KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Ochai Agbaji scored 22 points, two of them coming on a jaw-dropping ally-oop dunk midway through the second half, and sixth-ranked Kansas cruised to a 75-62 victory over TCU and into the Big 12 Tournament title game. Mitch Lightfoot added 15 points while playing extended minutes in place of injured big man David McCormack, and Remy Martin finished with 10 as the top-seeded Jayhawks advanced to play Texas Tech on Saturday night. Chuck O’Bannon had 15 points to lead TCU. Mike Miles shook off a shooting slump to add 14.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Ochai Agbaji scored 22 points, two of them coming on a jaw-dropping ally-oop dunk midway through the second half, and sixth-ranked Kansas cruised to a 75-62 victory over TCU and into the Big 12 Tournament title game. Mitch Lightfoot added 15 points while playing extended minutes in place of injured big man David McCormack, and Remy Martin finished with 10 as the top-seeded Jayhawks advanced to play Texas Tech on Saturday night. Chuck O’Bannon had 15 points to lead TCU. Mike Miles shook off a shooting slump to add 14.

Jayhawks oust TCU from Big 12 Tournament

By TYLER HENRY Little Apple Post contributor

The Wamego girls basketball team battled down the stretch but fell just short to Eudora in the state semifinals on Friday by a final score of 49-41.

The Lady Raiders will take on Wellington in the third-place game at noon on Saturday while Eudora advances to face Bishop Meige in the championship.

This game was much closer than the regular season bout that the Cardinals won earlier this season, with the two trading punches all throughout.

Wamego made a big push to start the second quarter but Eudora closed out the half on a 9-1 run to take a three-point lead into the locker room.

The two were level at 32-32 going into the fourth and final quarter, but the Lady Cards would outscore the Raiders 17-9 in the final frame to survive and advance to the championship game.

Wamego was led in the loss by Paige Donnelly, who stood alone in double figures for the Raiders with 13 points.

Harper Schreiner, Sawyer Schreiner, and Mackenzie Mayer powered Eudora through with 16, 11, and 10 respectively in another gritty effort for Eudora who remain just a one-loss team.

Tip-off of the third-place game is set for noon at the Tony’s Pizza Events Center in Salina on Saturday.

For continuing coverage of Wamego at state, stay tuned to the Little Apple Post.

By TYLER HENRY Little Apple Post contributorThe Wamego girls basketball team battled down the stretch but fell just short to Eudora in the state semifinals on Friday by a final score of 49-41.The Lady Raiders will take on Wellington in the third-place game at noon on Saturday while Eudora advances to face Bishop Meige in the championship.This game was much closer than the regular season bout that the Cardinals won earlier this season, with the two trading punches all throughout.Wamego made a big push to start the second quarter but Eudora closed out the half on a 9-1 run to take a three-point lead into the locker room.The two were level at 32-32 going into the fourth and final quarter, but the Lady Cards would outscore the Raiders 17-9 in the final frame to survive and advance to the championship game.Wamego was led in the loss by Paige Donnelly, who stood alone in double figures for the Raiders with 13 points.Harper Schreiner, Sawyer Schreiner, and Mackenzie Mayer powered Eudora through with 16, 11, and 10 respectively in another gritty effort for Eudora who remain just a one-loss team.Tip-off of the third-place game is set for noon at the Tony’s Pizza Events Center in Salina on Saturday.For continuing coverage of Wamego at state, stay tuned to the Little Apple Post.

Lady Raiders fall to Eudora in state semis

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;The K-State football program has announced the launch of the Catalyst mobile app in partnership with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nextplay.me/" target="_blank">NextPlay</a>, facilitating lifelong support for Wildcat athletes from the moment they enter the program through the rest of their lives.

<a>“The Catalyst mobile app is a great way for us to directly connect with our former football players who helped build this great program,” head coach&nbsp;Chris Klieman&nbsp;said. “It is vital for us to maintain those relationships, which became harder with the pandemic. This is just one way to keep them engaged with the program virtually in between their visits back to Manhattan.”</a>

Connecting with its former players has always been important for K-State Football through&nbsp;<a href="https://t.sidekickopen10.com/s3t/c/5/f18dQhb0S7kF8bq08pW1j7hvX59hl3kW7_k2847sD3qkMPw-j-vf3ybW2bzNNx45rvVp101?te=W3R5hFj4cm2zwW4mKLS-3Y0wGZW4fGCtl43WhcpW1JxwY51LDL67W49RMzc1S1ngPW1L68dL1Q5ksGW1Q44bs20YCL6W1V0lfF24VhJDF1-Xz25Y6RG1&amp;si=7000000002210468&amp;pi=3ba2015a-e43f-4e4e-a946-6f095deac8bb" target="_blank">Golden Cats</a>&nbsp;and various outreach initiatives, and Catalyst will add even more value for former and future Wildcats. The app gives former players an inside look into the program that they helped to build, bringing them closer to their alma mater. It also serves as an exclusive platform for former player events and&nbsp;includes a directory where former players can connect with their teammates and current players can seek mentorship or career support.&nbsp;

In the NIL era, the support from former players has become that much more valuable. Current student-athletes will be able to lean on the generations who came before them for advice and support as they navigate new opportunities. The Catalyst platform will continue to build on the legacy of success both on and off the field at Kansas State.

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;The K-State football program has announced the launch of the Catalyst mobile app in partnership with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nextplay.me/" target="_blank">NextPlay</a>, facilitating lifelong support for Wildcat athletes from the moment they enter the program through the rest of their lives.<a>“The Catalyst mobile app is a great way for us to directly connect with our former football players who helped build this great program,” head coach&nbsp;Chris Klieman&nbsp;said. “It is vital for us to maintain those relationships, which became harder with the pandemic. This is just one way to keep them engaged with the program virtually in between their visits back to Manhattan.”</a>Connecting with its former players has always been important for K-State Football through&nbsp;<a href="https://t.sidekickopen10.com/s3t/c/5/f18dQhb0S7kF8bq08pW1j7hvX59hl3kW7_k2847sD3qkMPw-j-vf3ybW2bzNNx45rvVp101?te=W3R5hFj4cm2zwW4mKLS-3Y0wGZW4fGCtl43WhcpW1JxwY51LDL67W49RMzc1S1ngPW1L68dL1Q5ksGW1Q44bs20YCL6W1V0lfF24VhJDF1-Xz25Y6RG1&amp;si=7000000002210468&amp;pi=3ba2015a-e43f-4e4e-a946-6f095deac8bb" target="_blank">Golden Cats</a>&nbsp;and various outreach initiatives, and Catalyst will add even more value for former and future Wildcats. The app gives former players an inside look into the program that they helped to build, bringing them closer to their alma mater. It also serves as an exclusive platform for former player events and&nbsp;includes a directory where former players can connect with their teammates and current players can seek mentorship or career support.&nbsp;In the NIL era, the support from former players has become that much more valuable. Current student-athletes will be able to lean on the generations who came before them for advice and support as they navigate new opportunities. The Catalyst platform will continue to build on the legacy of success both on and off the field at Kansas State.

K-State Football Partners with NextPlay to Support Players, Alums

By TYLER HENRY Little Apple Post contributor

The Wamego Lady Raiders have played an almost flawless brand of basketball, winning 21 of their 23 games this season en route to a state semifinal matchup on Friday night.

Wamego fans may have noticed that the two teams the Raiders fell to this year faced each other on the other side of the bracket, meaning that regardless of results, if the Raiders advanced they would be in for a revenge game for a ticket to the state championship.

It was Eudora who got the better of Clay Center in a 50-46 overtime thriller, and it will be the 22-1 Lady Cardinals whom Wamego will have to overcome on Friday night.

Eudora will enter this contest ranked #3 in Class 4A with a 48-38 win over the Raiders already in hand, but Wamego has come a long way since that first meeting. “I think we’ve grown since that game,” Wamego head coach Brian McIntosh said. “Everybody hates to lose but when you lose it can be easier to get your team's attention about some things. I think the losses that we’ve had this season have kept us grounded and focused on building on what we have.”

Both of the Lady Raider’s losses this season occurred against state-ranked opponents on the second night of a back-to-back, but foul trouble played every bit as much of a factor as fatigue the first time these two met back in January.

“We were ahead for most of the first half but we got into some early foul trouble and they made some runs,” McIntosh said. “Looking back there are some minor adjustments that we can make to be successful against them and if we execute our game plan I feel good about competing with them.”

The Cardinals run through Harper Schreiner, a DII commit who has been the steady heartbeat of one of the best teams in Class 4A this year.

“Schreiner makes them go offensively and defensively, she’s a fiery, passionate player and as she goes they go,” he said. “She can score at all three levels, shoot the three, take it to the rack or create easy buckets for her teammates. We have to keep her in front and I feel like we have the kids who can help each other and cut off her angles to the basket.”

