By TYLER HENRY Little Apple Post contributor

Fans of the Champions Indoor Football League won’t be kept waiting long for a championship rematch as the Salina Liberty open the home portion of their schedule hosting the reigning champion Omaha Beef in week three.

Saturday’s primetime matchup sees both teams returning to form at 1-0 after the Liberty took care of the Tropics 54-33 and the Beef weathered the Storm 36-18 but only one can remain undefeated after Saturday.

While the memories of that final 2021 game remain on the minds of the Liberty, Salina’s focus is the same this week as it has been and will be in any other week in the regular season.

“This can’t be a revenge game because we’re not playing them in the game that means something,” Liberty HC Heron O’Neal said. “This is just a regular-season opponent and they’re the defending champs but you don’t get any more points for winning this one than you would for winning any other game this time of year.”

While the Salina offense picked up right where it left off last week, the defense and special teams stumbled out of the gates, and the Liberty hope the momentum those groups found in the second half can translate to the start of this contest.

“We need to get off to a better start on defense and our special teams need to improve with our returns,” O’Neal said. “We’re looking for more explosiveness and our defense needs to be more consistent overall as we continue to do what we do offensively.”

This game will feature one of the best quarterback duels in the league as reigning Rookie of the Year Tyrie Adams will go toe to toe with Andrew Jackson.&nbsp;

The two have combined for over 300 yards through the air this season and sit second and third in the league in that respect through one game.

“Andrew Jackson is the driving force to what they’re doing offensively and it looks like he’s the one calling a lot of their plays on the field,” he said. “He’s going to be a focal point for us and what we can do to contain him will determine how successful we are this week.”

On the flipside, the Liberty will need to be on their A-Game against one of the best secondaries in the league after struggling to post their usual 40+ against the Beef last season.

“Our offense has to continue to score points against this team,” O’Neal said. “The last two times out we haven’t been able to put up more than 39 and we have to get back to understanding what they want to do to us and taking advantage of that.”

With two high-flying offenses and two ball-hawking secondaries, the stage is set for one of the most exciting games of the year, and for early season supremacy between two of the league's preseason front runners.

“You know they’re going to throw the football 40 times a game and it’s easier said than done but you have to find a way to stop that,” he said. “They didn’t bring Jackson in to hand off the football and I think the battle between both sets of receivers and defensive backs will determine who wins this ballgame.”

Kickoff between the Liberty and Beef is scheduled for 6:35 PM at Tony’s Pizza Events Center and as always the game can be heard on KINA (910 AM or 107.5 FM) courtesy of Eagle Radio.

To purchase single game or season tickets click <a href="https://salinaliberty.com/">HERE</a>.

By TYLER HENRY Little Apple Post contributor<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616853961118.png" alt="Coverage of Liberty football is presented by Ryan Roofing" />
 <figcaption>Coverage of Liberty football is presented by Ryan Roofing</figcaption>
 </figure>Fans of the Champions Indoor Football League won’t be kept waiting long for a championship rematch as the Salina Liberty open the home portion of their schedule hosting the reigning champion Omaha Beef in week three.Saturday’s primetime matchup sees both teams returning to form at 1-0 after the Liberty took care of the Tropics 54-33 and the Beef weathered the Storm 36-18 but only one can remain undefeated after Saturday.While the memories of that final 2021 game remain on the minds of the Liberty, Salina’s focus is the same this week as it has been and will be in any other week in the regular season.“This can’t be a revenge game because we’re not playing them in the game that means something,” Liberty HC Heron O’Neal said. “This is just a regular-season opponent and they’re the defending champs but you don’t get any more points for winning this one than you would for winning any other game this time of year.”While the Salina offense picked up right where it left off last week, the defense and special teams stumbled out of the gates, and the Liberty hope the momentum those groups found in the second half can translate to the start of this contest.“We need to get off to a better start on defense and our special teams need to improve with our returns,” O’Neal said. “We’re looking for more explosiveness and our defense needs to be more consistent overall as we continue to do what we do offensively.”This game will feature one of the best quarterback duels in the league as reigning Rookie of the Year Tyrie Adams will go toe to toe with Andrew Jackson.&nbsp;The two have combined for over 300 yards through the air this season and sit second and third in the league in that respect through one game.“Andrew Jackson is the driving force to what they’re doing offensively and it looks like he’s the one calling a lot of their plays on the field,” he said. “He’s going to be a focal point for us and what we can do to contain him will determine how successful we are this week.”On the flipside, the Liberty will need to be on their A-Game against one of the best secondaries in the league after struggling to post their usual 40+ against the Beef last season.“Our offense has to continue to score points against this team,” O’Neal said. “The last two times out we haven’t been able to put up more than 39 and we have to get back to understanding what they want to do to us and taking advantage of that.”With two high-flying offenses and two ball-hawking secondaries, the stage is set for one of the most exciting games of the year, and for early season supremacy between two of the league's preseason front runners.“You know they’re going to throw the football 40 times a game and it’s easier said than done but you have to find a way to stop that,” he said. “They didn’t bring Jackson in to hand off the football and I think the battle between both sets of receivers and defensive backs will determine who wins this ballgame.”Kickoff between the Liberty and Beef is scheduled for 6:35 PM at Tony’s Pizza Events Center and as always the game can be heard on KINA (910 AM or 107.5 FM) courtesy of Eagle Radio.To purchase single game or season tickets click <a href="https://salinaliberty.com/">HERE</a>.

Liberty host Beef for championship rematch

CHICAGO (AP) — Remy Martin scored a season-high 23 points and Kansas did its part as the only No. 1 seed left in the NCAA Tournament, holding Providence to 17 first-half points and hanging on for a 66-61 victory on Friday night to reach the Elite Eight. The Jayhawks made it farther than fellow No. 1 seeds Gonzaga, Arizona and Baylor. They will face either Miami or Iowa State in the Midwest Region final on Sunday. Jalen Wilson added 16 points and 11 rebounds for the Jayhawks, who are back in a regional final for the first time since 2018, when they reached their 15th Final Four. Al Durham led Providence with 21 points.

CHICAGO (AP) — Remy Martin scored a season-high 23 points and Kansas did its part as the only No. 1 seed left in the NCAA Tournament, holding Providence to 17 first-half points and hanging on for a 66-61 victory on Friday night to reach the Elite Eight. The Jayhawks made it farther than fellow No. 1 seeds Gonzaga, Arizona and Baylor. They will face either Miami or Iowa State in the Midwest Region final on Sunday. Jalen Wilson added 16 points and 11 rebounds for the Jayhawks, who are back in a regional final for the first time since 2018, when they reached their 15th Final Four. Al Durham led Providence with 21 points.

Kansas advances to Elite 8 in the NCAA Tournament

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs have agreed with wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling on a $30 million, three-year contract to help replace the departed Tyreek Hill, a person familiar with the contract told The Associated Press. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the deal was pending a physical. The move came one day after the Chiefs traded Hill, a three-time All-Pro and one of the league’s most dangerous downfield threats, to the Dolphins for a package of five draft picks. It also comes less than a week after the Chiefs landed JuJu Smith-Schuster with a club-friendly one-year deal in the hopes that he’ll bounce back from a shoulder injury.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs have agreed with wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling on a $30 million, three-year contract to help replace the departed Tyreek Hill, a person familiar with the contract told The Associated Press. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the deal was pending a physical. The move came one day after the Chiefs traded Hill, a three-time All-Pro and one of the league’s most dangerous downfield threats, to the Dolphins for a package of five draft picks. It also comes less than a week after the Chiefs landed JuJu Smith-Schuster with a club-friendly one-year deal in the hopes that he’ll bounce back from a shoulder injury.

