MANHATTAN, Kan. –&nbsp;Kansas State men’s basketball players&nbsp;Markquis Nowell&nbsp;and&nbsp;Ismael (Ish) Massoud&nbsp;met with the media on Friday afternoon (May 13) to discuss the transition to new head coach&nbsp;Jerome Tang&nbsp;and his coaching staff, spring workouts with just two players and a look ahead to the 2022-23 season.

Nowell is coming off a stellar season in 2021-22, in which, the transfer earned All-Big 12 Honorable Mention and Big 12 All-Defensive Team honors after placing in the league’s top-15 in scoring (12th/12.4 ppg.) and top-5 in assists (2nd/5.0 apg.), steals (1st/2.2 spg.) and assist-to-turnover ratio (2nd/1.97). In addition to leading the Wildcats in assists and steals, he was second in 3-point field goals (43) and free throws (68) and third in scoring, double-digit scoring games (19) and 20-point games (3). He also posted three double-doubles (points/assists), which are the most such double-doubles in school history for both a career and a single season.

Massoud was one of just two Wildcats to see action in all 31 games in 2021-22, starting 18. He had a strong ending to the season, averaging 10.7 points on 45.5 percent (10-of-22) shooting and 4.0 rebounds per game in the last 3 games, including 13 points vs. West Virginia in the Big 12 Championship. He scored in double figures in 11 games, including 5 times in Big 12 play, with a season-high 17 points vs. Green Bay on Dec. 12. For the season, he averaged 6.8 points on 36.3 percent (70-of-193) shooting, including 33.3 percent (36-of-108) from 3-point range, to go with 2.8 rebounds and 0.7 steals in 24.3 minutes per game.

Nowell and Massoud completed semester exams on Friday (May 13) and will now have a few weeks off before the summer session begins on Monday, June 6.

MARKQUIS NOWELL, RISING SENIOR GUARD

On the strangeness of spring workouts with just two players...

“We still found ways to get better. All you need is a coaching staff, and you&nbsp;are still getting better each and every day. It doesn't matter how many people are here, we still stick (to the same routine) until you know our normal routine. We are just playing the waiting game and eventually we'll have enough pieces to where we can do some team activities, but the grind doesn’t stop. We’re still working, still doing everything that we need to do.”

On his involvement with recruiting….

“This is actually my choice. I wanted to be involved in recruitment (process) because I wanted to play along guys that I can trust, who could trust me right away, so it's been a fun process. It's been a good process. We got a couple of guys out of the portal like me and Ish, along some high school guys. It's been fun to get to know other players and how they think. It has been fun just being a part of how we build the process.”

On what it has been like to go from where you were a year ago to this year…

“It has been a fun challenge. But you know, my vision is not what God's vision is. So, whatever He wants to happen will happen. And that's how I live my day on a daily basis. Whatever I expected coming into this year, He didn't have planned for me, so it's going to eventually work itself out. We'll have the guys that we need to win. I trust Coach Tang and I trust everybody on the coaching staff, so you know, I have high hopes.”

On what the last few months have been like with Coach Tang…

“It's been a lot of fun. We've got a group of coaches who are genuine and hard working. They are probably one of the hardest working coaching staffs that I've been around. And, you know, they just made me feel at home. Nothing really changed for me. We just continue to keep working, continuing to keep helping each other to build this program back up. It's been a fun journey. It hasn't been devastating or depressing. It's been it's been a fun one.”

On what he has learned so far from Coach Tang…

“He has a winning mindset. The first couple of days I picked up a couple of his quotes but his mindset to certain things is just remarkable. I remember we were in the weight room working out and he came in and told us when we break the huddle instead of saying ‘1-2-3’ we are going to say ‘3-2-1’. I was thinking why is he saying that? He was like because we were never going be number three in anything, we want to be number one in everything we do and that really stuck with me. I'm like this guy really wants to win.”

On what a typical day has been of late…

“It's been finals week. It's been crazy. I got all my finals done (today). But now I can just wake up, come in, talk to the coaches see what they're doing, workout, go do some weight training and do treatment. I will stick to that routine each and every day from now on.”

On seeing nine teammates enter the transfer portal…

“I kind of expected it (with the coaching transition). It wasn't much of a reaction. It was more of how we can move forward. I knew I was going to stay. And I knew Ish was going to stay. So, I knew we had to do everything in our power to focus on what's in front of us. And that was only reaction.”

On where Coach Tang wants to see improvement from him next season…

“He just preaches consistency, winning the day, winning each and every drill, just continue to keep being me. And that's what I love about him the most because he preaches to be you and wherever you are, to be you and win the day. And over a long span of time, then you'll see the results.”

On what his role is during official visits…

“There is no specific role (with the recruits). We just go out to eat with them and have fun. We talk about certain experiences we share. We take them to the gym to workout and just be around them, show them love. Show them as much love as we can and make them feel at home. We don't try to convince anybody. But we just try to be ourselves and let them know what they can expect if they come here.”

On what you have found from the interactions with the incoming recruits…

“I noticed that everybody that has committed have the same mindset as me and that is to get better each and every day and that's a huge part of what this team is trying to rebuild and do. You know, we got guys like Cam Carter, who sat out much of the season last year and he just wants to come in and work. Jerrell Colbert, the same thing he sat out and wants to come in and work. All these guys just want to come in and get better. Leaders need to set their egos aside and just work and that's a huge part of where we need to be right now.”

On memorable quotes from Coach Tang so far…

“I can’t think of one at the moment. But has been a lot. He has a lot of gems. He has a lot of quotes. He is just a very good person.”

On comparing the pressure of finals week to the pressure of the last minute on the basketball floor…

“Finals week is tough. You want to make sure you do everything you can, just like you do at the end of a game. But I’m in a good position. I had a couple of papers to write and a couple of tests, but I’m glad that I’m done (for the semester) and now I can just focus on basketball.”

“Just getting some players here. That's probably priority number one and then just focusing on my health and adding little things to my game. Just trying to get better each and every day. As much as I can appreciate it.”

