St. Thomas Aquinas 52, Andover Central 44

BOYS PREP BASKETBALL=Class 1A DI=State Championship=Olpe 54, South Gray 47Class 1A DII=State Championship=Hanover 52, Elyria Christian 40Class 2A=State Championship=Hillsboro 59, Wabaunsee 50Class 3A=State Championship=Hesston 45, Galena 36Class 4A=State Championship=Bishop Miege 94, Louisburg 40Class 5A=State Championship=Maize 55, Topeka West 43Class 6A=State Championship=BV North 67, Wichita Campus 59GIRLS PREP BASKETBALL=Class 1A Division I=State Championship=Olpe 42, Norwich 25Class 1A Division II=State Championship=Central Plains 39, Cunningham 35Class 2A=State Championship=Sterling 52, Pittsburg Colgan 36Class 3A=State Championship=Cheney 60, Sabetha 54Class 4A=State Championship=Bishop Miege 51, McPherson 36Class 5A=State Championship=St. Thomas Aquinas 52, Andover Central 44Class 6A=State Championship=SM Northwest 61, Topeka 54___

High School basketball state championship game results

BOYS PREP BASKETBALL=Class 1A Division I=State Semifinal=Olpe 75, Little River 66South Gray 69, Ness City 58Class 1A Division II=State Semifinal=Elyria Christian 55, Pawnee Heights 42Hanover 85, Northern Valley 58Class 3A=State Semifinal=Galena 48, Rock Creek 41Hesston 64, Hays-TMP-Marian 55Class 5A=State Semifinal=Maize 74, KC Washington 58Topeka West 61, DeSoto 57GIRLS PREP BASKETBALL=Class 2A=State Semifinal=Pittsburg Colgan 40, Valley Heights 38Sterling 69, Garden Plain 52Class 3A=State Semifinal=Hesston 64, Hays-TMP-Marian 55Class 4A=State Semifinal=Bishop Miege 55, Andale 40McPherson 58, Louisburg 46Class 5A=State Semifinal=Andover Central 65, Salina Central 56Class 6A=State Semifinal=SM Northwest 59, Olathe West 45Topeka 54, Dodge City 37

Friday state tournament semifinal round scores

KANSAS CITY, Mo (AP) — Kirsten Deans scored seven points in the last 36 seconds, including a layup at the buzzer, and No. 17 West Virginia rallied to defeat 10th-seeded Kansas State 58-56 in the quarterfinals of the Big 12 Tournament. 

The Mountaineers trailed by seven as the clock ticked under a minute before Kysre Gondrezick hit a 3-pointer to make it 55-51. The Wildcats made 1 of 2 free throws before getting out-scrapped for a rebound on the other end with Deans hitting a step-back 3-pointer at 18.8 seconds.  Trying an inbound lob to the middle of the key, the ball was knocked away for K-State’s 22nd turnover, and Deans went the length of the court for the winner.

KANSAS CITY, Mo (AP) — Kirsten Deans scored seven points in the last 36 seconds, including a layup at the buzzer, and No. 17 West Virginia rallied to defeat 10th-seeded Kansas State 58-56 in the quarterfinals of the Big 12 Tournament. The Mountaineers trailed by seven as the clock ticked under a minute before Kysre Gondrezick hit a 3-pointer to make it 55-51. The Wildcats made 1 of 2 free throws before getting out-scrapped for a rebound on the other end with Deans hitting a step-back 3-pointer at 18.8 seconds. Trying an inbound lob to the middle of the key, the ball was knocked away for K-State’s 22nd turnover, and Deans went the length of the court for the winner.

K-State falls in Women's Big 12 Tournament

LAWRENCE, Kan. — The University of Kansas basketball team with be forced to withdraw from the 2021 Big 12 Basketball Tournament due to a positive COVID-19 test within the team.

The news broke Friday, just one night after Kansas defeated Oklahoma in the Quarterfinal round. The Jayhawks were scheduled to take on Texas in the Semifinals Friday night.&nbsp;

Bill Self released a statement on the cancelation of the semifinal matchup:

"Obviously we are disappointed and our players are disappointed that they can't continue to compete for the Big 12 Championship," Head Coach Bill Self said. "While we have been fortunate to avoid this throughout the season, there are daily risks with this virus that everybody participating is trying to avoid. We have followed the daily testing and additional protocols that have been setup for us, unfortunately we caught a bad break at the wrong time. I look forward to preparing my team in probably a unique way for next week's NCAA Tournament."

The Big 12 Conference also released a statement on the cancelation:

"The Big 12 Conference announced today that the Kansas vs. Texas men’s basketball championship semifinal game has been canceled. The game was scheduled to be played on Friday, March 12 at 8:30 p.m. CT.&nbsp;

The cancellation follows a positive test, subsequent quarantining, and contact tracing within the Kansas men’s basketball program. As a result of&nbsp;the&nbsp;uncontested outcome Texas advances to the Phillips 66 Big 12 men’s basketball championship game and will play the winner of tonight’s Baylor vs. Oklahoma State game."

The Jayhawks for now, will look ahead to an NCAA Tournament appearance.&nbsp;

By Jackson SchneiderLAWRENCE, Kan. — The University of Kansas basketball team with be forced to withdraw from the 2021 Big 12 Basketball Tournament due to a positive COVID-19 test within the team.The news broke Friday, just one night after Kansas defeated Oklahoma in the Quarterfinal round. The Jayhawks were scheduled to take on Texas in the Semifinals Friday night.&nbsp;Bill Self released a statement on the cancelation of the semifinal matchup:"Obviously we are disappointed and our players are disappointed that they can't continue to compete for the Big 12 Championship," Head Coach Bill Self said. "While we have been fortunate to avoid this throughout the season, there are daily risks with this virus that everybody participating is trying to avoid. We have followed the daily testing and additional protocols that have been setup for us, unfortunately we caught a bad break at the wrong time. I look forward to preparing my team in probably a unique way for next week's NCAA Tournament."The Big 12 Conference also released a statement on the cancelation:"The Big 12 Conference announced today that the Kansas vs. Texas men’s basketball championship semifinal game has been canceled. The game was scheduled to be played on Friday, March 12 at 8:30 p.m. CT.&nbsp;The cancellation follows a positive test, subsequent quarantining, and contact tracing within the Kansas men’s basketball program. As a result of&nbsp;the&nbsp;uncontested outcome Texas advances to the Phillips 66 Big 12 men’s basketball championship game and will play the winner of tonight’s Baylor vs. Oklahoma State game."The Jayhawks for now, will look ahead to an NCAA Tournament appearance.&nbsp;

KU out of Big 12 Tournament due to positive COVID test

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Christianna Carr scored 22 points, Ayoka Lee added 21 with 12 rebounds and seven blocked shots and Kansas State upended Texas Tech 75-65 in the second round of the Big 12 women’s tourney. Tenth-seeded Kansas State will take on second-seeded — and No. 17-ranked — West Virginia in Friday’s quarterfinal round.

 Lexi Gordon scored 19 points with five steals, Vivian Gray scored 15 with eight rebounds and three blocked shots and Bryn Gerlich scored 13 and eight assists off the bench for seventh-seeded Texas Tech. Gray scored a layup with under a minute remaining as Texas Tech came within 66-65. K-State got a dagger of a 3-pointer from Rachel Ranke. Lee, Carr and Sydney Goodson made six free throws in the waning seconds.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Christianna Carr scored 22 points, Ayoka Lee added 21 with 12 rebounds and seven blocked shots and Kansas State upended Texas Tech 75-65 in the second round of the Big 12 women’s tourney. Tenth-seeded Kansas State will take on second-seeded — and No. 17-ranked — West Virginia in Friday’s quarterfinal round. Lexi Gordon scored 19 points with five steals, Vivian Gray scored 15 with eight rebounds and three blocked shots and Bryn Gerlich scored 13 and eight assists off the bench for seventh-seeded Texas Tech. Gray scored a layup with under a minute remaining as Texas Tech came within 66-65. K-State got a dagger of a 3-pointer from Rachel Ranke. Lee, Carr and Sydney Goodson made six free throws in the waning seconds.

K-State wins in women's Big 12 Basketball Tournament

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Ochai Agbaji scored a career-high 26 points, Marcus Garrett added 17, and No. 11 Kansas held on after blowing most of a 20-point halftime lead to beat No. 25 Oklahoma 69-62 in the quarterfinals of the Big 12 Tournament. 

Mitch Lightfoot added 11 points for the No. 2 seed Jayhawks, who played without big man David McCormack and backup forward Tristan Enaruna. Both players were caught up in COVID-19 protocols leading up to the tournament. Kansas will play Texas or Texas Tech in the semifinals. Brady Manek and Austin Reaves scored 19 points apiece to lead Oklahoma.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Ochai Agbaji scored a career-high 26 points, Marcus Garrett added 17, and No. 11 Kansas held on after blowing most of a 20-point halftime lead to beat No. 25 Oklahoma 69-62 in the quarterfinals of the Big 12 Tournament. Mitch Lightfoot added 11 points for the No. 2 seed Jayhawks, who played without big man David McCormack and backup forward Tristan Enaruna. Both players were caught up in COVID-19 protocols leading up to the tournament. Kansas will play Texas or Texas Tech in the semifinals. Brady Manek and Austin Reaves scored 19 points apiece to lead Oklahoma.