Chiefs sign Marquez Valdes-Scantling

Jerome Tang was introduced as the 25th men's head basketball coach at Kansas State University today. 

During a press conference at Bramlage Coliseum he made it clear this is not a rebuilding job at Kansas State, saying this is just the start of some big things that will happen. "With everyone's help, with all of the K-State family. Wildcat nation, we're going to accomplish great things together and it's not going to take long. It is not going to take long. I didn't come to rebuild, alright, came to elevate." Tang said the Wildcats will play smart and aggressive.&nbsp;

Tang remembered KSU Athletic Director Gene Taylor's comments. "He looked me in the eyes and he said, look Jerome I want you to be my head coach of our basketball program and I trust you that you're going to do the right thing and help us win. I feel it in all my heart." During the press conference Tang thanked Taylor for those comments.

Tang spent the past 19 years at Baylor on both the winning and losing sides in ballgames. "What I really remember is the ( K-State ) student body. I remember how it was to come watch them running in and I remember them tearing up the paper, throwing it up in the air and going man, that's so cool." Tang added the environment at the games are things you remember.

&nbsp; Tang, 55,&nbsp; has agreed to a 6-year contract, which was approved by the K-State Athletics, Inc., Board of Directors and President&nbsp;Richard Linton.&nbsp;Tang&nbsp;will be paid $2.1 million in 2022-23 and will receive a $100,000 base salary increase each year remaining on the contract ($2.2 million in 2023-24, $2.3 million in 2024-25, $2.4 million in 2025-26, $2.5 million in 2026-27 and $2.6 million in 2027-28).&nbsp;&nbsp;

During his time at Baylor, Tang has helped the Bears post a 397-222 (.641) overall record, including a 168-155 (.520) mark in Big 12 play, to go with 13 postseason appearances (10 NCAA Tournaments, 3 NITs), one NCAA title (2021), one NIT title (2013) and one NIT runner-up finish (2009).&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648165200967.jpeg" alt="( L-R ) KSU Athletic Director Gene Taylor and K-State Men's Head Basketball Coach Jerome Tang" />
 <figcaption>( L-R ) KSU Athletic Director Gene Taylor and K-State Men's Head Basketball Coach Jerome Tang</figcaption>
 </figure>By Dewey TerrillJC PostJerome Tang was introduced as the 25th men's head basketball coach at Kansas State University today. During a press conference at Bramlage Coliseum he made it clear this is not a rebuilding job at Kansas State, saying this is just the start of some big things that will happen. "With everyone's help, with all of the K-State family. Wildcat nation, we're going to accomplish great things together and it's not going to take long. It is not going to take long. I didn't come to rebuild, alright, came to elevate." Tang said the Wildcats will play smart and aggressive.&nbsp;Tang remembered KSU Athletic Director Gene Taylor's comments. "He looked me in the eyes and he said, look Jerome I want you to be my head coach of our basketball program and I trust you that you're going to do the right thing and help us win. I feel it in all my heart." During the press conference Tang thanked Taylor for those comments.Tang spent the past 19 years at Baylor on both the winning and losing sides in ballgames. "What I really remember is the ( K-State ) student body. I remember how it was to come watch them running in and I remember them tearing up the paper, throwing it up in the air and going man, that's so cool." Tang added the environment at the games are things you remember.&nbsp; Tang, 55,&nbsp; has agreed to a 6-year contract, which was approved by the K-State Athletics, Inc., Board of Directors and President&nbsp;Richard Linton.&nbsp;Tang&nbsp;will be paid $2.1 million in 2022-23 and will receive a $100,000 base salary increase each year remaining on the contract ($2.2 million in 2023-24, $2.3 million in 2024-25, $2.4 million in 2025-26, $2.5 million in 2026-27 and $2.6 million in 2027-28).&nbsp;&nbsp;During his time at Baylor, Tang has helped the Bears post a 397-222 (.641) overall record, including a 168-155 (.520) mark in Big 12 play, to go with 13 postseason appearances (10 NCAA Tournaments, 3 NITs), one NCAA title (2021), one NIT title (2013) and one NIT runner-up finish (2009).&nbsp;

Jerome Tang assumes the reins of Kansas State men's basketball

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A person familiar with the moves says the Kansas City Chiefs have traded wide receiver Tyreek Hill to Miami for a package of draft picks and the Dolphins are giving the three-time All-Pro a $120 million, four-year contract extension. The Chiefs will get the Dolphins’ first- and second-round picks along with their fourth-rounder in this year’s draft, and fourth- and sixth-round picks next year. The person spoke to The Associated Press of condition of anonymity because terms of the deal were not announced. Hill’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, said the next extension from Miami includes $72.2 million guaranteed.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A person familiar with the moves says the Kansas City Chiefs have traded wide receiver Tyreek Hill to Miami for a package of draft picks and the Dolphins are giving the three-time All-Pro a $120 million, four-year contract extension. The Chiefs will get the Dolphins’ first- and second-round picks along with their fourth-rounder in this year’s draft, and fourth- and sixth-round picks next year. The person spoke to The Associated Press of condition of anonymity because terms of the deal were not announced. Hill’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, said the next extension from Miami includes $72.2 million guaranteed.

Chiefs trade Tyreek Hill

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Royals have agreed to a $3 million contract with shortstop Adalberto Mondesi and five other players for the upcoming season, avoiding arbitration before Tuesday’s deadline for teams and players to submit numbers. 

The Royals also agreed to terms with right-hander Brad Keller on a $4.825 million contract, reliever Scott Barlow on a $2.4 million deal, newly acquired pitcher Amir Garrett for $2.025 million, first baseman Ryan O’Hearn at $1.3 million and backup catcher Cam Gallagher for $885,000. The Royals only have outfielder Andrew Benintendi and second baseman Nicky Lopez among their unsigned arbitration-eligible players.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Royals have agreed to a $3 million contract with shortstop Adalberto Mondesi and five other players for the upcoming season, avoiding arbitration before Tuesday’s deadline for teams and players to submit numbers. The Royals also agreed to terms with right-hander Brad Keller on a $4.825 million contract, reliever Scott Barlow on a $2.4 million deal, newly acquired pitcher Amir Garrett for $2.025 million, first baseman Ryan O’Hearn at $1.3 million and backup catcher Cam Gallagher for $885,000. The Royals only have outfielder Andrew Benintendi and second baseman Nicky Lopez among their unsigned arbitration-eligible players.

Royals agree to contracts with six players

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Kayla Jones scored 18 points to help top-seeded North Carolina State beat Kansas State 89-57 in Monday’s second round of the NCAA Tournament, earning a fourth straight trip to the Sweet 16. Raina Perez and Diamond Johnson each added 15 points for the Wolfpack. N.C. State shot 55% and made 9 of 19 3-pointers. By the end, all 13 players had scored for the Bridgeport Region's top seed. Serena Sundell scored 17 points to lead the ninth-seeded Wildcats, who shot just 39%. This is N.C. State's fourth straight trip to the Sweet 16. Kansas State was trying to reach its first since 2002.

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Kayla Jones scored 18 points to help top-seeded North Carolina State beat Kansas State 89-57 in Monday’s second round of the NCAA Tournament, earning a fourth straight trip to the Sweet 16. Raina Perez and Diamond Johnson each added 15 points for the Wolfpack. N.C. State shot 55% and made 9 of 19 3-pointers. By the end, all 13 players had scored for the Bridgeport Region's top seed. Serena Sundell scored 17 points to lead the ninth-seeded Wildcats, who shot just 39%. This is N.C. State's fourth straight trip to the Sweet 16. Kansas State was trying to reach its first since 2002.