On the difference between Coach Weber and Coach Tang…

“That’s a hard one to answer. Obviously, I haven’t been around Coach Tang that long. But they’re very similar. They both want to win; they want to represent K-State Basketball in a first-class way and have a strong culture. I can’t imagine coaches that work as hard as they do. They both are very good people, and they want to help you outside of basketball and want to help others in the K-State community. I can’t find much of a difference.”

On what it means to be one of the pieces Coach Tang is building around…

“They would have had to do a lot to take me off this team. Because I was trying to stay. I know he was evaluating the team and trying to see who wanted to stay here. So, I’m honored that he wanted me to be a part of rebuilding this team. And I’m happy that he wanted Ish to stay as well because we are a tremendous combo. It’s been a crazy journey so far. I just have to keep working and getting better.”

On Nijel Pack deciding to transfer…

“I kind of knew is up in the air. I didn't know if he would stay or if he would leave. But once he entered the transfer portal, I knew he was not coming back. I knew he wanted to see other options. I'm super, super proud of him. And the decision he made, there is no love lost between me and him or between anybody that's on his team (that decided to transfer). At the end of the day, it was a business decision. You got to look at it that way. And you know, he's happy, we're happy. All we got to do is keep moving forward.”

On his relationship with the rest of the coaching staff…

“The coaching staff is just great. They are a bunch of masterminds that know basketball. Coach (Kevin) Sutton), we call him Mr. Miyagi because he is a very, very good trainer who knows what he is doing. Coach Jareem (Dowling), he knows what he is doing. He really knows how to recruit. Coach (Marco) Borne. I could go down the list, they are a bunch of great coaches. From top to bottom, they have all added value in their own way. So, I really liked them. I really enjoyed it. I’m really excited for the year. I think it’s going to be great.”

On if there is one signee you most excited to play with…

“I like all the guys, but I would say I’m excited to play with Nae’Qwan (Tomlin) because we come from similar backgrounds. We are both from New York. He really plays with that passion and joy and love for the game.”

ISH MASSOUD, RISING JUNIOR FORWARD

On his first impressions of Coach Tang…

“Like they say, your first impression is what’s really important and Coach had a strong first impression. From the moment he got here, he spoke to me about what we’re going to try and do as a program. He and the staff have done nothing but show us love and tell us how much they value us. I appreciate what he’s been trying to do with K-State basketball.”

On what the strangest thing about only having two guys around the complex every day…

“The gym has been a little emptier than has been (in the past). But Markquis and I are always in the gym. So, we are used to being in there by ourselves. I wouldn’t say it's strange. There's just not that many people to talk to other than ourselves.”

On being one of only two players with a new coaching staff…

“If anyone's familiar with my situation, my college career so far, you know that this is nothing new to me. I have been through this situation before (at Wake Forest). So myself, I try to evaluate what I can do to make the most challenging situation I'm given. I feel I'm optimistic about what the future holds especially because Markquis decided to stay as well. That's my brother. I’m pretty confident in my abilities as well as Markquis and I know what we are trying to do next year. I have faith in the coaches, so I’m optimistic (about the future).”

“It means a lot especially of where Coach came from and the pedigree in terms of the players he's coached. And obviously the program he's been a part of, so he's not just keeping us to be nice. It’s the reason Markquis and I wanted to stay because we will be better off here. It just shows that he sees something in both of us.”

On his relationship with Markquis Nowell…

“Markquis and I have a crazy relationship. It's almost like every other day where we find old pictures or videos, a person on the same course. So, we have a long history already and are pretty close. Every day, it is just he and I and the coaching staff, so that bond has only grown tighter.”

On if he has any fun Coach Tang stories yet…

“Not sure if it’s a funny story, but I kept seeing this car up at the training facility and I’m like ‘whose BMW is that?’ because that car is fire. (laughter). Then I found out that it was Coach’s. It was one of the things he bought for himself when he got the job. And I’m like that car is fire.”

On what he has been able to accomplish this spring with just two players…

“In a way it has been a big benefit for me because the coaches can focus their attention on just me and Markquis other than just recruiting new players. So, it has been big for our development. We can get better and learn to do better for next season. That’s something I really appreciate and value because it’s just more reps for me and more reps for Markquis.”

On if he and Markquis have found a way to scrimmage…

“I think we played one time when people were still on the roster. But since then, I’ve just been working on my game, trying to kill the gym three, four time

Nowell, Massoud Discuss New Coaching Staff, Look Forward to 2022-23 Season

By TYLER HENRY Little Apple Post contributor

After falling behind Omaha for a second time this season the Salina Liberty once again battled back but this time, came up just short in the fourth quarter falling to the Beef 14-11.

Salina falls to 4-3 on the season, dropping to fifth place in the CIF standings while the Beef move up to third at 5-3.

As expected both defenses came to play combining to allow fewer than 300 yards of total offense with each team finding the end zone just once throughout the contest.

Omaha would get their lone touchdown first as Deshawn Jones punched in a three-yard score on the ground to put the Beef on top 6-0 early in the first quarter.

Each team had more opportunities to strike but Andrew Jackson and Vincent Espinoza traded picks at the tail end of the first to keep any potential points off the board.

From there, the two teams traded just a field goal apiece and went to the locker room with Omaha ahead 9-3.

Out of the break, the defensive dominance continued as the two once again traded interceptions to start the half.

The Beef were able to scrap together two field goals and a safety in the second half to take a critical two-possession lead into the back end of the fourth quarter.

Salina would finally find paydirt as Espinoza connected with Anthony Love in the red zone and a two-point conversion made it 14-11 in the final minute, but it proved to be too little too late.

The Liberty will be back in action on Saturday, May 21 when they travel to Sioux City for a revenge game against the Bandits.