In addition to growing from a talent standpoint, Wamego is also more battle-tested than they were back in January, exemplified in a come-from-behind win over Labette County in the state quarterfinal.

“I think our confidence has grown and we’re getting really good play from all of our spots,” McIntosh said. “We’ve learned to grow through adversity and we’re a lot better for it.”

The Lady Raiders will be hungry for an opportunity to avenge one of their only losses on the year, and to advance to the state championship game for the third time in school history, and just the first since 2014.

“We’re excited for the possibility to get one of those two losses back,” he said. “After we lost to Eudora I had a weird gut feeling that we’d see them again. I thought we were two of the top four teams in 4A after that game and here we are. You always want to have a little redemption and a chance to do it on this stage is pretty special.”

Tip-off between the Lady Raiders and Cardinals is set for 6 pm at the Tony’s Pizza Events Center on Friday with the winner moving on to the final to face 23-0 Wellington or 21-2 Bishop Miege at 4:00 on Saturday.

The losers of those two games will meet in the third-place game at noon on Saturday.

For continuing coverage of the Lady Raiders state tournament run, stay tuned to the Salina Post.

By TYLER HENRY Little Apple Post contributorThe Wamego Lady Raiders have played an almost flawless brand of basketball, winning 21 of their 23 games this season en route to a state semifinal matchup on Friday night.Wamego fans may have noticed that the two teams the Raiders fell to this year faced each other on the other side of the bracket, meaning that regardless of results, if the Raiders advanced they would be in for a revenge game for a ticket to the state championship.It was Eudora who got the better of Clay Center in a 50-46 overtime thriller, and it will be the 22-1 Lady Cardinals whom Wamego will have to overcome on Friday night.Eudora will enter this contest ranked #3 in Class 4A with a 48-38 win over the Raiders already in hand, but Wamego has come a long way since that first meeting. “I think we’ve grown since that game,” Wamego head coach Brian McIntosh said. “Everybody hates to lose but when you lose it can be easier to get your team's attention about some things. I think the losses that we’ve had this season have kept us grounded and focused on building on what we have.”Both of the Lady Raider’s losses this season occurred against state-ranked opponents on the second night of a back-to-back, but foul trouble played every bit as much of a factor as fatigue the first time these two met back in January.“We were ahead for most of the first half but we got into some early foul trouble and they made some runs,” McIntosh said. “Looking back there are some minor adjustments that we can make to be successful against them and if we execute our game plan I feel good about competing with them.”The Cardinals run through Harper Schreiner, a DII commit who has been the steady heartbeat of one of the best teams in Class 4A this year.“Schreiner makes them go offensively and defensively, she’s a fiery, passionate player and as she goes they go,” he said. “She can score at all three levels, shoot the three, take it to the rack or create easy buckets for her teammates. We have to keep her in front and I feel like we have the kids who can help each other and cut off her angles to the basket.”In addition to growing from a talent standpoint, Wamego is also more battle-tested than they were back in January, exemplified in a come-from-behind win over Labette County in the state quarterfinal.“I think our confidence has grown and we’re getting really good play from all of our spots,” McIntosh said. “We’ve learned to grow through adversity and we’re a lot better for it.”The Lady Raiders will be hungry for an opportunity to avenge one of their only losses on the year, and to advance to the state championship game for the third time in school history, and just the first since 2014.“We’re excited for the possibility to get one of those two losses back,” he said. “After we lost to Eudora I had a weird gut feeling that we’d see them again. I thought we were two of the top four teams in 4A after that game and here we are. You always want to have a little redemption and a chance to do it on this stage is pretty special.”Tip-off between the Lady Raiders and Cardinals is set for 6 pm at the Tony’s Pizza Events Center on Friday with the winner moving on to the final to face 23-0 Wellington or 21-2 Bishop Miege at 4:00 on Saturday.The losers of those two games will meet in the third-place game at noon on Saturday.For continuing coverage of the Lady Raiders state tournament run, stay tuned to the Salina Post.

Lady Raiders look to avenge loss to Eudora in state semifinals

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Ochai Agbaji led sixth-ranked Kansas with 18 points in a 87-63 victory over West Virginia in the quarterfinal round of the Big 12 Tournament. Mountaineers coach Bob Huggins picked up two technical fouls and was ejected 10 minutes into the game. The top-seeded Jayhawks, who also beat the Mountaineers twice in the regular season, will play fifth-seeded TCU on Friday night for a spot in the title game. Christian Braun added 11 points and 14 rebounds for Kansas. Malik Curry led West Virginia with 19 points.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Ochai Agbaji led sixth-ranked Kansas with 18 points in a 87-63 victory over West Virginia in the quarterfinal round of the Big 12 Tournament. Mountaineers coach Bob Huggins picked up two technical fouls and was ejected 10 minutes into the game. The top-seeded Jayhawks, who also beat the Mountaineers twice in the regular season, will play fifth-seeded TCU on Friday night for a spot in the title game. Christian Braun added 11 points and 14 rebounds for Kansas. Malik Curry led West Virginia with 19 points.

Kansas cruises by West Virginia in Big 12 Tournament

BOYS PREP BASKETBALL=State Tournament=Quarterfinal=Class 6A=BV Northwest 58, SM Northwest 50Lawrence Free State 50, Manhattan 28Olathe West 67, Dodge City 53Wichita Heights 61, Olathe North 30Class 4A=Andale 62, Paola 52Bishop Miege 70, Abilene 40McPherson 61, Buhler 47Topeka Hayden 64, Eudora 53Class 2A=Hillsboro 73, Wichita Independent 46Lyndon 50, Sterling 38St. Mary's 69, Trego 43Valley Falls 64, Pittsburg Colgan 61

Boys quarterfinal scores

Andover Central 50, Wichita Bishop Carroll 34

Central Plains 58, St. John’s Beloit-Tipton 28

Hutchinson Central Christian 49, South Haven 40

GIRLS PREP BASKETBALL=State Tournament=Quarterfinal=Class 5A=Andover Central 50, Wichita Bishop Carroll 34Lansing 61, Emporia 43Salina Central 69, DeSoto 34St. Thomas Aquinas 48, Spring Hill 27Class 3A=Hugoton 52, Santa Fe Trail 19Nickerson 47, Frontenac 40Silver Lake 63, Cherryvale 33Southeast Saline 38, Goodland 37Class 1A Division 1=Burlingame 45, Little River 39Centralia 59, Spearville 42Hodgeman County 49, Clifton-Clyde 43Pretty Prairie 52, Osborne 33Class 1A Division 2=Central Plains 58, St. John’s Beloit-Tipton 28Golden Plains 49, Bucklin 28Hanover 57, Lebo 47Hutchinson Central Christian 49, South Haven 40

Girls state basketball quarterfinal scores

The Wamego girls basketball team battled through early adversity to pull out a 36-34 come from behind victory over Labette County in the opening round of the state tournament on Wednesday.

The Lady Raiders will advance to the state semis on Friday to take on 22-1 Eudora while the Lady Grizzlies season comes to a close at 18-5.

Wamego struggled to find the cup early, taking a touchdown deficit of 21-14 into the locker room after shooting just 7-20 from the floor and failing to connect on a single three-pointer.

“We were trying to feel them out in the first half and they did a good job of pressing us and slowing us down,” Raiders head coach Brian McIntosh said. “We weren’t patient, we were taking some questionable shots and I think their length surprised us a little bit.”

Knowing they needed to make a push out of the intermission, Wamego went to work on defense, tightening the clamps and holding the Grizzlies to just a single made field goal in the third quarter while the offense tacked on 11 points to pull ahead going into the fourth.

The teams traded punches down the stretch but it was the Lady Raider's experience and poise that won the day as Wamego sank their free throws late to put the game away and advance to the second round.

“I was very proud of our girls,” McIntosh said. “It would have been easy to hang our heads down at halftime but this group has fought through so much adversity in the last four years and I knew they would respond. This group is gritty, they’re tough and they’re fighters.”

Wamego was led in scoring by Paige Donnelly and Trista Hoobler who split 21 points down the middle in a big Lady Raider win.

“Trista really stepped up in the second half,” he said. “She got to the rim early on and that got us going for players like Paige Donnely and Rylie Meinhardt who played really well for us on both sides of the floor.”

Wamego will now turn their attention to the state semifinal on Friday as they prepare for a rematch with 22-1 Eudora who handed the Raiders one of their two losses earlier this season.

Tip-off for the semifinal is scheduled for 6 pm on Friday, for continuing coverage of Wamego’s state-run stay tuned to the Little Apple Post.