K-State falls to North Carolina State in NCAA Tournament

Kansas Wesleyan's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/23/8/12994">Daniel Harkin</a>&nbsp;(FR/Manhattan) has been selected to the Kansas Conference Men's Tennis Preseason All-KCAC team as selected by conference coaches.

Harkin has been an impact player as a freshman for the Coyotes this season, playing at the No. 1 singles spot and playing No. 1 and No. 2 doubles.

Last fall, Harkin reached the semifinals of the ITA Central Regional Tournament, becoming the first-ever KWU player to reach the Regional Semifinal. Harkin was also ranked in the NAIA Top 50 singles in December.

Harkin was the lone freshman named to the Preseason Team.

2022 KCAC Men's Tennis Preseason Team Michael Beltran, McPherson David Moral-Tebar, Southwestern Michael Cech, Bethel <a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/23/8/12994">Daniel Harkin</a>, Kansas Wesleyan Milan Bucek, Bethel Martin Millos, McPherson

-<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com">kwucoyotes.com</a>-

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647896576010.jpeg" alt="Daniel Harkin. Photo courtesy <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com">kwucoyotes.com</a>" />
 <figcaption>Daniel Harkin. Photo courtesy <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com">kwucoyotes.com</a></figcaption>
 </figure>KWU AthleticsKansas Wesleyan's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/23/8/12994">Daniel Harkin</a>&nbsp;(FR/Manhattan) has been selected to the Kansas Conference Men's Tennis Preseason All-KCAC team as selected by conference coaches.Harkin has been an impact player as a freshman for the Coyotes this season, playing at the No. 1 singles spot and playing No. 1 and No. 2 doubles.Last fall, Harkin reached the semifinals of the ITA Central Regional Tournament, becoming the first-ever KWU player to reach the Regional Semifinal. Harkin was also ranked in the NAIA Top 50 singles in December.Harkin was the lone freshman named to the Preseason Team.2022 KCAC Men's Tennis Preseason Team Michael Beltran, McPherson David Moral-Tebar, Southwestern Michael Cech, Bethel <a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/23/8/12994">Daniel Harkin</a>, Kansas Wesleyan Milan Bucek, Bethel Martin Millos, McPherson-<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com">kwucoyotes.com</a>-

Manhattan's Harkin selected to KCAC preseason team

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.</a>&nbsp;–&nbsp;Jerome Tang, one of the architects in helping build Baylor into a national powerhouse in his 19 seasons as an assistant and associate head coach, has been selected as the 25th&nbsp;head men’s basketball coach at Kansas State, Director of Athletics&nbsp;Gene Taylor&nbsp;announced Monday afternoon (March 21).

Tang will be formally introduced to the public during a news conference on Thursday in the Shamrock Zone on the north concourse of Bramlage Coliseum. The news conference will be streamed on Big 12 Now on ESPN+ as well as K-State social channels. It will also be carried on the K-State Sports Network.

Further details on the news conference will be announced as soon as they are finalized.

Tang agreed to a 6-year contract, which was approved by the K-State Athletics, Inc., Board of Directors and President&nbsp;Richard Linton. Tang will be paid $2.1 million in 2022-23 and will receive a $100,000 base salary increase each year remaining on the contract ($2.2 million in 2023-24, $2.3 million in 2024-25, $2.4 million in 2025-26, $2.5 million in 2026-27 and $2.6 million in 2027-28).

<a>“I am beyond excited to be the next head basketball coach at Kansas State,” said Tang. “Having the opportunity to build on a program with a rich basketball history at a prestigious university is truly a blessing. We look forward to bringing an exciting style of basketball to K-State while helping our student-athletes succeed on the court and in life. My family and I can’t wait to get to Manhattan and form deep relationships with our students, former players, alumni and Wildcat fans everywhere. We look forward to making the Octagon of Doom the best home court advantage in the country!”</a>

Tang, 55, was an original member of head coach&nbsp;Scott Drew’s&nbsp;coaching staff and played an instrumental role in building the Bears program from one rocked by scandal and NCAA probation into one that has developed into one of the nation’s top programs highlighted by the 2021 NCAA Championship and consecutive Big 12 regular-season titles in 2021 and 2022. He served his first 14 seasons (2003-17) on staff as an assistant coach before being promoted to associate head coach in 2017.

﻿“I am extremely excited to welcome Jerome, Careylyen, Seven and Aylyn to Manhattan and K-State,” Taylor said. “As we conducted a national search to find our next head coach, we wanted to identify an individual who can lead our program to consistently high levels while maintaining the integrity that our program is known for. When we first met with Jerome, he was very impressive, and that continued throughout the duration of our search.”

During his time at Baylor, Tang has helped the Bears post a 397-222 (.641) overall record, including a 168-155 (.520) mark in Big 12 play, to go with 13 postseason appearances (10 NCAA Tournaments, 3 NITs), one NCAA title (2021), one NIT title (2013) and one NIT runner-up finish (2009). In the process, he has helped coach 11 All-Americans, including consensus selections&nbsp;Johnathan Motley&nbsp;(2017) and&nbsp;Jared Butler&nbsp;(2021), a National Defensive Player of the Year in&nbsp;Davion Mitchell&nbsp;(2021) and 58 All-Big 12 honorees, including nine on the First Team.

In addition to prowess on the bench, Tang has helped construct nine consensus Top 25 recruiting classes while at Baylor, including 2010 (Jones III), 2011 (Miller and&nbsp;Deuce Bello), 2012 (Isaiah Austin, Prince and&nbsp;Rico Gathers), 2013 (Ishmail Wainright,&nbsp;Al Freeman&nbsp;and Motley) and the highest-ranked class in program history at No. 4 in 2021 (Kendall Brown,&nbsp;Langston Love&nbsp;and&nbsp;Jeremy Sochan).

“From a detailed recruiting plan and familiarity with our league, his knack for building and maintaining tremendous relationships with everyone he comes in contact with, to offensive and defensive philosophies, he has what it takes to be a successful leader,” said Taylor. “His vision for our program is something that all K-Staters will be excited about and one that helped build a Baylor program from the ground up, culminating with a national championship. With him at the helm, I know that great days are ahead for K-State basketball.”

Tang will be the first Black men’s head basketball coach in school history and just the fourth minority men’s head coach in school history, following former baseball coach&nbsp;Dave Baker&nbsp;(1978-83), former football coach&nbsp;Ron Prince&nbsp;(2006-08) and current women’s tennis coach&nbsp;Jordan Smith&nbsp;(2018-present).

<a>“We want to personally welcome Jerome, his wife and two children to the K-State family,” University president&nbsp;Richard Linton&nbsp;said. “I have high confidence that his leadership will produce a very competitive men’s basketball program. He deeply values community, family and a strong work ethic, values that are all directly in line with the K-State way.”</a>

The head coaching role will not be new for Tang, who built a powerhouse at Heritage Christian Academy in Cleveland, Texas over a 10-year period (1993-2003) before starting his tenure at Baylor in 2003. He also stepped in on four occasions as the Bears’ interim head coach, winning the first two games of the 2012-13 Big 12 schedule at home against Texas, 86-79 in overtime, and on the road at Texas Tech, 82-48, and the first two games of the 2020-21 national title season in Las Vegas against Louisiana-Lafayette (112-82) and Washington (86-52).

Since the 2007-08 season, Tang has been pivotal in helping Baylor to a stretch of 15 consecutive seasons of at least 18 wins, including a school-record 30 in 2011-12, en route to a 361-153 (.702) record and 10 NCAA Tournament appearances. Since 2010, the Bears have appeared in the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 five times (2010, 2012, 2014, 2017, 2021), three times advancing to the Elite Eight (2010, 2012, 2021) and once to the Final Four (2021).

