blank">Listen to Coach Klieman’s Press Conference</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/podcasts/player-breakout-interviews-november-21-2023/4863" target="_blank">Listen to Player Breakout Interviews</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://we.tl/t-qC1N2byfcW" target="_blank">Media Download</a>

<a href="https://we.tl/t-qC1N2byfcW" target="_blank"></a>MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Kansas State head coach&nbsp;Chris Klieman&nbsp;and select players met with members of the media on Tuesday inside the Vanier Family Football Complex as the Wildcats host Iowa State in the regular-season finale on Saturday night inside Bill Snyder Family Stadium. Links to video and audio of Klieman’s press conference – which was streamed live on Big 12 Now on ESPN+ – are above in addition to an audio link of player breakout interviews. A transcript of Klieman’s opening statement is below.

“Good afternoon, everyone. Great comeback win on Saturday by the guys. We showed a lot of resolve, a lot of toughness, especially in the second half when we were down 11 and continued to not flinch on the sideline and just believed that we were going to find a way to get the thing in the fourth quarter and have a chance to win. We had a big drive, got the touchdown and got the two-point conversion with Will (Howard) to cut it to three. I thought our defense did a really nice job in the fourth quarter. We had a couple of picks — one in the third and one in the fourth — and finished with a couple of punts. So, we played well, finally, at the end on defense. Then we had a nice drive after the muffed punt to get the touchdown to go up. That was obviously a big, big sequence. So, I’m happy for our seniors and happy for all the kids from Kansas to get that win. Now we've turned our attention to a really good Iowa State team. They're playing really well. I think Coach (Matt) Campbell has done a phenomenal job. He always does, and this year you can see how much they've gotten better and better each week. It looks like we're going have a fun weather day here on Saturday. So, it will be a late November game here at The Bill that will be a lot of fun.”

Associate Athletics Director for Communications

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700612351920.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/watch/?Archive=22914&amp;type=Archive" target="_blank">Watch Coach Klieman’s Press Conference</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/podcasts/chris-klieman-press-conference-november-21-2023/4862" target="_blank">Listen to Coach Klieman’s Press Conference</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/podcasts/player-breakout-interviews-november-21-2023/4863" target="_blank">Listen to Player Breakout Interviews</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://we.tl/t-qC1N2byfcW" target="_blank">Media Download</a><a href="https://we.tl/t-qC1N2byfcW" target="_blank"></a>MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Kansas State head coach&nbsp;Chris Klieman&nbsp;and select players met with members of the media on Tuesday inside the Vanier Family Football Complex as the Wildcats host Iowa State in the regular-season finale on Saturday night inside Bill Snyder Family Stadium. Links to video and audio of Klieman’s press conference – which was streamed live on Big 12 Now on ESPN+ – are above in addition to an audio link of player breakout interviews. A transcript of Klieman’s opening statement is below.CHRIS KLIEMAN, HEAD COACHOpening Statement…“Good afternoon, everyone. Great comeback win on Saturday by the guys. We showed a lot of resolve, a lot of toughness, especially in the second half when we were down 11 and continued to not flinch on the sideline and just believed that we were going to find a way to get the thing in the fourth quarter and have a chance to win. We had a big drive, got the touchdown and got the two-point conversion with Will (Howard) to cut it to three. I thought our defense did a really nice job in the fourth quarter. We had a couple of picks — one in the third and one in the fourth — and finished with a couple of punts. So, we played well, finally, at the end on defense. Then we had a nice drive after the muffed punt to get the touchdown to go up. That was obviously a big, big sequence. So, I’m happy for our seniors and happy for all the kids from Kansas to get that win. Now we've turned our attention to a really good Iowa State team. They're playing really well. I think Coach (Matt) Campbell has done a phenomenal job. He always does, and this year you can see how much they've gotten better and better each week. It looks like we're going have a fun weather day here on Saturday. So, it will be a late November game here at The Bill that will be a lot of fun.”RYAN LACKEYAssociate Athletics Director for Communications

K-State Discusses Senior Night Contest at Weekly Press Conference

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs have scored an NFL-worst 53 points in the second half of games this season, which equates to just over five per game, and they sure could have used that measly total against the Eagles on Monday night.

The Chiefs were shut out in the second half for the third consecutive game, this time by Philadelphia in their highly anticipated Super Bowl rematch, allowing Jalen Hurts and Co. to rally from a 10-point deficit for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/eagles-chiefs-4a6675000a3c7bd1a5dabe62742495a7">a 21-17 victory</a>&nbsp;at Arrowhead Stadium.

Whether it was penalties, red-zone turnovers or two dropped passes in the closing minutes, the Chiefs (7-3) made the kind of mistakes on offense that have been rare since Andy Reid — who had never lost in four tries against his former team — took over as their coach in 2013 and Patrick Mahomes began his prolific career as their starting quarterback in 2018.

“All season long,” Mahomes said, “we haven't played good football in the second half. We've got to continue to work. Obviously, we had a pretty good first half running the football, but we've got to find ways to finish games offensively.”

Mahomes was held to 177 yards with two touchdowns and a pick in the end zone. Travis Kelce was his top target, catching seven passes for 44 yards and a score, but he likewise turned the ball over in the red zone with a fourth-quarter fumble.

“Just not playing up to the level I have in the past," Kelce said afterward. "I’ve got to be better.”

Had he held onto the ball, the Chiefs could have turned a 17-14 lead into a two-possession game. Instead, the Eagles went 80 yards the other way, and Hurts tush-pushed his way for the go-ahead touchdown with about six minutes to go.

After the teams traded punts, the Chiefs had one last chance with the ball at their own 9-yard line and 2:49 left. But while that would have been plenty of time in past years, but it seemed no amount would have done them any good Monday night.

Their final series began with a fourth-down conversion, and a roughing-the-passer penalty pushed them near midfield. But then came the letdown: Mahomes had a perfectly-thrown ball to Marquez Valdes-Scantling for a would-be 51-yard touchdown go&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/PFF/status/1726816763088863487">right through the wide receiver's hands</a>. Then, after Mahomes was called for intentional grounding, he threw one last incompletion&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1726817365592346725">on a ball that Justin Watson could have caught</a>&nbsp;that would have kept the Chiefs alive with a first down.

“The game certainly doesn’t come down to one play. As much as anybody wants to say that, it doesn’t,” Watson said. "I’ve seen Marquez make that play 99 times out of a hundred times. That was just one that he didn’t. And he’s a phenomenal player and he’ll make that for us next week or next time it’s called upon.”

The final drive was a microcosm of the way the second half went for Kansas City, which had led 17-7 at the break. Its first drive was derailed by a holding penalty on Donovan Smith, its second drive on a false start on Jawaan Taylor and the third nearly was nearly sent off track by a holding call on Kelce, who fumbled the ball away later in the drive anyway.

Standout center Creed Humphrey was also called for a false start that led to another punt later in the fourth quarter.

The result of the red-zone turnovers, the seven penalties for 55 yards and the dropped passes and missed assignments was the Chiefs' second loss in their last three games, one that knocked them from their perch atop the AFC.

“Offensively we're just not where I want to be at his point in the season,” Mahomes said. “It starts with me. I have to make better throws at certain times. We have to continue to move the ball downfield and just be more consistent throughout the game.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700543964395.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, right, is unable to catch a pass as Philadelphia Eagles safety Kevin Byard (31) defends during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 20, 2023, in Kansas City. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)." />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, right, is unable to catch a pass as Philadelphia Eagles safety Kevin Byard (31) defends during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 20, 2023, in Kansas City. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel).</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs have scored an NFL-worst 53 points in the second half of games this season, which equates to just over five per game, and they sure could have used that measly total against the Eagles on Monday night.Instead, they got none.The Chiefs were shut out in the second half for the third consecutive game, this time by Philadelphia in their highly anticipated Super Bowl rematch, allowing Jalen Hurts and Co. to rally from a 10-point deficit for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/eagles-chiefs-4a6675000a3c7bd1a5dabe62742495a7">a 21-17 victory</a>&nbsp;at Arrowhead Stadium.Whether it was penalties, red-zone turnovers or two dropped passes in the closing minutes, the Chiefs (7-3) made the kind of mistakes on offense that have been rare since Andy Reid — who had never lost in four tries against his former team — took over as their coach in 2013 and Patrick Mahomes began his prolific career as their starting quarterback in 2018.“All season long,” Mahomes said, “we haven't played good football in the second half. We've got to continue to work. Obviously, we had a pretty good first half running the football, but we've got to find ways to finish games offensively.”Mahomes was held to 177 yards with two touchdowns and a pick in the end zone. Travis Kelce was his top target, catching seven passes for 44 yards and a score, but he likewise turned the ball over in the red zone with a fourth-quarter fumble.“Just not playing up to the level I have in the past," Kelce said afterward. "I’ve got to be better.”Had he held onto the ball, the Chiefs could have turned a 17-14 lead into a two-possession game. Instead, the Eagles went 80 yards the other way, and Hurts tush-pushed his way for the go-ahead touchdown with about six minutes to go.After the teams traded punts, the Chiefs had one last chance with the ball at their own 9-yard line and 2:49 left. But while that would have been plenty of time in past years, but it seemed no amount would have done them any good Monday night.Their final series began with a fourth-down conversion, and a roughing-the-passer penalty pushed them near midfield. But then came the letdown: Mahomes had a perfectly-thrown ball to Marquez Valdes-Scantling for a would-be 51-yard touchdown go&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/PFF/status/1726816763088863487">right through the wide receiver's hands</a>. Then, after Mahomes was called for intentional grounding, he threw one last incompletion&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1726817365592346725">on a ball that Justin Watson could have caught</a>&nbsp;that would have kept the Chiefs alive with a first down.Instead, the Eagles ran out the clock.“The game certainly doesn’t come down to one play. As much as anybody wants to say that, it doesn’t,” Watson said. "I’ve seen Marquez make that play 99 times out of a hundred times. That was just one that he didn’t. And he’s a phenomenal player and he’ll make that for us next week or next time it’s called upon.”The final drive was a microcosm of the way the second half went for Kansas City, which had led 17-7 at the break. Its first drive was derailed by a holding penalty on Donovan Smith, its second drive on a false start on Jawaan Taylor and the third nearly was nearly sent off track by a holding call on Kelce, who fumbled the ball away later in the drive anyway.Standout center Creed Humphrey was also called for a false start that led to another punt later in the fourth quarter.The result of the red-zone turnovers, the seven penalties for 55 yards and the dropped passes and missed assignments was the Chiefs' second loss in their last three games, one that knocked them from their perch atop the AFC.“Offensively we're just not where I want to be at his point in the season,” Mahomes said. “It starts with me. I have to make better throws at certain times. We have to continue to move the ball downfield and just be more consistent throughout the game.”___

Drop-prone Chiefs get shut out in second half for third straight time

Courtesy of Kansas Athletics&nbsp;

HONOLULU (AP) —&nbsp;Kevin McCullar Jr. recorded the program’s first back-to-back triple-double performance and Hunter Dickinson had 31 points and 11 rebounds as No. 1 Kansas beat Chaminade 83-56 in the first-round game of the Maui Invitational on Monday.

The Jayhawks (4-0) led throughout and shot a blistering 60.0 percent from the field. They held the Silverswords (1-3) to 33.9 percent shooting.