Jayhawks win in Big 12 Tournament

Wichita Campus 42, Lawrence Free State 37

Cunningham 52, St. John's Beloit-Tipton 31

BOYS PREP BASKETBALL=Class 2A=State Semifinal=Hillsboro 51, Lyndon 45Wabaunsee 73, Hoxie 56Class 4A=State Semifinal=Bishop Miege 78, McPherson 51Louisburg 58, Augusta 55Class 6A=State Semifinal=BV North 71, Lawrence 63Wichita Campus 42, Lawrence Free State 37GIRLS PREP BASKETBALL=Class 1A Division I=State Semifinal=Norwich 54, Doniphan West 49Olpe 38, Hodgeman County 21Class 1A Division II=State Semifinal=Central Plains 50, Golden Plains 39Cunningham 52, St. John's Beloit-Tipton 31Class 3A=State Semifinal=Cheney 62, Frontenac 46Sabetha 57, Hugoton 55Class 5A=State Semifinal=Andover Central 65, Salina Central 56St. Thomas Aquinas 64, Lansing 44

Thursday state semifinal high school basketball results

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kansas State raised eyebrows nationwide on Thursday afternoon, hanging tough with the #2-ranked team in the country in the Big 12 Tournament Quarterfinals.

Baylor held off an upset-minded Wildcat squad 74-68 inside the T-Mobile Center.&nbsp;

“We came here with big dreams and hopes, but at the same time, I told the guys all I cared about was playing with courage,” said Head Coach Bruce Weber postgame. “We played on a turnaround of what, 14-15 hours, with not a whole lot of prep, with playing a hard-fought game last night, and gave them everything we had.”&nbsp;

Kansas State had previously played Baylor twice this season, losing both games by an average of 39.5 points. Thursday afternoon, the Cats stood their ground.&nbsp;

The Bears shot 55% from the field in the first half, yet only held a two point lead over the 9th-seeded Wildcats.&nbsp;

“It felt great to give them a run for their money,” said Freshman Nijel Pack. “Everybody probably looked over us. Didn’t expect it to be a good game. It felt good to be able to give people what they wanted, felt good for us to have courage, and show our improvement of what we made from the beginning of the year to now.”&nbsp;

In the second half, the Wildcats would snatch brief leads two separate times, but the Bears seemingly always had the answer. Midway through the second half, Baylor would go on a run that seemed inevitable.&nbsp;

With Baylor holding a 68-56 lead with under 6 minutes to play, all hope was lost from the outside looking in, but K-State refused to fold.&nbsp;

“For me, as a leader, it’s about the players,” said Weber. “No matter how bad it got, or what we had to deal with, I had to be there to lead them, and help them, and keep them believing, and giving them hope, and giving them love, and that’s what we tried to do.”&nbsp;

Kansas State closed the game on a 12-6 run, but were unable to close the gap in the end.&nbsp;

Defeat is never fun, nor is it easy to swallow, but for once, there were far more positives to take away than negatives following the season-ending loss.&nbsp;

Kansas State will likely return most, if not all, of its major role players next season. Players like Nijel Pack, who scored 18 points on 6-of-9 shooting from long range in the effort, as well as Freshman Davion Bradford, who also tallied 18 points.&nbsp;

Sophomore Dajuan Gordon added 15 points and five rebounds. He’ll most likely return to lead a team that he says is night and day from the beginning of this season.&nbsp;

“We came a long way,” said Gordon. “We’ve come from being one of the worst in the country to, you know, pretty good. I feel like we can compete with anybody in the country right now.”&nbsp;

Kansas State ends it’s season at 9-20 overall, which at the surface level doesn’t look promising, but the ‘Cats closed the season winning four of their last six contests, and took one of the nation’s top teams to the wire.&nbsp;

The potential is there, and Bruce Weber says he isn’t going anywhere.

“I love K-State. I love coaching. I think, obviously, we haven’t won as many games the last two years as you’d always hope, but it’s been a long time since they have won championships,” said Weber. “And I think we have a great nucleus, hopefully this group wants to stay together, and this gave them a lot of hope, and drive, and motivation, and we can continue moving forward.”

<a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/k-state-players-postgame-3-11">Players Nijel Pack and Dajuan Gordon</a>

<a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/bruce-weber-postgame-3-11">Head Coach Bruce Weber</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/aDOhNsXlEjiroiOwcJcRAadsMtXdtc0VUpQEBFNwj_QLJgJZE0LcQ9_fl-2WbAJsz8EYVQibVtkKR-JwrPFivGNPRqjXiydqrqRPZz42iwm0FaoSInagxCMIecqR8wz58G-kYPVo" alt="K-State's Mike McGuirl defends Baylor's Jared Butler in the Quarterfinals of the Big 12 Tournament. (Photo by Denny Medley)" />
 <figcaption>K-State's Mike McGuirl defends Baylor's Jared Butler in the Quarterfinals of the Big 12 Tournament. (Photo by Denny Medley)</figcaption>
 </figure>By Jackson SchneiderKANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kansas State raised eyebrows nationwide on Thursday afternoon, hanging tough with the #2-ranked team in the country in the Big 12 Tournament Quarterfinals.Baylor held off an upset-minded Wildcat squad 74-68 inside the T-Mobile Center.&nbsp;“We came here with big dreams and hopes, but at the same time, I told the guys all I cared about was playing with courage,” said Head Coach Bruce Weber postgame. “We played on a turnaround of what, 14-15 hours, with not a whole lot of prep, with playing a hard-fought game last night, and gave them everything we had.”&nbsp;Kansas State had previously played Baylor twice this season, losing both games by an average of 39.5 points. Thursday afternoon, the Cats stood their ground.&nbsp;The Bears shot 55% from the field in the first half, yet only held a two point lead over the 9th-seeded Wildcats.&nbsp;“It felt great to give them a run for their money,” said Freshman Nijel Pack. “Everybody probably looked over us. Didn’t expect it to be a good game. It felt good to be able to give people what they wanted, felt good for us to have courage, and show our improvement of what we made from the beginning of the year to now.”&nbsp;In the second half, the Wildcats would snatch brief leads two separate times, but the Bears seemingly always had the answer. Midway through the second half, Baylor would go on a run that seemed inevitable.&nbsp;With Baylor holding a 68-56 lead with under 6 minutes to play, all hope was lost from the outside looking in, but K-State refused to fold.&nbsp;“For me, as a leader, it’s about the players,” said Weber. “No matter how bad it got, or what we had to deal with, I had to be there to lead them, and help them, and keep them believing, and giving them hope, and giving them love, and that’s what we tried to do.”&nbsp;Kansas State closed the game on a 12-6 run, but were unable to close the gap in the end.&nbsp;Defeat is never fun, nor is it easy to swallow, but for once, there were far more positives to take away than negatives following the season-ending loss.&nbsp;Kansas State will likely return most, if not all, of its major role players next season. Players like Nijel Pack, who scored 18 points on 6-of-9 shooting from long range in the effort, as well as Freshman Davion Bradford, who also tallied 18 points.&nbsp;Sophomore Dajuan Gordon added 15 points and five rebounds. He’ll most likely return to lead a team that he says is night and day from the beginning of this season.&nbsp;“We came a long way,” said Gordon. “We’ve come from being one of the worst in the country to, you know, pretty good. I feel like we can compete with anybody in the country right now.”&nbsp;Kansas State ends it’s season at 9-20 overall, which at the surface level doesn’t look promising, but the ‘Cats closed the season winning four of their last six contests, and took one of the nation’s top teams to the wire.&nbsp;The potential is there, and Bruce Weber says he isn’t going anywhere.“I love K-State. I love coaching. I think, obviously, we haven’t won as many games the last two years as you’d always hope, but it’s been a long time since they have won championships,” said Weber. “And I think we have a great nucleus, hopefully this group wants to stay together, and this gave them a lot of hope, and drive, and motivation, and we can continue moving forward.”POSTGAME AUDIO<a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/k-state-players-postgame-3-11">Players Nijel Pack and Dajuan Gordon</a><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/bruce-weber-postgame-3-11">Head Coach Bruce Weber</a>

Upset-minded Cats fall short of Baylor

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — On March 11, 2020, Kansas State defeated TCU 53-49, for it’s second-straight win. The victory advanced them to the Big 12 Tournament Quarterfinals against Baylor. The game would never be played.&nbsp;

Wednesday night, 364 days removed from that night, the Wildcats would once again beat the Horned Frogs, this time by a score of 71-50.

The Wildcats will advance to the Big 12 Tournament Quarterfinals, where they will face Baylor at 1:30 Thursday afternoon.

Although things in the world seem to be moving closer to normal, Senior Mike McGuirl says he noticed it’s not the same Big 12 Tournament atmosphere.&nbsp;

“It did feel different, I can’t lie. It felt different out there. Not too many fans, rather quiet, but it had that Big 12 Tournament intensity out there, and that’s what’s most important,” said Mike.

On the court, it was undoubtedly Kansas State’s best all-around performance of this season.&nbsp; 

K-State shot 48% from the field overall, made 7 of 21 threes, and held TCU to just 30% shooting on the night.&nbsp;

“Where we’ve come from to where we are now is amazing,” said Weber. “Our defense again was the thing that gave us a chance to win.”