By TYLER HENRY Little Apple Post contributorThe Wamego girls basketball team battled through early adversity to pull out a 36-34 come from behind victory over Labette County in the opening round of the state tournament on Wednesday.The Lady Raiders will advance to the state semis on Friday to take on 22-1 Eudora while the Lady Grizzlies season comes to a close at 18-5.Wamego struggled to find the cup early, taking a touchdown deficit of 21-14 into the locker room after shooting just 7-20 from the floor and failing to connect on a single three-pointer.“We were trying to feel them out in the first half and they did a good job of pressing us and slowing us down,” Raiders head coach Brian McIntosh said. “We weren’t patient, we were taking some questionable shots and I think their length surprised us a little bit.”Knowing they needed to make a push out of the intermission, Wamego went to work on defense, tightening the clamps and holding the Grizzlies to just a single made field goal in the third quarter while the offense tacked on 11 points to pull ahead going into the fourth.The teams traded punches down the stretch but it was the Lady Raider's experience and poise that won the day as Wamego sank their free throws late to put the game away and advance to the second round.“I was very proud of our girls,” McIntosh said. “It would have been easy to hang our heads down at halftime but this group has fought through so much adversity in the last four years and I knew they would respond. This group is gritty, they’re tough and they’re fighters.”Wamego was led in scoring by Paige Donnelly and Trista Hoobler who split 21 points down the middle in a big Lady Raider win.“Trista really stepped up in the second half,” he said. “She got to the rim early on and that got us going for players like Paige Donnely and Rylie Meinhardt who played really well for us on both sides of the floor.”Wamego will now turn their attention to the state semifinal on Friday as they prepare for a rematch with 22-1 Eudora who handed the Raiders one of their two losses earlier this season.Tip-off for the semifinal is scheduled for 6 pm on Friday, for continuing coverage of Wamego’s state-run stay tuned to the Little Apple Post.

Second half surge pushes Lady Raiders past Labette in state quarterfinal

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bruce Weber resigned as the basketball coach at Kansas State on Thursday, one day after the Wildcats lost to West Virginia in the opening round of the Big 12 Tournament to cap a third straight losing season.

Weber made headlines following the loss to the Mountaineers at T-Mobile Center on Wednesday night when he lambasted the NCAA over its handling of the FBI investigation into college basketball corruption. Weber said he had refused to cut his hair until schools that were identified in the probe were punished, which some took as a swipe at rival Kansas.

“We won titles. We did it the right way,” said Weber, who led the Wildcats to a share of two Big 12 regular-season titles in 10 seasons in Manhattan. "I'm on the NCAA ethics committee. I was told they were going to take care of the people in the FBI stuff, so I told somebody I'm going to grow my hair until something happens. Obviously, it's still growing.

“That's the sad part about our business,” Weber added. “Lon Kruger told me the other day, all the guys in the FBI (probe) except one are in the NCAA Tournament. All those teams are going to be in the NCAA Tournament.”

Weber was a largely unpopular pick to replace Frank Martin when he was hired by former athletic director John Currie in 2012, shortly after he was fired by Illinois. Weber was mulling several mid-major jobs when Currie selected him to take over a program that had suddenly shot to national prominence on the back of six straight 20-win seasons.

Weber kept the momentum going for a while, too. He led the Wildcats to a share of the Big 12 title in his first season, made five NCAA Tournaments in his first seven seasons and added a share of another conference title just four years ago.

But the past few years have been a struggle, and all the hard-won support Weber had gained over most of the previous decade simply disappeared. He was forced to completely rebuild the roster after the 2019 season, then struggled to recruit at a level to get the Wildcats back to the point where they were competing for championships.

They went 9-20 last season and 14-17 this season, leaving Weber — who took the Illini to the national championship game in 2005 — with a 184–147 record with the Wildcats. His career mark, including a highly successful run at Southern Illinois that included two NCAA tourney appearances, stands at 407-301 with 13 appearances in the NCAA Tournament.

“I'm very, very proud of my time here,” Weber said Wednesday night. "It was a long, long time that we won a championship and I told the guys, the funny part and the sad part, I didn't get much credit for that, and they all said it wasn't my guys, but I would tell you probably the closest group of all of my 40-some years of coaching in that group.

“Then we did it with our guys,” Weber continued. “Whatever happens in the future happens, and that's fine. K-State is a great place, great people.”

-Below is the media release from KSU Athletics on Weber's resignation

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Head men’s basketball coach&nbsp;Bruce Weber&nbsp;announced today (March 10) that he has resigned from his position at Kansas State.

“Coach Weber has provided selfless leadership to our basketball program and university for the last decade,” said Director of Athletics&nbsp;Gene Taylor. “With two conference championships and an Elite Eight run in 2018, our program reached exceptional levels of success under his direction. His development of young men on and off the court, while representing K-State in a first-class manner with the highest level of integrity is unmatched in today’s game and something all K-Staters should take great pride in.”

In 10 seasons as head coach at K-State, Weber amassed a 184-147 overall record, including an 82-98 mark in Big 12 play, with 5 trips to the NCAA Tournament (2013, 2014, 2017, 2018, 2019) and a share of the Big 12 regular season title in both 2013 and 2019. His 2018 team made the school’s first trip to the Elite Eight in eight years.

Weber’s 184 wins are the third-most by a head coach in school history, trailing Hall of Famers&nbsp;Jack Hartman&nbsp;and&nbsp;Fred “Tex” Winter. He is the fourth coach (Hartman, Winter and&nbsp;Frank Martin) to take the school to at least five NCAA Tournaments in a tenure. He was named the 2013 Big 12 Coach of the Year after guiding the Wildcats to a 27-8 overall record and their first-ever Big 12 regular-season championship.

Weber was named the school’s 24th&nbsp;head coach on March 31, 2012.

Weber, 65, has a compiled a 497-302 overall record in 24 seasons as a head coach, which includes stints at Southern Illinois (1998-2003) and Illinois (2003-11). His teams have participated in postseason play 15 times, including 13 NCAA Tournaments. He has won 15 NCAA Tournament games, including trips to the Sweet 16 in 2002, 2004, 2005 and 2018 and the Elite Eight in 2005 and 2018, while he played in the NCAA Championship in 2005.

Director for Men's Basketball Communications

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bruce Weber resigned as the basketball coach at Kansas State on Thursday, one day after the Wildcats lost to West Virginia in the opening round of the Big 12 Tournament to cap a third straight losing season.Weber made headlines following the loss to the Mountaineers at T-Mobile Center on Wednesday night when he lambasted the NCAA over its handling of the FBI investigation into college basketball corruption. Weber said he had refused to cut his hair until schools that were identified in the probe were punished, which some took as a swipe at rival Kansas.“We won titles. We did it the right way,” said Weber, who led the Wildcats to a share of two Big 12 regular-season titles in 10 seasons in Manhattan. "I'm on the NCAA ethics committee. I was told they were going to take care of the people in the FBI stuff, so I told somebody I'm going to grow my hair until something happens. Obviously, it's still growing.“That's the sad part about our business,” Weber added. “Lon Kruger told me the other day, all the guys in the FBI (probe) except one are in the NCAA Tournament. All those teams are going to be in the NCAA Tournament.”Weber was a largely unpopular pick to replace Frank Martin when he was hired by former athletic director John Currie in 2012, shortly after he was fired by Illinois. Weber was mulling several mid-major jobs when Currie selected him to take over a program that had suddenly shot to national prominence on the back of six straight 20-win seasons.Weber kept the momentum going for a while, too. He led the Wildcats to a share of the Big 12 title in his first season, made five NCAA Tournaments in his first seven seasons and added a share of another conference title just four years ago.But the past few years have been a struggle, and all the hard-won support Weber had gained over most of the previous decade simply disappeared. He was forced to completely rebuild the roster after the 2019 season, then struggled to recruit at a level to get the Wildcats back to the point where they were competing for championships.They went 9-20 last season and 14-17 this season, leaving Weber — who took the Illini to the national championship game in 2005 — with a 184–147 record with the Wildcats. His career mark, including a highly successful run at Southern Illinois that included two NCAA tourney appearances, stands at 407-301 with 13 appearances in the NCAA Tournament.“I'm very, very proud of my time here,” Weber said Wednesday night. "It was a long, long time that we won a championship and I told the guys, the funny part and the sad part, I didn't get much credit for that, and they all said it wasn't my guys, but I would tell you probably the closest group of all of my 40-some years of coaching in that group.“Then we did it with our guys,” Weber continued. “Whatever happens in the future happens, and that's fine. K-State is a great place, great people.”-Below is the media release from KSU Athletics on Weber's resignationMANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Head men’s basketball coach&nbsp;Bruce Weber&nbsp;announced today (March 10) that he has resigned from his position at Kansas State.“Coach Weber has provided selfless leadership to our basketball program and university for the last decade,” said Director of Athletics&nbsp;Gene Taylor. “With two conference championships and an Elite Eight run in 2018, our program reached exceptional levels of success under his direction. His development of young men on and off the court, while representing K-State in a first-class manner with the highest level of integrity is unmatched in today’s game and something all K-Staters should take great pride in.”In 10 seasons as head coach at K-State, Weber amassed a 184-147 overall record, including an 82-98 mark in Big 12 play, with 5 trips to the NCAA Tournament (2013, 2014, 2017, 2018, 2019) and a share of the Big 12 regular season title in both 2013 and 2019. His 2018 team made the school’s first trip to the Elite Eight in eight years.Weber’s 184 wins are the third-most by a head coach in school history, trailing Hall of Famers&nbsp;Jack Hartman&nbsp;and&nbsp;Fred “Tex” Winter. He is the fourth coach (Hartman, Winter and&nbsp;Frank Martin) to take the school to at least five NCAA Tournaments in a tenure. He was named the 2013 Big 12 Coach of the Year after guiding the Wildcats to a 27-8 overall record and their first-ever Big 12 regular-season championship.Weber was named the school’s 24th&nbsp;head coach on March 31, 2012.Weber, 65, has a compiled a 497-302 overall record in 24 seasons as a head coach, which includes stints at Southern Illinois (1998-2003) and Illinois (2003-11). His teams have participated in postseason play 15 times, including 13 NCAA Tournaments. He has won 15 NCAA Tournament games, including trips to the Sweet 16 in 2002, 2004, 2005 and 2018 and the Elite Eight in 2005 and 2018, while he played in the NCAA Championship in 2005.Tom GilbertDirector for Men's Basketball Communications