Chaminade, a Division II school in Honolulu with an enrollment of 2,342 students, was unable to muster an upset against the nation’s top-ranked team, as it did nearly 41 years ago against Ralph Sampson-led Virginia.

Dickinson, a 7-foot-2 Michigan transfer and AP Preseason All-American, made 15 of his 18 shots from the field. Kevin McCullar Jr. had 22 points and 11 rebounds with 10 assists, three steals and two blocks. Dajuan Harris Jr. added seven points, eight assists and four rebounds.

Jamir Thomas, Ross Reeves and Wyatt Lowell scored 12 points apiece for Chaminade.

Kansas scored 58 points in the paint compared to 22 for Chaminade, and also had the edge in fast-break points, 27-6.

BIG PICTURE As expected, Kansas showcased its talent-rich roster against an overmatched Chaminade team, but it did not come without some adversity. It held a 21-9 lead about midway through the first half, but saw the Silverswords go on a 9-2 run over the next four-plus minutes to cut it to 25-20 at the 6:22 mark. That led Kansas coach Bill Self to call a timeout. His team responded with a 14-5 run.

Chaminade has won eight games all-time in the Maui Invitational, with its last win coming against Cal, 96-72, in 2017.

UP NEXT Kansas: Advances to the tournament semifinals Tuesday to face either UCLA or No. 4 Marquette.

Chaminade: Will play either the Bruins or Golden Eagles in a consolation game Tuesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700542392441.jpeg" alt="(Courtesy Kansas Athletics)" />
 <figcaption>(Courtesy Kansas Athletics)</figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of Kansas Athletics&nbsp;HONOLULU (AP) —&nbsp;Kevin McCullar Jr. recorded the program’s first back-to-back triple-double performance and Hunter Dickinson had 31 points and 11 rebounds as No. 1 Kansas beat Chaminade 83-56 in the first-round game of the Maui Invitational on Monday.The Jayhawks (4-0) led throughout and shot a blistering 60.0 percent from the field. They held the Silverswords (1-3) to 33.9 percent shooting.Chaminade, a Division II school in Honolulu with an enrollment of 2,342 students, was unable to muster an upset against the nation’s top-ranked team, as it did nearly 41 years ago against Ralph Sampson-led Virginia.Dickinson, a 7-foot-2 Michigan transfer and AP Preseason All-American, made 15 of his 18 shots from the field. Kevin McCullar Jr. had 22 points and 11 rebounds with 10 assists, three steals and two blocks. Dajuan Harris Jr. added seven points, eight assists and four rebounds.Jamir Thomas, Ross Reeves and Wyatt Lowell scored 12 points apiece for Chaminade.Kansas scored 58 points in the paint compared to 22 for Chaminade, and also had the edge in fast-break points, 27-6.Kansas led at the half, 39-27.BIG PICTURE As expected, Kansas showcased its talent-rich roster against an overmatched Chaminade team, but it did not come without some adversity. It held a 21-9 lead about midway through the first half, but saw the Silverswords go on a 9-2 run over the next four-plus minutes to cut it to 25-20 at the 6:22 mark. That led Kansas coach Bill Self to call a timeout. His team responded with a 14-5 run.Chaminade has won eight games all-time in the Maui Invitational, with its last win coming against Cal, 96-72, in 2017.UP NEXT Kansas: Advances to the tournament semifinals Tuesday to face either UCLA or No. 4 Marquette.Chaminade: Will play either the Bruins or Golden Eagles in a consolation game Tuesday.

🏀 MBB: KU beats Chaminade in opening round of Maui Invitational

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–</a>&nbsp;Kansas State junior&nbsp;Ben Sinnott&nbsp;is one of nine players in the nation to be named a semifinalist for the 2023 John Mackey Award, the award’s committee announced.

Sinnott is the first player in school history to be named a semifinalist for the award that goes to nation’s most outstanding tight end. He is joined on this year’s list by AJ Barner (Michigan), Brock Bowers (Georgia), Dallin Holker (Colorado State), Theo Johnson (Penn State), Bryson Nesbit (North Carolina), Ja’Tavion Sanders (Texas), Cade Stover (Ohio State) and Jack Velling (Oregon State).

A product of Waterloo, Iowa, Sinnott ranks third nationally among tight ends with 540 receiving yards this season, while he is seventh in receptions (39) and tied for ninth in touchdowns (5). His 39 catches this year are the most in school history by a tight end, and his five touchdown receptions are tied for the most. He is also just 55 yards shy of the most receiving yards by a tight end in school history, a mark of 595 yards that is currently set by Russ Campbell in 1991.

This year’s production is a continuation from the 2022 season as Sinnott has the second-most career touchdowns catches by a tight end in school history (9) and the third-most catches (72). During K-State’s 31-27 win last week at Kansas, Sinnott became the fourth tight end in school history to eclipse the 1,000-yard receiving mark for a career as he enters Saturday’s regular-season finale with 1,002 yards.

Kansas State, ranked No. 19 in this week’s Associated Press Top 25, hosts Iowa State on Saturday in a 7 p.m., contest inside Bill Snyder Family Stadium. The game, which serves as Senior Day, will be shown on FOX.

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–</a>&nbsp;Kansas State junior&nbsp;Ben Sinnott&nbsp;is one of nine players in the nation to be named a semifinalist for the 2023 John Mackey Award, the award’s committee announced.Sinnott is the first player in school history to be named a semifinalist for the award that goes to nation’s most outstanding tight end. He is joined on this year’s list by AJ Barner (Michigan), Brock Bowers (Georgia), Dallin Holker (Colorado State), Theo Johnson (Penn State), Bryson Nesbit (North Carolina), Ja’Tavion Sanders (Texas), Cade Stover (Ohio State) and Jack Velling (Oregon State).A product of Waterloo, Iowa, Sinnott ranks third nationally among tight ends with 540 receiving yards this season, while he is seventh in receptions (39) and tied for ninth in touchdowns (5). His 39 catches this year are the most in school history by a tight end, and his five touchdown receptions are tied for the most. He is also just 55 yards shy of the most receiving yards by a tight end in school history, a mark of 595 yards that is currently set by Russ Campbell in 1991.This year’s production is a continuation from the 2022 season as Sinnott has the second-most career touchdowns catches by a tight end in school history (9) and the third-most catches (72). During K-State’s 31-27 win last week at Kansas, Sinnott became the fourth tight end in school history to eclipse the 1,000-yard receiving mark for a career as he enters Saturday’s regular-season finale with 1,002 yards.Kansas State, ranked No. 19 in this week’s Associated Press Top 25, hosts Iowa State on Saturday in a 7 p.m., contest inside Bill Snyder Family Stadium. The game, which serves as Senior Day, will be shown on FOX.RYAN LACKEY

K-State’s Sinnott Named John Mackey Award Semifinalist

&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/JCHSUSD475?__cft__[0]=AZXbkHZNJIdV96cKQF5J1rvELTRe8pf7R2YwcceucYpRXzsNGRWrSy5AHhhWIu4-FCZw_vV7y8fj2EI2K6P01KklW3cPF-sI_7u0AO_4P3tRuCXGHO310a36vpMfw7KNa152DSyBxj5p9Qtb1y3dVmYoNzu495bd9uIDEJZRx7QLIOBWrcq7M5l-Lgc-9Obpc1mGn7byEKlRD-51lr5sbfhT&amp;__tn__=-]K-y-R">Junction City High School</a>&nbsp;cross country standout Ty Raulston has signed with <a href="https://www.facebook.com/fhsuathletics?__cft__[0]=AZXbkHZNJIdV96cKQF5J1rvELTRe8pf7R2YwcceucYpRXzsNGRWrSy5AHhhWIu4-FCZw_vV7y8fj2EI2K6P01KklW3cPF-sI_7u0AO_4P3tRuCXGHO310a36vpMfw7KNa152DSyBxj5p9Qtb1y3dVmYoNzu495bd9uIDEJZRx7QLIOBWrcq7M5l-Lgc-9Obpc1mGn7byEKlRD-51lr5sbfhT&amp;__tn__=-]K-y-R">Fort Hays State University</a>. USD 475 noted that In the fall, Raulston helped the Blue Jays make history by capturing the Centennial League Boys Cross Country Championship.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/JCHSUSD475?__cft__[0]=AZXbkHZNJIdV96cKQF5J1rvELTRe8pf7R2YwcceucYpRXzsNGRWrSy5AHhhWIu4-FCZw_vV7y8fj2EI2K6P01KklW3cPF-sI_7u0AO_4P3tRuCXGHO310a36vpMfw7KNa152DSyBxj5p9Qtb1y3dVmYoNzu495bd9uIDEJZRx7QLIOBWrcq7M5l-Lgc-9Obpc1mGn7byEKlRD-51lr5sbfhT&amp;__tn__=-]K-y-R">Junction City High School</a>&nbsp;cross country standout Ty Raulston has signed with <a href="https://www.facebook.com/fhsuathletics?__cft__[0]=AZXbkHZNJIdV96cKQF5J1rvELTRe8pf7R2YwcceucYpRXzsNGRWrSy5AHhhWIu4-FCZw_vV7y8fj2EI2K6P01KklW3cPF-sI_7u0AO_4P3tRuCXGHO310a36vpMfw7KNa152DSyBxj5p9Qtb1y3dVmYoNzu495bd9uIDEJZRx7QLIOBWrcq7M5l-Lgc-9Obpc1mGn7byEKlRD-51lr5sbfhT&amp;__tn__=-]K-y-R">Fort Hays State University</a>. USD 475 noted that In the fall, Raulston helped the Blue Jays make history by capturing the Centennial League Boys Cross Country Championship.&nbsp;&nbsp;

JCHS cross country runner signs with Fort Hays State

NASSAU, Bahamas (AP) — Tournament MVP Nijel Pack scored 20 of his 28 points in the first half against his former school, and No. 12 Miami topped Kansas State 91-83 on Sunday to win the Baha Mar Hoops Bahamas championship.

Norchad Omier scored 23 for the Hurricanes (5-0), who are essentially assured of tying a school record by being in the AP Top 25 for the 17th consecutive week when the new poll comes out Monday. Miami also had a run of 17 consecutive appearances in the 2015-16 season.

Wooga Poplar and Matthew Cleveland each scored 15 for Miami.

“It was so much fun for me,” Pack said. “We all came out ready to play. It was a really good game for us.”

Cam Carter scored 28 points — 24 in the second half — and Arthur Kaluma had 18 points and 12 rebounds for Kansas State (3-2), which fell to 0-2 against ranked opponents this season. The Wildcats started the year with a loss to then-No. 21 USC in Las Vegas.

Tylor Perry and David N'Guessan had 10 apiece for Kansas State, which trailed by as many as 24 early in the second half but outscored Miami 30-16 over the final 6 1/2 minutes.

“That's the character of our team," Kansas State coach Jerome Tang said. “I'm very, very proud of them for the second half.”

The difference was 3-point shooting — Miami was 12 of 24 from beyond the arc, Kansas State just 4 of 28. Pack's seven 3's tied his best in a Miami uniform; he had eight on two occasions while playing for the Wildcats.

“I think everybody knows that Nijel was probably extremely well motivated because he had been a player for the Kansas State Wildcats," Miami coach Jim Larrañaga said.