Freshman Nijel Pack led all scorers with 23 points, hitting 5-of-6 three point shots and 6-of-7 free throws for his third career 20+ point contest.&nbsp;

“I was really disappointed for Nijel,” said Weber, referring to his freshman being snubbed off the Big 12 All-Freshman Team. “I told him, we all told him to use it as motivation.”

Pack, mature beyond his years, said he didn’t take it personally.&nbsp;

“I try not to look at the politics, things like that, somebody else’s opinion. I mean, I believe, whatever I can do, I can do,” said Pack, confidently. “Whatever another person said doesn’t define the person that I am. I feel like if we win, it doesn’t matter.”

In his first-ever appearance in the league tournament, Pack led the charge, but he didn’t go in alone. Mike McGuirl added 17 points, five assists, three rebounds, and K-State’s only block in the game.&nbsp;

“He has made huge strides,” said Weber of his lone senior.

The trouble of the situation for the ‘Cats is that the last time Baylor and K-State met, the Bears rolled to a 107- 59 win in Waco. The defeat was the worst loss, in terms of margin of defeat, in Kansas State’s program history.&nbsp;

“We’re a much improved team since then,” said McGuirl in the postgame presser. “we’re going to be locking in on the scouting report, listen to what the coaches have to say, listen to the game plan, and going out there and competing. We’ve really picked up our defense, and that’s what’s really been our mainstay since we’ve got going.”&nbsp;

McGuirl is right. Since that defeat, K-State has played 11 games, winning four of them, and holding their opponents to less than 64 points on average. Kansas State’s offense may still have great areas for improvement, but it’s defense should give them every reason to feel confident.&nbsp;

“You know, we talk about playing hard and defending, and that gives us a chance,” said Weber. “Obviously we’ve got a tough task, quick turnaround, got them going back, get some food, get a shower, and then see if we can have good preparation for Baylor tomorrow.”

Kansas State improved to 9-19 overall on the season with it’s win over TCU.&nbsp;

“I’m very excited to play tomorrow. This is like, as a basketball player, this is what you dream of. March Madness. We’re about to play probably the best team in the country in the Big 12 Tournament tomorrow, so this is very exciting," said McGuirl looking forward to the challenge.

<a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/k-state-players-postgame-3-10">Kansas State Players Mike McGuirl and Nijel Pack</a>

<a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/bruce-weber-postgame-3-10">Kansas State Head Coach Bruce Weber</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/AQ8hg6cBrzEXi4FUFGxNCbxuFCJxaDha_StG4gNyuoMrUjicLucDyZ0Y2oAq-VcHxpUBcdVRJuCO9wZ2iF9oQuvfK8MhMa5F12k-gDL1WuJGbL6TnEfJebS-uWKR2kqjUO7id8pA" alt="K-State's Kaosi Ezeagu dunks over TCU's P.J. Fuller in the Wildcats' 71-50 win in the big 12 Tournament. (Photo by Denny Medley)" />
 <figcaption>K-State's Kaosi Ezeagu dunks over TCU's P.J. Fuller in the Wildcats' 71-50 win in the big 12 Tournament. (Photo by Denny Medley)</figcaption>
 </figure>By Jackson SchneiderKANSAS CITY, Mo. — On March 11, 2020, Kansas State defeated TCU 53-49, for it’s second-straight win. The victory advanced them to the Big 12 Tournament Quarterfinals against Baylor. The game would never be played.&nbsp;Wednesday night, 364 days removed from that night, the Wildcats would once again beat the Horned Frogs, this time by a score of 71-50.The Wildcats will advance to the Big 12 Tournament Quarterfinals, where they will face Baylor at 1:30 Thursday afternoon.Although things in the world seem to be moving closer to normal, Senior Mike McGuirl says he noticed it’s not the same Big 12 Tournament atmosphere.&nbsp;“It did feel different, I can’t lie. It felt different out there. Not too many fans, rather quiet, but it had that Big 12 Tournament intensity out there, and that’s what’s most important,” said Mike.On the court, it was undoubtedly Kansas State’s best all-around performance of this season.&nbsp; K-State shot 48% from the field overall, made 7 of 21 threes, and held TCU to just 30% shooting on the night.&nbsp;“Where we’ve come from to where we are now is amazing,” said Weber. “Our defense again was the thing that gave us a chance to win.”Freshman Nijel Pack led all scorers with 23 points, hitting 5-of-6 three point shots and 6-of-7 free throws for his third career 20+ point contest.&nbsp;“I was really disappointed for Nijel,” said Weber, referring to his freshman being snubbed off the Big 12 All-Freshman Team. “I told him, we all told him to use it as motivation.”Pack, mature beyond his years, said he didn’t take it personally.&nbsp;“I try not to look at the politics, things like that, somebody else’s opinion. I mean, I believe, whatever I can do, I can do,” said Pack, confidently. “Whatever another person said doesn’t define the person that I am. I feel like if we win, it doesn’t matter.”In his first-ever appearance in the league tournament, Pack led the charge, but he didn’t go in alone. Mike McGuirl added 17 points, five assists, three rebounds, and K-State’s only block in the game.&nbsp;“He has made huge strides,” said Weber of his lone senior.The trouble of the situation for the ‘Cats is that the last time Baylor and K-State met, the Bears rolled to a 107- 59 win in Waco. The defeat was the worst loss, in terms of margin of defeat, in Kansas State’s program history.&nbsp;“We’re a much improved team since then,” said McGuirl in the postgame presser. “we’re going to be locking in on the scouting report, listen to what the coaches have to say, listen to the game plan, and going out there and competing. We’ve really picked up our defense, and that’s what’s really been our mainstay since we’ve got going.”&nbsp;McGuirl is right. Since that defeat, K-State has played 11 games, winning four of them, and holding their opponents to less than 64 points on average. Kansas State’s offense may still have great areas for improvement, but it’s defense should give them every reason to feel confident.&nbsp;“You know, we talk about playing hard and defending, and that gives us a chance,” said Weber. “Obviously we’ve got a tough task, quick turnaround, got them going back, get some food, get a shower, and then see if we can have good preparation for Baylor tomorrow.”Kansas State improved to 9-19 overall on the season with it’s win over TCU.&nbsp;“I’m very excited to play tomorrow. This is like, as a basketball player, this is what you dream of. March Madness. We’re about to play probably the best team in the country in the Big 12 Tournament tomorrow, so this is very exciting," said McGuirl looking forward to the challenge.POSTGAME AUDIO<a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/k-state-players-postgame-3-10">Kansas State Players Mike McGuirl and Nijel Pack</a><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/bruce-weber-postgame-3-10">Kansas State Head Coach Bruce Weber</a>

K-State Dominates TCU in Big 12 Tournament

LAWRENCE, Kan. — According to multiple sources, the University of Kansas has removed Athletics Director Jeff Long of his duties.&nbsp;

Brett McMurphy, a college football reporter and analyst with Stadium, reported the firing via Twitter on Wednesday afternoon, less than 48 hours after Kansas and Head Football Coach Les Miles "mutually agreed to part ways."

The tweet from McMurphy breaking the news can be viewed <a href="https://twitter.com/Brett_McMurphy/status/1369746634146521089">here</a>.

An official release has yet to come from the Kansas Athletic Department, but one is expected in the near future. The lead priority for the next AD will be to lead the search for the next head football coach of the Jayhawks

Kansas Athletics released statements following the removal of Jeff Long as Athletic Director.&nbsp;

In his statement, an open letter to Jayhawk fans, Long stated that he and Kansas Chancellor Douglas Girod mutually agreed that it was in the best interest of the university that he step away from his post.&nbsp;

"It is not easy, but I leave KU with a heavy heart and profound confidence that I have always acted in the best interests of Kansas Athletics. I have done everything in my control to move Kansas Athletics forward in a positive manner, that’s what makes this most difficult," said Long in the release.&nbsp;

Long went on to thank the University of Kansas, student-athletes, and Jayhawk fans for their support during his time at the helm of the athletic department.&nbsp;

Chancellor Girod also released a statement on the leadership change, doubling down that Long and the University of Kansas mutually agreed that it was in KU's best interest to have him step away.&nbsp;

"I want to wholeheartedly thank Jeff for his service to KU. When we hired Jeff, he was charged with modernizing our athletics department and ensuring our coaches and student-athletes continue to have the resources they need to succeed. This was no easy task, and he far exceeded our expectations," stated the Kansas Chancellor in the release. "Jeff guided Kansas Athletics to progress in student-athlete healthcare, diversity and inclusion, and student-athlete academic achievement, all while managing significant challenges not of his own making. Most important, Jeff was unwaveringly dedicated to students, coaches and staff, and he represented KU with integrity and compassion. For that, we thank him, and we wish him the very best."