K-State coach Bruce Weber resigns

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Sean McNeil scored 21 points, Malik Curry added 17 points and No. 9 seed West Virginia beat eighth-seeded Kansas State 73-67 in the opener of the Big 12 Conference tournament. West Virginia advances to play top-seeded Kansas on Thursday. The Mountaineers lost at Kansas 85-59 in January and again at home 71-58 about a month later. Neither team led by more than nine points in this one. McNeil scored four points during a 10-2 run that gave West Virginia a 69-60 lead with 3:29 left. Curry and Taz Sherman made 3-pointers on consecutive possessions during the run. Nijel Pack led Kansas State with 18 points.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Sean McNeil scored 21 points, Malik Curry added 17 points and No. 9 seed West Virginia beat eighth-seeded Kansas State 73-67 in the opener of the Big 12 Conference tournament. West Virginia advances to play top-seeded Kansas on Thursday. The Mountaineers lost at Kansas 85-59 in January and again at home 71-58 about a month later. Neither team led by more than nine points in this one. McNeil scored four points during a 10-2 run that gave West Virginia a 69-60 lead with 3:29 left. Curry and Taz Sherman made 3-pointers on consecutive possessions during the run. Nijel Pack led Kansas State with 18 points.

West Virginia defeats Kansas State in the Big 12 Tournament

GIRLS PREP BASKETBALL=State Tournament=Quarterfinal=Class 2A=Berean Academy 46, Valley Heights 43Garden Plain 39, Pittsburg Colgan 26Smith Center 44, Jackson Heights 37Sterling 73, Mission Valley 52Class 4A=Bishop Miege 74, Andale 35Eudora 48, Clay Center 46, OTWamego 36, Labette County 34Wellington 33, McPherson 29Class 6A=Blue Valley 33, Topeka 32Derby 41, SM West 17Olathe North 54, BV North 51Washburn Rural 66, Dodge City 43

Girls state basketball quarterfinal results

BOYS PREP BASKETBALL=Berean Academy 46, Valley Heights 43State Tournament=Quarterfinal=Class 1A Division 1=Macksville 45, Osborne 41Olpe 51, Troy 21Solomon 45, Norwich 43South Gray 64, Ness City 51Class 1A Division 2=Bucklin 67, Caldwell 45Greeley County 63, Pawnee Heights 34Hanover 84, Central Plains 43Northern Valley 63, Waverly 57, OTClass 3A=Hays-TMP-Marian 68, Galena 67, OTHesston 46, Hugoton 34Royal Valley 60, Girard 56Southeast Saline 62, Osage City 53Class 5A=DeSoto 50, BV Southwest 45Maize 53, Highland Park 47St. James Academy 59, Topeka West 51Topeka Seaman 54, Kapaun Mount Carmel 43

Boys state basketball quarterfinal scores

The Wamego girls basketball team will continue their postseason run in the 4A state tournament on Wednesday as they travel to Salina to take on Labette County.

The Lady Raiders enter this contest as the 3-seed at 20-2 after soundly defeating Tonganoxie and Holton in their sub-state.

“I’m extremely proud of the work that these girls have put in not just this year but for the last several years,” Wamego head coach Brian McIntosh said. “They’ve been dedicated to turning the culture of this program around in the gym and in the weight room and we’ve gotten a lot tougher which has become the foundation of our program.”

On the other side of this matchup, the Lady Grizzlies will come in as the 7-seed at 18-4, punching their ticket to state with wins over Ottowa and Fort Scott last week.

Much of Labette’s success this season has come from the inside play of seniors Madison Brannin and Anna Dean, who have given opponents fits in the paint this year.&nbsp;

“[Brannin] is a tremendous shooter and she has a quick trigger,” he said. “She’ll take you down in the post as well with [Dean]. They’re both pretty good shot blockers and that strength in the paint is what really stood out to me right away.”

The Grizzlies are red hot coming into state this week, adding to their active six-game winning streak with a revenge win to eliminate Fort Scott in the sub-state championship.

It will take a solid game plan and even better execution for Wamego to maintain the upper hand throughout what should be an intriguing matchup.

“You have to scheme around their size a little bit and getting some players back will help us tremendously,” McIntosh said. “We’ll have to help down low and fly around like we have, this isn’t the first time we’ve faced size and at the end of the day we have to make them take tough shots and keep them off the glass.”

With Labette focusing on the inside, the Raiders will have the green light, and likely some space, to rain down threes from the exterior, something that has been a strength for Wamego this season.

“We’re fortunate to have our 1-4 spots able to hit the three and get to the rim so I think that will cause some problems for Labette,” he said. “It’s a matter of them going out there and making plays and I’m confident in that.”

Wamego is also looking forward to an opportunity to compete on a neutral stage after falling to Miege on their home floor last season as a result of covid-regulations.

“It didn’t really feel like state being on someone else’s home court,” McIntosh said. “Our girls learned what the best looks like and they kept that loss in our minds. We’re very excited to get out there and play on a neutral court this year.”

While the Raiders are the favorites to advance to the semifinal later this week, Wamego remains laser-focused on today’s matchup and understands that any slip could result in an early end to their run.

“Our first goal is to win on Wednesday and we know that we’re in for a battle,” McIntosh said. “We’ve only talked about Labette and our kids are locked in and excited. We know that if we don’t win today we don’t get to see Friday.”

Tip-off between the Lady Raiders and Grizzlies is scheduled for 8 pm at the Tony’s Pizza Events Center in Salina, with the winner moving on to face either 21-1 Eudora or 16-6 Clay Center on Friday.

For continuing coverage of the Wamego girls basketball team throughout the state tournament, stay tuned to the Little Apple Post.

By TYLER HENRY Little Apple Post contributorThe Wamego girls basketball team will continue their postseason run in the 4A state tournament on Wednesday as they travel to Salina to take on Labette County.The Lady Raiders enter this contest as the 3-seed at 20-2 after soundly defeating Tonganoxie and Holton in their sub-state.“I’m extremely proud of the work that these girls have put in not just this year but for the last several years,” Wamego head coach Brian McIntosh said. “They’ve been dedicated to turning the culture of this program around in the gym and in the weight room and we’ve gotten a lot tougher which has become the foundation of our program.”On the other side of this matchup, the Lady Grizzlies will come in as the 7-seed at 18-4, punching their ticket to state with wins over Ottowa and Fort Scott last week.Much of Labette’s success this season has come from the inside play of seniors Madison Brannin and Anna Dean, who have given opponents fits in the paint this year.&nbsp;“[Brannin] is a tremendous shooter and she has a quick trigger,” he said. “She’ll take you down in the post as well with [Dean]. They’re both pretty good shot blockers and that strength in the paint is what really stood out to me right away.”The Grizzlies are red hot coming into state this week, adding to their active six-game winning streak with a revenge win to eliminate Fort Scott in the sub-state championship.It will take a solid game plan and even better execution for Wamego to maintain the upper hand throughout what should be an intriguing matchup.“You have to scheme around their size a little bit and getting some players back will help us tremendously,” McIntosh said. “We’ll have to help down low and fly around like we have, this isn’t the first time we’ve faced size and at the end of the day we have to make them take tough shots and keep them off the glass.”With Labette focusing on the inside, the Raiders will have the green light, and likely some space, to rain down threes from the exterior, something that has been a strength for Wamego this season.“We’re fortunate to have our 1-4 spots able to hit the three and get to the rim so I think that will cause some problems for Labette,” he said. “It’s a matter of them going out there and making plays and I’m confident in that.”Wamego is also looking forward to an opportunity to compete on a neutral stage after falling to Miege on their home floor last season as a result of covid-regulations.“It didn’t really feel like state being on someone else’s home court,” McIntosh said. “Our girls learned what the best looks like and they kept that loss in our minds. We’re very excited to get out there and play on a neutral court this year.”While the Raiders are the favorites to advance to the semifinal later this week, Wamego remains laser-focused on today’s matchup and understands that any slip could result in an early end to their run.“Our first goal is to win on Wednesday and we know that we’re in for a battle,” McIntosh said. “We’ve only talked about Labette and our kids are locked in and excited. We know that if we don’t win today we don’t get to see Friday.”Tip-off between the Lady Raiders and Grizzlies is scheduled for 8 pm at the Tony’s Pizza Events Center in Salina, with the winner moving on to face either 21-1 Eudora or 16-6 Clay Center on Friday.For continuing coverage of the Wamego girls basketball team throughout the state tournament, stay tuned to the Little Apple Post.