By TYLER HENRY Little Apple Post contributor<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617387097958.png" alt="Coverage of Salina Liberty football is presented by Ryan Roofing" />
 <figcaption>Coverage of Salina Liberty football is presented by Ryan Roofing</figcaption>
 </figure>After falling behind Omaha for a second time this season the Salina Liberty once again battled back but this time, came up just short in the fourth quarter falling to the Beef 14-11.Salina falls to 4-3 on the season, dropping to fifth place in the CIF standings while the Beef move up to third at 5-3.As expected both defenses came to play combining to allow fewer than 300 yards of total offense with each team finding the end zone just once throughout the contest.Omaha would get their lone touchdown first as Deshawn Jones punched in a three-yard score on the ground to put the Beef on top 6-0 early in the first quarter.Each team had more opportunities to strike but Andrew Jackson and Vincent Espinoza traded picks at the tail end of the first to keep any potential points off the board.From there, the two teams traded just a field goal apiece and went to the locker room with Omaha ahead 9-3.Out of the break, the defensive dominance continued as the two once again traded interceptions to start the half.The Beef were able to scrap together two field goals and a safety in the second half to take a critical two-possession lead into the back end of the fourth quarter.Salina would finally find paydirt as Espinoza connected with Anthony Love in the red zone and a two-point conversion made it 14-11 in the final minute, but it proved to be too little too late.The Liberty will be back in action on Saturday, May 21 when they travel to Sioux City for a revenge game against the Bandits.

Liberty drop defensive duel with Omaha

Manhattan ( 17-3 ) drew the top seed in their 6A regional boys baseball tournament. The Indians will host the regional on Wednesday, and will meet Wichita Southeast ( 2-18 ) in a first round game. The other half of the bracket finds Wichita Heights ( 12-8 ) meeting Wichita Northwest ( 10-10 ). The championship game will also be Wednesday.

In softball Manhattan ( 14-6 ) will play Hutchinson ( 8-12 ) and Derby ( 17-3 ) will host Wichita Southeast ( 6-14 ) on Thursday in Derby. The championship game will also be played on Thursday.

Manhattan ( 17-3 ) drew the top seed in their 6A regional boys baseball tournament. The Indians will host the regional on Wednesday, and will meet Wichita Southeast ( 2-18 ) in a first round game. The other half of the bracket finds Wichita Heights ( 12-8 ) meeting Wichita Northwest ( 10-10 ). The championship game will also be Wednesday.In softball Manhattan ( 14-6 ) will play Hutchinson ( 8-12 ) and Derby ( 17-3 ) will host Wichita Southeast ( 6-14 ) on Thursday in Derby. The championship game will also be played on Thursday.

KSHSAA releases baseball and softball regional pairings

With just four games to play in the regular season, the 4-2 Salina Liberty will begin a long road stretch with a Saturday evening showdown against the Omaha Beef.

Salina took the first meeting between the two back in March as the team pulled out a fourth-quarter comeback to defeat the reigning champs 36-31.

“Most of these games come down to who makes more plays in the fourth quarter and in the first meeting with Omaha we got the big play when it mattered most to win it,” Salina Head Coach Heron O’Neal said.

The Liberty have been heating up at the right time, handing the Billings Outlaws their second loss of the season last week to advance to 4-2, vaulting themselves into third place in the CIF in the process.

“That was a great win in front of a great crowd,” O’Neal said. “Our defense and special teams played phenomenally and our offense woke up in the fourth quarter. It was great but we’re on to Omaha now.”

This iteration of the Beef will look much different from the one Salina faced in week two, and may look a lot more like the team they fell to in last year's CIF Championship game.

“Omaha got some big pieces back from last year’s team that they didn’t have on the roster the first time we played them,” he said. “This game will be a little bit different and we’ll have to make some adjustments.” The Liberty will have a few new faces to throw at Omaha themselves as rookie quarterback Vincent Espinoza prepares to make his third-ever CIF start hoping to remain undefeated in his Liberty career.

While Salina has won both games with Espinoza under center, ball protection and downfield vision will be paramount in a high-stakes game like this.

“We haven’t protected the football well in these last few games and we have to cut down on our turnovers and make better decisions,” O’Neal said. “With that being said we have to be willing to take our shots, we’ve left a lot of points on the board these last few weeks.”

On the other side the Liberty defense, which ranks best in the league allowing just 28 points per game, will once again be tasked with slowing quarterback Andrew Jackson. Jackson sits atop the league averaging 173 passing yards per game with a top-two touchdown tally of 22 this season.

“It all starts with finding ways to contain Jackson,” he said. “He was the offensive player of the year last year for a reason and we’ll have to play mistake play football while remaining aggressive on him.”

While Salina’s playoff hopes should be in good shape, the team remains laser-focused on taking things one game at a time and will have plenty of motivation to try and sweep the Beef in front of a rowdy Omaha crowd on Saturday.

Kickoff between the Liberty and Beef is set for 7:05 PM in Omaha and as always the game can be heard on KINA (910 AM or 107.5 FM) courtesy of Eagle Radio.

By TYLER HENRY Little Apple Post contributor<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617409785202.png" alt="Coverage of Liberty football is presented by Ryan Roofing" />
 <figcaption>Coverage of Liberty football is presented by Ryan Roofing</figcaption>
 </figure>With just four games to play in the regular season, the 4-2 Salina Liberty will begin a long road stretch with a Saturday evening showdown against the Omaha Beef.Salina took the first meeting between the two back in March as the team pulled out a fourth-quarter comeback to defeat the reigning champs 36-31.“Most of these games come down to who makes more plays in the fourth quarter and in the first meeting with Omaha we got the big play when it mattered most to win it,” Salina Head Coach Heron O’Neal said.The Liberty have been heating up at the right time, handing the Billings Outlaws their second loss of the season last week to advance to 4-2, vaulting themselves into third place in the CIF in the process.“That was a great win in front of a great crowd,” O’Neal said. “Our defense and special teams played phenomenally and our offense woke up in the fourth quarter. It was great but we’re on to Omaha now.”This iteration of the Beef will look much different from the one Salina faced in week two, and may look a lot more like the team they fell to in last year's CIF Championship game.“Omaha got some big pieces back from last year’s team that they didn’t have on the roster the first time we played them,” he said. “This game will be a little bit different and we’ll have to make some adjustments.” The Liberty will have a few new faces to throw at Omaha themselves as rookie quarterback Vincent Espinoza prepares to make his third-ever CIF start hoping to remain undefeated in his Liberty career.While Salina has won both games with Espinoza under center, ball protection and downfield vision will be paramount in a high-stakes game like this.“We haven’t protected the football well in these last few games and we have to cut down on our turnovers and make better decisions,” O’Neal said. “With that being said we have to be willing to take our shots, we’ve left a lot of points on the board these last few weeks.”On the other side the Liberty defense, which ranks best in the league allowing just 28 points per game, will once again be tasked with slowing quarterback Andrew Jackson. Jackson sits atop the league averaging 173 passing yards per game with a top-two touchdown tally of 22 this season.“It all starts with finding ways to contain Jackson,” he said. “He was the offensive player of the year last year for a reason and we’ll have to play mistake play football while remaining aggressive on him.”While Salina’s playoff hopes should be in good shape, the team remains laser-focused on taking things one game at a time and will have plenty of motivation to try and sweep the Beef in front of a rowdy Omaha crowd on Saturday.Kickoff between the Liberty and Beef is set for 7:05 PM in Omaha and as always the game can be heard on KINA (910 AM or 107.5 FM) courtesy of Eagle Radio.