Additionally, 13 players from those seasons have gone on to play in the NBA, including&nbsp;Quincy Acy,&nbsp;Jared Butler,&nbsp;Freddie Gillespie,&nbsp;Pierre Jackson,&nbsp;Cory Jefferson,&nbsp;Perry Jones III,&nbsp;Quincy Miller,&nbsp;Davion Mitchell,&nbsp;Johnathan Motley,&nbsp;Royce O’Neale,&nbsp;Taurean Prince,&nbsp;MaCio Teague&nbsp;and&nbsp;Ekpe Udoh.

In the last three seasons alone, Baylor has tallied an 81-13 (.862) record, including a 43-8 (.843) mark in Big 12 play, with 22 wins over ranked opponents highlighted by the Bears’ first National Championship in 2021, as they defeated No. 1 ranked Gonzaga, 86-70, in the national title game. The 2021 Bears also won their first Big 12 Championship in the league’s 25-year history, which was the school’s first conference title in 71 years, then followed it up with a second-straight crown in 2022 by winning their last 5 conference games.

Baylor’s 55-9 (.859) record over the last two seasons is the nation’s best among power conference teams, while the 81-13 (.862) record since 2019-20 is the second-best nationally, trailing only Gonzaga (90-6). In that span, the Bears were ranked in the top 5 for 29 consecutive AP Top 25 polls and finished the 2021-22 season with the nation’s third-longest active streak of 56-straight weeks ranked.

Prior to his time at Baylor, Tang built a powerhouse at Heritage Christian Academy, a birth-through-high school private school in Cleveland, Texas, as both the head boys’ basketball coach and athletic director, guiding the Eagles to four state championships from 1993 to 2003. His program gained national attention in 2001 when junior&nbsp;Cedrick Hensley&nbsp;scored 101 points in a game.

Tang and Heritage Christian became known for producing Division I athletes, including his most-publicized recruit&nbsp;Vakeaton “Von” Wafer, a 2003 McDonald’s All-American who played at Florida State and was drafted with the 39th&nbsp;pick by the L.A. Lakers in the 2005 NBA Draft. His last two teams featured a number of Division I signees including Hensley (Houston),&nbsp;Elijah Miller&nbsp;(Houston),&nbsp;Marlon Pompey&nbsp;(Texas A&amp;M),&nbsp;Lamar Hurd&nbsp;(Oregon State),&nbsp;Tim Mayes&nbsp;(Richmond) and&nbsp;Tyler Jones&nbsp;(St. John’s).

Tang earned a bachelor’s degree from Charter Oak State College in 2007.

Tang was born in San Fernando, Trinidad, West Indies on October 7, 1966. He migrated with his parents (names) to St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands until age 10 when his family moved to Texas. He and his wife,&nbsp;Careylyen&nbsp;(Rae) have a son,&nbsp;Seven, and a daughter,&nbsp;Aylyn.

Tang will take over a Kansas State program that recently finished the 2021-22 season with a 14-17 overall record, including a ninth-place finish in the Big 12 with a 6-12 mark. The hard-luck Wildcats lost 12 games by single digits, including 7 by one possession. Three players earned All-Big 12 honors, including First Team selection and Most Improved Player&nbsp;Nijel Pack&nbsp;and honorable mention and All-Defensive Team member&nbsp;Markquis Nowell.

Head Coach, Heritage Christian Academy (1993-2003)

Bachelor of Science, Charter Oak State College, 2007

Born:&nbsp;October 7, 1966, in San Fernando, Trinidad, West Indies

Children:&nbsp;son Seven (freshman at Baylor) and daughter Aylyn (pronounced ‘island’)