Lady Raiders tip-off state tournament run with Labette County in quarterfinal

K-STATE PLAYS WEST VIRGINIA AT BIG 12 CHAMPIONSHIP

K-STATE PLAYS WEST VIRGINIA AT BIG 12 CHAMPIONSHIP<ul>
 <li>Kansas State (14-16, 6-12 Big 12) will open play as the No. 8 seed in the 26th annual Phillips 66 Big 12 Championship on Wednesday night at 6 p.m., CT against No. 9 seed West Virginia (15-16, 4-14 Big 12) at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City. The teams split the season series with each winning on their home court. The winner of the lone opening round game will face top-seed Kansas (25-6, 14-4 Big 12) in the quarterfinals on Thursday at 2 p.m., CT.</li><li>K-State enters as the tournament’s No. 8 seed for the seventh time in program history and the first time since 2016. The Wildcats are 37-42 (.468) all-time in the Big Eight/12 Championship, including a 17-24 (.415) mark in the Big 12 era. The school is 2-6 as a No. 8 seed in the Big Eight/12 Championship, while it is 2-1 vs. the No. 9 seed.&nbsp;</li><li>K-State is 0-1 vs. West Virginia at the Big 12 Championship, losing 51-50 in the semifinals on March 10, 2017.</li>
 </ul>

K-State plays West Virginia in the Big 12 Tournament Wednesday

The Wamego Lady Raiders have been playing their best basketball in the final months of the season and have won ten of their last 11 heading into the state tournament this week.

Let's take a look at how Wamego stacks up by the numbers coming into a busy week of state basketball action in Salina.

Wamego Lady Raiders Head Coach: Brian McIntosh (5th) Record: 20-2 4A Ranking: #4 Point Diff: +485 Leading scorer: Paige Donnelly (17.8 ppg)

State seed: 3 First-round matchup: #10 Labette County (18-4) Game info: Wednesday, March 9, 8 pm, Tony's Pizza Events Center Winner plays: #3 Eudora (21-1) or Clay Center (16-6)

Notable wins: - #7 Rock Creek (58-35) - Basehor-Linwood (56-51) - Holton (53-26)

Losses: #3 Eudora, Clay Center Largest blowout win: 59 vs. Atchison (12/10)

Sub-State wins: - 55-34 over Tonganoxie - 53-26 over Holton

For continuing coverage of the Red Raiders state tournament run, stay tuned to the Little Apple Post.

By TYLER HENRY Little Apple Post contributor<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599179528888.png" alt="This state tournament profile is presented by Salina Ortho: Quality orthopedic care when you need it!" />
 <figcaption>This state tournament profile is presented by Salina Ortho: Quality orthopedic care when you need it!</figcaption>
 </figure>The Wamego Lady Raiders have been playing their best basketball in the final months of the season and have won ten of their last 11 heading into the state tournament this week.Let's take a look at how Wamego stacks up by the numbers coming into a busy week of state basketball action in Salina.Wamego Lady Raiders Head Coach: Brian McIntosh (5th) Record: 20-2 4A Ranking: #4 Point Diff: +485 Leading scorer: Paige Donnelly (17.8 ppg)State seed: 3 First-round matchup: #10 Labette County (18-4) Game info: Wednesday, March 9, 8 pm, Tony's Pizza Events Center Winner plays: #3 Eudora (21-1) or Clay Center (16-6)Notable wins: - #7 Rock Creek (58-35) - Basehor-Linwood (56-51) - Holton (53-26) Losses: #3 Eudora, Clay Center Largest blowout win: 59 vs. Atchison (12/10)Sub-State wins: - 55-34 over Tonganoxie - 53-26 over HoltonFor continuing coverage of the Red Raiders state tournament run, stay tuned to the Little Apple Post.

State tournament profile: Wamego girls

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;Just over two months removed from a victory over LSU in the TaxAct Texas Bowl to cap off an 8-5 campaign and with much anticipation for the 2022 season, Kansas State hits the field for its first of 15 spring practices on Tuesday morning.

The Wildcats will practice throughout the month of March and April, which will culminate with the final practice on Saturday, April 16.

K-State returns 47 letterwinners, which includes 16 starters and 10 players that earned All-Big 12 honors a season ago. In addition, the Wildcats also brought in five Division I transfers for spring practice that have combined for 150 total games played and 81 starts.

The Wildcats enter their fourth season under head coach&nbsp;Chris Klieman, who holds an 92-29 career, including a 20-16 mark at K-State. The offensive unit is led by&nbsp;Collin Klein, who is entering his eighth year overall on the K-State staff but is the sole offensive coordinator for the first time in his career.&nbsp;Joe Klanderman&nbsp;enters his third season as the defensive coordinator and fourth year in Manhattan.

<a>Season tickets for the 2022 campaign are on sale now.&nbsp;</a><a>Fans are again offered a variety of choices with options starting at less than $22 per game. All season ticket prices in Bill Snyder Family Stadium remain unchanged for 2022, including $150 view level season tickets and $199 season tickets for young alumni. Full season ticket options can be found at&nbsp;</a><a href="http://www.kstatesports.com/tickets" target="_blank">www.kstatesports.com/tickets</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

K-State opens the 2022 season with three-straight home games, hosting South Dakota on September 3, former Big 12 foe Missouri on September 10 and Tulane on September 17. The schedule also features visits from Big 12 opponents Texas Tech (October 1), Oklahoma State (October 29), Texas (November 5) and Kansas (November 26).

By Ryan LackeyMANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;Just over two months removed from a victory over LSU in the TaxAct Texas Bowl to cap off an 8-5 campaign and with much anticipation for the 2022 season, Kansas State hits the field for its first of 15 spring practices on Tuesday morning.The Wildcats will practice throughout the month of March and April, which will culminate with the final practice on Saturday, April 16.K-State returns 47 letterwinners, which includes 16 starters and 10 players that earned All-Big 12 honors a season ago. In addition, the Wildcats also brought in five Division I transfers for spring practice that have combined for 150 total games played and 81 starts.The Wildcats enter their fourth season under head coach&nbsp;Chris Klieman, who holds an 92-29 career, including a 20-16 mark at K-State. The offensive unit is led by&nbsp;Collin Klein, who is entering his eighth year overall on the K-State staff but is the sole offensive coordinator for the first time in his career.&nbsp;Joe Klanderman&nbsp;enters his third season as the defensive coordinator and fourth year in Manhattan.<a>Season tickets for the 2022 campaign are on sale now.&nbsp;</a><a>Fans are again offered a variety of choices with options starting at less than $22 per game. All season ticket prices in Bill Snyder Family Stadium remain unchanged for 2022, including $150 view level season tickets and $199 season tickets for young alumni. Full season ticket options can be found at&nbsp;</a><a href="http://www.kstatesports.com/tickets" target="_blank">www.kstatesports.com/tickets</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;K-State opens the 2022 season with three-straight home games, hosting South Dakota on September 3, former Big 12 foe Missouri on September 10 and Tulane on September 17. The schedule also features visits from Big 12 opponents Texas Tech (October 1), Oklahoma State (October 29), Texas (November 5) and Kansas (November 26).

Spring football practice begins at K-State on Tuesday

Kansas State will play West Virginia in the opening game of the Phillips 66&nbsp; Big 12 Men's Basketball Championship at 6 p.m. Wednesday. The tournament is being played at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri.

K-State is seeded 8th and West Virginia 9th in the tournament. The winner of their contest will advance to meet top seed Kansas at 2 p.m. Thursday. Other first round games on Thursday include TCU vs. Texas, Baylor against Oklahoma, and Texas Tech will square off against Iowa State. The tournament continues Friday and Saturday.