Fresh faces headline rematch between Liberty and Beef

DENVER (AP) — Andrew Benintendi hit a two-run homer and an RBI triple, Hunter Dozier had his first career five-hit game and the Kansas City Royals broke out of their offensive funk in a 14-10 victory over the bumbling Colorado Rockies. Ryan O’Hearn also homered, Michael A. Taylor had three hits and drove in two, and Bobby Witt Jr. delivered a two-run triple for the Royals, who entered the night with the second fewest runs in the majors. Brendan Rodgers hit a two-run homer, doubled twice and drove in four, and Sam Hilliard homered for the Rockies in their fifth straight loss.

DENVER (AP) — Andrew Benintendi hit a two-run homer and an RBI triple, Hunter Dozier had his first career five-hit game and the Kansas City Royals broke out of their offensive funk in a 14-10 victory over the bumbling Colorado Rockies. Ryan O’Hearn also homered, Michael A. Taylor had three hits and drove in two, and Bobby Witt Jr. delivered a two-run triple for the Royals, who entered the night with the second fewest runs in the majors. Brendan Rodgers hit a two-run homer, doubled twice and drove in four, and Sam Hilliard homered for the Rockies in their fifth straight loss.

Royals break out the offense

Despite a 2-2 start, several early-season suspensions, and the loss of both reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year Tyrie Adams and MVP Tracy Brooks, the Salina Liberty look like strong contenders again as the team heads into the final four games of their season.

When at full strength, the Liberty are a perfect 4-0 with big wins over two title rivals in Omaha and Billings, sitting in a tie for third going into the final month of the season at 4-2.

“We’ve faced a lot of adversity this year, some self-inflicted and some not, but I’ve been really proud of our guys for how they’ve handled that adversity,” Salina HC Heron O’Neal said. “We’ve shown a lot of resolve and that all starts with our ownership group, our coaching staff, and our players who have stepped up when we’ve needed them.”

The Liberty returned a ton of talent from last year’s 9-1 squad, and that veteran leadership has been an anchor for the team throughout some of this year's storms.

“It’s definitely crucial to have people like K-Hop and Travis Taylor to anchor your defense and to have guys like Kelvin McCoy on offense,” O’Neal said. “Those are the guys that understand the way we do things and they’ve helped some of the younger guys to add their own leadership to this team.”

Among the newcomers on offense, Salina has gotten a big boost from Aleki Tapa on the O-Line, as well as Tre Griffin and Tristan Gould who stepped up big in Tracy Brooks’ absence.

“Our running backs outside of Tracy didn’t come in with a lot of hype but Tre has been top two in the league in every big stat category and Tristan has given us that power run game and has been big on special teams,” he said.

Salina also had to fill a hole left by quarterback Tyrie Adams, who signed a CFL contract with the Ottowa Redblacks, becoming the third member of the Liberty and the 64th player in the 17-year career of Heron O’Neal to sign at the next level.

“I’m so happy for Tyrie,” O’Neal said. “This is one of the biggest reasons I’m here. My philosophy is to win games but it’s also to get these kids opportunities to play at the next level. This is part of the Salina Liberty way.”

In Adams’ stead, Salina has turned to rookie QB Vincent Espinoza who has looked sharp in his first two CIF starts, helping lead the team to two wins to begin his Liberty career.

While the offense has gotten the job done this season, it has once again been the defense that the Liberty hang their hat on as Salina boasts one of the most formidable groups in the league.

The Liberty allow the fewest points per game in the CIF (28) and are top three in the league in interceptions, fumbles recovered, sacks, and yards allowed both on the ground and through the air.

Much of that success can be attributed to the aforementioned leadership of Kendrick Harper and Travis Taylor, but the team has also gotten big production from Tron Folsom and Dewayne Autrey as the Salina secondary has tallied twelve picks already.

This year's playoff format will see the top six teams in the CIF make the postseason with the top two earning byes.

Going into the final four games Sioux City leads the way at 6-0 followed by 5-2 Southwest Kansas, 4-2 Salina and Billings, and 4-3 Omaha.

The Liberty will face a road gauntlet down the stretch with trips to Omaha on the 14th, Sioux City on the 21st, and SW Kansas on June 4th with one final home game coming against Topeka on May 28th.