TOM GILBERT Director for Men’s Basketball Communications | K-State Athletics

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.</a>&nbsp;–&nbsp;Jerome Tang, one of the architects in helping build Baylor into a national powerhouse in his 19 seasons as an assistant and associate head coach, has been selected as the 25th&nbsp;head men’s basketball coach at Kansas State, Director of Athletics&nbsp;Gene Taylor&nbsp;announced Monday afternoon (March 21).Tang will be formally introduced to the public during a news conference on Thursday in the Shamrock Zone on the north concourse of Bramlage Coliseum. The news conference will be streamed on Big 12 Now on ESPN+ as well as K-State social channels. It will also be carried on the K-State Sports Network.Further details on the news conference will be announced as soon as they are finalized.Tang agreed to a 6-year contract, which was approved by the K-State Athletics, Inc., Board of Directors and President&nbsp;Richard Linton. Tang will be paid $2.1 million in 2022-23 and will receive a $100,000 base salary increase each year remaining on the contract ($2.2 million in 2023-24, $2.3 million in 2024-25, $2.4 million in 2025-26, $2.5 million in 2026-27 and $2.6 million in 2027-28).<a>“I am beyond excited to be the next head basketball coach at Kansas State,” said Tang. “Having the opportunity to build on a program with a rich basketball history at a prestigious university is truly a blessing. We look forward to bringing an exciting style of basketball to K-State while helping our student-athletes succeed on the court and in life. My family and I can’t wait to get to Manhattan and form deep relationships with our students, former players, alumni and Wildcat fans everywhere. We look forward to making the Octagon of Doom the best home court advantage in the country!”</a>Tang, 55, was an original member of head coach&nbsp;Scott Drew’s&nbsp;coaching staff and played an instrumental role in building the Bears program from one rocked by scandal and NCAA probation into one that has developed into one of the nation’s top programs highlighted by the 2021 NCAA Championship and consecutive Big 12 regular-season titles in 2021 and 2022. He served his first 14 seasons (2003-17) on staff as an assistant coach before being promoted to associate head coach in 2017.﻿“I am extremely excited to welcome Jerome, Careylyen, Seven and Aylyn to Manhattan and K-State,” Taylor said. “As we conducted a national search to find our next head coach, we wanted to identify an individual who can lead our program to consistently high levels while maintaining the integrity that our program is known for. When we first met with Jerome, he was very impressive, and that continued throughout the duration of our search.”During his time at Baylor, Tang has helped the Bears post a 397-222 (.641) overall record, including a 168-155 (.520) mark in Big 12 play, to go with 13 postseason appearances (10 NCAA Tournaments, 3 NITs), one NCAA title (2021), one NIT title (2013) and one NIT runner-up finish (2009). In the process, he has helped coach 11 All-Americans, including consensus selections&nbsp;Johnathan Motley&nbsp;(2017) and&nbsp;Jared Butler&nbsp;(2021), a National Defensive Player of the Year in&nbsp;Davion Mitchell&nbsp;(2021) and 58 All-Big 12 honorees, including nine on the First Team.In addition to prowess on the bench, Tang has helped construct nine consensus Top 25 recruiting classes while at Baylor, including 2010 (Jones III), 2011 (Miller and&nbsp;Deuce Bello), 2012 (Isaiah Austin, Prince and&nbsp;Rico Gathers), 2013 (Ishmail Wainright,&nbsp;Al Freeman&nbsp;and Motley) and the highest-ranked class in program history at No. 4 in 2021 (Kendall Brown,&nbsp;Langston Love&nbsp;and&nbsp;Jeremy Sochan).“From a detailed recruiting plan and familiarity with our league, his knack for building and maintaining tremendous relationships with everyone he comes in contact with, to offensive and defensive philosophies, he has what it takes to be a successful leader,” said Taylor. “His vision for our program is something that all K-Staters will be excited about and one that helped build a Baylor program from the ground up, culminating with a national championship. With him at the helm, I know that great days are ahead for K-State basketball.”Tang will be the first Black men’s head basketball coach in school history and just the fourth minority men’s head coach in school history, following former baseball coach&nbsp;Dave Baker&nbsp;(1978-83), former football coach&nbsp;Ron Prince&nbsp;(2006-08) and current women’s tennis coach&nbsp;Jordan Smith&nbsp;(2018-present).<a>“We want to personally welcome Jerome, his wife and two children to the K-State family,” University president&nbsp;Richard Linton&nbsp;said. “I have high confidence that his leadership will produce a very competitive men’s basketball program. He deeply values community, family and a strong work ethic, values that are all directly in line with the K-State way.”</a>The head coaching role will not be new for Tang, who built a powerhouse at Heritage Christian Academy in Cleveland, Texas over a 10-year period (1993-2003) before starting his tenure at Baylor in 2003. He also stepped in on four occasions as the Bears’ interim head coach, winning the first two games of the 2012-13 Big 12 schedule at home against Texas, 86-79 in overtime, and on the road at Texas Tech, 82-48, and the first two games of the 2020-21 national title season in Las Vegas against Louisiana-Lafayette (112-82) and Washington (86-52).Since the 2007-08 season, Tang has been pivotal in helping Baylor to a stretch of 15 consecutive seasons of at least 18 wins, including a school-record 30 in 2011-12, en route to a 361-153 (.702) record and 10 NCAA Tournament appearances. Since 2010, the Bears have appeared in the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 five times (2010, 2012, 2014, 2017, 2021), three times advancing to the Elite Eight (2010, 2012, 2021) and once to the Final Four (2021).Additionally, 13 players from those seasons have gone on to play in the NBA, including&nbsp;Quincy Acy,&nbsp;Jared Butler,&nbsp;Freddie Gillespie,&nbsp;Pierre Jackson,&nbsp;Cory Jefferson,&nbsp;Perry Jones III,&nbsp;Quincy Miller,&nbsp;Davion Mitchell,&nbsp;Johnathan Motley,&nbsp;Royce O’Neale,&nbsp;Taurean Prince,&nbsp;MaCio Teague&nbsp;and&nbsp;Ekpe Udoh.In the last three seasons alone, Baylor has tallied an 81-13 (.862) record, including a 43-8 (.843) mark in Big 12 play, with 22 wins over ranked opponents highlighted by the Bears’ first National Championship in 2021, as they defeated No. 1 ranked Gonzaga, 86-70, in the national title game. The 2021 Bears also won their first Big 12 Championship in the league’s 25-year history, which was the school’s first conference title in 71 years, then followed it up with a second-straight crown in 2022 by winning their last 5 conference games.Baylor’s 55-9 (.859) record over the last two seasons is the nation’s best among power conference teams, while the 81-13 (.862) record since 2019-20 is the second-best nationally, trailing only Gonzaga (90-6). In that span, the Bears were ranked in the top 5 for 29 consecutive AP Top 25 polls and finished the 2021-22 season with the nation’s third-longest active streak of 56-straight weeks ranked.Prior to his time at Baylor, Tang built a powerhouse at Heritage Christian Academy, a birth-through-high school private school in Cleveland, Texas, as both the head boys’ basketball coach and athletic director, guiding the Eagles to four state championships from 1993 to 2003. His program gained national attention in 2001 when junior&nbsp;Cedrick Hensley&nbsp;scored 101 points in a game.Tang and Heritage Christian became known for producing Division I athletes, including his most-publicized recruit&nbsp;Vakeaton “Von” Wafer, a 2003 McDonald’s All-American who played at Florida State and was drafted with the 39th&nbsp;pick by the L.A. Lakers in the 2005 NBA Draft. His last two teams featured a number of Division I signees including Hensley (Houston),&nbsp;Elijah Miller&nbsp;(Houston),&nbsp;Marlon Pompey&nbsp;(Texas A&amp;M),&nbsp;Lamar Hurd&nbsp;(Oregon State),&nbsp;Tim Mayes&nbsp;(Richmond) and&nbsp;Tyler Jones&nbsp;(St. John’s).Tang earned a bachelor’s degree from Charter Oak State College in 2007.Tang was born in San Fernando, Trinidad, West Indies on October 7, 1966. He migrated with his parents (names) to St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands until age 10 when his family moved to Texas. He and his wife,&nbsp;Careylyen&nbsp;(Rae) have a son,&nbsp;Seven, and a daughter,&nbsp;Aylyn.Tang will take over a Kansas State program that recently finished the 2021-22 season with a 14-17 overall record, including a ninth-place finish in the Big 12 with a 6-12 mark. The hard-luck Wildcats lost 12 games by single digits, including 7 by one possession. Three players earned All-Big 12 honors, including First Team selection and Most Improved Player&nbsp;Nijel Pack&nbsp;and honorable mention and All-Defensive Team member&nbsp;Markquis Nowell.Coaching ExperienceHead Coach, Heritage Christian Academy (1993-2003)Assistant Coach, Baylor (2003-17)Associate Head Coach, Baylor (2017-22)Head Coach, Kansas State (2022-present)EducationBachelor of Science, Charter Oak State College, 2007PersonalBorn:&nbsp;October 7, 1966, in San Fernando, Trinidad, West IndiesWife:&nbsp;Careylyen (Rae)Children:&nbsp;son Seven (freshman at Baylor) and daughter Aylyn (pronounced ‘island’)TOM GILBERT Director for Men’s Basketball Communications | K-State Athletics

K-State names a new head basketball coach

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kansas State has settled on Baylor assistant Jerome Tang to be its next head coach, The Associated Press has learned. 

Kansas State athletic director Gene Taylor flew to Texas to meet with Tang on Sunday, one day after the top-seeded Bears lost to North Carolina. Tang played a key role in building the Baylor program into a powerhouse. He would replace Bruce Weber, who resigned after Kansas State lost in the first round of the Big 12 Tournament.

The two planned to meet again Monday with the expectation that one of the nation's most sought-after assistant coaches, who helped the Bears win last year's national championship, was headed to Manhattan.

“Coach Tang and I have been together for 19 years, and he's had opportunities before,” Baylor coach Scott Drew said over the weekend, “but obviously each year those opportunities grow, and deservedly so. He's done a remarkable job.”

Tang was part of Drew's initial staff at Baylor in 2003, when the program was reeling from crippling NCAA penalties that included an inability to play a nonconference schedule. They've built a juggernaut in Waco, a rise to national prominence that culminated last season with Baylor beating Gonzaga 86-70 in the national title game.

The Bears also won their first Big 12 title last season — their first championship in any conference in 71 years — and shared the award with Kansas this season before an early exit in the league tournament.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kansas State has settled on Baylor assistant Jerome Tang to be its next head coach, The Associated Press has learned. Kansas State athletic director Gene Taylor flew to Texas to meet with Tang on Sunday, one day after the top-seeded Bears lost to North Carolina. Tang played a key role in building the Baylor program into a powerhouse. He would replace Bruce Weber, who resigned after Kansas State lost in the first round of the Big 12 Tournament.The two planned to meet again Monday with the expectation that one of the nation's most sought-after assistant coaches, who helped the Bears win last year's national championship, was headed to Manhattan.“Coach Tang and I have been together for 19 years, and he's had opportunities before,” Baylor coach Scott Drew said over the weekend, “but obviously each year those opportunities grow, and deservedly so. He's done a remarkable job.”Tang was part of Drew's initial staff at Baylor in 2003, when the program was reeling from crippling NCAA penalties that included an inability to play a nonconference schedule. They've built a juggernaut in Waco, a rise to national prominence that culminated last season with Baylor beating Gonzaga 86-70 in the national title game.The Bears also won their first Big 12 title last season — their first championship in any conference in 71 years — and shared the award with Kansas this season before an early exit in the league tournament.