Girod went on to name Kurt Watson as interim Athletic Director at Kansas, stating that Watson is, "one of KU’s most trusted advisors."&nbsp;

Kansas will begin an immediate search for its next Athletic Director, lead by Chancellor Girod and a team of alumni advisors consisting of Linda Ellis Sims, Ray Evans, John Ballard, and Wayne Simien.&nbsp;

"Once a new athletics director is in place, that individual will determine next steps related to our football coach position. To assist the new athletics director make that determination once he or she arrives, I am assembling a committee of advisors who will be ready to help when called upon," said Girod.&nbsp;

The full release, with open letters from Jeff Long and Douglas Girod can be read <a href="https://kuathletics.com/a-message-from-jeff-long/">here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615410056663.png" alt="Jeff Long during a zoom meeting with the media during the 2020 football season" />
 <figcaption>Jeff Long during a zoom meeting with the media during the 2020 football season</figcaption>
 </figure>By Jackson SchneiderLAWRENCE, Kan. — According to multiple sources, the University of Kansas has removed Athletics Director Jeff Long of his duties.&nbsp;Brett McMurphy, a college football reporter and analyst with Stadium, reported the firing via Twitter on Wednesday afternoon, less than 48 hours after Kansas and Head Football Coach Les Miles "mutually agreed to part ways."The tweet from McMurphy breaking the news can be viewed <a href="https://twitter.com/Brett_McMurphy/status/1369746634146521089">here</a>.An official release has yet to come from the Kansas Athletic Department, but one is expected in the near future. The lead priority for the next AD will be to lead the search for the next head football coach of the JayhawksUPDATE --&nbsp;Kansas Athletics released statements following the removal of Jeff Long as Athletic Director.&nbsp;In his statement, an open letter to Jayhawk fans, Long stated that he and Kansas Chancellor Douglas Girod mutually agreed that it was in the best interest of the university that he step away from his post.&nbsp;"It is not easy, but I leave KU with a heavy heart and profound confidence that I have always acted in the best interests of Kansas Athletics. I have done everything in my control to move Kansas Athletics forward in a positive manner, that’s what makes this most difficult," said Long in the release.&nbsp;Long went on to thank the University of Kansas, student-athletes, and Jayhawk fans for their support during his time at the helm of the athletic department.&nbsp;Chancellor Girod also released a statement on the leadership change, doubling down that Long and the University of Kansas mutually agreed that it was in KU's best interest to have him step away.&nbsp;"I want to wholeheartedly thank Jeff for his service to KU. When we hired Jeff, he was charged with modernizing our athletics department and ensuring our coaches and student-athletes continue to have the resources they need to succeed. This was no easy task, and he far exceeded our expectations," stated the Kansas Chancellor in the release. "Jeff guided Kansas Athletics to progress in student-athlete healthcare, diversity and inclusion, and student-athlete academic achievement, all while managing significant challenges not of his own making. Most important, Jeff was unwaveringly dedicated to students, coaches and staff, and he represented KU with integrity and compassion. For that, we thank him, and we wish him the very best."Girod went on to name Kurt Watson as interim Athletic Director at Kansas, stating that Watson is, "one of KU’s most trusted advisors."&nbsp;Kansas will begin an immediate search for its next Athletic Director, lead by Chancellor Girod and a team of alumni advisors consisting of Linda Ellis Sims, Ray Evans, John Ballard, and Wayne Simien.&nbsp;"Once a new athletics director is in place, that individual will determine next steps related to our football coach position. To assist the new athletics director make that determination once he or she arrives, I am assembling a committee of advisors who will be ready to help when called upon," said Girod.&nbsp;The full release, with open letters from Jeff Long and Douglas Girod can be read <a href="https://kuathletics.com/a-message-from-jeff-long/">here</a>.

Jeff Long out as Kansas AD

LAWRENCE, Kan— Kansas Basketball Head Coach Bill Self spoke to members of the media ahead of the 2021 Big 12 Tournament.

Self began the presser by highlighting that the Jayhawks would be without two pieces this week, as David McCormack and Tristan Enaruna are in COVID-19 protocol and will be unavailable during the Big 12 Tournament.&nbsp;

McCormack was named Big 12 Most Improved Player Monday, after averaging 13.4 points and 6.1 rebounds in 23 minutes per game this season.&nbsp;

The Jayhawks have won seven of their last eight games and are the 2-seed in the Big 12 Tournament. They'll take on the winner of 7-seed Oklahoma and 10-seed Iowa State on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. from the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Mo.&nbsp;

The full Bill Self press conference from today can be heard <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/bill-self-3-9">here</a>.

LAWRENCE, Kan— Kansas Basketball Head Coach Bill Self spoke to members of the media ahead of the 2021 Big 12 Tournament.Self began the presser by highlighting that the Jayhawks would be without two pieces this week, as David McCormack and Tristan Enaruna are in COVID-19 protocol and will be unavailable during the Big 12 Tournament.&nbsp;McCormack was named Big 12 Most Improved Player Monday, after averaging 13.4 points and 6.1 rebounds in 23 minutes per game this season.&nbsp;The Jayhawks have won seven of their last eight games and are the 2-seed in the Big 12 Tournament. They'll take on the winner of 7-seed Oklahoma and 10-seed Iowa State on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. from the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Mo.&nbsp;The full Bill Self press conference from today can be heard <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/bill-self-3-9">here</a>.

Jayhawks without two players for Big 12 Tournament

LAWRENCE (AP) —Les Miles is out as Kansas’ head coach just days after he was placed on administrative leave amid sexual misconduct allegations from his tenure at LSU.

Kansas announced Miles’ departure Monday night, describing it as a mutual agreement to part ways. Miles has three years left on his original five-year contract with the school that pays him $2.775 million annually through December 2023 and includes several bonuses, among them a $675,000 retention bonus paid last November.

“I am extremely disappointed for our university, fans and everyone involved with our football program,” Kansas athletic director Jeff Long said in a statement. “We will begin the search for a new head coach immediately with an outside firm to assist in this process. We need to win football games, and that is exactly what we’re going to do.”

The 67-year-old Miles was 3-18 in two seasons with the Jayhawks. Offensive coordinator Mike DeBord was named acting head coach.

“This is certainly a difficult day for me and for my family,” Miles said in a statement. “I love this university and the young men in our football program. I have truly enjoyed being the head coach at KU and know that it is in a better place now than when I arrived.”

Last week, LSU released a 148-page review by a law firm about the university’s handling of sexual misconduct complaints campus-wide. One part described how Miles “tried to sexualize the staff of student workers in the football program by, for instance, allegedly demanding that he wanted blondes with big breasts, and ‘pretty girls.’”

The report also revealed then-LSU athletic director Joe Alleva recommended firing Miles in 2013 to university officials.

Kansas placed Miles on leave later that day and said it would conduct a review of allegations against the coach that it had previously been unaware of.

Kansas said terms of the agreement with Miles on his departure will be released in the coming days.

Miles spent 11-plus seasons with LSU, leading the school to a national title in 2007. He was fired four games into the 2016 season.

Miles was investigated at LSU after two female student workers in the football program accused the coach of inappropriate behavior in 2012.

While that 2013 investigation by the Taylor Porter law firm found Miles showed poor judgment, it did not find violations of law or that he had a sexual relationship with any students. Taylor Porter also concluded it could not confirm one student’s allegation that Miles kissed her while they were in the coach’s car with no one else present.

In an email dated June 2013 and sent to the president of LSU, Alleva wrote Miles was guilty of “insubordination, inappropriate behavior, putting the university, athletic (department) and football program at great risk.”

The Taylor Porter review had been kept confidential for about eight years until a redacted version of it was released this week after a lawsuit filed by USA Today.

For Kansas, Miles’ departure is just the latest setback for what has been college football’s worst Power Five program for a decade. The Jayhawks have not won more than three games in a single season since 2009.

Miles had been out of coaching for two years when Long hired him after the 2018 season, hoping a notable name and experienced coach could help break the apathy that has enveloped the Kansas program for a decade.

Long and Miles were friends dating to their time at Michigan in the late 1980s.

While recruiting has improved under Miles, little else has changed. The Jayhawks were winless last season for the third time in program history, losing by an average of more than 30 points per game.

Kansas has not had a winning season since 2008, the year before Mark Mangino was fired amid allegations of verbal and physical abuse. He was followed by Turner Gill, who won five games over two seasons, and Charlie Weis, who was 6-22 before getting fired four games into the 2014 season.

David Beaty was 6-42 in four seasons in charge of the Jayhawks and sued Kansas for withholding his buyout because of NCAA infractions. Beaty reached a $2.55 million settlement with the school last summer.