By TYLER HENRY Little Apple Post contributor<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617387097958.png" alt="Coverage of Salina Liberty football is presented by Ryan Roofing" />
 <figcaption>Coverage of Salina Liberty football is presented by Ryan Roofing</figcaption>
 </figure>Despite a 2-2 start, several early-season suspensions, and the loss of both reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year Tyrie Adams and MVP Tracy Brooks, the Salina Liberty look like strong contenders again as the team heads into the final four games of their season.When at full strength, the Liberty are a perfect 4-0 with big wins over two title rivals in Omaha and Billings, sitting in a tie for third going into the final month of the season at 4-2.“We’ve faced a lot of adversity this year, some self-inflicted and some not, but I’ve been really proud of our guys for how they’ve handled that adversity,” Salina HC Heron O’Neal said. “We’ve shown a lot of resolve and that all starts with our ownership group, our coaching staff, and our players who have stepped up when we’ve needed them.”The Liberty returned a ton of talent from last year’s 9-1 squad, and that veteran leadership has been an anchor for the team throughout some of this year's storms.“It’s definitely crucial to have people like K-Hop and Travis Taylor to anchor your defense and to have guys like Kelvin McCoy on offense,” O’Neal said. “Those are the guys that understand the way we do things and they’ve helped some of the younger guys to add their own leadership to this team.”Among the newcomers on offense, Salina has gotten a big boost from Aleki Tapa on the O-Line, as well as Tre Griffin and Tristan Gould who stepped up big in Tracy Brooks’ absence.“Our running backs outside of Tracy didn’t come in with a lot of hype but Tre has been top two in the league in every big stat category and Tristan has given us that power run game and has been big on special teams,” he said.Salina also had to fill a hole left by quarterback Tyrie Adams, who signed a CFL contract with the Ottowa Redblacks, becoming the third member of the Liberty and the 64th player in the 17-year career of Heron O’Neal to sign at the next level.“I’m so happy for Tyrie,” O’Neal said. “This is one of the biggest reasons I’m here. My philosophy is to win games but it’s also to get these kids opportunities to play at the next level. This is part of the Salina Liberty way.”In Adams’ stead, Salina has turned to rookie QB Vincent Espinoza who has looked sharp in his first two CIF starts, helping lead the team to two wins to begin his Liberty career.While the offense has gotten the job done this season, it has once again been the defense that the Liberty hang their hat on as Salina boasts one of the most formidable groups in the league.The Liberty allow the fewest points per game in the CIF (28) and are top three in the league in interceptions, fumbles recovered, sacks, and yards allowed both on the ground and through the air.Much of that success can be attributed to the aforementioned leadership of Kendrick Harper and Travis Taylor, but the team has also gotten big production from Tron Folsom and Dewayne Autrey as the Salina secondary has tallied twelve picks already.This year's playoff format will see the top six teams in the CIF make the postseason with the top two earning byes.Going into the final four games Sioux City leads the way at 6-0 followed by 5-2 Southwest Kansas, 4-2 Salina and Billings, and 4-3 Omaha.The Liberty will face a road gauntlet down the stretch with trips to Omaha on the 14th, Sioux City on the 21st, and SW Kansas on June 4th with one final home game coming against Topeka on May 28th.

After surviving early season storms Salina looks strong amidst playoff push

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Taylor Hearn allowed only one hit in five scoreless innings, Brad Miller homered and the Texas Rangers defeated the Kansas City Royals 3-1. The Royals’ first hit literally was off Hearn. Michael A. Taylor sent a liner up the middle off the pitcher’s leg that continued to the left of second base and into left field with two out in the second inning. Hearn walked three and struck out five. Joe Barlow pitched a scoreless ninth, retiring Whit Merrifield on a grounder with two runners on base, for his sixth save in six opportunities.

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Taylor Hearn allowed only one hit in five scoreless innings, Brad Miller homered and the Texas Rangers defeated the Kansas City Royals 3-1. The Royals’ first hit literally was off Hearn. Michael A. Taylor sent a liner up the middle off the pitcher’s leg that continued to the left of second base and into left field with two out in the second inning. Hearn walked three and struck out five. Joe Barlow pitched a scoreless ninth, retiring Whit Merrifield on a grounder with two runners on base, for his sixth save in six opportunities.

Strong pitching leads Texas past Kansas State 

Manhattan ( 17-3 )&nbsp; rolled by Junction City 9-2 and 12-2 in a baseball doubleheader Thursday.&nbsp;

Despite the losses Blue Jay coach James Denton thought his team played well. Denton noted in the first game Junction City ( 8-12 ) had just one bad inning. "The wind was blowing out about 30 miles per hour. We ended up giving up four home runs in one inning and it turned into an eight-spot for them."

Junction City took a 2-0 lead in the first inning in the second game but then gave up four walks in the bottom of the first inning including one run. Denton added that Manhattan had a four-run inning later in the game.

Both teams will prepare for regional tournament action next week.&nbsp;

Manhattan ( 17-3 )&nbsp; rolled by Junction City 9-2 and 12-2 in a baseball doubleheader Thursday.&nbsp;Despite the losses Blue Jay coach James Denton thought his team played well. Denton noted in the first game Junction City ( 8-12 ) had just one bad inning. "The wind was blowing out about 30 miles per hour. We ended up giving up four home runs in one inning and it turned into an eight-spot for them."Junction City took a 2-0 lead in the first inning in the second game but then gave up four walks in the bottom of the first inning including one run. Denton added that Manhattan had a four-run inning later in the game.Both teams will prepare for regional tournament action next week.&nbsp;

Big innings lift Manhattan past Junction City in baseball

Manhattan defeated Junction City 10-6 and 11-0 on Senior Night for the Lady Jays at Cleary Field. Junction City coach Aaron Craig addressed the first game. The girls came out. It was white out, it was Senior Night, it's your rival. We did some really good things. We were in the game. " 

Craig noted that it was 3-2 until about the fourth inning, before Manhattan opened up a lead. Junction City tried to rally in the seventh inning when they scored four runs.

The second game was called after five innings due to a 10-run rule.

Junction City ( 6-12 ) plays at Washburn Rural on Friday.

Manhattan defeated Junction City 10-6 and 11-0 on Senior Night for the Lady Jays at Cleary Field. Junction City coach Aaron Craig addressed the first game. The girls came out. It was white out, it was Senior Night, it's your rival. We did some really good things. We were in the game. " Craig noted that it was 3-2 until about the fourth inning, before Manhattan opened up a lead. Junction City tried to rally in the seventh inning when they scored four runs.The second game was called after five innings due to a 10-run rule.Junction City ( 6-12 ) plays at Washburn Rural on Friday.

Manhattan sweeps Junction City in softball

Assistant Athletics Director for Communications

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;Among those receiving degrees from Kansas State this weekend inside Bramlage Coliseum are 61 Wildcat student-athletes who competed during the 2021-22 school year.

Highlighting the 61 graduates this weekend are: 18 football players, 10 members of the rowing team, eight from women’s track and field, six from men’s track and field, five baseball players, four apiece from soccer and tennis, three volleyball players, two women’s basketball players and one women’s golfer.

During the 2021-22 academic year, K-State student-athletes have combined for 170 Academic All-Big 12 citations with baseball yet to be announced. The men’s track and field (23), women’s cross country (10) and women’s tennis (6) teams each either led the Big 12 or tied for the conference lead in academic honors this school year.