Pack spent his first two college seasons at Kansas State, averaging 15.3 points and 2.9 assists in 53 games there. He transferred before last season, helped the Hurricanes reach the Final Four and is now three makes shy of 100 3-pointers at Miami.

“He was always a really good player. ... I thought we did a better job on him in the second half, but first half, he was pretty special,” Tang said.

Pack's seventh 3-pointer on Sunday gave Miami a 73-51 lead with 7:17 left. That cushion got cut down considerably in the next few minutes.

Kansas State outscored Miami 19-4 over a 4-minute stretch of the second half, getting within 79-70 on a jumper by Carter with 2:48 remaining. Carter had 11 of Kansas State's points during that spurt.

But Miami would hang on. Cleveland had a putback tip-in to give Miami an 11-point lead with 2:26 left and Omier had the next eight points for the Hurricanes — who matched their best start since the 2018-19 season. It’s the fifth time in Larrañaga's 13-year tenure at Miami that the Hurricanes have opened a season 5-0 or better.

“I'm most pleased that we're 5-0,” Larrañaga said. “The teams we've played are good.”

Kansas State: The Wildcats had won eight consecutive games against Division I teams from the state of Florida until last March, when they lost to Florida Atlantic in the Elite Eight — and now, they've lost to Miami as well. Their next game against a team from the Sunshine State is Jan. 6, when they open Big 12 play against UCF.

Miami: It was the first game of the season in which the Hurricanes didn't have a run of at least 10 consecutive unanswered points. They didn't need one — a pair of 7-0 runs in the opening minutes built a 15-4 lead, and an 8-0 run early in the second half pushed Miami's edge to 57-33.

The tournament announced the field for the 2024 Baha Mar event. It'll be Virginia, Baylor, St. John's and Tennessee.

Kansas State: Host Central Arkansas on Wednesday.

Miami: Visit Kentucky on Nov. 28 in the ACC-SEC challenge.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700432412678.png" alt="Pack spent his first two college seasons at Kansas State, averaging 15.3 points and 2.9 assists in 53 games there. He transferred before last season, helped the Hurricanes reach the Final Four and is now three makes shy of 100 3-pointers at Miami.-photo courtesy University of Miami Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Pack spent his first two college seasons at Kansas State, averaging 15.3 points and 2.9 assists in 53 games there. He transferred before last season, helped the Hurricanes reach the Final Four and is now three makes shy of 100 3-pointers at Miami.-photo courtesy University of Miami Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>NASSAU, Bahamas (AP) — Tournament MVP Nijel Pack scored 20 of his 28 points in the first half against his former school, and No. 12 Miami topped Kansas State 91-83 on Sunday to win the Baha Mar Hoops Bahamas championship.Norchad Omier scored 23 for the Hurricanes (5-0), who are essentially assured of tying a school record by being in the AP Top 25 for the 17th consecutive week when the new poll comes out Monday. Miami also had a run of 17 consecutive appearances in the 2015-16 season.Wooga Poplar and Matthew Cleveland each scored 15 for Miami.“It was so much fun for me,” Pack said. “We all came out ready to play. It was a really good game for us.”Cam Carter scored 28 points — 24 in the second half — and Arthur Kaluma had 18 points and 12 rebounds for Kansas State (3-2), which fell to 0-2 against ranked opponents this season. The Wildcats started the year with a loss to then-No. 21 USC in Las Vegas.Tylor Perry and David N'Guessan had 10 apiece for Kansas State, which trailed by as many as 24 early in the second half but outscored Miami 30-16 over the final 6 1/2 minutes.“That's the character of our team," Kansas State coach Jerome Tang said. “I'm very, very proud of them for the second half.”The difference was 3-point shooting — Miami was 12 of 24 from beyond the arc, Kansas State just 4 of 28. Pack's seven 3's tied his best in a Miami uniform; he had eight on two occasions while playing for the Wildcats.“I think everybody knows that Nijel was probably extremely well motivated because he had been a player for the Kansas State Wildcats," Miami coach Jim Larrañaga said.Pack spent his first two college seasons at Kansas State, averaging 15.3 points and 2.9 assists in 53 games there. He transferred before last season, helped the Hurricanes reach the Final Four and is now three makes shy of 100 3-pointers at Miami.“He was always a really good player. ... I thought we did a better job on him in the second half, but first half, he was pretty special,” Tang said.Pack's seventh 3-pointer on Sunday gave Miami a 73-51 lead with 7:17 left. That cushion got cut down considerably in the next few minutes.Kansas State outscored Miami 19-4 over a 4-minute stretch of the second half, getting within 79-70 on a jumper by Carter with 2:48 remaining. Carter had 11 of Kansas State's points during that spurt.But Miami would hang on. Cleveland had a putback tip-in to give Miami an 11-point lead with 2:26 left and Omier had the next eight points for the Hurricanes — who matched their best start since the 2018-19 season. It’s the fifth time in Larrañaga's 13-year tenure at Miami that the Hurricanes have opened a season 5-0 or better.“I'm most pleased that we're 5-0,” Larrañaga said. “The teams we've played are good.”BIG PICTUREKansas State: The Wildcats had won eight consecutive games against Division I teams from the state of Florida until last March, when they lost to Florida Atlantic in the Elite Eight — and now, they've lost to Miami as well. Their next game against a team from the Sunshine State is Jan. 6, when they open Big 12 play against UCF.Miami: It was the first game of the season in which the Hurricanes didn't have a run of at least 10 consecutive unanswered points. They didn't need one — a pair of 7-0 runs in the opening minutes built a 15-4 lead, and an 8-0 run early in the second half pushed Miami's edge to 57-33.NEXT YEARThe tournament announced the field for the 2024 Baha Mar event. It'll be Virginia, Baylor, St. John's and Tennessee.UP NEXTKansas State: Host Central Arkansas on Wednesday.Miami: Visit Kentucky on Nov. 28 in the ACC-SEC challenge.

Pack scores 28 against former school, Miami tops K-State for Bahamas title

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–</a>&nbsp;The Big 12 Conference and&nbsp;<a></a><a>FOX Sports announced late Saturday night that Kansas State’s Senior Day contest against Iowa State next Saturday will kick at 7 p.m., and be televised nationally by FOX.</a>

Kansas State is looking for its second-straight win over Iowa State following a 10-9 victory last year in Ames. The Wildcats are also looking for their first home victory over ISU since a 27-17 win to close out the 2019 regular season.

Tickets for the game against the Cyclones are still available and start at $62. Fans can purchase tickets online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.k-statesports.com/tickets" target="_blank">www.k-statesports.com/tickets</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700409166752.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a>MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–</a>&nbsp;The Big 12 Conference and&nbsp;<a></a><a>FOX Sports announced late Saturday night that Kansas State’s Senior Day contest against Iowa State next Saturday will kick at 7 p.m., and be televised nationally by FOX.</a>Kansas State is looking for its second-straight win over Iowa State following a 10-9 victory last year in Ames. The Wildcats are also looking for their first home victory over ISU since a 27-17 win to close out the 2019 regular season.Tickets for the game against the Cyclones are still available and start at $62. Fans can purchase tickets online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.k-statesports.com/tickets" target="_blank">www.k-statesports.com/tickets</a>.RYAN LACKEY

K-State’s Home Finale Set for Primetime Kick

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Will Howard threw two touchdown passes and ran for the go-ahead score, and No. 23 Kansas State took advantage of two special teams blunders by rival Kansas as the Wildcats rallied to beat the Jayhawks 31-27 on Saturday night for their 15th straight win in the Sunflower Showdown.

D.J. Giddens added 102 yards rushing and a score for the reigning Big 12 champions, who kept alive their chances of defending the title in part by turning a blocked extra point into a 2-point return and a muffed punt into the go-ahead TD with 10:22 to go.

The Wildcats (8-3, 6-2, No. 21 CFP) allowed Kansas (7-4, 4-4, No. 25) to march right back down the field, led by former walk-on Cole Ballard under center. But the Jayhawks' drive stalled at the Kansas State 11, and Ballard was picked off in the end zone by Marques Sigle on fourth down to turn the ball over with just more than five minutes left.

Howard and Giddens picked up first downs on the ground to keep the clock running, and Howard hit Philip Brooks on third-and-7 with about two minutes to go — the catch near the sideline stood after a review — to wrap up the victory.

Ballard threw for 162 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions. Devin Neal, who took direct snaps for much of the game, finished with 138 yards rushing and three touchdowns for the Jayhawks.

The latest edition of the fourth-longest played series in the FBS started off like many of the previous 14: Kansas State hit on a couple of deep throws, then Howard found Ben Sinnott in the back of the end zone for a touchdown just over a minute into the game.

But that all-too-familiar script quickly went in another direction.

Ballard, starting in place of injured Jalon Daniels and Jason Bean, led three long touchdown drives that soaked up the first-half clock and kept the Wildcats' offense off the field. Neal finished the first when he slipped out of VJ Payne's tackle and ran 36 yards, then the second with a nine-yard run, before Ballard hit Lawrence Arnold just before halftime for a 20-16 lead.

The lead should have been larger, but the Jayhawks had an extra point blocked by Nate Matlack. The deflection was caught by receiver-turned-cornerback Keenan Garber, who returned it 91 yards for the 2-point conversion.

Kansas opened the second half with Ballard hitting Mason Fairchild for 59 yards and Neal adding his third TD run two plays later. But the Wildcats answered with a long drive of their own, twice converting on third down, opening a lane for Giddens to get into the end zone, and converting the 2-point try to get within 27-24 heading to the fourth quarter.

That's when the Jayhawks' Trevor Wilson fumbled a punt that he was trying to catch on a dead run. The Wildcats took over near midfield, converted a crucial third down and then opened a lane for Howard for the go-ahead score.

Kansas State found a way to win despite an uneven effort by Howard, too many penalties and a defense that struggled to contain Neal on the ground.

Kansas coach Lance Leipold has said repeatedly that his team needs to play the Wildcats tough to turn the Sunflower Showdown into a rivalry again. The Jayhawks did that despite playing a former walk-on at quarterback.

Kansas State wraps its regular season next Saturday against Iowa State.