Now, with spring football practice around the corner, Kansas is starting over again, still stuck in a deep hole.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612401500255.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE (AP) —Les Miles is out as Kansas’ head coach just days after he was placed on administrative leave amid sexual misconduct allegations from his tenure at LSU.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The University of Kansas and Les Miles have mutually agreed to part ways effective immediately. More ➝ <a href="https://t.co/hPHNhZuRQs">https://t.co/hPHNhZuRQs</a> <a href="https://t.co/tIcUMPdGCU">pic.twitter.com/tIcUMPdGCU</a>&mdash; Kansas Jayhawks (@KUAthletics) <a href="https://twitter.com/KUAthletics/status/1369134303133786112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Kansas announced Miles’ departure Monday night, describing it as a mutual agreement to part ways. Miles has three years left on his original five-year contract with the school that pays him $2.775 million annually through December 2023 and includes several bonuses, among them a $675,000 retention bonus paid last November.“I am extremely disappointed for our university, fans and everyone involved with our football program,” Kansas athletic director Jeff Long said in a statement. “We will begin the search for a new head coach immediately with an outside firm to assist in this process. We need to win football games, and that is exactly what we’re going to do.”The 67-year-old Miles was 3-18 in two seasons with the Jayhawks. Offensive coordinator Mike DeBord was named acting head coach.“This is certainly a difficult day for me and for my family,” Miles said in a statement. “I love this university and the young men in our football program. I have truly enjoyed being the head coach at KU and know that it is in a better place now than when I arrived.”Last week, LSU released a 148-page review by a law firm about the university’s handling of sexual misconduct complaints campus-wide. One part described how Miles “tried to sexualize the staff of student workers in the football program by, for instance, allegedly demanding that he wanted blondes with big breasts, and ‘pretty girls.’”The report also revealed then-LSU athletic director Joe Alleva recommended firing Miles in 2013 to university officials.Kansas placed Miles on leave later that day and said it would conduct a review of allegations against the coach that it had previously been unaware of.Kansas said terms of the agreement with Miles on his departure will be released in the coming days.Miles spent 11-plus seasons with LSU, leading the school to a national title in 2007. He was fired four games into the 2016 season.Miles was investigated at LSU after two female student workers in the football program accused the coach of inappropriate behavior in 2012.While that 2013 investigation by the Taylor Porter law firm found Miles showed poor judgment, it did not find violations of law or that he had a sexual relationship with any students. Taylor Porter also concluded it could not confirm one student’s allegation that Miles kissed her while they were in the coach’s car with no one else present.In an email dated June 2013 and sent to the president of LSU, Alleva wrote Miles was guilty of “insubordination, inappropriate behavior, putting the university, athletic (department) and football program at great risk.”The Taylor Porter review had been kept confidential for about eight years until a redacted version of it was released this week after a lawsuit filed by USA Today.For Kansas, Miles’ departure is just the latest setback for what has been college football’s worst Power Five program for a decade. The Jayhawks have not won more than three games in a single season since 2009.Miles had been out of coaching for two years when Long hired him after the 2018 season, hoping a notable name and experienced coach could help break the apathy that has enveloped the Kansas program for a decade.Long and Miles were friends dating to their time at Michigan in the late 1980s.While recruiting has improved under Miles, little else has changed. The Jayhawks were winless last season for the third time in program history, losing by an average of more than 30 points per game.Kansas has not had a winning season since 2008, the year before Mark Mangino was fired amid allegations of verbal and physical abuse. He was followed by Turner Gill, who won five games over two seasons, and Charlie Weis, who was 6-22 before getting fired four games into the 2014 season.David Beaty was 6-42 in four seasons in charge of the Jayhawks and sued Kansas for withholding his buyout because of NCAA infractions. Beaty reached a $2.55 million settlement with the school last summer.Now, with spring football practice around the corner, Kansas is starting over again, still stuck in a deep hole.___

Miles out at KU over behavior with women while at LSU

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.</a>&nbsp;–&nbsp;Mike McGuirl&nbsp;was rewarded for his solid senior season by the league coaches with a selection to the All-Big 12 Honorable Mention team, as the conference office announced its annual men’s basketball awards on Monday afternoon (March 8).

It was the first career honor for McGuirl, who has twice been named an Academic All-Big 12 selection (2019, 2020). He is the 14th&nbsp;Wildcat to earn All-Big 12 accolades under head coach&nbsp;Bruce Weber.

The awards were headlined by freshman phenom&nbsp;Cade Cunningham, who was selected as both the Big 12 Player and Freshman of the Year and was one of two unanimous selections to the All-Big 12 First Team, along with Baylor’s&nbsp;Jared Butler. Cunningham was also a unanimous pick to the All-Newcomer and All-Freshman Teams.

Big 12 regular-season champion Baylor earned a pair of individual awards, as junior&nbsp;Davion Mitchell&nbsp;was named the Defensive Player of the Year and&nbsp;Scott Drew&nbsp;repeated as Coach of the Year. Other honorees included Texas Tech’s&nbsp;Mac McClung&nbsp;as Newcomer of the Year, Kansas’&nbsp;David McCormack&nbsp;as Most Improved Player and Texas’&nbsp;Kai Jones&nbsp;as the Sixth Man Award winner.

The All-Big 12 awards are selected by league’s 10 head coaches, who are not allowed to vote for their own players.

McGuirl has made the most of his senior season, as he is among the team leaders in several categories, including first in points (322), double-digit scoring games (19), field goals made (105) and attempted (294), 3-point field goals made (58) and attempted (177), assists (91) and minutes (34.3). He is second in scoring (11.9 ppg.) and steals (25) to freshman teammate&nbsp;Nijel Pack.

McGuirl’s 19 double-digit scoring games have nearly doubled his entire career total (10) that he had entering the 2020-21 season. He opened the year with his first career 20-point game vs. Drake on Nov. 25 with 22 points then equaled it vs. Fort Hays State (12/8/20). He has scored in double figures in 15 of the last 19 games, including each of the last 4 outings with a 17-point effort in the win over Iowa State on Saturday.

The only player to start all 27 games, McGuirl has shown his versatility by leading the Wildcats in scoring a team-best 11 times, while he also pacing the team in rebounding 4 times, in assists 12 times and in steals on 9 occasions. For the first time in his career, he led the team in scoring (16), rebounding (9) and assists (5) in the win over TCU on February 20.

McGuirl had a Senior Night to remember in the 62-57 win over No. 7/8 Oklahoma on February 23, as he hit a career-best 5 3-pointers, including 3 in a row, to help flip a 6-point deficit into a 3-point lead with 2:14 to play. He finished with team-high 19 points on 7-of-13 shooting with 7 rebounds in 39 minutes.

In addition to his scoring, McGuirl has also set up his teammates, dishing out a team-best 91 assists (to 72 turnovers). He has 9 games at least 5 assists this season, including a career-best 8 vs. Milwaukee on December 11, 2020. He needs 3 assists to become the 28th Wildcat to eclipse 200 in his career.

Kansas State is the No. 9 seed at this week’s Phillips 66 Big 12 Championship at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City and will play No. 8 seed TCU (12-13, 5-11 Big 12) at 5:30 p.m., CT on Wednesday on ESPN.

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.</a>&nbsp;–&nbsp;Mike McGuirl&nbsp;was rewarded for his solid senior season by the league coaches with a selection to the All-Big 12 Honorable Mention team, as the conference office announced its annual men’s basketball awards on Monday afternoon (March 8).It was the first career honor for McGuirl, who has twice been named an Academic All-Big 12 selection (2019, 2020). He is the 14th&nbsp;Wildcat to earn All-Big 12 accolades under head coach&nbsp;Bruce Weber.The awards were headlined by freshman phenom&nbsp;Cade Cunningham, who was selected as both the Big 12 Player and Freshman of the Year and was one of two unanimous selections to the All-Big 12 First Team, along with Baylor’s&nbsp;Jared Butler. Cunningham was also a unanimous pick to the All-Newcomer and All-Freshman Teams.Big 12 regular-season champion Baylor earned a pair of individual awards, as junior&nbsp;Davion Mitchell&nbsp;was named the Defensive Player of the Year and&nbsp;Scott Drew&nbsp;repeated as Coach of the Year. Other honorees included Texas Tech’s&nbsp;Mac McClung&nbsp;as Newcomer of the Year, Kansas’&nbsp;David McCormack&nbsp;as Most Improved Player and Texas’&nbsp;Kai Jones&nbsp;as the Sixth Man Award winner.The All-Big 12 awards are selected by league’s 10 head coaches, who are not allowed to vote for their own players.McGuirl has made the most of his senior season, as he is among the team leaders in several categories, including first in points (322), double-digit scoring games (19), field goals made (105) and attempted (294), 3-point field goals made (58) and attempted (177), assists (91) and minutes (34.3). He is second in scoring (11.9 ppg.) and steals (25) to freshman teammate&nbsp;Nijel Pack.McGuirl’s 19 double-digit scoring games have nearly doubled his entire career total (10) that he had entering the 2020-21 season. He opened the year with his first career 20-point game vs. Drake on Nov. 25 with 22 points then equaled it vs. Fort Hays State (12/8/20). He has scored in double figures in 15 of the last 19 games, including each of the last 4 outings with a 17-point effort in the win over Iowa State on Saturday.The only player to start all 27 games, McGuirl has shown his versatility by leading the Wildcats in scoring a team-best 11 times, while he also pacing the team in rebounding 4 times, in assists 12 times and in steals on 9 occasions. For the first time in his career, he led the team in scoring (16), rebounding (9) and assists (5) in the win over TCU on February 20.McGuirl had a Senior Night to remember in the 62-57 win over No. 7/8 Oklahoma on February 23, as he hit a career-best 5 3-pointers, including 3 in a row, to help flip a 6-point deficit into a 3-point lead with 2:14 to play. He finished with team-high 19 points on 7-of-13 shooting with 7 rebounds in 39 minutes.In addition to his scoring, McGuirl has also set up his teammates, dishing out a team-best 91 assists (to 72 turnovers). He has 9 games at least 5 assists this season, including a career-best 8 vs. Milwaukee on December 11, 2020. He needs 3 assists to become the 28th Wildcat to eclipse 200 in his career.Kansas State is the No. 9 seed at this week’s Phillips 66 Big 12 Championship at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City and will play No. 8 seed TCU (12-13, 5-11 Big 12) at 5:30 p.m., CT on Wednesday on ESPN.