Kansas State will play West Virginia in the opening game of the Phillips 66&nbsp; Big 12 Men's Basketball Championship at 6 p.m. Wednesday. The tournament is being played at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri.K-State is seeded 8th and West Virginia 9th in the tournament. The winner of their contest will advance to meet top seed Kansas at 2 p.m. Thursday. Other first round games on Thursday include TCU vs. Texas, Baylor against Oklahoma, and Texas Tech will square off against Iowa State. The tournament continues Friday and Saturday.

Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament is set for this week

IRVING, Texas (AP) — Kansas junior guard Ochai Agbaji is the unanimous pick by the Big 12 coaches as the league’s player of the year. Baylor’s Scott Drew was selected by his peers as the Big 12′s top coach for the third season in a row. The reigning national champion Bears shared the Big 12 regular-season title with Kansas. 

Agbaji is the league’s top scorer at 19.8 points per game. Agbaji and Texas Tech forward Bryson Williams were unanimous picks on the All-Big 12 first team. The other first-teamers are guards Izaiah Brockington from Iowa State, James Akinjo from Baylor and Nijel Pack from Kansas State.

IRVING, Texas (AP) — Kansas junior guard Ochai Agbaji is the unanimous pick by the Big 12 coaches as the league’s player of the year. Baylor’s Scott Drew was selected by his peers as the Big 12′s top coach for the third season in a row. The reigning national champion Bears shared the Big 12 regular-season title with Kansas. Agbaji is the league’s top scorer at 19.8 points per game. Agbaji and Texas Tech forward Bryson Williams were unanimous picks on the All-Big 12 first team. The other first-teamers are guards Izaiah Brockington from Iowa State, James Akinjo from Baylor and Nijel Pack from Kansas State.

Big 12 coaches pick all conference team

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Umoja Gibson hit a seven 3-pointers and finished with 29 points on 9-of-14 shooting to help Oklahoma beat Kansas State 78-71 in the regular-season finale for both teams. Tanner Groves added 14 points for Oklahoma. The Sooners have won three straight to keep their NCAA Tournament hopes alive. There were seven ties and nine lead changes before Groves made a layup to give Oklahoma the lead for good amid a 7-0 spurt that made it 52-47 with 12:27 to play. Smith led Kansas State with 22 points and nine rebounds. Mike McGuirl added 21 points, five assists and three steals.

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Umoja Gibson hit a seven 3-pointers and finished with 29 points on 9-of-14 shooting to help Oklahoma beat Kansas State 78-71 in the regular-season finale for both teams. Tanner Groves added 14 points for Oklahoma. The Sooners have won three straight to keep their NCAA Tournament hopes alive. There were seven ties and nine lead changes before Groves made a layup to give Oklahoma the lead for good amid a 7-0 spurt that made it 52-47 with 12:27 to play. Smith led Kansas State with 22 points and nine rebounds. Mike McGuirl added 21 points, five assists and three steals.

Wildcats fall to Oklahoma on Senior Day

St. Thomas Aquinas 60, St. James Academy 51

St. John's Beloit-Tipton 56, Logan/Palco 21

Hutchinson Central Christian 28, Elyria Christian 26

GIRLS PREP BASKETBALL=Sub-State=Championship=Class 5A=East=Sub-State 1=St. Thomas Aquinas 60, St. James Academy 51Sub-State 2=Lansing 43, Mill Valley 33Sub-State 3=Spring Hill 40, Leavenworth 26Sub-State 4=DeSoto 43, Basehor-Linwood 36West=Sub-State 1=Salina Central 63, Hays 33Sub-State 2=Wichita Bishop Carroll 50, Andover 42Sub-State 3=Emporia 48, Kapaun Mount Carmel 30Sub-State 4=Andover Central 52, Topeka Seaman 38Class 3A=Fredonia=Cherryvale 59, Neodesha 53Goodland=Goodland 40, Phillipsburg 33Kingman=Hugoton 49, Cimarron 34Minneapolis=Southeast Saline 37, Riley County 30Nickerson=Nickerson 48, Hesston 37Prairie View=Frontenac 60, Eureka 56Silver Lake=Silver Lake 59, Nemaha Central 54West Franklin=Santa Fe Trail 58, West Franklin 26Class 2A=Dexter=Garden Plain 52, West Elk 28Lyndon=Mission Valley 41, Northern Heights 35Plainville=Smith Center 58, Cheylin 38Remington=Berean Academy 50, Remington 22Republic County=Valley Heights 51, St. Mary’s 37Sublette=Sterling 74, Elkhart 43Uniontown=Pittsburg Colgan 55, Uniontown 27Valley Falls=Jackson Heights 44, Jefferson North 23Class 1A Division 1=Clifton Clyde=Clifton-Clyde 36, Washington County 31Frankfort=Centralia 44, Frankfort 39Jetmore=Hodgeman County 52, Ness City 42Lucas Unified=Osborne 68, Rawlins County 56Olpe=Burlington 44, St. Paul 39South Gray=Spearville 49, South Central 36Udall=Pretty Prairie 38, Norwich 16Class 1A Division 2=Axtell=Hanover 60, Linn 44Beloit=St. John's Beloit-Tipton 56, Logan/Palco 21Caldwell=South Haven 44, Attica 43Central Plains=Central Plains 68, Rural Vista 15Fowler=Bucklin 31, Ashland 28Lebo=Lebo 53, Waverly 33Stafford=Hutchinson Central Christian 28, Elyria Christian 26Wallace County=Golden Plains 46, Wheatland-Grinnell 45

Saturday night high school girls basketball results

BOYS PREP BASKETBALL=Sub-State=Championship=Class 6A=East=Sub-State 1=BV Northwest 63, BV North 57Sub-State 2=Olathe West 73, Lawrence 69Sub-State 3=SM Northwest 59, Blue Valley 42Sub-State 4=Olathe North 56, SM East 47West=Sub-State 1=Lawrence Free State 53, Hutchinson 37Sub-State 2=Wichita Heights 54, Junction City 39Sub-State 3=Dodge City 56, Washburn Rural 49Sub-State 4=Derby 47, Manhattan 27Class 4A=East=Sub-State 1=Eudora 68, Labette County 42Sub-State 2=Bishop Miege 79, Atchison 37Sub-State 3=Paola 51, Tonganoxie 37Sub-State 4=Topeka Hayden 52, Wamego 37West=Sub-State 1=McPherson 60, Pratt 39Sub-State 2=Buhler 44, El Dorado 41Sub-State 3=Andale 62, Rose Hill 52Sub-State 4=Abilene 64, Rock Creek 57, OTClass 3A=Fredonia=Columbus 39, Galena 22Goodland=Hays-TMP-Marian 46, Norton 39Kingman=Hugoton 59, Chaparral 19Minneapolis=Southeast Saline 71, Council Grove 48Nickerson=Hesston 49, Cheney 41Prairie View=Girard 41, Burlington 34Silver Lake=Royal Valley 54, Sabetha 23West Franklin=Osage City 61, Pleasant Ridge 55Class 2A=Dexter=Wichita Independent 51, Sedan 40Lyndon=Lyndon 71, Chase County 54Plainville=Trego 64, Plainville 46Remington=Hillsboro 42, Inman 35Republic County=St. Mary's 64, Wabaunsee 57, OTSublette=Sterling 48, Ellinwood 42Uniontown=Pittsburg Colgan 76, Southeast 48Valley Falls=Valley Falls 53, Atchison County 50Class 1A Division 1=Clyde-Clifton=Solomon 53, Clifton-Clyde 50Frankfort=Troy 58, Cair Paravel 57Jetmore=Ness City 70, Hodgeman County 56Lucas Unified=Osborne 46, Lakeside 41Olpe=Olpe 49, Burlingame 33South Gray=South Gray 36, Meade 31Udall=Norwich 43, Wichita Classical 26Class 1A Division 2=Axtell=Axtell 55, Hanover 35Beloit=Northern Valley 62, Logan/Palco 58Caldwell=Caldwell 45, Attica 44Central Plains=Central Plains 46, Centre 41Fowler=Bucklin 80, Ingalls 47Lebo=Waverly 33, Lebo 22Stafford=Pawnee Heights 43, Stafford 34Wallace County=Greeley County 72, Wheatland-Grinnell 54

Saturday night high school boys basketball results

Manhattan ( 9-13 ) will play Lawrence Free State ( 21-1 ) in the first round of the boys Class 6A&nbsp; State Tournament at 2 p.m. Thursday. The tournament is being played at Koch Arena in Wichita.

Other&nbsp; first round pairings find Blue Valley ( 19-3 ) vs. Shawnee Mission Northwest ( 18-4 ), Wichita Heights ( 20-2 ) vs. Olathe North ( 11-11 ) and Dodge City ( 19-3 ) will play Olathe West ( 14-8 ).&nbsp;

The tournament will continue Friday and Saturday.