K-State focuses on Baylor assistant in coaching search

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — All-Americans Elissa Cunane of top-seeded North Carolina State and Ayoka Lee of ninth-seeded Kansas State are set for a rematch on Monday in the second round of the NCAA women's basketball tournament. The teams met in November at Reynolds Coliseum in Raleigh, North Carolina, also the site of Monday's game, and the Wolfpack dominated, winning 90-69 and holding Lee to just 10 points on 5-of-12 shooting in the game’s first 30 minutes while the Wolfpack pulled away. Lee finished with 19 points, one more than Cunane. N.C. State is eyeing its fourth straight trip to the Sweet 16.

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — All-Americans Elissa Cunane of top-seeded North Carolina State and Ayoka Lee of ninth-seeded Kansas State are set for a rematch on Monday in the second round of the NCAA women's basketball tournament. The teams met in November at Reynolds Coliseum in Raleigh, North Carolina, also the site of Monday's game, and the Wolfpack dominated, winning 90-69 and holding Lee to just 10 points on 5-of-12 shooting in the game’s first 30 minutes while the Wolfpack pulled away. Lee finished with 19 points, one more than Cunane. N.C. State is eyeing its fourth straight trip to the Sweet 16.

K-State will play North Carolina State in women's NCAA Tournament

By TYLER HENRY Little Apple Post contributor

After a slow start to the first half, the Salina Liberty kicked things into high gear to begin their 2022 season with a convincing 54-33 road victory over the Topeka Tropics.

The Tropics battled early and capitalized on miscues from a Salina team trying to settle into their stride, scooping up a fumble and taking it to the house to take a 20-16 lead into the second quarter.

From there, the Liberty would turn up the intensity on both sides of the ball, outscoring Topeka 38-13 in the final three quarters en route to a comfortable victory.

It began with a big second quarter, anchored by new addition Tre Griffin, who bookended the only Tropics score of the quarter with two touchdowns of his own.

Tyrie Adams found Anthony Love for his first touchdown pass of the game to put the Liberty on top 36-27 before Kendrick Harper snagged a pick to lock-in that score at the half.

On the other side of the intermission, the Liberty defense tightened the screws, holding Topeka to just a single score in the entire second half.

“I was very excited to see our defense respond to not playing well in that first half,” Liberty HC Heron O’Neal said. “We got the stops that we needed to keep our lead while we struggled offensively. We’ll have some things to clean up but with this being our first game that’s expected.”

While the offense slowed a bit in the second half, Salina’s usual suspects shined as reigning MVP Tracy Brooks punched in the first score of the half before Tyrie Adams hooked up with Ed Smith twice to put the final nails in the Tropics coffin.

“I think we came in expecting that these guys were going to lay down and they didn’t,” O’Neal said. “This is a good football team and they’re going to beat a lot of people, they’ve got a good thing going.”

With this win, the Liberty will once again begin their season 1-0 while the newly formed Tropics continue their search for a victory at 0-2.

While a championship rematch looms for Salina next week, the Liberty will take some time to celebrate this win before making their adjustments over the course of the week.

“Right now we’re going to enjoy this road victory, they’re hard to come by,” O’Neal said. “This is a hard environment that they’ve created here and I’m going to enjoy this one, I’m not thinking about any other team at this moment.”

The Liberty and Beef will meet in Salina at 6:35 pm on Saturday, March 26th.

To purchase Liberty single-game or season tickets click <a href="https://salinaliberty.com/">HERE</a>.

For continuing coverage of Liberty football all season long, stay tuned to the Little Apple Post.

By TYLER HENRY Little Apple Post contributor<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618021366432.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 a slow start to the first half, the Salina Liberty kicked things into high gear to begin their 2022 season with a convincing 54-33 road victory over the Topeka Tropics.The Tropics battled early and capitalized on miscues from a Salina team trying to settle into their stride, scooping up a fumble and taking it to the house to take a 20-16 lead into the second quarter.From there, the Liberty would turn up the intensity on both sides of the ball, outscoring Topeka 38-13 in the final three quarters en route to a comfortable victory.It began with a big second quarter, anchored by new addition Tre Griffin, who bookended the only Tropics score of the quarter with two touchdowns of his own.Tyrie Adams found Anthony Love for his first touchdown pass of the game to put the Liberty on top 36-27 before Kendrick Harper snagged a pick to lock-in that score at the half.On the other side of the intermission, the Liberty defense tightened the screws, holding Topeka to just a single score in the entire second half.“I was very excited to see our defense respond to not playing well in that first half,” Liberty HC Heron O’Neal said. “We got the stops that we needed to keep our lead while we struggled offensively. We’ll have some things to clean up but with this being our first game that’s expected.”While the offense slowed a bit in the second half, Salina’s usual suspects shined as reigning MVP Tracy Brooks punched in the first score of the half before Tyrie Adams hooked up with Ed Smith twice to put the final nails in the Tropics coffin.“I think we came in expecting that these guys were going to lay down and they didn’t,” O’Neal said. “This is a good football team and they’re going to beat a lot of people, they’ve got a good thing going.”With this win, the Liberty will once again begin their season 1-0 while the newly formed Tropics continue their search for a victory at 0-2.While a championship rematch looms for Salina next week, the Liberty will take some time to celebrate this win before making their adjustments over the course of the week.“Right now we’re going to enjoy this road victory, they’re hard to come by,” O’Neal said. “This is a hard environment that they’ve created here and I’m going to enjoy this one, I’m not thinking about any other team at this moment.”The Liberty and Beef will meet in Salina at 6:35 pm on Saturday, March 26th.To purchase Liberty single-game or season tickets click <a href="https://salinaliberty.com/">HERE</a>.For continuing coverage of Liberty football all season long, stay tuned to the Little Apple Post.

Liberty topple Tropics, kick off 2022 campaign with 54-33 victory

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — No. 9 Kansas State overcame a frustrating defensive scheme from No. 8 Washington State and won 50-40 in the first round of the women’s NCAA Tournament. After being held to just five points in the first half, Ayoka Lee, an AP Second Team All-American selection, finished with 20 points to lead the Wildcats (20-11) to their first tournament victory since 2017. Washington State (19-11) was powered by Charlisse Leger-Walker’s 20 points on offense.

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — No. 9 Kansas State overcame a frustrating defensive scheme from No. 8 Washington State and won 50-40 in the first round of the women’s NCAA Tournament. After being held to just five points in the first half, Ayoka Lee, an AP Second Team All-American selection, finished with 20 points to lead the Wildcats (20-11) to their first tournament victory since 2017. Washington State (19-11) was powered by Charlisse Leger-Walker’s 20 points on offense.

K-State women's basketball wins in NCAA Tournament

FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — Remy Martin scored 20 points, Ochai Agbaji put Kansas ahead for good with his first basket early in the second half, and the Jayhawks held off Creighton 79-72 to advance to the Sweet 16. Martin hadn’t led top-seeded Kansas in scoring all season as the fifth-year senior battled a sore knee. He's now done it in both NCAA Tournament games. The short-handed Bluejays stayed close with an uncharacteristically hot showing from 3-point range. One of the worst teams in the country from beyond the arc, ninth-seeded Creighton went 12 of 28. Arthur Kaluma's 24 points led the Bluejays.

FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — Remy Martin scored 20 points, Ochai Agbaji put Kansas ahead for good with his first basket early in the second half, and the Jayhawks held off Creighton 79-72 to advance to the Sweet 16. Martin hadn’t led top-seeded Kansas in scoring all season as the fifth-year senior battled a sore knee. He's now done it in both NCAA Tournament games. The short-handed Bluejays stayed close with an uncharacteristically hot showing from 3-point range. One of the worst teams in the country from beyond the arc, ninth-seeded Creighton went 12 of 28. Arthur Kaluma's 24 points led the Bluejays.