Additionally, the USTFCCA honored both Wildcat cross country squads as an Academic All-America team, the women’s golf program had all five eligible members receive Academic All-Big 12 accolades, and eight K-State student-athletes earned the 12th&nbsp;annual Dr. Gerald Lang Academic Achievement Award, the Big 12 Conference’s highest academic honor.

In the latest graduation rate data released by the NCAA in December, K-State’s all-sport graduation rate of 92% tied for the highest in department history, while eight programs recorded Big 12-best graduation figures.

SPRING 2022 STUDENT-ATHLETE GRADUATES:

Cartez Crook-Jones – Communications Studies

Ross Elder – Master’s in Business Administration

Cody Fletcher – Master’s in Business Administration

Kirmari Gainous – Human Development and Family Science

Noah Johnson – Master’s in Business Administration

KT Leveston – Human Development and Family Science

Logan Long – Grad Certificate in Public Administration

Jaylen Pickle – Management Information Systems

Spencer Trussell – Communication Studies

Matas Adamonis – Human Development and Family Science

Kyle Alcine – Human Development and Family Science

Kerby Depenbusch – Sociology-Criminology

TJ Shankar – Accounting/Finance/Master’s in Accounting

Noah Stevenson – Minor in Communication Studies and Lead Studies

Ellie Hahn – Integrative Physiology and Gerontology

Kelsey Ladlie – Life Sciences/Gerontology/Integrated Health Studies

Elizabeth Mummert – Animal Sciences and Industry

Idallis Shaffer – Communication Studies

Lauren Walker – Organizational Management

Kayley Hollywood – Human Development and Family Science

Laura Macke – Architectural Engineering

Savannah Simmons – Human Development and Family Science

Taylor Gardner – Organizational Management

Kursten Von Klahr – Nutrition and Health

Anna Turco – Psychology/Sociology/Criminology

Alex Ferguson – Statistics and Date Science/Kinesiology

Tommi Hintnaus – Financial Therapy Graduate Certificate

Wurrie Njadoe – Master’s in Business Administration

RYAN LACKEYAssistant Athletics Director for CommunicationsMANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;Among those receiving degrees from Kansas State this weekend inside Bramlage Coliseum are 61 Wildcat student-athletes who competed during the 2021-22 school year.Highlighting the 61 graduates this weekend are: 18 football players, 10 members of the rowing team, eight from women’s track and field, six from men’s track and field, five baseball players, four apiece from soccer and tennis, three volleyball players, two women’s basketball players and one women’s golfer.During the 2021-22 academic year, K-State student-athletes have combined for 170 Academic All-Big 12 citations with baseball yet to be announced. The men’s track and field (23), women’s cross country (10) and women’s tennis (6) teams each either led the Big 12 or tied for the conference lead in academic honors this school year.Additionally, the USTFCCA honored both Wildcat cross country squads as an Academic All-America team, the women’s golf program had all five eligible members receive Academic All-Big 12 accolades, and eight K-State student-athletes earned the 12th&nbsp;annual Dr. Gerald Lang Academic Achievement Award, the Big 12 Conference’s highest academic honor.In the latest graduation rate data released by the NCAA in December, K-State’s all-sport graduation rate of 92% tied for the highest in department history, while eight programs recorded Big 12-best graduation figures.SPRING 2022 STUDENT-ATHLETE GRADUATES:<a>BASEBALL</a>Griffin Hassall – EconomicsJeff Heinrich – Social SciencesChris Herb – Organizational ManagementWesley Moore – PsychologyDylan Phillips – FinanceFOOTBALLNick Allen – FinanceJack Blumer – Elementary EducationEkow Boye-Doe – Social SciencesPhillip Brooks – FinanceCartez Crook-Jones – Communications StudiesRoss Elder – Master’s in Business AdministrationCody Fletcher – Master’s in Business AdministrationKirmari Gainous – Human Development and Family ScienceNoah Johnson – Master’s in Business AdministrationKT Leveston – Human Development and Family ScienceLogan Long – Grad Certificate in Public AdministrationJaylen Pickle – Management Information SystemsSeth Porter – Communication StudiesChabastin Taylor – Minor in BusinessSkylar Thompson – Academic AdvisingSpencer Trussell – Communication StudiesLandry Weber – Accounting (Master’s)Ty Zentner – Physical Education/HealthMEN'S TRACK AND FIELDMatas Adamonis – Human Development and Family ScienceKyle Alcine – Human Development and Family ScienceKerby Depenbusch – Sociology-CriminologyTravis Hodge – BiologyTJ Shankar – Accounting/Finance/Master’s in AccountingNoah Stevenson – Minor in Communication Studies and Lead StudiesROWINGEllie Hahn – Integrative Physiology and GerontologyMadison Jensen – HDFS / GerontologyKelsey Ladlie – Life Sciences/Gerontology/Integrated Health StudiesMegan Michaelis – KinesiologyElizabeth Mummert – Animal Sciences and IndustryKate Odgers – BiologyJessica Schenk – MarketingIdallis Shaffer – Communication StudiesSydney Smith – Interior DesignLauren Walker – Organizational ManagementVOLLEYBALLHolly Bonde – Athletic TrainingKayley Hollywood – Human Development and Family ScienceHaley Warner – Educational StudiesWOMEN'S BASKETBALLLaura Macke – Architectural EngineeringSavannah Simmons – Human Development and Family ScienceWOMEN'S GOLFHeather Fortushniak – MarketingWOMEN'S SOCCEREmily Crain – KinesiologyTaylor Gardner – Organizational ManagementBailey Nemechek – Life SciencesKursten Von Klahr – Nutrition and HealthWOMEN'S TENNISIoana Gheorghita – ManagementMaria Linares – ManagementRosanna Maffei – Nutrition and HealthAnna Turco – Psychology/Sociology/CriminologyWOMEN'S TRACK AND FIELDAlex Ferguson – Statistics and Date Science/KinesiologyMacy Heinz – Communication StudiesTommi Hintnaus – Financial Therapy Graduate CertificateKassidy Johnson – DieteticsDelaney Kemp – KinesiologyWurrie Njadoe – Master’s in Business AdministrationTaishia Pryce – MarketingLavaun Stephenson – HDFS / Gerontology

Multiple K-State Student-athletes will receive degrees this weekend

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Local high school hero Bobby Witt Jr. hit a two-run double and had his first major-league three-RBI game and Whit Merrifield homered for the first time since last August as the Kansas City Royals beat the Texas Rangers 8-2 to snap a three-game losing streak. Joel Payamps was the second of five Kansas City pitchers and allowed two singles in three innings to earn the victory, He struck out five and walked none. Brad Miller hit a pinch-hit home run in the sixth inning for the Rangers.