Manhattan ( 9-13 ) will play Lawrence Free State ( 21-1 ) in the first round of the boys Class 6A&nbsp; State Tournament at 2 p.m. Thursday. The tournament is being played at Koch Arena in Wichita.Other&nbsp; first round pairings find Blue Valley ( 19-3 ) vs. Shawnee Mission Northwest ( 18-4 ), Wichita Heights ( 20-2 ) vs. Olathe North ( 11-11 ) and Dodge City ( 19-3 ) will play Olathe West ( 14-8 ).&nbsp;The tournament will continue Friday and Saturday.

Manhattan advances to the boys Class 6A State Tournament

It's sub-state championship Saturday and five of our area teams will look to punch one of eight tickets to state in their respective classes throughout the evening.

Here you can find finals and matchup information for the Wamego, Rock Creek, and Riley County boys and girls basketball teams.

The clock struck midnight on the Rock Creek boy's Cinderella run after they took Abilene into an overtime thriller but came up just short 64-57. The Mustangs season comes to an end at 9-13 while the Cowboys are on to the state tournament in Salina next week.

The #9 Wamego boys basketball team was upset by Topeka-Hayden in the sub-state championship game 37-52. The Red Raiders season comes to an end at 14-8 while the Wildcats advance to the state tournament in Salina next week.

The Rock Creek girl's basketball team fell to McPherson in a tragic upset loss in the sub-state final 43-38. The Lady Mustangs conclude an impressive 2021-22 campaign 17-5 while the Bullpups clinch a spot in the state tournament for the 28th time in 31 years.

The Wamego girl's basketball team became the first team in the area to punch their ticket to state with a commanding 53-26 victory over Holton. The Wildcat's season comes to an end at the hands of Wamego for a second straight season as Holton wraps up their 2021-22 campaign 14-8.

Riley County's Cinderella run continued on Friday night with a 39-28 upset of the 2-seed in Smoky Valley. The Vikings finish their season 15-7 while the Falcons move on to the sub-state championship game to face either Southeast of Saline or Beloit on Saturday.

Rock Creek held on to win a last-second nailbiter 61-60, pulling off a shock upset of 5-seeded Concordia. The Panthers will conclude their campaign 14-7 while the Mustangs advance to face Abilene in the sub-state championship game on Saturday.

The #9 Wamego boys basketball team took care of Coffeyville in their sub-state semifinal 58-39. The Golden Tornado season ends at 7-14 while the Red Raiders advance to the sub-state final to take on Holton or Topeka Hayden.

The #4 Wamego girls basketball team collected a big 55-34 win over Tonganoxie to advance to the sub-state final. The Chieftans wrap up their season 6-15 while the Red Raiders will take on Holton on Friday for a trip to state.

The Riley County girls basketball team pulled an upset of Minneapolis with a 42-33 victory on Tuesday. The Lady Lions season comes to an end at 12-8 while the Lady Falcons advance to take on Smoky Valley in the sub-state semis on Friday.

The #7 Rock Creek girls basketball team soundly defeated Buhler in the sub-state semis by a final score of 57-18. The Crusaders wrap up their campaign 4-17 while the Mustangs advance to the sub-state final to take on McPherson for a spot in the state tournament.

The Riley County boys basketball team was defeated by Beloit in the opening round of sub-state 57-42. The Falcons will conclude their season at 5-15 while the Trojans advance to face Council Grove in the semifinals.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599179528888.png" alt="This sub-state roundup is presented by Salina Ortho: Quality orthopedic care when you need it!" />
 <figcaption>This sub-state roundup is presented by Salina Ortho: Quality orthopedic care when you need it!</figcaption>
 </figure>It's sub-state championship Saturday and five of our area teams will look to punch one of eight tickets to state in their respective classes throughout the evening.Here you can find finals and matchup information for the Wamego, Rock Creek, and Riley County boys and girls basketball teams.State Bound #4 Wamego girlsSaturday, March 5thThe clock struck midnight on the Rock Creek boy's Cinderella run after they took Abilene into an overtime thriller but came up just short 64-57. The Mustangs season comes to an end at 9-13 while the Cowboys are on to the state tournament in Salina next week.The #9 Wamego boys basketball team was upset by Topeka-Hayden in the sub-state championship game 37-52. The Red Raiders season comes to an end at 14-8 while the Wildcats advance to the state tournament in Salina next week.Friday, March 4thThe Rock Creek girl's basketball team fell to McPherson in a tragic upset loss in the sub-state final 43-38. The Lady Mustangs conclude an impressive 2021-22 campaign 17-5 while the Bullpups clinch a spot in the state tournament for the 28th time in 31 years.The Wamego girl's basketball team became the first team in the area to punch their ticket to state with a commanding 53-26 victory over Holton. The Wildcat's season comes to an end at the hands of Wamego for a second straight season as Holton wraps up their 2021-22 campaign 14-8.Riley County's Cinderella run continued on Friday night with a 39-28 upset of the 2-seed in Smoky Valley. The Vikings finish their season 15-7 while the Falcons move on to the sub-state championship game to face either Southeast of Saline or Beloit on Saturday.Wednesday, March 2ndRock Creek held on to win a last-second nailbiter 61-60, pulling off a shock upset of 5-seeded Concordia. The Panthers will conclude their campaign 14-7 while the Mustangs advance to face Abilene in the sub-state championship game on Saturday.The #9 Wamego boys basketball team took care of Coffeyville in their sub-state semifinal 58-39. The Golden Tornado season ends at 7-14 while the Red Raiders advance to the sub-state final to take on Holton or Topeka Hayden.Tuesday, March 1stThe #4 Wamego girls basketball team collected a big 55-34 win over Tonganoxie to advance to the sub-state final. The Chieftans wrap up their season 6-15 while the Red Raiders will take on Holton on Friday for a trip to state.The Riley County girls basketball team pulled an upset of Minneapolis with a 42-33 victory on Tuesday. The Lady Lions season comes to an end at 12-8 while the Lady Falcons advance to take on Smoky Valley in the sub-state semis on Friday.The #7 Rock Creek girls basketball team soundly defeated Buhler in the sub-state semis by a final score of 57-18. The Crusaders wrap up their campaign 4-17 while the Mustangs advance to the sub-state final to take on McPherson for a spot in the state tournament.Monday, February 28th&nbsp;The Riley County boys basketball team was defeated by Beloit in the opening round of sub-state 57-42. The Falcons will conclude their season at 5-15 while the Trojans advance to face Council Grove in the semifinals.

Area hoops sub-state round up 

The Abilene and Rock Creek boys basketball teams will meet in the 4A sub-state championship game on Saturday to wrap up a wild 2022 sub-state tournament.

These teams took different routes to get here with the Cowboys defeating Augusta soundly in the semifinal 53-31 while the Mustangs pulled out a shocking upset of Concordia 61-60.

“We battled well for the boards inside which had been a focus for us,” Rock Creek head coach Jim Johnston said. “I was really pleased with how we went after loose balls and defensively we stuck to our gameplan of doubling Concordia’s bigs and recovering on our rotations.”

Rock Creek will have their work cut out for them against an Abilene team that pounded the Mustangs 68-27 back in December.

“It was our press that worked for us that night,” Cowboy head coach Erik Graefe said. “Early on it was a close game but we got some steals and hit some threes and the wheels kind of came off for Rock Creek.”

The Mustangs have worked with an incredibly young roster this season, and the rendition of the team that will play tonight is nothing like the one that lost by 41 to Abilene earlier this season.

“We’ve grown a lot and we’ve cut down on our turnovers,” Johnston said. “When something bad happens we go to the next play instead of hanging our heads. Offensively we know where our shots are coming from and we’re moving the ball a lot better and defensively we’re moving much more quickly.”

That growth has been recognized by Abilene as well, who are expecting a much tougher fight against a battle-hardened Mustang team.

“Rock Creek is playing fearlessly,” Graefe said. “they trust each other, spread it well, and take their shots with confidence. Coach Johnston is the man, I can’t say enough good things about what he’s done and I knew we were lucky to play them early because they didn’t have a lot of experience and we knew they’d be formidable by the end of the season.”

For the Mustangs, slowing down Kaleb Becker will be a huge key in this game. The Senior star has given opposing defenses fits this season and was critical in Abilene’s earlier win over Rock Creek this year.

“Becker is a very good player and he’s long and athletic,” Johnston said. “We have to control him and we have to know where their shooters are and make sure we get back on defense. We’ll have to make their shooters put it on the floor and we’ll have to help in the paint.”

As for Abilene, the Cowboys hope they can continue to find buckets in transition, pressuring Rock Creek again in front of a big home crowd.

“It means everything to play this game on our home floor,” Graefe said. “Our band is incredible and our guys thrive on the atmosphere and tradition inside that building. We play up-tempo and with a lot of pressure and that home crowd is invaluable in that.”