Kansas visits Cincinnati next Saturday to finish the regular season.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700365495261.png" alt="Photo KSU Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo KSU Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Will Howard threw two touchdown passes and ran for the go-ahead score, and No. 23 Kansas State took advantage of two special teams blunders by rival Kansas as the Wildcats rallied to beat the Jayhawks 31-27 on Saturday night for their 15th straight win in the Sunflower Showdown.D.J. Giddens added 102 yards rushing and a score for the reigning Big 12 champions, who kept alive their chances of defending the title in part by turning a blocked extra point into a 2-point return and a muffed punt into the go-ahead TD with 10:22 to go.The Wildcats (8-3, 6-2, No. 21 CFP) allowed Kansas (7-4, 4-4, No. 25) to march right back down the field, led by former walk-on Cole Ballard under center. But the Jayhawks' drive stalled at the Kansas State 11, and Ballard was picked off in the end zone by Marques Sigle on fourth down to turn the ball over with just more than five minutes left.Howard and Giddens picked up first downs on the ground to keep the clock running, and Howard hit Philip Brooks on third-and-7 with about two minutes to go — the catch near the sideline stood after a review — to wrap up the victory.Ballard threw for 162 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions. Devin Neal, who took direct snaps for much of the game, finished with 138 yards rushing and three touchdowns for the Jayhawks.The latest edition of the fourth-longest played series in the FBS started off like many of the previous 14: Kansas State hit on a couple of deep throws, then Howard found Ben Sinnott in the back of the end zone for a touchdown just over a minute into the game.But that all-too-familiar script quickly went in another direction.Ballard, starting in place of injured Jalon Daniels and Jason Bean, led three long touchdown drives that soaked up the first-half clock and kept the Wildcats' offense off the field. Neal finished the first when he slipped out of VJ Payne's tackle and ran 36 yards, then the second with a nine-yard run, before Ballard hit Lawrence Arnold just before halftime for a 20-16 lead.The lead should have been larger, but the Jayhawks had an extra point blocked by Nate Matlack. The deflection was caught by receiver-turned-cornerback Keenan Garber, who returned it 91 yards for the 2-point conversion.Kansas opened the second half with Ballard hitting Mason Fairchild for 59 yards and Neal adding his third TD run two plays later. But the Wildcats answered with a long drive of their own, twice converting on third down, opening a lane for Giddens to get into the end zone, and converting the 2-point try to get within 27-24 heading to the fourth quarter.That's when the Jayhawks' Trevor Wilson fumbled a punt that he was trying to catch on a dead run. The Wildcats took over near midfield, converted a crucial third down and then opened a lane for Howard for the go-ahead score.THE TAKEAWAYKansas State found a way to win despite an uneven effort by Howard, too many penalties and a defense that struggled to contain Neal on the ground.Kansas coach Lance Leipold has said repeatedly that his team needs to play the Wildcats tough to turn the Sunflower Showdown into a rivalry again. The Jayhawks did that despite playing a former walk-on at quarterback.UP NEXTKansas State wraps its regular season next Saturday against Iowa State.Kansas visits Cincinnati next Saturday to finish the regular season.

K-State rallies from 11-point deficit to beat KU in Sunflower Showdown

&nbsp;Kansas State got big games from senior&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/tylor-perry/11222">Tylor Perry</a>&nbsp;and junior&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/arthur-kaluma/11226">Arthur Kaluma</a>, as the Wildcats outlasted Providence, 73-70, in overtime in the semifinals of the Baha Mar Hoops Bahamas Championship on Friday night.&nbsp;

K-State Athletics said with the win, K-State (3-1) advances to the championship&nbsp;game of the tournament against No. 12/11 Miami (4-0) at 1:30 p.m., CT on Sunday afternoon.

Perry scored a game-high 24 points to pace four Wildcats in double figures, while Kaluma added&nbsp; 18 points.

&nbsp;Kansas State got big games from senior&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/tylor-perry/11222">Tylor Perry</a>&nbsp;and junior&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/arthur-kaluma/11226">Arthur Kaluma</a>, as the Wildcats outlasted Providence, 73-70, in overtime in the semifinals of the Baha Mar Hoops Bahamas Championship on Friday night.&nbsp;K-State Athletics said with the win, K-State (3-1) advances to the championship&nbsp;game of the tournament against No. 12/11 Miami (4-0) at 1:30 p.m., CT on Sunday afternoon.Perry scored a game-high 24 points to pace four Wildcats in double figures, while Kaluma added&nbsp; 18 points.

Wildcats edge Providence in tournament play in the Bahamas

NASSAU, Bahamas (AP) — Tylor Perry scored five of his 24 points and David N'Guessan all six of his in overtime as Kansas State pulled out a 73-70 victory over Providence in the Bahamas Championship on Friday.

Perry, a North Texas transfer, was fouled in the opening seconds of overtime and made all three free throws. N'Guessan, scoreless in his 23 minutes of regulation, added a putback and the Wildcats never trailed in the extra period.

The Friars scored the next four points, but Creighton transfer Arthur Kaluma hit a 3-pointer and N'Guessan followed with two layups before Perry and Dai Dai Ames made two free throws each in the final minute to hold off the Friars, who scored twice in the last seven seconds.

Perry, who made all 12 of his free throws, sank four for a one-point lead in regulation before a free throw from Devin Carter tied the game. Neither team scored in the final 1:23 with Carter stymied on a drive at the buzzer.

Kaluma finished with 18 points and Will McNair Jr. and Ames 10 each for the Wildcats (3-1).

Carter scored 19 points. Bryce Hopkins, who was the Friars' (3-1) top scorer and rebounder last season, had 10 points, but on 2-of-15 shooting, and grabbed 10 rebounds. Josh Oduro and Davonte Gaines scored 10 points each.

There were 10 lead changes and 10 ties in a game neither team led by more than seven.

It was also an intense matchup as exemplified with a pair of confrontations.

Late in the first half, Hopkins shoved Perry to the floor while officials were trying to break up a scrum for a loose ball under the Providence basket. Hopkins was charged with a technical foul and Perry converted two free throws.

During an inbounds play with seven seconds left in the game, Ames poked Garwey Dual in the face and Dual responded with an forearm to Ames' face. Both players were ejected.

There were 25 total personal fouls, 51 free throws taken and 35 turnovers.

Kansas State takes on No. 12 Miami in Sunday's title game while Providence plays Georgia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700275492038.jpeg" alt="Kansas State's Tylor Perry (2) dribbles in the first half of an NCAA basketball game against Providence in NASSAU, Bahamas, Friday, November 17, 2023. (Kansas State Athletics photo)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State's Tylor Perry (2) dribbles in the first half of an NCAA basketball game against Providence in NASSAU, Bahamas, Friday, November 17, 2023. (Kansas State Athletics photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>NASSAU, Bahamas (AP) — Tylor Perry scored five of his 24 points and David N'Guessan all six of his in overtime as Kansas State pulled out a 73-70 victory over Providence in the Bahamas Championship on Friday.Perry, a North Texas transfer, was fouled in the opening seconds of overtime and made all three free throws. N'Guessan, scoreless in his 23 minutes of regulation, added a putback and the Wildcats never trailed in the extra period.The Friars scored the next four points, but Creighton transfer Arthur Kaluma hit a 3-pointer and N'Guessan followed with two layups before Perry and Dai Dai Ames made two free throws each in the final minute to hold off the Friars, who scored twice in the last seven seconds.Perry, who made all 12 of his free throws, sank four for a one-point lead in regulation before a free throw from Devin Carter tied the game. Neither team scored in the final 1:23 with Carter stymied on a drive at the buzzer.Kaluma finished with 18 points and Will McNair Jr. and Ames 10 each for the Wildcats (3-1).Carter scored 19 points. Bryce Hopkins, who was the Friars' (3-1) top scorer and rebounder last season, had 10 points, but on 2-of-15 shooting, and grabbed 10 rebounds. Josh Oduro and Davonte Gaines scored 10 points each.There were 10 lead changes and 10 ties in a game neither team led by more than seven.It was also an intense matchup as exemplified with a pair of confrontations.Late in the first half, Hopkins shoved Perry to the floor while officials were trying to break up a scrum for a loose ball under the Providence basket. Hopkins was charged with a technical foul and Perry converted two free throws.During an inbounds play with seven seconds left in the game, Ames poked Garwey Dual in the face and Dual responded with an forearm to Ames' face. Both players were ejected.There were 25 total personal fouls, 51 free throws taken and 35 turnovers.Kansas State takes on No. 12 Miami in Sunday's title game while Providence plays Georgia.

🏀 Perry scores 24 points and Kansas State edges Providence in overtime in Bahamas

Courtesy of Kansas State Athletics

MANHATTAN, Kan. –&nbsp;Gene Taylor,&nbsp;who has led K-State Athletics through one of its most successful periods in history, has agreed to a contract extension through the 2029-30 academic year, President Richard Linton and the Kansas State Athletics, Inc., Board of Directors announced today.

The agreement extends Taylor’s contract through June 30, 2030, with an annual salary of $925,000 beginning in the 2023-2024 academic year. The contract also includes retention incentives in each contract year. Taylor will receive $250,000 at the end of each of the next four years, and that number will increase to $500,000 annually for the final three years of the contract.

“K-State is fortunate to have one of the nation’s premier athletic directors in Gene Taylor,” said Kansas State University President Richard Linton. “Gene leads with a quiet confidence and steadfast belief in our student-athletes and the coaching staffs who support them — and he has been instrumental in growing our facilities and programs into what they are today. I am thrilled that Gene will continue to lead our athletics program through the end of the Next-Gen K-State strategic plan in 2030.”

Under Taylor’s guidance, K-State Athletics is thriving with athletic, academic and fundraising successes, highlighted by last season’s Big 12 Championship in football and Elite Eight run for men’s basketball. Following a record 2022-23 campaign,&nbsp;Taylor was named the 2022-23 Cushman &amp; Wakefield FBS AD of the Year.

"There is no other place our family would rather be than Manhattan and K-State,” Taylor said. “I appreciate President Linton, the KSA Board and the Kansas Board of Regents for their continued trust in me leading such a phenomenal athletics program. We have the best fans and donors in the country and a group of coaches, staff and student-athletes who are committed to competing for championships, and I am looking forward to the years ahead as we continue to elevate our program.”

Hiring and retaining top coaches has been a staple of Taylor’s career, and K-State has certainly benefitted from his selection of tremendous leaders. Chris Klieman led the football team to last year’s Big 12 Championship in just his fourth season on the job and has the Wildcats steadily among the nation’s top programs annually, while Jerome Tang was named the 2022-23 Naismith Coach of the Year after leading the men’s basketball program to the Elite Eight in his inaugural year in Manhattan after being picked to finish last in the preseason Big 12 poll.

Most recently, the volleyball team has knocked off three Top 8 opponents in coach Jason Mansfield’s first year (No. 3 Texas and No. 8 BYU twice – all 3-0 sweeps), and the eyes of the college volleyball circuit are on Manhattan as the new Morgan Family Arena has been sold out and is the envy of programs across the country. Other notable hires by Taylor include Pete Hughes (baseball), Jordan Smith (women’s tennis) and Stew Burke (women’s golf).

Additionally, Taylor and staff have fundraised and implemented a department-wide facility master plan that benefits all Wildcat teams including the newly completed South End Zone of Bill Snyder Family Stadium, Morgan Family Arena for volleyball, the Morris Family Olympic Training Center and the Shamrock Practice Facility for football.

Taylor, who was named the eighth-best Athletic Director among FBS programs by Stadium in 2020, has also implemented a strategic plan for the department which places an emphasis on the student-athlete experience, while his leadership in navigating the COVID-19 crisis, in addition to enhancing the department’s already-strong diversity and inclusion program, has been well documented.

With the support of fans and donors, K-State Athletics has also continued to be financially self-sufficient and does not receive support from the university. In FY 2019, a year earlier than anticipated, the program ended the practice of receiving student privilege fees in support of the program. This move makes Taylor’s program one of eight across the country to operate with no direct or indirect university and student funding or state support.

In addition to achieving a budget surplus for the 12th straight year, overall pledges and cash gifts to the department during the 2023 fiscal year totaled $36.3 million, including a new record $24.1 million in annual fund donations.&nbsp; Also included in the $24.1 million in annual giving was a department record $1 million raised during the Powercat Auction.