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Local high school hero Bobby Witt Jr. hit a two-run double and had his first major-league three-RBI game and Whit Merrifield homered for the first time since last August as the Kansas City Royals beat the Texas Rangers 8-2 to snap a three-game losing streak. Joel Payamps was the second of five Kansas City pitchers and allowed two singles in three innings to earn the victory, He struck out five and walked none. Brad Miller hit a pinch-hit home run in the sixth inning for the Rangers.

Royals take down Texas

MERIDEN, Kan. (WIBW) - Mammoth Sports has planned to start construction projects at the K-State football and baseball stadiums, as well as the practice facilities, in late summer 2022.

On Wednesday, May 11,&nbsp;<a href="https://mammothbuilt.com/our-team/" target="_blank">Mammoth Sports&nbsp;</a>said it will begin construction on multiple projects for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/" target="_blank">Kansas State University Athletics</a>&nbsp;starting in late summer 2022 in Manhattan.

Mammoth noted that the project includes new turf for the football and baseball fields, as well as new work on the football practice facility. It said a new FieldTurf Vertex Core 2.5 Inch Blend turf system with an updated base and upgraded drainage systems will go in at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/2015/6/22/_131476205109639392.aspx" target="_blank">Bill Snyder Family Stadium</a>. Meanwhile, a new FieldTurf Doubleplay turf system specially designed for turf baseball will go in at the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/2015/6/22/_131476205095231827.aspx" target="_blank">Tointon Family Stadium</a>. Lastly, it said subsurface drainage, utilities, aggregate base and the installation of a new FieldTurf Vertex Core 2.5 Inch Blend turf system will be included at the football facility.

The company noted the installation of new indoor and outdoor practice fields will start on Aug. 1. The project at the baseball field will begin on Aug 3. However, the project at the football stadium will not begin until the 2022 season has concluded.

By WIBW TVMERIDEN, Kan. (WIBW) - Mammoth Sports has planned to start construction projects at the K-State football and baseball stadiums, as well as the practice facilities, in late summer 2022.On Wednesday, May 11,&nbsp;<a href="https://mammothbuilt.com/our-team/" target="_blank">Mammoth Sports&nbsp;</a>said it will begin construction on multiple projects for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/" target="_blank">Kansas State University Athletics</a>&nbsp;starting in late summer 2022 in Manhattan.Mammoth noted that the project includes new turf for the football and baseball fields, as well as new work on the football practice facility. It said a new FieldTurf Vertex Core 2.5 Inch Blend turf system with an updated base and upgraded drainage systems will go in at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/2015/6/22/_131476205109639392.aspx" target="_blank">Bill Snyder Family Stadium</a>. Meanwhile, a new FieldTurf Doubleplay turf system specially designed for turf baseball will go in at the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/2015/6/22/_131476205095231827.aspx" target="_blank">Tointon Family Stadium</a>. Lastly, it said subsurface drainage, utilities, aggregate base and the installation of a new FieldTurf Vertex Core 2.5 Inch Blend turf system will be included at the football facility.The company noted the installation of new indoor and outdoor practice fields will start on Aug. 1. The project at the baseball field will begin on Aug 3. However, the project at the football stadium will not begin until the 2022 season has concluded.

Construction will occur at KSU football and baseball stadiums

Colt Sell of Chapman High School and Trey Harmison of Riley County High School are among 14 Kansas high school senior football players selected by the Coach Bill Snyder Family / Sunflower Chapter of the National Football Foundation as 2021-22 scholar-athletes.

The awards recognize excellence in academics, football and community leadership as selected by the chapter board of directors. The honorees had to be nominated by their head coach. They will be honored at the annual chapter awards dinner May 11 in Lawrence.

All of the players receiving recognition from the Chapter include:

● Nathaniel Bowman---Bucklin High School

● Kylan Cunningham—Lakeside Jr –Sr High School

● Trey Harmison—Riley County High School

● Mikey Pauley—Blue Valley Northwest High School

● Colby Schreiner—Kingman High School

Colt Sell of Chapman High School and Trey Harmison of Riley County High School are among 14 Kansas high school senior football players selected by the Coach Bill Snyder Family / Sunflower Chapter of the National Football Foundation as 2021-22 scholar-athletes.The awards recognize excellence in academics, football and community leadership as selected by the chapter board of directors. The honorees had to be nominated by their head coach. They will be honored at the annual chapter awards dinner May 11 in Lawrence.All of the players receiving recognition from the Chapter include:● Nathaniel Bowman---Bucklin High School● Kylan Cunningham—Lakeside Jr –Sr High School● Jet Dineen—Free State High School● Trey Harmison—Riley County High School● Casey Helm—Madison High School● Brandon Kerr—Maize High School● Kyler Konrade-Inman High School● Cody Moore—Mill Valley High School● Mikey Pauley—Blue Valley Northwest High School● Scott Price—Bucklin High School● Colby Schreiner—Kingman High School● Colt Sell—Chapman High School● Ted Skalsky—Olpe High School● Colby Stull—LaCrosse High School

Kansas National Football Foundation Scholar-Athletes are being recognized

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Corey Seager snapped an 0-for-16 slump with two home runs as the Texas Rangers returned home with a 6-4 win over the Kansas City Royals. Martin Perez pitched 6 1/3 solid innings for Texas. Seager hit a two-out solo homer in the first, then led off the third with another homer. Perez struck out six and only one of the four runs against him was earned. The left-hander has allowed only two earned runs his last four starts. Joe Barlow worked the ninth for his sixth save. Kansas City starter Brad Keller allowed six runs in 5 2/3 innings.