Tip-off between Abilene and Rock Creek is set for 6 pm this evening at Abilene High School.

For continuing coverage of both teams at sub-state and beyond stay tuned to the Salina and Little Apple Post.

By TYLER HENRY Little Apple Post contributorThe Abilene and Rock Creek boys basketball teams will meet in the 4A sub-state championship game on Saturday to wrap up a wild 2022 sub-state tournament.These teams took different routes to get here with the Cowboys defeating Augusta soundly in the semifinal 53-31 while the Mustangs pulled out a shocking upset of Concordia 61-60.“We battled well for the boards inside which had been a focus for us,” Rock Creek head coach Jim Johnston said. “I was really pleased with how we went after loose balls and defensively we stuck to our gameplan of doubling Concordia’s bigs and recovering on our rotations.”Rock Creek will have their work cut out for them against an Abilene team that pounded the Mustangs 68-27 back in December.“It was our press that worked for us that night,” Cowboy head coach Erik Graefe said. “Early on it was a close game but we got some steals and hit some threes and the wheels kind of came off for Rock Creek.”The Mustangs have worked with an incredibly young roster this season, and the rendition of the team that will play tonight is nothing like the one that lost by 41 to Abilene earlier this season.“We’ve grown a lot and we’ve cut down on our turnovers,” Johnston said. “When something bad happens we go to the next play instead of hanging our heads. Offensively we know where our shots are coming from and we’re moving the ball a lot better and defensively we’re moving much more quickly.”That growth has been recognized by Abilene as well, who are expecting a much tougher fight against a battle-hardened Mustang team.“Rock Creek is playing fearlessly,” Graefe said. “they trust each other, spread it well, and take their shots with confidence. Coach Johnston is the man, I can’t say enough good things about what he’s done and I knew we were lucky to play them early because they didn’t have a lot of experience and we knew they’d be formidable by the end of the season.”For the Mustangs, slowing down Kaleb Becker will be a huge key in this game. The Senior star has given opposing defenses fits this season and was critical in Abilene’s earlier win over Rock Creek this year. “Becker is a very good player and he’s long and athletic,” Johnston said. “We have to control him and we have to know where their shooters are and make sure we get back on defense. We’ll have to make their shooters put it on the floor and we’ll have to help in the paint.”As for Abilene, the Cowboys hope they can continue to find buckets in transition, pressuring Rock Creek again in front of a big home crowd.“It means everything to play this game on our home floor,” Graefe said. “Our band is incredible and our guys thrive on the atmosphere and tradition inside that building. We play up-tempo and with a lot of pressure and that home crowd is invaluable in that.”Tip-off between Abilene and Rock Creek is set for 6 pm this evening at Abilene High School.For continuing coverage of both teams at sub-state and beyond stay tuned to the Salina and Little Apple Post.

Mustangs seeking revenge over Abilene in sub-state championship

The Southeast of Saline and Riley County girls basketball teams will meet in the sub-state championship game on Saturday with a ticket to the state tournament in Hutch next week on the line.

These two teams have taken drastically different routes to get here, with the #7 ranked Lady Trojans entering as the 1-seed at 19-3 while the Lady Falcons look for a third-straight upset at 10-10.

Southeast wrapped up a 39-28 come from behind victory over Beloit in their semifinal matchup, defeating the Trojans for a third straight time this season.

“We weren’t making baskets early and we weren’t taking shots or attacking the rim but eventually we wore them down,” SES head coach Shauna Smith said. “That pressure is what we’ve hung our hats on this year.”

For Riley County, upset wins over Minneapolis and Smoky Valley have given the team droves of momentum and confidence ahead of Saturday’s championship game.

“We were confident in our girls that if they executed the game plan we would be in a position to win,” Falcon head coach Kelsey Nelson said. “They came out in both of these games and executed to perfection, staying within themselves and controlling the game from start to finish.”

While Riley County may have entered the bracket as the 7-seed, teams like Southeast of Saline know better than to treat them like others in the Falcon’s position.

“We’re not surprised to see Riley County here,” Smith said. “At one point they could have been our first-round matchup and we didn’t want that. They play in a tough league and they’re a really tough team as a result.”

While the Falcons have looked good in their first two matchups, Riley County will have to amp up the intensity if they want to unseat a Lady Trojan team that rides a 12-game win streak into this game.

“SES is a better team than what we faced in the first two games,” Nelson said. “They are sound in what they do and very well-coached and you can see that reflected on the court.

This game will show off a contrast in styles of play, with Southeast of Saline wanting to use their pressure to work in transition, and Riley County remaining patient and jumping on mistakes.

“They’re going to make us work hard on defense,” Smith said. “They run offensive sets until they get a good look and they’ll get easy layups if you make any mistakes.”

For the Falcons, controlling the tempo will be paramount against a Trojan team that has made big runs in most of their games this season.

“Offensively we'll need to be able to handle their full-court pressure and have to attack when the opportunity presents itself,” Nelson said. “Early in the game, we'll have to get our girls into their plays and allow them to get comfortable while looking for good shot opportunities.”

A lot rides on this game for both programs, the last time SES clinched a spot in the state tournament was in 2016, just a season before the last Riley County run in 2017.

“I would be very proud of these girls if they were able to make it state, some of them have been waiting for their opportunity to play for four years due to the good classes ahead of them,” Nelson said. “If these girls are able to get over that hump and make it to state it would be great for our team, our school, and our community.”

Riley County will look to avoid falling in the sub-state final for a third consecutive year while the Lady Trojans will look to take the next step after falling short last season without a single senior on the roster.

By TYLER HENRY Little Apple Post contributorThe Southeast of Saline and Riley County girls basketball teams will meet in the sub-state championship game on Saturday with a ticket to the state tournament in Hutch next week on the line.These two teams have taken drastically different routes to get here, with the #7 ranked Lady Trojans entering as the 1-seed at 19-3 while the Lady Falcons look for a third-straight upset at 10-10.Southeast wrapped up a 39-28 come from behind victory over Beloit in their semifinal matchup, defeating the Trojans for a third straight time this season.“We weren’t making baskets early and we weren’t taking shots or attacking the rim but eventually we wore them down,” SES head coach Shauna Smith said. “That pressure is what we’ve hung our hats on this year.”For Riley County, upset wins over Minneapolis and Smoky Valley have given the team droves of momentum and confidence ahead of Saturday’s championship game.“We were confident in our girls that if they executed the game plan we would be in a position to win,” Falcon head coach Kelsey Nelson said. “They came out in both of these games and executed to perfection, staying within themselves and controlling the game from start to finish.”While Riley County may have entered the bracket as the 7-seed, teams like Southeast of Saline know better than to treat them like others in the Falcon’s position.“We’re not surprised to see Riley County here,” Smith said. “At one point they could have been our first-round matchup and we didn’t want that. They play in a tough league and they’re a really tough team as a result.”While the Falcons have looked good in their first two matchups, Riley County will have to amp up the intensity if they want to unseat a Lady Trojan team that rides a 12-game win streak into this game.“SES is a better team than what we faced in the first two games,” Nelson said. “They are sound in what they do and very well-coached and you can see that reflected on the court.This game will show off a contrast in styles of play, with Southeast of Saline wanting to use their pressure to work in transition, and Riley County remaining patient and jumping on mistakes.“They’re going to make us work hard on defense,” Smith said. “They run offensive sets until they get a good look and they’ll get easy layups if you make any mistakes.”For the Falcons, controlling the tempo will be paramount against a Trojan team that has made big runs in most of their games this season.“Offensively we'll need to be able to handle their full-court pressure and have to attack when the opportunity presents itself,” Nelson said. “Early in the game, we'll have to get our girls into their plays and allow them to get comfortable while looking for good shot opportunities.”A lot rides on this game for both programs, the last time SES clinched a spot in the state tournament was in 2016, just a season before the last Riley County run in 2017.“I would be very proud of these girls if they were able to make it state, some of them have been waiting for their opportunity to play for four years due to the good classes ahead of them,” Nelson said. “If these girls are able to get over that hump and make it to state it would be great for our team, our school, and our community.”Riley County will look to avoid falling in the sub-state final for a third consecutive year while the Lady Trojans will look to take the next step after falling short last season without a single senior on the roster.“We’ve been talking about this since last March ever since we lost to Hesston,” Smith said. “These senior girls have worked their tails off and they deserve this, we have a fun group and we’ve talked about taking the next step all season.”Tip-off between the Lady Trojans and Falcons is set for 7 pm at Minneapolis High School, with the winner moving on to Hutch next week to compete for a state title.Tonight’s game can be heard on KINA (910 AM or 107.5 FM) or streamed live on the Salina Post courtesy of Bennington State Bank.For continuing coverage of both teams at sub-state, stay tuned to the Salina Post.

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