Kansas holds off Creighton in NCAA Tournament

The Salina Liberty will kick off their 2022 campaign in Topeka on Saturday night as they get their first look at the Tropics, one of four new teams in the CIF.

Salina is coming off another phenomenal season but with a revamped roster and a new league landscape, it’s all to play for to begin the new year.

“You definitely want to start the season well,” Liberty HC Heron O’Neal said. “Last year we were able to start 8-0 and while the start is important, our keyword this year is “finish.”

The Tropics were one of four teams involved in week one’s action, falling to Sioux City 52-18 but keeping things close with the Bandits throughout the first half.

“They really battled with Sioux City so when they’re playing on all cylinders they’re going to be tough to beat,” O’Neal said. “We’re definitely looking forward to the challenge of our first road game, if we can play the way I know we can play we should be able to put our best foot forward and get a win.”

The Tropics offense runs through the backfield of dual-threat quarterback Jeff LeGree and running back Jeff Mack who looked good in a penalty-ridden loss last week.

The battle in the trenches will be one to watch as well as the Tropics put strength on strength against a stout Liberty O-Line.

While Salina settles into a rhythm, the start will be imperative for Topeka, who enter this contest with just one CIF game played, but one more than the Liberty have this season.

“They definitely have the advantage of being unknown,” O’Neal said. “Their head coach was the DC in Kansas City last year so he knows the game and the league. They also have a game under their belt already so we’re going to have to limit our miscues as we settle in.”

On the Salina side, the top-scoring offense from a season ago is primed and ready to go off again, returning CIF Rookie of the Year Tyrie Adams at quarterback, MVP Tracy Brooks at running back, and “Fast Ed Smith” to lead the receiving corps.

This game will also be a vital opportunity with no preseason exhibitions for the Liberty rookies to prove that the training camp hype can translate to the field.

“We have to find ways in our first live action game to win the turnover battle and handle adversity, especially on the road,” O’Neal said. “It will be interesting to see how these rookies handle the pressure. They look great in practice but I’ve had a lot of ‘practice squad all-Americans’ in the past.”

Kickoff between the Liberty and Tropics is set for 7:05 pm in Topeka and all season long, games 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/2021/4/1618021366432.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>The Salina Liberty will kick off their 2022 campaign in Topeka on Saturday night as they get their first look at the Tropics, one of four new teams in the CIF.Salina is coming off another phenomenal season but with a revamped roster and a new league landscape, it’s all to play for to begin the new year.“You definitely want to start the season well,” Liberty HC Heron O’Neal said. “Last year we were able to start 8-0 and while the start is important, our keyword this year is “finish.”The Tropics were one of four teams involved in week one’s action, falling to Sioux City 52-18 but keeping things close with the Bandits throughout the first half.“They really battled with Sioux City so when they’re playing on all cylinders they’re going to be tough to beat,” O’Neal said. “We’re definitely looking forward to the challenge of our first road game, if we can play the way I know we can play we should be able to put our best foot forward and get a win.”The Tropics offense runs through the backfield of dual-threat quarterback Jeff LeGree and running back Jeff Mack who looked good in a penalty-ridden loss last week.The battle in the trenches will be one to watch as well as the Tropics put strength on strength against a stout Liberty O-Line.While Salina settles into a rhythm, the start will be imperative for Topeka, who enter this contest with just one CIF game played, but one more than the Liberty have this season.“They definitely have the advantage of being unknown,” O’Neal said. “Their head coach was the DC in Kansas City last year so he knows the game and the league. They also have a game under their belt already so we’re going to have to limit our miscues as we settle in.”On the Salina side, the top-scoring offense from a season ago is primed and ready to go off again, returning CIF Rookie of the Year Tyrie Adams at quarterback, MVP Tracy Brooks at running back, and “Fast Ed Smith” to lead the receiving corps.This game will also be a vital opportunity with no preseason exhibitions for the Liberty rookies to prove that the training camp hype can translate to the field.“We have to find ways in our first live action game to win the turnover battle and handle adversity, especially on the road,” O’Neal said. “It will be interesting to see how these rookies handle the pressure. They look great in practice but I’ve had a lot of ‘practice squad all-Americans’ in the past.”Kickoff between the Liberty and Tropics is set for 7:05 pm in Topeka and all season long, games can be heard on KINA (910 AM or 107.5 FM) courtesy of Eagle Radio.For continuing coverage of Liberty football all season long, stay tuned to the Little Apple Post.To purchase single game or season tickets click <a href="https://salinaliberty.com/">HERE</a>.

Liberty travel to Topeka to kick-off 2022 CIF season

The Salina Liberty, still hungry for the first championship in team history, will look to reload and run it back in 2022, following back-to-back heartbreaks on the final plays of the last two title matches.

“We had to do a lot of soul searching after coming that close again but not playing our A-game in another championship game,” Liberty head coach Heron O’Neal said. “You’ve got to give credit to the Champs in Omaha and Duke City but looking back at those games has been my fuel to recruit and coach better.”

This year’s Liberty squad will be absolutely loaded, and while the makeup of the team will look a little different, the determination to finish strong will remain the same.

“This year isn’t about unfinished business, it’s just about finishing,” O’Neal said. “We haven’t done that in the last two national championship games. It’s definitely a different mindset going into this year.”

Heron O’Neal, inducted into the IFL hall of fame last season, will return for his fourth year at the helm of the Liberty and will be joined by two new faces in Carlos Cavanaugh and Dylan Mendicina.

Cavanaugh, the former head coach of the Wichita Force, will add both coaching and playing experience to the staff while Mendicina slots into an analysis role and works with the lines.

As far as the makeup of the roster on the field, the Liberty will be menacing on both sides of the ball once again, returning nine experienced veterans to lead a swarm of incoming talent.

“It’s definitely an edge to have guys that know what I’m looking for back for another year,” he said. “You have to have some veterans that your rookies and new vets can follow.”

Reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year Tyrie Adams will return after a stellar 2021 campaign, and will take snaps from veteran 300-pound center Kelvin McCoy.

The Liberty backfield will be problematic for opponents this year who will be tasked with stopping reigning CIF MVP Tracy Brooks, as well as newcomer Tre Griffin, who has garnered comparisons in style to Alvin Kamara from Coach O already.

Those backs will work behind a line that in addition to McCoy, will be anchored on either side by newcomers Steven Fluker (6-6, 350) and Casey Pierce (6-4, 340).

“This will be the third biggest offensive line that I’ve had in all my years of coaching,” O’Neal said.

While the battle for spots in the slot still rages on in practice, the one guaranteed staple will be “Fast Ed Smith,” who returns for another year with the Liberty after putting up Offensive Player of the Year numbers in 2021.

After taking a huge leap offensively from 2020 to 2021, Salina is optimistic that the team can continue to build on that success again this year.

“We were number one in the league averaging over 50 points per game and we definitely want to continue scoring even more this year,” he said. “We’re going to continue to hang our hats on defense but we want to continue what we started offensively last season.”

On that defensive end, the Liberty will return four veteran showstoppers from a season ago to go along with several promising first-year stars in the making.

In the trenches, Travis Taylor and Shaq Bradford return to terrorize opposing O-lines off the edge while newcomer Zack Reynoso (nicknamed “oso” or "bear" in Spanish), will look to bulldoze his way up the middle.

In the linebacking core, Salina fans can expect a show from Tron Folsom, whose speed will come as a major asset to the Liberty in the open field.

Finally in the secondary opponents will have a tough time moving the ball against Salina through the air once more with K-Hop and The Predator (Kendrick Harper and Dontra Matthews) returning to slot in alongside newcomers like Coray Williams.

Rounding out this year’s Salina Squad will be kicker Jimmy Allen, who proved himself as the best in the league a season ago en route to Special Teams Player of the Year honors.