McGuirl Named All-Big 12 Honorable Mention

K-State will play TCU in round one of the men's Big 12 Basketball Tournament at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday. at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas city. The winner will advance to play top seeded Baylor at 2:30 p.m. Thursday. You can hear K-State play in the tournament on 107.9 FM . 1420 KJCK AM.

Also on Wednesday Oklahoma will play Iowa State and the winner will advance to meet Kansas on Thursday.

K-State will play TCU in round one of the men's Big 12 Basketball Tournament at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday. at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas city. The winner will advance to play top seeded Baylor at 2:30 p.m. Thursday. You can hear K-State play in the tournament on 107.9 FM . 1420 KJCK AM.Also on Wednesday Oklahoma will play Iowa State and the winner will advance to meet Kansas on Thursday.

K-State draws TCU in opening round of Big 12 Tournament

Class 1A Division ISub-State Championship=

Class 1A Division IISub-State Championship=

Cunningham 36, Hutchinson Central Christian 33

Garden Plain 50, Wichita Independent 43, 2OT

BOYS PREP BASKETBALL=Class 1A Division I=Sub-State Championship=Clifton-Clyde 46, Frankfort 32Little River 75, Solomon 3Ness City 67, Quinter 60Olpe 43, Madison/Hamilton Co-op 27Pratt Skyline 41, St. John 38South Gray 73, Meade 44Stockton 45, Osborne 38Wichita Classical 70, Flinthills 51Class 1A Division II=Sub-State Championship=Elyria Christian 41, Central Plains 33Hanover 74, Wetmore 37Northern Valley 64, Logan/Palco 48Pawnee Heights 70, Ashland 40South Haven 42, Attica 27St. John's Beloit-Tipton 32, Natoma 29Wheatland-Grinnell 56, Greeley County 46Class 2A=Sub-State Championship=Belle Plaine 73, Garden Plain 53Erie 42, Uniontown 38Hillsboro 49, Hutchinson Trinity 47Hoxie 62, Ellis 53Lyndon 41, Berean Academy 36Sterling 49, Ellinwood 30Valley Falls 68, Riverside 58, OTWabaunsee 65, Mission Valley 52Class 3A=Sub-State Championship=Galena 34, Riverton 33Hays-TMP-Marian 68, Minneapolis 51Hesston 50, Haven 44Hugoton 59, Lakin 54Rock Creek 55, St. Mary's 43Royal Valley 39, Marysville 31Wellsville 68, Burlington 65Wichita Trinity 61, Cheney 57Class 5A=Sub-State Championship=DeSoto 53, St. James Academy 41Hays 61, Salina South 48KC Washington 63, KC Piper 60Maize 64, Valley Center 46Mill Valley 64, Bonner Springs 45Pittsburg 82, Spring Hill 52Topeka West 55, Topeka Seaman 52Wichita Bishop Carroll 53, Andover 34GIRLS PREP BASKETBALL=Frontenac 45, Girard 29Class 1A Division ISub-State Championship=Doniphan West 44, Clifton-Clyde 33Flinthills 54, Udall 42Hodgeman County 46, Quinter 40Little River 50, Rural Vista 31Norwich 46, Pretty Prairie 29Olpe 49, Burlingame 33Osborne 55, Oberlin-Decatur 38South Central 39, Bucklin 36Class 1A Division IISub-State Championship=Ashland 49, Pawnee Heights 37Central Plains 50, Elyria Christian 31Cunningham 36, Hutchinson Central Christian 33Dighton 53, Weskan 40Golden Plains 42, St. Francis 30St. John's Beloit-Tipton 43, Tescott 28St. Paul 53, Waverly 29Wetmore 33, Hanover 32Class 2A=Sub-State Championship=Berean Academy 35, Chase County 20Garden Plain 50, Wichita Independent 43, 2OTMoundridge 36, Hillsboro 30Pittsburg Colgan 47, Humboldt 19Sterling 60, Spearville 42Trego 55, Ellis 42Valley Heights 63, Riverside 41Wabaunsee 54, Jefferson North 49, OTClass 3A=Sub-State Championship=Cheney 55, Eureka 51Halstead 40, Hesston 36Hugoton 60, Cimarron 33Osawatomie 78, Anderson County 56Phillipsburg 68, Hays-TMP-Marian 61Sabetha 27, Nemaha Central 24, 2OTSilver Lake 46, Riley County 39Class 4A=Sub-State Championship=Andale 20, Circle 17Bishop Miege 61, Baldwin 29Clay Center 57, Concordia 25Clearwater 34, Wellington 32Labette County 58, Chanute 44Louisburg 51, Fort Scott 27McPherson 53, Nickerson 35Wamego 55, Holton 20Class 6A=Sub-State Championship=Blue Valley 47, SM West 39Derby 64, Wichita Southeast 31Dodge City 56, Liberal 47Olathe North 41, Olathe South 36Olathe West 66, Gardner-Edgerton 31SM Northwest 59, SM East 42Topeka 72, Washburn Rural 52Wichita Heights 60, Wichita East 27

Saturday high school basketball results

MANHATTAN, Kan. — Kansas State handled its final test of the 2020-2021 with relative ease on Saturday, defeating the Iowa State Cyclones 61-56 inside Bramlage Coliseum.&nbsp;

The Wildcats led for nearly 38 minutes in the contest, trailing only once at 10-9, en route to their eighth victory of the season and fourth in Big 12 play, cementing their spot as the 9 seed in the conference tournament next week.

Senior Mike McGuirl led the Wildcats with 17 points on 3/9 shooting from the field, but making the most of his free throw opportunities, sinking 9/10.&nbsp;

Kansas State's defense frustrated the Cyclones all afternoon, holding them to just 36% from the field and 22% from three point range.&nbsp;

ISU freshman Jalen Coleman-Lands led the charge in a come back attempt for the Cyclones, scoring 19 points. ISU would never allow Kansas State to run away with the game, keeping themselves within striking distance, but was never able to get over the hump.

“We’ve picked it up since Christmas break. About a month ago, our defensive intensity picked up. We take pride in that now, especially with the stance and slapping the ground. I feel like we take pride in the defensive side,” said freshman Nijel Pack. “This is a different type of team with playing defense and locking guys down and not trying to have a scoring match with them. We try to keep them below a certain amount of points each game, and that makes us successful.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kansas State would prove to be the stronger of the two teams, collecting the season sweep over Iowa State and Kansas State's third win in its last four games.&nbsp;

“I had President Myers talk to them afterwards. It’s great to have him back. Obviously with COVID, his normal coming into the locker room and being around the guys and going on roadtrips, he couldn’t do that, but the last few weeks he’s been back and in the locker room. He’s a pretty smart man. He’s an engineer. He drew a graph and drew a line and said, ‘This is where you guys have improved from the beginning until now’,” said Head Coach Bruce Weber on his team’s improvement. “They’ve made big strides. Especially defensively, you’ve gotta give them some credit. Selton with nine, seven and five. Selton really guards, and he has taken on that role and is really great on the ball. They’ve improved quite a bit.”&nbsp;

Now, the Wildcats will head into a similar situation next week when they will take on TCU in the first round of the Big 12 Conference Tournament, much like they did in 2020, the night before the world came to a halt.&nbsp;

MANHATTAN, Kan. — Kansas State handled its final test of the 2020-2021 with relative ease on Saturday, defeating the Iowa State Cyclones 61-56 inside Bramlage Coliseum.&nbsp;The Wildcats led for nearly 38 minutes in the contest, trailing only once at 10-9, en route to their eighth victory of the season and fourth in Big 12 play, cementing their spot as the 9 seed in the conference tournament next week.Senior Mike McGuirl led the Wildcats with 17 points on 3/9 shooting from the field, but making the most of his free throw opportunities, sinking 9/10.&nbsp;Kansas State's defense frustrated the Cyclones all afternoon, holding them to just 36% from the field and 22% from three point range.&nbsp;ISU freshman Jalen Coleman-Lands led the charge in a come back attempt for the Cyclones, scoring 19 points. ISU would never allow Kansas State to run away with the game, keeping themselves within striking distance, but was never able to get over the hump.“We’ve picked it up since Christmas break. About a month ago, our defensive intensity picked up. We take pride in that now, especially with the stance and slapping the ground. I feel like we take pride in the defensive side,” said freshman Nijel Pack. “This is a different type of team with playing defense and locking guys down and not trying to have a scoring match with them. We try to keep them below a certain amount of points each game, and that makes us successful.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Kansas State would prove to be the stronger of the two teams, collecting the season sweep over Iowa State and Kansas State's third win in its last four games.&nbsp;“I had President Myers talk to them afterwards. It’s great to have him back. Obviously with COVID, his normal coming into the locker room and being around the guys and going on roadtrips, he couldn’t do that, but the last few weeks he’s been back and in the locker room. He’s a pretty smart man. He’s an engineer. He drew a graph and drew a line and said, ‘This is where you guys have improved from the beginning until now’,” said Head Coach Bruce Weber on his team’s improvement. “They’ve made big strides. Especially defensively, you’ve gotta give them some credit. Selton with nine, seven and five. Selton really guards, and he has taken on that role and is really great on the ball. They’ve improved quite a bit.”&nbsp;Now, the Wildcats will head into a similar situation next week when they will take on TCU in the first round of the Big 12 Conference Tournament, much like they did in 2020, the night before the world came to a halt.&nbsp;

Wildcats defeat Iowa State in season finale

MANHATTAN, Kansas (AP) — Mike McGuirl scored 12 of his 17 points in the second half as Kansas State turned aside Iowa State 61-56 to conclude the regular season. McGuirl drained a 3 with 1:41 remaining to give Kansas State a 10-point lead and the Wildcats held on. 