The Ahearn Fund reached 8,547 total members in 2022-23 from 47 different states, while the National Leadership Circle (donations of $10,000 or more annually) consists of 608 members from 26 different states. Since 2009, the department has received 930 capital project gifts of $10,000 or more, and currently 94-percent of all premium seating areas are sold.

Graduating student-athletes remains the top priority for the department and academic success has continued under Taylor’s guidance as K-State continues to rank among the top schools in the Big 12 in APR and graduation success rate.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700237109355.jpeg" alt="(Courtesy Kansas State Athletics)" />
 <figcaption>(Courtesy Kansas State Athletics)</figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of Kansas State AthleticsMANHATTAN, Kan. –&nbsp;Gene Taylor,&nbsp;who has led K-State Athletics through one of its most successful periods in history, has agreed to a contract extension through the 2029-30 academic year, President Richard Linton and the Kansas State Athletics, Inc., Board of Directors announced today.The agreement extends Taylor’s contract through June 30, 2030, with an annual salary of $925,000 beginning in the 2023-2024 academic year. The contract also includes retention incentives in each contract year. Taylor will receive $250,000 at the end of each of the next four years, and that number will increase to $500,000 annually for the final three years of the contract.“K-State is fortunate to have one of the nation’s premier athletic directors in Gene Taylor,” said Kansas State University President Richard Linton. “Gene leads with a quiet confidence and steadfast belief in our student-athletes and the coaching staffs who support them — and he has been instrumental in growing our facilities and programs into what they are today. I am thrilled that Gene will continue to lead our athletics program through the end of the Next-Gen K-State strategic plan in 2030.”Under Taylor’s guidance, K-State Athletics is thriving with athletic, academic and fundraising successes, highlighted by last season’s Big 12 Championship in football and Elite Eight run for men’s basketball. Following a record 2022-23 campaign,&nbsp;Taylor was named the 2022-23 Cushman &amp; Wakefield FBS AD of the Year."There is no other place our family would rather be than Manhattan and K-State,” Taylor said. “I appreciate President Linton, the KSA Board and the Kansas Board of Regents for their continued trust in me leading such a phenomenal athletics program. We have the best fans and donors in the country and a group of coaches, staff and student-athletes who are committed to competing for championships, and I am looking forward to the years ahead as we continue to elevate our program.”Hiring and retaining top coaches has been a staple of Taylor’s career, and K-State has certainly benefitted from his selection of tremendous leaders. Chris Klieman led the football team to last year’s Big 12 Championship in just his fourth season on the job and has the Wildcats steadily among the nation’s top programs annually, while Jerome Tang was named the 2022-23 Naismith Coach of the Year after leading the men’s basketball program to the Elite Eight in his inaugural year in Manhattan after being picked to finish last in the preseason Big 12 poll.Most recently, the volleyball team has knocked off three Top 8 opponents in coach Jason Mansfield’s first year (No. 3 Texas and No. 8 BYU twice – all 3-0 sweeps), and the eyes of the college volleyball circuit are on Manhattan as the new Morgan Family Arena has been sold out and is the envy of programs across the country. Other notable hires by Taylor include Pete Hughes (baseball), Jordan Smith (women’s tennis) and Stew Burke (women’s golf).Additionally, Taylor and staff have fundraised and implemented a department-wide facility master plan that benefits all Wildcat teams including the newly completed South End Zone of Bill Snyder Family Stadium, Morgan Family Arena for volleyball, the Morris Family Olympic Training Center and the Shamrock Practice Facility for football.Taylor, who was named the eighth-best Athletic Director among FBS programs by Stadium in 2020, has also implemented a strategic plan for the department which places an emphasis on the student-athlete experience, while his leadership in navigating the COVID-19 crisis, in addition to enhancing the department’s already-strong diversity and inclusion program, has been well documented.With the support of fans and donors, K-State Athletics has also continued to be financially self-sufficient and does not receive support from the university. In FY 2019, a year earlier than anticipated, the program ended the practice of receiving student privilege fees in support of the program. This move makes Taylor’s program one of eight across the country to operate with no direct or indirect university and student funding or state support.In addition to achieving a budget surplus for the 12th straight year, overall pledges and cash gifts to the department during the 2023 fiscal year totaled $36.3 million, including a new record $24.1 million in annual fund donations.&nbsp; Also included in the $24.1 million in annual giving was a department record $1 million raised during the Powercat Auction.The Ahearn Fund reached 8,547 total members in 2022-23 from 47 different states, while the National Leadership Circle (donations of $10,000 or more annually) consists of 608 members from 26 different states. Since 2009, the department has received 930 capital project gifts of $10,000 or more, and currently 94-percent of all premium seating areas are sold.Graduating student-athletes remains the top priority for the department and academic success has continued under Taylor’s guidance as K-State continues to rank among the top schools in the Big 12 in APR and graduation success rate.

K-State AD Gene Taylor receives contract extension

IOWA CITY, Iowa&nbsp;- With a 12-0 run in the final three minutes, K-State upset (2/2) Iowa at Carver-Hawkeye Arena on Thursday night, 65-58. 

This was K-State's second win over a top-5 ranked Iowa squad, as the Wildcats downed the fourth-ranked Hawkeyes in Manhattan last season.

With the win, K-State registered its second-ever win over an Associated Press second-ranked team as the Wildcats defeated Old Dominion in Manhattan on December 4, 1982.

HOW IT HAPPENED- Trailing by five points following a free throw from the Hawkeyes with 2:40 remaining in the fourth quarter, K-State (3-0) started its rally with a layup from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/gabby-gregory/11191">Gabby Gregory</a>.

After a defensive stop,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/ayoka-lee/11193">Ayoka Lee</a>&nbsp;finished a layup in traffic with 1:40 remaining.- Lee was then fouled on her next attempt and buried her two free throws to give the Wildcats a 59-58 lead with 1:12 left.

Lee ended the night with 22 points on 9-of-14 shooting, 12 rebounds and two blocked shots.- Another defensive stop by K-State resulted in a Gregory free throw line jumper with 30 seconds left to give the Wildcats a 61-58 lead.- 

After an Iowa (3-1) missed 3-pointer, freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/taryn-sides/11198">Taryn Sides</a>&nbsp;hauled in the rebound and was fouled with nine seconds to play. She calmly made two free throws to send the game to a two-possession margin, 63-58.

A long rebound and fastbreak layup by redshirt freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/zyanna-walker/11200">Zyanna Walker</a>&nbsp;was the icing on the cake for the Wildcats. Walker notched 12 points on 5-of-10 shooting, while Sides carded eight points, six rebounds and three assists.- Defensively, K-State held Iowa to 36.1 percent (22-of-61) shooting including 2-of-21 (.095) from 3-point range. The Hawkeyes were led by 2023 National Player of the Year Caitlin Clark with 24 points on 9-of-32 shooting.