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Corey Seager snapped an 0-for-16 slump with two home runs as the Texas Rangers returned home with a 6-4 win over the Kansas City Royals. Martin Perez pitched 6 1/3 solid innings for Texas. Seager hit a two-out solo homer in the first, then led off the third with another homer. Perez struck out six and only one of the four runs against him was earned. The left-hander has allowed only two earned runs his last four starts. Joe Barlow worked the ninth for his sixth save. Kansas City starter Brad Keller allowed six runs in 5 2/3 innings.

Texas Rangers power past the Kansas City Royals

BALTIMORE (AP) — Tyler Wells pitched six strong innings to earn his first victory of the season and the Baltimore Orioles used a six-run fifth inning to surge past the Kansas City Royals 6-1. Baltimore has won four of five for the first time this season and finished its homestand 6-4. Kansas City has dropped to a season-high eight games under .500. The game was a makeup of Saturday’s postponed game to cap a rain-altered series. Friday’s game was washed out and made up as part of a doubleheader the teams split Sunday.

BALTIMORE (AP) — Tyler Wells pitched six strong innings to earn his first victory of the season and the Baltimore Orioles used a six-run fifth inning to surge past the Kansas City Royals 6-1. Baltimore has won four of five for the first time this season and finished its homestand 6-4. Kansas City has dropped to a season-high eight games under .500. The game was a makeup of Saturday’s postponed game to cap a rain-altered series. Friday’s game was washed out and made up as part of a doubleheader the teams split Sunday.

Royals lose makeup game in Baltimore 

The Salina Liberty erased a 13-point halftime deficit on Saturday to hand the Billings Outlaws their second loss of the season by a final score of 34-19.

This win moves Salina from the middle of the pack to a tie for second with the Outlaws and Storm at 4-2 with a big four-game swing ahead to close out the season.

“This is the last time we play at home for two weeks so to get this one in front of our crowd was huge,” Liberty HC Heron O’Neal said. “All we can do is control our own destiny and put ourselves in a position to give ourselves a shot. You can’t win a championship if you don’t make the playoffs.”

The Outlaws, who came back to defeat the Liberty 42-34 earlier this season, picked up right where they left off, blanking Salina in the first half and closing out both quarters with a score to take a 13-0 lead into the intermission.

From there, the Liberty switched it up to slowly chip away at the Outlaw advantage and eventually build a lead of their own.

“We ran a bunch of things in the first half to see what worked and my assistants really put a great plan together in the second half and made all the right calls,” O’Neal said. “The credit goes to them.”

Billings had missed two field goals in the first half and in the third quarter another attempt at three came up short to Dewayne Autrey, who hit the afterburners to house the return from 45-yards out.

Still pitching a second-half shutout, the defense got to work wreaking havoc as Tron Folsom scooped up a fumble and took it 16-yards to paydirt to give the Liberty their first lead of the day 14-13.

Billings battled back and elected to go for it on a fourth and goal but K-Hop sprung into action and picked off McCullum’s pass to put the Liberty offense back on the field.

Perhaps inspired by the support of their defense and special teams, the Salina offense kicked things into high gear, finding their first points of the contest on a pitch and catch from Espinoza to Washington to begin to pull away.

McCullum would find Garry Brown to pull the Outlaws back within two but the Liberty would rattle off 13 unanswered courtesy of their running game to bookend a Dontra Matthews interception and put the game away for good.

“Our defense played with the heart of a lion and they kept us in that game,” O’Neal said. “To play the way they did and with our special teams playing the way they did, I loved it. This was a battle of two gladiators and we were the last man standing.”

The Liberty will now turn their attention to a long road trip that will see them at Omaha on May 14th, Sioux City on the 21st, and SW Kansas on June 4th, with one final home game against Topeka on May 28th.

By TYLER HENRY Little Apple Post contributor<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617387097958.png" alt="Coverage of Liberty football is presented by Ryan Roofing" />
 <figcaption>Coverage of Liberty football is presented by Ryan Roofing</figcaption>
 </figure>The Salina Liberty erased a 13-point halftime deficit on Saturday to hand the Billings Outlaws their second loss of the season by a final score of 34-19.This win moves Salina from the middle of the pack to a tie for second with the Outlaws and Storm at 4-2 with a big four-game swing ahead to close out the season.“This is the last time we play at home for two weeks so to get this one in front of our crowd was huge,” Liberty HC Heron O’Neal said. “All we can do is control our own destiny and put ourselves in a position to give ourselves a shot. You can’t win a championship if you don’t make the playoffs.”The Outlaws, who came back to defeat the Liberty 42-34 earlier this season, picked up right where they left off, blanking Salina in the first half and closing out both quarters with a score to take a 13-0 lead into the intermission.From there, the Liberty switched it up to slowly chip away at the Outlaw advantage and eventually build a lead of their own.“We ran a bunch of things in the first half to see what worked and my assistants really put a great plan together in the second half and made all the right calls,” O’Neal said. “The credit goes to them.”Billings had missed two field goals in the first half and in the third quarter another attempt at three came up short to Dewayne Autrey, who hit the afterburners to house the return from 45-yards out.Still pitching a second-half shutout, the defense got to work wreaking havoc as Tron Folsom scooped up a fumble and took it 16-yards to paydirt to give the Liberty their first lead of the day 14-13.Billings battled back and elected to go for it on a fourth and goal but K-Hop sprung into action and picked off McCullum’s pass to put the Liberty offense back on the field.Perhaps inspired by the support of their defense and special teams, the Salina offense kicked things into high gear, finding their first points of the contest on a pitch and catch from Espinoza to Washington to begin to pull away.McCullum would find Garry Brown to pull the Outlaws back within two but the Liberty would rattle off 13 unanswered courtesy of their running game to bookend a Dontra Matthews interception and put the game away for good.“Our defense played with the heart of a lion and they kept us in that game,” O’Neal said. “To play the way they did and with our special teams playing the way they did, I loved it. This was a battle of two gladiators and we were the last man standing.”The Liberty will now turn their attention to a long road trip that will see them at Omaha on May 14th, Sioux City on the 21st, and SW Kansas on June 4th, with one final home game against Topeka on May 28th.