DaJuan Gordon added 12 points and Nijel Pack 10 Kansas State. Jalen Coleman-Lands scored 19, making 3 of 9 from 3-point range, to lead Iowa State and Solomon Young added 18 points. The Cyclones have lost 17 straight games and fell to 0-11 on the road.

MANHATTAN, Kansas (AP) — Mike McGuirl scored 12 of his 17 points in the second half as Kansas State turned aside Iowa State 61-56 to conclude the regular season. McGuirl drained a 3 with 1:41 remaining to give Kansas State a 10-point lead and the Wildcats held on. DaJuan Gordon added 12 points and Nijel Pack 10 Kansas State. Jalen Coleman-Lands scored 19, making 3 of 9 from 3-point range, to lead Iowa State and Solomon Young added 18 points. The Cyclones have lost 17 straight games and fell to 0-11 on the road.

K-State holds off Iowa State at Bramlage Coliseum

By COLE REIF Great Bend Post

Spending the past five years as the Great Bend High School boys basketball coach, Tim Brooks officially announced his retirement March 5.

Brooks posted a 38-59 record in his time as the Panther head coach including a 4-15 record this past season. Brooks' career coaching record is 165-173.

Brooks best season was last year (2019-2020) when the Panthers finished with a record of 17-5, won the Bluestem Classic in El Dorado and shared the Western Athletic Conference title with Hays. The Panthers lost to Hays in the Sub-State Championship game at the Panther Fieldhouse. Brooks came to Great Bend after a year leading Cimarron High School. Prior to his time with the Bluejays, Brooks spent 10 years as the coach at Manhattan High School where he posted a 115-92 record and led the Indians to the state tournament twice. Brooks started his coaching career as an assistant at Montezuma High School in 1987 and then spent 16 years as an assistant to Dennis Hamilton at Dodge City High School. Brooks replaced Chris Battin as Great Bend’s coach following Battin’s resignation in 2016.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614966622100.jpeg" alt="Tim Brooks announced his retirement as Great Bend coach Friday" />
 <figcaption>Tim Brooks announced his retirement as Great Bend coach Friday</figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostSpending the past five years as the Great Bend High School boys basketball coach, Tim Brooks officially announced his retirement March 5.Brooks posted a 38-59 record in his time as the Panther head coach including a 4-15 record this past season. Brooks' career coaching record is 165-173.Brooks best season was last year (2019-2020) when the Panthers finished with a record of 17-5, won the Bluestem Classic in El Dorado and shared the Western Athletic Conference title with Hays. The Panthers lost to Hays in the Sub-State Championship game at the Panther Fieldhouse. Brooks came to Great Bend after a year leading Cimarron High School. Prior to his time with the Bluejays, Brooks spent 10 years as the coach at Manhattan High School where he posted a 115-92 record and led the Indians to the state tournament twice. Brooks started his coaching career as an assistant at Montezuma High School in 1987 and then spent 16 years as an assistant to Dennis Hamilton at Dodge City High School. Brooks replaced Chris Battin as Great Bend’s coach following Battin’s resignation in 2016.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Former Manhattan coach retires as basketball coach in Great Bend

Greeley County 48, Western Plains-Healy 45

South Haven 51, Hutchinson Central Christian 50

Wichita Trinity 60, Wichita Collegiate 53

Lawrence Free State 44, Washburn Rural 31

Andover Central 73, Kapaun Mount Carmel 64

BOYS PREP BASKETBALL=Maize 40, Maize South 14Reno County 43, SVHE 24Class 1A Division I=Sub-State Semifinal=Clifton-Clyde 61, Centralia 46Flinthills 65, Burden Central 52Frankfort 56, Troy 42Little River 58, Goessel 38Madison/Hamilton Co-op 44, Lebo 41Meade 61, Kiowa County 39Ness City 69, Hodgeman County 67Olpe 54, Burlingame 26Osborne 51, Lakeside 49Pratt Skyline 60, Norwich 58Quinter 48, La Crosse 38Solomon 61, Sylvan-Lucas 57South Gray 69, Bucklin 27St. John 61, Pretty Prairie 58, OTStockton 59, Rock Hills 44Wichita Classical 50, Oxford 18Class 1A Division II=Sub-State Semifinal=Ashland 45, Deerfield 39Attica 54, Stafford 38Central Plains 51, Peabody-Burns 47Elyria Christian 62, Hartford 32Greeley County 48, Western Plains-Healy 45Hanover 67, Axtell 46Logan/Palco 56, Cheylin 42Natoma 47, St. Xavier 24Northern Valley 58, St. Francis 47Pawnee Heights 68, Moscow 27South Haven 51, Hutchinson Central Christian 50Southern Coffey 49, Altoona-Midway 42St. John's Beloit-Tipton 48, Wilson 31Waverly 79, Chetopa 22Wetmore 48, Linn 26Wheatland-Grinnell 59, Weskan 42Class 3A=Sub-State Semifinal=Burlington 47, Perry-Lecompton 46Cheney 68, Eureka 36Galena 51, Frontenac 46Haven 52, Lyons 41Hays-TMP-Marian 69, Phillipsburg 50Hesston 51, Southeast Saline 40Hugoton 52, Hoisington 47Lakin 60, Holcomb 40Marysville 45, Pleasant Ridge 33Minneapolis 53, Norton 50Riverton 36, Columbus 19Rock Creek 67, Riley County 54Royal Valley 52, Jefferson West 28St. Mary's 54, Osage City 53Wellsville 57, Anderson County 29Wichita Trinity 60, Wichita Collegiate 53Class 4A=Sub-State Championship=Abilene 38, Concordia 34Augusta 59, Andale 51Bishop Miege 63, Tonganoxie 30Holton 60, Wamego 56Louisburg 57, Iola 32McPherson 57, Buhler 54Parsons 62, Chanute 54Rose Hill 51, Clearwater 44Class 6A=Sub-State Championship=BV North 61, Blue Valley 49BV Northwest 74, Olathe South 46Hutchinson 67, Dodge City 43Lawrence 44, Olathe West 43Lawrence Free State 44, Washburn Rural 31SM Northwest 66, SM North 40Wichita Campus 77, Derby 53Wichita Heights 68, Wichita Northwest 50GIRLS PREP BASKETBALL=Class 2A=Sub-State Semifinal=Berean Academy 55, Herington 27Chase County 44, Lyndon 26Ellis 51, Smith Center 46Garden Plain 60, Belle Plaine 33Hillsboro 58, Sedgwick 34Humboldt 50, Uniontown 41Jefferson North 47, Mission Valley 45Moundridge 53, Salina Sacred Heart 31Pittsburg Colgan 36, Pleasanton 21Riverside 61, Washington County 43Spearville 59, Elkhart 51Sterling 62, Stanton County 34Trego 57, Hoxie 49Valley Heights 68, Horton 25Wabaunsee 47, Northern Heights 33Wichita Independent 42, Sedan 39Class 5A=Sub-State Championship=Andover Central 73, Kapaun Mount Carmel 64Bonner Springs 71, KC Sumner 42Lansing 35, KC Piper 32Maize 40, Maize South 14Salina Central 48, Salina South 45St. James Academy 50, DeSoto 39St. Thomas Aquinas 53, Spring Hill 18Topeka Seaman 37, Emporia 27

Friday night high school basketball results

LAWRENCE (AP)—Kansas placed coach Les Miles on administrative leave Friday night, hours after a report released by LSU revealed school officials there considered firing him in 2013 because of his behavior with female student workers.

“Even though the allegations against him occurred at LSU, we take these matters very seriously at KU,” Kansas athletic director Jeff Long said in a statement. “Now that we have access to this information, we will take the coming days to fully review the material and to see if any additional information is available. I do not want to speculate on a timeline for our review because it is imperative we do our due diligence.”

Miles is entering his third year as Kansas coach, and coming off a winless 2020 season. He was coach at LSU for 11-plus years before being fired four games into the 2016 season.

The 67-year-old Miles has denied allegations he made sexual advances toward students and has said he merely sought to serve as a mentor for students who expressed an interest in pursuing careers in sports.

Earlier in the day, LSU released a law firm’s 148-page review of how the university has handled sexual misconduct complaints.

Then-athletic director Joe Alleva’s 2013 recommendation to former LSU President F. King Alexander to fire Miles is detailed in the report by the Husch Blackwell law firm. The report offers a scathing view of the resources and attention LSU has dedicated to complaints of sexual misconduct and violence against women campus-wide.