QUICK FACTS- K-State is 6-1 in the series against Iowa. The Wildcats are 75-60 against current members of the Big Ten Conference.- The Wildcats are 288-321 all-time in road games. K-State is 39-64 in road contests in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/jeff-mittie/2161">Jeff Mittie</a>&nbsp;era.- K-State head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/jeff-mittie/2161">Jeff Mittie</a>&nbsp;owns a career record of 621-362 (.632) and is 167-127 (.568) during his 10-seasons at K-State.- The Wildcats are 88-238 against Associated Press top-25 opponents, including a 2-10 mark against teams ranked second in the poll. K-State has defeated an AP top-10 foe in three straight seasons.TEAM NOTES- K-State's starting five consisted of guards:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/jaelyn-glenn/11189">Jaelyn Glenn</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/serena-sundell/11197">Serena Sundell</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/brylee-glenn/11188">Brylee Glenn</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/gabby-gregory/11191">Gabby Gregory</a>&nbsp;and center&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/ayoka-lee/11193">Ayoka Lee</a>. This was the third time this starting five has been used this season. This was the 90th career start for Lee, the 81st collegiate career start and the 35th start at K-State for Gregory, the 72nd career start for Sundell, the 68th career start for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/jaelyn-glenn/11189">Jaelyn Glenn</a>&nbsp;and the 62nd career start for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/brylee-glenn/11188">Brylee Glenn</a>.- K-State held Iowa to 58 points, 34 points below their season average entering play on Thursday. The 58 points were the fewest Iowa has scored during Clark's 103 career games with the Hawkeyes.PLAYER NOTES- With her double-double on Thursday, Lee registered the 51st of her career. This was Lee's 26th career double-double with 20 or more points and 10 or more rebounds.- With her 22 points on Thursday, Lee tallied her 39th career game with 20 or more points. This was Lee's 82nd career game with 10 or more points.- With her 12 rebounds on Thursday, Lee moved into fifth in K-State women's basketball history with 916 career rebounds passing Shalee Lehning (2005-09; 914).- Redshirt freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/zyanna-walker/11200">Zyanna Walker</a>&nbsp;carded her third career double figure scoring game with 12 points. Walker has made five or more field goals in a game twice this season.FROM THE HEAD COACHK-State Head Coach&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/jeff-mittie/2161">Jeff Mittie</a>Opening statement..."I think you know, hard fought game, not a very clean game. Offensively, both teams struggled. I think both teams had a lot to do with that. It was a really gutty performance by our group. Really proud of them. We had some players really step up that didn't necessarily have great nights but made big shots late.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/gabby-gregory/11191">Gabby Gregory</a>, you know has gotten off to a rough start this year, but boy, you just trust her. She's a competitor. Wants the ball in her hands. Most players that shoot an air ball that misses by about six feet don't have the confidence to shoot the next one but by gosh Gabby does and big turnaround in the middle and then&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/taryn-sides/11198">Taryn Sides</a>. Our young one from Phillipsburg, Kansas makes two big free throws so just a lot of tough plays down the stretch."On defensive stops..."It's an interesting question I think we did because at one point we had five but I don't know what the final numbers were. But the way we finished the game, I'd be surprised if we didn't you know I will say this. We were able to keep them from getting the easy run out. Stuelke didn't get the easy ones. Marshall had such a great game on Sunday where she got a lot of threes in transition. We wanted to try to make that as hard as we could on them and that's easier said than done, but you know, we talk a lot about shot recognition. And I think for the most part, our team was pretty sound in that."On finishing the game strong..."That's a good question. I think you know what, I talked to them with three minutes to go, we were down and I said you know, we made a great push in Manhattan last year. Let's finish this game the same way but it's got to start with a stop down here at this end. Gabby made two tough plays. I think we got one or two from Yokie in there on a rebound putback maybe. I don't know. I think our team is really developing some trust in each other. And we've got a big number on this roster that didn't play last year. So this was a big win for us in a lot of ways because you know Zy Walker only played four games a year ago,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/taryn-sides/11198">Taryn Sides</a>&nbsp;was in high school. Obviously,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/gisela-sanchez/11196">Gisela Sanchez</a>&nbsp;was out with an injury. Yokie was out with an injury so I knew we were going to learn a lot from our basketball team. What I learned was that we can survive a bad stretch like that and we've got enough trust to fight through it and boy that as a coach that's always good to see."On last season to this season in women's basketball..."Coming off last year I thought last year was such an exciting year. I'm sure it was pretty exciting around these parts of the country right and so good for women's basketball but I think you're just seeing so many great players play this game right now. And we're probably reaping the benefit a little bit of that COVID extra year where you've got some great players that have hung around and veterans and teams that are older and some of that's been really fun to watch. From our perspective, you know, we had a lot of injuries last year. This is a team that we felt like could be a really good basketball team. And to be a part of it now and to have this opportunity and to do some things in playing well enough to have an opportunity to win at the end and to finish it is pretty special. And it's really special to watch. You hurt for the players when they're injured. It's such a tough thing and we had Sanchez play tonight, who didn't play in a year. Yokie and you watch them put the work in and you go into the training room with them and you're watching it and then you watch tonight it's pretty special to watch and pretty fun and and a great crowd. This is something that's pretty special. I know the people around here don't take that for granted. But that's a great crowd. That's a great atmosphere. That's a knowledgeable crowd. So yeah, it was a great game. Not necessarily a well played game, but a great competitive basketball game."On slowing Caitlin Clark..."I don't know the answer. What I would tell you is that I thought&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/jaelyn-glenn/11189">Jaelyn Glenn</a>&nbsp;and Zy Walker had excellent defensive games on her. I thought that when we switched out on her, we were pretty sound with it. Serena got switched out on a little bit.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/taryn-sides/11198">Taryn Sides</a>&nbsp;got switched out on her a little bit. We weren't going to guard her with one player because we knew that in transition. We were probably going to have to guard her in waves. And we knew that if she got past the first wave. We were going to bring somebody else to get her and peel off and go get somebody else. And that was our game plan going in. It sounds great when it works. But the challenge of that is everybody has to be on point of what we're doing. So I don't know if we were good at what we wanted to do. And sometimes with Caitlin it doesn't matter how good you are, you know, she can still knock shots down. So we were fortunate to do our job and have her covered."FROM THE FLOORK-State Senior Center&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/ayoka-lee/11193">Ayoka Lee</a>On playing with early foul trouble..."I knew I had to be smart. But that was like a part of our scout too. So I mean, obviously not happy to get the two quick ones. But just kind of staying the course trusting the scout and just being more mindful. And then just communicating well with the guards and, you know, having them try and help me out a little bit more and I think they did great. I think we did good. I stayed in the game, so that's good.&nbsp;On holding Iowa to 58 points..."I think this year, I mean every year, I think we want to take a lot of pride in our defense. So I think it's coming in with that mentality. We want to get three stops in a row, seven times and narrows the gap. We get that seven times. And that's like our goal. So I think having that mentality talking, executing well, and just knowing the matchups knowing where everyone's at on the floor. We knew that this one would be one in transition. We had to have transition D and I think it fell apart sometimes. But we did a good job of picking it back up after it fell apart to get those seven stops."On getting this win after missing last season..."It was definitely a year. It felt like a year. I think just the opportunity to play tonight made it so worth it. And just to pull through with the win with my teammates beyond the score, be able to celebrate with them be able to be in the huddle with them. Be able to talk to them when we're falling like crazy and be able to talk to them when we're not scoring. Like I think all those moments just like matter so much. And I mean, I probably don't know it in the moment. They probably don't know it in the moment. So much gratitude for like everyone who stuck with me that year. Everyone who went through the workouts with me that year. And yeah, it just means a lot."UP NEXTK-State returns to Bramlage Coliseum on Sunday afternoon, as the Wildcats host Wisconsin at 4 p.m. Sunday's game is Pack the House day. All advance-purchase general admission tickets and select concessions are just $2 each. The first 1,000 fans will receive a free purple light-up stick. Sunday's game will also feature a halftime performance by Christian and Scooby.Sunday's game can be seen live on Big 12 Now on ESPN+ and can be heard on the K-State Sports Network, on the K-State Sports app and on kstatesports.com.<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/news/2023/11/16/womens-basketball-cats-run-past-2-2-iowa-65-58.aspx?print=true">Print Friendly Version</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700222091461.png" alt="Photo KSU Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo KSU Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>IOWA CITY, Iowa&nbsp;- With a 12-0 run in the final three minutes, K-State upset (2/2) Iowa at Carver-Hawkeye Arena on Thursday night, 65-58. This was K-State's second win over a top-5 ranked Iowa squad, as the Wildcats downed the fourth-ranked Hawkeyes in Manhattan last season.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Gotta hydrate before the flight home ✈️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KStateWBB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KStateWBB</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZLBquNErwW">pic.twitter.com/ZLBquNErwW</a>&mdash; K-State Women&#39;s Basketball (@KStateWBB) <a href="https://twitter.com/KStateWBB/status/1725379096669045035?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 17, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>With the win, K-State registered its second-ever win over an Associated Press second-ranked team as the Wildcats defeated Old Dominion in Manhattan on December 4, 1982.HOW IT HAPPENED- Trailing by five points following a free throw from the Hawkeyes with 2:40 remaining in the fourth quarter, K-State (3-0) started its rally with a layup from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/gabby-gregory/11191">Gabby Gregory</a>. After a defensive stop,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/ayoka-lee/11193">Ayoka Lee</a>&nbsp;finished a layup in traffic with 1:40 remaining.- Lee was then fouled on her next attempt and buried her two free throws to give the Wildcats a 59-58 lead with 1:12 left. Lee ended the night with 22 points on 9-of-14 shooting, 12 rebounds and two blocked shots.- Another defensive stop by K-State resulted in a Gregory free throw line jumper with 30 seconds left to give the Wildcats a 61-58 lead.- After an Iowa (3-1) missed 3-pointer, freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/taryn-sides/11198">Taryn Sides</a>&nbsp;hauled in the rebound and was fouled with nine seconds to play. She calmly made two free throws to send the game to a two-possession margin, 63-58. A long rebound and fastbreak layup by redshirt freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/zyanna-walker/11200">Zyanna Walker</a>&nbsp;was the icing on the cake for the Wildcats. Walker notched 12 points on 5-of-10 shooting, while Sides carded eight points, six rebounds and three assists.- Defensively, K-State held Iowa to 36.1 percent (22-of-61) shooting including 2-of-21 (.095) from 3-point range. The Hawkeyes were led by 2023 National Player of the Year Caitlin Clark with 24 points on 9-of-32 shooting.QUICK FACTS- K-State is 6-1 in the series against Iowa. The Wildcats are 75-60 against current members of the Big Ten Conference.- The Wildcats are 288-321 all-time in road games. K-State is 39-64 in road contests in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/jeff-mittie/2161">Jeff Mittie</a>&nbsp;era.- K-State head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/jeff-mittie/2161">Jeff Mittie</a>&nbsp;owns a career record of 621-362 (.632) and is 167-127 (.568) during his 10-seasons at K-State.- The Wildcats are 88-238 against Associated Press top-25 opponents, including a 2-10 mark against teams ranked second in the poll. K-State has defeated an AP top-10 foe in three straight seasons.TEAM NOTES- K-State's starting five consisted of guards:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/jaelyn-glenn/11189">Jaelyn Glenn</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/serena-sundell/11197">Serena Sundell</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/brylee-glenn/11188">Brylee Glenn</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/gabby-gregory/11191">Gabby Gregory</a>&nbsp;and center&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/ayoka-lee/11193">Ayoka Lee</a>. This was the third time this starting five has been used this season. This was the 90th career start for Lee, the 81st collegiate career start and the 35th start at K-State for Gregory, the 72nd career start for Sundell, the 68th career start for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/jaelyn-glenn/11189">Jaelyn Glenn</a>&nbsp;and the 62nd career start for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/brylee-glenn/11188">Brylee Glenn</a>.- K-State held Iowa to 58 points, 34 points below their season average entering play on Thursday. The 58 points were the fewest Iowa has scored during Clark's 103 career games with the Hawkeyes.PLAYER NOTES- With her double-double on Thursday, Lee registered the 51st of her career. This was Lee's 26th career double-double with 20 or more points and 10 or more rebounds.- With her 22 points on Thursday, Lee tallied her 39th career game with 20 or more points. This was Lee's 82nd career game with 10 or more points.- With her 12 rebounds on Thursday, Lee moved into fifth in K-State women's basketball history with 916 career rebounds passing Shalee Lehning (2005-09; 914).- Redshirt freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/zyanna-walker/11200">Zyanna Walker</a>&nbsp;carded her third career double figure scoring game with 12 points. Walker has made five or more field goals in a game twice this season.FROM THE HEAD COACHK-State Head Coach&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/jeff-mittie/2161">Jeff Mittie</a>Opening statement..."I think you know, hard fought game, not a very clean game. Offensively, both teams struggled. I think both teams had a lot to do with that. It was a really gutty performance by our group. Really proud of them. We had some players really step up that didn't necessarily have great nights but made big shots late.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/gabby-gregory/11191">Gabby Gregory</a>, you know has gotten off to a rough start this year, but boy, you just trust her. She's a competitor. Wants the ball in her hands. Most players that shoot an air ball that misses by about six feet don't have the confidence to shoot the next one but by gosh Gabby does and big turnaround in the middle and then&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/taryn-sides/11198">Taryn Sides</a>. Our young one from Phillipsburg, Kansas makes two big free throws so just a lot of tough plays down the stretch."On defensive stops..."It's an interesting question I think we did because at one point we had five but I don't know what the final numbers were. But the way we finished the game, I'd be surprised if we didn't you know I will say this. We were able to keep them from getting the easy run out. Stuelke didn't get the easy ones. Marshall had such a great game on Sunday where she got a lot of threes in transition. We wanted to try to make that as hard as we could on them and that's easier said than done, but you know, we talk a lot about shot recognition. And I think for the most part, our team was pretty sound in that."On finishing the game strong..."That's a good question. I think you know what, I talked to them with three minutes to go, we were down and I said you know, we made a great push in Manhattan last year. Let's finish this game the same way but it's got to start with a stop down here at this end. Gabby made two tough plays. I think we got one or two from Yokie in there on a rebound putback maybe. I don't know. I think our team is really developing some trust in each other. And we've got a big number on this roster that didn't play last year. So this was a big win for us in a lot of ways because you know Zy Walker only played four games a year ago,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/taryn-sides/11198">Taryn Sides</a>&nbsp;was in high school. Obviously,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/gisela-sanchez/11196">Gisela Sanchez</a>&nbsp;was out with an injury. Yokie was out with an injury so I knew we were going to learn a lot from our basketball team. What I learned was that we can survive a bad stretch like that and we've got enough trust to fight through it and boy that as a coach that's always good to see."On last season to this season in women's basketball..."Coming off last year I thought last year was such an exciting year. I'm sure it was pretty exciting around these parts of the country right and so good for women's basketball but I think you're just seeing so many great players play this game right now. And we're probably reaping the benefit a little bit of that COVID extra year where you've got some great players that have hung around and veterans and teams that are older and some of that's been really fun to watch. From our perspective, you know, we had a lot of injuries last year. This is a team that we felt like could be a really good basketball team. And to be a part of it now and to have this opportunity and to do some things in playing well enough to have an opportunity to win at the end and to finish it is pretty special. And it's really special to watch. You hurt for the players when they're injured. It's such a tough thing and we had Sanchez play tonight, who didn't play in a year. Yokie and you watch them put the work in and you go into the training room with them and you're watching it and then you watch tonight it's pretty special to watch and pretty fun and and a great crowd. This is something that's pretty special. I know the people around here don't take that for granted. But that's a great crowd. That's a great atmosphere. That's a knowledgeable crowd. So yeah, it was a great game. Not necessarily a well played game, but a great competitive basketball game."On slowing Caitlin Clark..."I don't know the answer. What I would tell you is that I thought&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/jaelyn-glenn/11189">Jaelyn Glenn</a>&nbsp;and Zy Walker had excellent defensive games on her. I thought that when we switched out on her, we were pretty sound with it. Serena got switched out on a little bit.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/taryn-sides/11198">Taryn Sides</a>&nbsp;got switched out on her a little bit. We weren't going to guard her with one player because we knew that in transition. We were probably going to have to guard her in waves. And we knew that if she got past the first wave. We were going to bring somebody else to get her and peel off and go get somebody else. And that was our game plan going in. It sounds great when it works. But the challenge of that is everybody has to be on point of what we're doing. So I don't know if we were good at what we wanted to do. And sometimes with Caitlin it doesn't matter how good you are, you know, she can still knock shots down. So we were fortunate to do our job and have her covered."FROM THE FLOORK-State Senior Center&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/ayoka-lee/11193">Ayoka Lee</a>On playing with early foul trouble..."I knew I had to be smart. But that was like a part of our scout too. So I mean, obviously not happy to get the two quick ones. But just kind of staying the course trusting the scout and just being more mindful. And then just communicating well with the guards and, you know, having them try and help me out a little bit more and I think they did great. I think we did good. I stayed in the game, so that's good.&nbsp;On holding Iowa to 58 points..."I think this year, I mean every year, I think we want to take a lot of pride in our defense. So I think it's coming in with that mentality. We want to get three stops in a row, seven times and narrows the gap. We get that seven times. And that's like our goal. So I think having that mentality talking, executing well, and just knowing the matchups knowing where everyone's at on the floor. We knew that this one would be one in transition. We had to have transition D and I think it fell apart sometimes. But we did a good job of picking it back up after it fell apart to get those seven stops."On getting this win after missing last season..."It was definitely a year. It felt like a year. I think just the opportunity to play tonight made it so worth it. And just to pull through with the win with my teammates beyond the score, be able to celebrate with them be able to be in the huddle with them. Be able to talk to them when we're falling like crazy and be able to talk to them when we're not scoring. Like I think all those moments just like matter so much. And I mean, I probably don't know it in the moment. They probably don't know it in the moment. So much gratitude for like everyone who stuck with me that year. Everyone who went through the workouts with me that year. And yeah, it just means a lot."UP NEXTK-State returns to Bramlage Coliseum on Sunday afternoon, as the Wildcats host Wisconsin at 4 p.m. Sunday's game is Pack the House day. All advance-purchase general admission tickets and select concessions are just $2 each. The first 1,000 fans will receive a free purple light-up stick. Sunday's game will also feature a halftime performance by Christian and Scooby.Sunday's game can be seen live on Big 12 Now on ESPN+ and can be heard on the K-State Sports Network, on the K-State Sports app and on kstatesports.com.<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/news/2023/11/16/womens-basketball-cats-run-past-2-2-iowa-65-58.aspx?print=true">Print Friendly Version</a>

Kansas State upsets Caitlin Clark and No. 2 Iowa on the road

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — The Sunflower Showdown between Kansas State and Kansas hasn’t been much of a showdown over the past decade or so.

That's because the Jayhawks have rarely shown up.

The Wildcats have not lost to their rival since the 2008 season, just before Hall of Fame coach Bill Snyder returned for his second stint in charge. And nothing changed when Chris Klieman took over four years ago, adding four wins to make it 14 straight and by an average margin of more than four touchdowns per game.

Yet few think their matchup Saturday will be just another blowout.

While the No. 23 Wildcats (7-3, 5-2 Big 12) are tied for second in the conference and still in the hunt to defend their Big 12 title, the Jayhawks (7-3, 4-3) are among the teams one game back. And with identical overall records, the two teams are on remarkably even footing as they resume the fourth-oldest continuously played rivalry in the Bowl Subdivision.

“We're just going to keep working on closing that gap and see where it turns out,” Jayhawks coach Lance Leipold said. “It was our responsibility to make this rivalry a better game and I think we're taking those steps, but we have to go out and play that way.”

It won't be easy if the Jayhawks are missing Jason Bean.

Bean was No. 2 on the depth chart to start the season, but he's deftly guided Kansas most of the way while starter Jalon Daniels deals with a back injury. Then came last Saturday's game against Texas Tech, when Bean sustained what Leipold called “a head injury” and walk-on freshman Cole Ballard played the rest of the way in a last-minute 16-13 loss.

Leipold expressed optimism Monday that Bean would be able to play, then backtracked the following day on a local radio show, saying that "Cole will be ready to go, and that’s probably the direction we’re going to have to plan on at this moment.”

Klieman doesn't think the Jayhawks' approach will change no matter who is under center.

“I know it was a smaller sample size,” Klieman said, “but I really didn't think they changed a whole lot offensively when (Ballard) came in last week. It's still what they do. They're having a lot of success on offense with whomever played quarterback, so in my mind, those kids offensively believe in what they're doing. Why would you change it?”

One thing the Jayhawks would like to change: Their losing streak in the series.

“We know how important the game is,” Klieman said. “All those things don't have to be said, don't have to be talked about. But it still comes down to you better not take any shortcuts, you better focus on your preparation and attack today.”

Kansas State could still wiggle its way back into the Big 12 title game but needs to beat Kansas and Iowa State the next two weeks and get some help. The Wildcats and Cyclones are in a logjam of 5-2 teams with Oklahoma and Oklahoma State, one of the two conference teams — Big 12-leading Texas is the other — to beat Kansas State this season.

Along with Bean, the Jayhawks are uncertain whether they will have reliable wide receiver Luke Grimm available. Kansas State will be without Jake Clifton, who joined fellow linebackers Daniel Green and Asa Newsome with season-ending injuries.

It will be the final game for many Jayhawks, such as safety Kenny Logan Jr., who helped to turn around the program. Logan played two seasons under Les Miles before he was fired, then played for Leipold the past three. This will be the first time in his five years on campus that the Jayhawks will finish with a winning record.

The game also will be the last game at Memorial Stadium, which opened in October 1921 and is among the oldest in major college football, before a massive renovation completely transforms it. The construction will begin after the game and continue through next season before finishing up in time for the start of the 2025 season.

Kansas State has won all five of its home games easily this season, but the road has been a different matter. They lost on a last-second 62-yard field goal at Missouri, then fell behind early at Oklahoma State and Texas before comeback bids came up short. Their only road win came at Texas Tech, when they trailed in the third quarter before scoring three unanswered touchdowns.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700218475002.png" alt="KU FB vs K-State '23 - Sunflower Showdown" />
 <figcaption>KU FB vs K-State '23 - Sunflower Showdown</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — The Sunflower Showdown between Kansas State and Kansas hasn’t been much of a showdown over the past decade or so.That's because the Jayhawks have rarely shown up.The Wildcats have not lost to their rival since the 2008 season, just before Hall of Fame coach Bill Snyder returned for his second stint in charge. And nothing changed when Chris Klieman took over four years ago, adding four wins to make it 14 straight and by an average margin of more than four touchdowns per game.Yet few think their matchup Saturday will be just another blowout.While the No. 23 Wildcats (7-3, 5-2 Big 12) are tied for second in the conference and still in the hunt to defend their Big 12 title, the Jayhawks (7-3, 4-3) are among the teams one game back. And with identical overall records, the two teams are on remarkably even footing as they resume the fourth-oldest continuously played rivalry in the Bowl Subdivision.“We're just going to keep working on closing that gap and see where it turns out,” Jayhawks coach Lance Leipold said. “It was our responsibility to make this rivalry a better game and I think we're taking those steps, but we have to go out and play that way.”It won't be easy if the Jayhawks are missing Jason Bean.Bean was No. 2 on the depth chart to start the season, but he's deftly guided Kansas most of the way while starter Jalon Daniels deals with a back injury. Then came last Saturday's game against Texas Tech, when Bean sustained what Leipold called “a head injury” and walk-on freshman Cole Ballard played the rest of the way in a last-minute 16-13 loss.Leipold expressed optimism Monday that Bean would be able to play, then backtracked the following day on a local radio show, saying that "Cole will be ready to go, and that’s probably the direction we’re going to have to plan on at this moment.”Klieman doesn't think the Jayhawks' approach will change no matter who is under center.“I know it was a smaller sample size,” Klieman said, “but I really didn't think they changed a whole lot offensively when (Ballard) came in last week. It's still what they do. They're having a lot of success on offense with whomever played quarterback, so in my mind, those kids offensively believe in what they're doing. Why would you change it?”One thing the Jayhawks would like to change: Their losing streak in the series.“We know how important the game is,” Klieman said. “All those things don't have to be said, don't have to be talked about. But it still comes down to you better not take any shortcuts, you better focus on your preparation and attack today.”TITLE PICTUREKansas State could still wiggle its way back into the Big 12 title game but needs to beat Kansas and Iowa State the next two weeks and get some help. The Wildcats and Cyclones are in a logjam of 5-2 teams with Oklahoma and Oklahoma State, one of the two conference teams — Big 12-leading Texas is the other — to beat Kansas State this season.INJURY UPDATEAlong with Bean, the Jayhawks are uncertain whether they will have reliable wide receiver Luke Grimm available. Kansas State will be without Jake Clifton, who joined fellow linebackers Daniel Green and Asa Newsome with season-ending injuries.SENIOR SEND-OFFIt will be the final game for many Jayhawks, such as safety Kenny Logan Jr., who helped to turn around the program. Logan played two seasons under Les Miles before he was fired, then played for Leipold the past three. This will be the first time in his five years on campus that the Jayhawks will finish with a winning record.STADIUM SEND-OFFThe game also will be the last game at Memorial Stadium, which opened in October 1921 and is among the oldest in major college football, before a massive renovation completely transforms it. The construction will begin after the game and continue through next season before finishing up in time for the start of the 2025 season.ROADKILLKansas State has won all five of its home games easily this season, but the road has been a different matter. They lost on a last-second 62-yard field goal at Missouri, then fell behind early at Oklahoma State and Texas before comeback bids came up short. Their only road win came at Texas Tech, when they trailed in the third quarter before scoring three unanswered touchdowns.

🏈 No. 23 K-State still has eyes on a Big 12 title shot as its trip to rival Kansas arrives

While exact dates and times for the upcoming 2024 Arena Football League remain to be determined, the matchups, including those for the Salina Liberty have officially been announced.

The full slate of games for the Liberty can be found below

Week One: vs. SWKS Storm Week Two: at Wichita Regulators Week Three: at Oregon Blackbears Week Four: at Iowa Rampage Week Five: vs. Rapid City Marshalls Week Six: at SWKS Storm Week Seven: vs. Iowa Rampage Week Eight: vs. Washington Wolfpack Week Nine: at Rapid City Marshalls Week Ten: vs. Wichita Regulators

While exact dates and times for the upcoming 2024 Arena Football League remain to be determined, the matchups, including those for the Salina Liberty have officially been announced.The full slate of games for the Liberty can be found belowWeek One: vs. SWKS Storm Week Two: at Wichita Regulators Week Three: at Oregon Blackbears Week Four: at Iowa Rampage Week Five: vs. Rapid City Marshalls Week Six: at SWKS Storm Week Seven: vs. Iowa Rampage Week Eight: vs. Washington Wolfpack Week Nine: at Rapid City Marshalls Week Ten: vs. Wichita Regulators

Salina Liberty AFL Matchups Unveiled

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–</a>&nbsp;Kansas State senior left guard&nbsp;Cooper Beebe&nbsp;is one of seven players in the nation to be named a semifinalist for the 2023 Outland Trophy, the Greater Omaha Sports Committee and Football Writers Association of America announced Wednesday evening.