LSU suspended executive deputy athletic director Verge Ausberry 30 days and senior associate athletic director Miriam Segar 21 days. Both are suspended without pay and ordered to undergo sexual violence training.

Miles was investigated after two female student workers in LSU’s football program accused the coach of inappropriate behavior.

Alleva recommended Miles be fired with cause. In an email dated June 2013, Alleva wrote Miles was guilty of “insubordination, inappropriate behavior, putting the university, athletic dept (cq) and football program at great risk.”

Miles was hired by LSU in 2005 and won a national title in 2007.

The Husch Blackwell report, which revisits the Miles investigation, also describes how the former coach “tried to sexualize the staff of student workers in the football program by, for instance, allegedly demanding that he wanted blondes with big breasts, and ‘pretty girls.’”

Meanwhile, LSU has not fired any current employees whose conduct was criticized in the Husch Blackwell report.

Interim President Tom Galligan said during an LSU Board of Supervisors meeting Friday in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, that he sought to be fair in issuing discipline. Galligan stressed that the independent report concluded that failures in responding to sexual misconduct complaints at LSU stemmed largely from ambiguous policies and a lack of resources for “overburdened” employees tasked with handling such matters.

“People will be unhappy either way,” Galligan said of how the university chooses to discipline employees involved in the scandal.

Galligan then read an excerpt from the report stating that such employees “were not served well by the leadership of the university.”

Attorney Scott Schneider, who led the Husch Blackwell review, said that while LSU does not have a monopoly on mishandling sexual misconduct cases, the university “has been very slow to develop policies and infrastructure and personnel that was really required” to ensure compliance with federal Title IX laws. Those laws deal broadly with gender equity in education and also apply to instances of sexual violence or harassment at educational institutions.

Schneider found that LSU leadership “responded in a lackluster fashion” when officials who handled Title IX compliance requested more resources.

“The university’s Title IX office was never staffed appropriately,” he said. “We’re not the first people to note that and flag this issue to the leadership of the university. It has been repeatedly addressed to the leadership of the university and seemingly nothing has been done to remedy it up until this point.”

The report said allegations against LSU athletes were treated no differently than those against non-athletes. However, Schneider noted that star athletes tend to have inherent leverage over victims at schools where athletics are highly valued.

Victims are “understandably reluctant to participate in the Title IX process because they fear community backlash,” Schneider said.

Galligan offered public apologies to victims and said he intends to act on all 18 recommendations in the report on how to strengthen how the university handles sexual misconduct complaints campus-wide. Those recommendations called for everything from clarification of policies and protocols to increases in staffing and departmental reorganizations.“

LSU hired Husch Blackwell in November and agreed to pay up to $100,000 for an independent audit of hits handling of sexual misconduct complaints after reporting by USA Today scrutinized LSU’s handling of sexual assault cases implicating former football players Derrius Guice and Drake Davis.

Guice played for current football coach Ed Orgeron, but Schneider cautioned against blaming coaches for institutional failures in the handling of sexual misconduct complaints. Schneider’s recommendation is that only Title IX officials with expertise in such matters should handle such investigations and resulting discipline, while coaches should focus on coaching.

“You don’t want the coaches involved,” Schneider said. “What we want is athletics to be out of it entirely and allow the Title IX office to do its investigation.”

The meeting opened with a statement from former LSU student Caroline Schroeder, who informed the university that she was sexually assaulted by a fraternity member in 2016 and has described meeting official resistance as she sought to pursue her complaint.

“I’d like to express how little faith I have in this board to do the right thing today or in the months to come,” she said. “I genuinely hope that I’ve effectively insulted at least a few of you right now, because that insignificant and fleeting feeling that you’re experiencing in this particular moment is absolutely nothing in comparison to the persistent and often debilitating fear that survivors at LSU suffer on a daily basis as a direct result of your deliberate indifference to abuse on this campus.”

LAWRENCE (AP)—Kansas placed coach Les Miles on administrative leave Friday night, hours after a report released by LSU revealed school officials there considered firing him in 2013 because of his behavior with female student workers.“Even though the allegations against him occurred at LSU, we take these matters very seriously at KU,” Kansas athletic director Jeff Long said in a statement. “Now that we have access to this information, we will take the coming days to fully review the material and to see if any additional information is available. I do not want to speculate on a timeline for our review because it is imperative we do our due diligence.”Miles is entering his third year as Kansas coach, and coming off a winless 2020 season. He was coach at LSU for 11-plus years before being fired four games into the 2016 season.The 67-year-old Miles has denied allegations he made sexual advances toward students and has said he merely sought to serve as a mentor for students who expressed an interest in pursuing careers in sports.Earlier in the day, LSU released a law firm’s 148-page review of how the university has handled sexual misconduct complaints.Then-athletic director Joe Alleva’s 2013 recommendation to former LSU President F. King Alexander to fire Miles is detailed in the report by the Husch Blackwell law firm. The report offers a scathing view of the resources and attention LSU has dedicated to complaints of sexual misconduct and violence against women campus-wide.LSU suspended executive deputy athletic director Verge Ausberry 30 days and senior associate athletic director Miriam Segar 21 days. Both are suspended without pay and ordered to undergo sexual violence training.Miles was investigated after two female student workers in LSU’s football program accused the coach of inappropriate behavior.While that 2013 investigation by the Taylor Porter law firm found Miles showed poor judgment, it did not find violations of law or that he had a sexual relationship with any students. Taylor Porter also concluded it could not confirm one student’s allegation that Miles kissed her while they were in the coach’s car with no one else present.Alleva recommended Miles be fired with cause. In an email dated June 2013, Alleva wrote Miles was guilty of “insubordination, inappropriate behavior, putting the university, athletic dept (cq) and football program at great risk.”The Taylor Porter review had been kept confidential for about eight years until a redacted version of it was released this week after a lawsuit filed by USA Today.Miles was hired by LSU in 2005 and won a national title in 2007.The Husch Blackwell report, which revisits the Miles investigation, also describes how the former coach “tried to sexualize the staff of student workers in the football program by, for instance, allegedly demanding that he wanted blondes with big breasts, and ‘pretty girls.’”Meanwhile, LSU has not fired any current employees whose conduct was criticized in the Husch Blackwell report.Interim President Tom Galligan said during an LSU Board of Supervisors meeting Friday in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, that he sought to be fair in issuing discipline. Galligan stressed that the independent report concluded that failures in responding to sexual misconduct complaints at LSU stemmed largely from ambiguous policies and a lack of resources for “overburdened” employees tasked with handling such matters.“People will be unhappy either way,” Galligan said of how the university chooses to discipline employees involved in the scandal.Galligan then read an excerpt from the report stating that such employees “were not served well by the leadership of the university.”Attorney Scott Schneider, who led the Husch Blackwell review, said that while LSU does not have a monopoly on mishandling sexual misconduct cases, the university “has been very slow to develop policies and infrastructure and personnel that was really required” to ensure compliance with federal Title IX laws. Those laws deal broadly with gender equity in education and also apply to instances of sexual violence or harassment at educational institutions.Schneider found that LSU leadership “responded in a lackluster fashion” when officials who handled Title IX compliance requested more resources.“The university’s Title IX office was never staffed appropriately,” he said. “We’re not the first people to note that and flag this issue to the leadership of the university. It has been repeatedly addressed to the leadership of the university and seemingly nothing has been done to remedy it up until this point.”The report said allegations against LSU athletes were treated no differently than those against non-athletes. However, Schneider noted that star athletes tend to have inherent leverage over victims at schools where athletics are highly valued.Victims are “understandably reluctant to participate in the Title IX process because they fear community backlash,” Schneider said.Galligan offered public apologies to victims and said he intends to act on all 18 recommendations in the report on how to strengthen how the university handles sexual misconduct complaints campus-wide. Those recommendations called for everything from clarification of policies and protocols to increases in staffing and departmental reorganizations.“LSU hired Husch Blackwell in November and agreed to pay up to $100,000 for an independent audit of hits handling of sexual misconduct complaints after reporting by USA Today scrutinized LSU’s handling of sexual assault cases implicating former football players Derrius Guice and Drake Davis.Guice played for current football coach Ed Orgeron, but Schneider cautioned against blaming coaches for institutional failures in the handling of sexual misconduct complaints. Schneider’s recommendation is that only Title IX officials with expertise in such matters should handle such investigations and resulting discipline, while coaches should focus on coaching.“You don’t want the coaches involved,” Schneider said. “What we want is athletics to be out of it entirely and allow the Title IX office to do its investigation.”The meeting opened with a statement from former LSU student Caroline Schroeder, who informed the university that she was sexually assaulted by a fraternity member in 2016 and has described meeting official resistance as she sought to pursue her complaint.“I’d like to express how little faith I have in this board to do the right thing today or in the months to come,” she said. “I genuinely hope that I’ve effectively insulted at least a few of you right now, because that insignificant and fleeting feeling that you’re experiencing in this particular moment is absolutely nothing in comparison to the persistent and often debilitating fear that survivors at LSU suffer on a daily basis as a direct result of your deliberate indifference to abuse on this campus.”

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