Beebe is the first player in school history to become a semifinalist for the award that is presented annually to the nation’s best college interior lineman on offense or defense. He is joined on this year’s list by Illinois defensive tackle Jer’Zahn Newton, Texas defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat, Notre Dame offensive tackle Joe Alt, Michigan guard Zak Zinter, Oregon center Jackson Powers-Johnson and Oregon State guard Taliese Fuaga.

From the list of seven players, three will be selected as finalists for the award on November 28. The recipient of the 2023 Outland Trophy will be announced on&nbsp;The Home Depot College Football Awards, live on ESPN on December 8 at 6 p.m. The official presentation to the winner will be made at the Outland Trophy Awards Dinner in Omaha, Nebraska, on January 10, 2024.

A native of Kansas City, Kansas, Beebe has started 45 career games to rank fifth among Wildcat offensive linemen in 1990. This season, he has helped K-State&nbsp;rank 14th&nbsp;nationally in rushing (202.1 yards per game), while the Wildcats are tied for 12th overall and tied for first in the Big 12 with 25 rushing touchdowns. Beebe played all over the line over the first six games of 2023, playing 320 snaps at left guard, 106 snaps at right tackle and 20 snaps at left tackle. He has since settled in at left guard over the last four games, playing all 275 offensive snaps at the position. He has even played three plays at defensive tackle to help with depth at the position due to injury, and he carded a tackle against Baylor.

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–</a>&nbsp;Kansas State senior left guard&nbsp;Cooper Beebe&nbsp;is one of seven players in the nation to be named a semifinalist for the 2023 Outland Trophy, the Greater Omaha Sports Committee and Football Writers Association of America announced Wednesday evening.Beebe is the first player in school history to become a semifinalist for the award that is presented annually to the nation’s best college interior lineman on offense or defense. He is joined on this year’s list by Illinois defensive tackle Jer’Zahn Newton, Texas defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat, Notre Dame offensive tackle Joe Alt, Michigan guard Zak Zinter, Oregon center Jackson Powers-Johnson and Oregon State guard Taliese Fuaga.From the list of seven players, three will be selected as finalists for the award on November 28. The recipient of the 2023 Outland Trophy will be announced on&nbsp;The Home Depot College Football Awards, live on ESPN on December 8 at 6 p.m. The official presentation to the winner will be made at the Outland Trophy Awards Dinner in Omaha, Nebraska, on January 10, 2024.A native of Kansas City, Kansas, Beebe has started 45 career games to rank fifth among Wildcat offensive linemen in 1990. This season, he has helped K-State&nbsp;rank 14th&nbsp;nationally in rushing (202.1 yards per game), while the Wildcats are tied for 12th overall and tied for first in the Big 12 with 25 rushing touchdowns. Beebe played all over the line over the first six games of 2023, playing 320 snaps at left guard, 106 snaps at right tackle and 20 snaps at left tackle. He has since settled in at left guard over the last four games, playing all 275 offensive snaps at the position. He has even played three plays at defensive tackle to help with depth at the position due to injury, and he carded a tackle against Baylor.

K-State’s Beebe Named Semifinalist for Outland Trophy

CHICAGO, Ill. (AP)&nbsp;— Hunter Dickinson had a game-high 27 points and a career-high 21 rebounds as No. 1 Kansas overcame a 14-point second half deficit to beat No. 17 Kentucky 89-84 in the Champions Classic on Tuesday night at the United Center.

“What he does is he takes pressure off everybody else by having everybody else focused on him,” Kansas coach Bill Self said. “So that’s a big bonus.”

Kevin McCullar Jr. finished with a triple-double of 12 points, 10 rebounds and a career-high 10 assists for the third official triple-double in Kansas history and the first since Jeff Withey on Nov. 26, 2012.

Dajuan Harris Jr. added a career-high 23 points for the Jayhawks, while KJ Adams Jr. scored 16 points.

Kansas (3-0) closed the game on an 11-1 run. Harris opened the decisive stretch with a 3-pointer and two foul shots. Dickinson then put the Jayhawks in front for good with two free throws that made it 85-83 with 2:04 to go.

Kentucky (2-1) had a couple chances to tie the game in the final 1:02, but it came up empty each time. After Reed Sheppard missed a 3-point with 6 seconds left, Jamari McDowell made two foul shots to help close it out for the Jayhawks.

Antonio Reeves scored 24 points for Kentucky, but he went 3-of-17 from 3-point range. Adou Thiero finished with 16 points and 13 boards.

Rob Dillingham, a part of another stellar group of freshmen for the Wildcats, scored 16 of his 18 points in the first half. He was whistled for his fourth foul midway through the second half and eventually fouled out.

It was Kansas’ first game in Chicago since it stopped in the Windy City on its way to the 2022 NCAA championship. The Jayhawks beat Miami&nbsp;76-50&nbsp;in the Midwest Region final at the United Center that year.

Kansas had a 25-21 lead before Dillingham began to take over. The flashy freshman made 3-pointers on four straight Kentucky possessions and then dished to Reeves for another 3, giving the Wildcats a 36-30 lead with 4:37 left in the first half.

The Jayhawks were staring at a double-digit halftime deficit before Dickinson hit two foul shots and a 3, making it 48-41 at the break. Dickinson had 13 points and 10 rebounds in the first half.

BIG PICTUREKansas: While Dickinson had a big night, it’s clear the Jayhawks have some work to do when it comes to getting used to each other. They finished with 14 turnovers, and a couple of them occurred when they tried to force the ball inside to their new center.

Kentucky: It was the first big test for the new kids on the Wildcats, and there was a lot to like. They had just eight turnovers. If Calipari can teach them how to finish close games, they could be in line for a big season.

UP NEXTKansas: Plays Chaminade in the opening round of the Maui Invitational on Monday night.

Kentucky: Hosts Stonehill on Friday night.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700046720809.png" alt="Kansas center Hunter Dickinson (1) pumps his fist after scoring a basket in an NCAA basketball game against Kentucky in Chicago, Ill., Tuesday, November 14, 2023. (Kansas Athletics photo)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas center Hunter Dickinson (1) pumps his fist after scoring a basket in an NCAA basketball game against Kentucky in Chicago, Ill., Tuesday, November 14, 2023. (Kansas Athletics photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>CHICAGO, Ill. (AP)&nbsp;— Hunter Dickinson had a game-high 27 points and a career-high 21 rebounds as No. 1 Kansas overcame a 14-point second half deficit to beat No. 17 Kentucky 89-84 in the Champions Classic on Tuesday night at the United Center.“What he does is he takes pressure off everybody else by having everybody else focused on him,” Kansas coach Bill Self said. “So that’s a big bonus.”Kevin McCullar Jr. finished with a triple-double of 12 points, 10 rebounds and a career-high 10 assists for the third official triple-double in Kansas history and the first since Jeff Withey on Nov. 26, 2012.Dajuan Harris Jr. added a career-high 23 points for the Jayhawks, while KJ Adams Jr. scored 16 points.Kansas (3-0) closed the game on an 11-1 run. Harris opened the decisive stretch with a 3-pointer and two foul shots. Dickinson then put the Jayhawks in front for good with two free throws that made it 85-83 with 2:04 to go.Kentucky (2-1) had a couple chances to tie the game in the final 1:02, but it came up empty each time. After Reed Sheppard missed a 3-point with 6 seconds left, Jamari McDowell made two foul shots to help close it out for the Jayhawks.Antonio Reeves scored 24 points for Kentucky, but he went 3-of-17 from 3-point range. Adou Thiero finished with 16 points and 13 boards.Rob Dillingham, a part of another stellar group of freshmen for the Wildcats, scored 16 of his 18 points in the first half. He was whistled for his fourth foul midway through the second half and eventually fouled out.It was Kansas’ first game in Chicago since it stopped in the Windy City on its way to the 2022 NCAA championship. The Jayhawks beat Miami&nbsp;76-50&nbsp;in the Midwest Region final at the United Center that year.Kansas had a 25-21 lead before Dillingham began to take over. The flashy freshman made 3-pointers on four straight Kentucky possessions and then dished to Reeves for another 3, giving the Wildcats a 36-30 lead with 4:37 left in the first half.The Jayhawks were staring at a double-digit halftime deficit before Dickinson hit two foul shots and a 3, making it 48-41 at the break. Dickinson had 13 points and 10 rebounds in the first half.BIG PICTUREKansas: While Dickinson had a big night, it’s clear the Jayhawks have some work to do when it comes to getting used to each other. They finished with 14 turnovers, and a couple of them occurred when they tried to force the ball inside to their new center.Kentucky: It was the first big test for the new kids on the Wildcats, and there was a lot to like. They had just eight turnovers. If Calipari can teach them how to finish close games, they could be in line for a big season.UP NEXTKansas: Plays Chaminade in the opening round of the Maui Invitational on Monday night.Kentucky: Hosts Stonehill on Friday night.

🏀 Dickinson Stars as No. 1 Kansas Edges No. 17 Kentucky

The Blue Jay football team gathered at Junction City High School on Sunday night to celebrate their annual end-of-season awards banquet. 

Junction City finished the 2023 season with a record of 6-4 and a third-place finish in the Centennial League. 

 The freshman and JV teams finished the year with a 3-3 record. 

Malcolm Tibbetts Memorial Award - Cooper Bogenhagen, Brock Bazan

Joseph Sinegal Memorial Award - Griffin Bohanan

Al Simpler Memorial Award - Malaki Daniels

Elijah Carter-Salisbury Memorial Award - Ryan McCreath

Black Lion Award - Michael Boganowski, Petren Bartolome

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699987077435.jpeg" alt="Junction City football team 2023" />
 <figcaption>Junction City football team 2023</figcaption>
 </figure>By Anthony GorgesJC PostThe Blue Jay football team gathered at Junction City High School on Sunday night to celebrate their annual end-of-season awards banquet. Junction City finished the 2023 season with a record of 6-4 and a third-place finish in the Centennial League. The freshman and JV teams finished the year with a 3-3 record. Ron Lowry Memorial Award - Trevon BrileyMalcolm Tibbetts Memorial Award - Cooper Bogenhagen, Brock BazanJoseph Sinegal Memorial Award - Griffin BohananAl Simpler Memorial Award - Malaki DanielsElijah Carter-Salisbury Memorial Award - Ryan McCreathBlack Lion Award - Michael Boganowski, Petren BartolomeFrank Drew Memorial Award - Damarion ShawFelix Snipes Memorial Award - Hayden PuryearOffensive Player of the Year – Malaki DanielsDefensive Player of the Year – Michael BoganowskiSpecial Teams Player of the Year – Ethan HilemanScout Offense Player of the Year – Conrado GomezScout Defense Player of the Year – Damarion Shaw