As the Champions Indoor Football league prepares for a new season, the Liberty find themselves as one of the older and more established teams in the CIF. 

Salina will compete with old faces like the Omaha Beef, Sioux City Bandits, and Wyoming Mustangs as well as several newcomers this year in the Southwest Kansas Storm, Topeka Tropics, Billings Outlaws, and Rapid City Marshalls.

“I’m very excited to have eight teams in the league this year,” O’Neal said. “It shows growth and it shows that people believe in the product of the CIF. I hope that number continues to grow.”

With week one already in the books, the Liberty will begin their season in Topeka on Saturday, March 19th when they get their first look at the Tropics.

“These guys are very excited to get back out on the field, especially with the physical training camp that we’ve had,” he said. “Last year there were games where we had more fans on the road than the home team had and we feed off of that. We’re hopeful that we can continue to see even more support as we try to bring that championship to the city of Salina because they definitely deserve it.”

For continuing coverage of Liberty football all throughout 2022, stay tuned to the Little Apple Post.

By TYLER HENRY Little Apple Post contributor<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616853961118.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>The Salina Liberty, still hungry for the first championship in team history, will look to reload and run it back in 2022, following back-to-back heartbreaks on the final plays of the last two title matches.“We had to do a lot of soul searching after coming that close again but not playing our A-game in another championship game,” Liberty head coach Heron O’Neal said. “You’ve got to give credit to the Champs in Omaha and Duke City but looking back at those games has been my fuel to recruit and coach better.”This year’s Liberty squad will be absolutely loaded, and while the makeup of the team will look a little different, the determination to finish strong will remain the same.“This year isn’t about unfinished business, it’s just about finishing,” O’Neal said. “We haven’t done that in the last two national championship games. It’s definitely a different mindset going into this year.”Heron O’Neal, inducted into the IFL hall of fame last season, will return for his fourth year at the helm of the Liberty and will be joined by two new faces in Carlos Cavanaugh and Dylan Mendicina.Cavanaugh, the former head coach of the Wichita Force, will add both coaching and playing experience to the staff while Mendicina slots into an analysis role and works with the lines.As far as the makeup of the roster on the field, the Liberty will be menacing on both sides of the ball once again, returning nine experienced veterans to lead a swarm of incoming talent.“It’s definitely an edge to have guys that know what I’m looking for back for another year,” he said. “You have to have some veterans that your rookies and new vets can follow.”Reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year Tyrie Adams will return after a stellar 2021 campaign, and will take snaps from veteran 300-pound center Kelvin McCoy.The Liberty backfield will be problematic for opponents this year who will be tasked with stopping reigning CIF MVP Tracy Brooks, as well as newcomer Tre Griffin, who has garnered comparisons in style to Alvin Kamara from Coach O already.Those backs will work behind a line that in addition to McCoy, will be anchored on either side by newcomers Steven Fluker (6-6, 350) and Casey Pierce (6-4, 340).“This will be the third biggest offensive line that I’ve had in all my years of coaching,” O’Neal said.While the battle for spots in the slot still rages on in practice, the one guaranteed staple will be “Fast Ed Smith,” who returns for another year with the Liberty after putting up Offensive Player of the Year numbers in 2021.After taking a huge leap offensively from 2020 to 2021, Salina is optimistic that the team can continue to build on that success again this year.“We were number one in the league averaging over 50 points per game and we definitely want to continue scoring even more this year,” he said. “We’re going to continue to hang our hats on defense but we want to continue what we started offensively last season.”On that defensive end, the Liberty will return four veteran showstoppers from a season ago to go along with several promising first-year stars in the making.In the trenches, Travis Taylor and Shaq Bradford return to terrorize opposing O-lines off the edge while newcomer Zack Reynoso (nicknamed “oso” or "bear" in Spanish), will look to bulldoze his way up the middle.In the linebacking core, Salina fans can expect a show from Tron Folsom, whose speed will come as a major asset to the Liberty in the open field.Finally in the secondary opponents will have a tough time moving the ball against Salina through the air once more with K-Hop and The Predator (Kendrick Harper and Dontra Matthews) returning to slot in alongside newcomers like Coray Williams.Rounding out this year’s Salina Squad will be kicker Jimmy Allen, who proved himself as the best in the league a season ago en route to Special Teams Player of the Year honors.As the Champions Indoor Football league prepares for a new season, the Liberty find themselves as one of the older and more established teams in the CIF. Salina will compete with old faces like the Omaha Beef, Sioux City Bandits, and Wyoming Mustangs as well as several newcomers this year in the Southwest Kansas Storm, Topeka Tropics, Billings Outlaws, and Rapid City Marshalls.“I’m very excited to have eight teams in the league this year,” O’Neal said. “It shows growth and it shows that people believe in the product of the CIF. I hope that number continues to grow.”With week one already in the books, the Liberty will begin their season in Topeka on Saturday, March 19th when they get their first look at the Tropics.“These guys are very excited to get back out on the field, especially with the physical training camp that we’ve had,” he said. “Last year there were games where we had more fans on the road than the home team had and we feed off of that. We’re hopeful that we can continue to see even more support as we try to bring that championship to the city of Salina because they definitely deserve it.”For continuing coverage of Liberty football all throughout 2022, stay tuned to the Little Apple Post.To purchase single game or season tickets click <a href="https://salinaliberty.com/">HERE</a>.

Salina Liberty 2022 season preview

FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — Remy Martin had 15 points and Christian Braun 14 to lead five players scoring in double figures for top-seeded Kansas, and the Jayhawks opened their 50th NCAA Tournament with an 83-56 victory over Texas Southern. The SWAC champion Tigers had their only lead over the Big 12 champs after Bryson Etienne made their first shot of the game. Kansas is 29-6 and plays its second-round Midwest Regional game Saturday against ninth-seeded Creighton. John Walker III had 13 points for the Tigers.

FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — Remy Martin had 15 points and Christian Braun 14 to lead five players scoring in double figures for top-seeded Kansas, and the Jayhawks opened their 50th NCAA Tournament with an 83-56 victory over Texas Southern. The SWAC champion Tigers had their only lead over the Big 12 champs after Bryson Etienne made their first shot of the game. Kansas is 29-6 and plays its second-round Midwest Regional game Saturday against ninth-seeded Creighton. John Walker III had 13 points for the Tigers.

Jayhawks roll by Texas Southern

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Zack Greinke was back wearing a Kansas City Royals cap on Thursday, some 12 years after he was traded to Milwaukee and then signed for baseball riches elsewhere. As far back as 2019, Greinke said, he pondered what it would be like to play for Kansas City again. And that will finally transpire after he signed a $13 million contract that includes up to $2 million in performance bonuses for the upcoming season. The 38-year-old Greinke has 219 wins over 18 years in the big leagues, seven behind Justin Verlander among active pitchers, and he needs just 191 strikeouts to reach 3,000 for his career.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Zack Greinke was back wearing a Kansas City Royals cap on Thursday, some 12 years after he was traded to Milwaukee and then signed for baseball riches elsewhere. As far back as 2019, Greinke said, he pondered what it would be like to play for Kansas City again. And that will finally transpire after he signed a $13 million contract that includes up to $2 million in performance bonuses for the upcoming season. The 38-year-old Greinke has 219 wins over 18 years in the big leagues, seven behind Justin Verlander among active pitchers, and he needs just 191 strikeouts to reach 3,000 for his career.

Zack Greinke returns to Kaufman Stadium

LARNED — The baseball&nbsp; world is mourning the death of Ralph Terry who died Wednesday in Larned where he lived for many years following a successful major league baseball career with the New York Yankees, Kansas City A's, Cleveland Indians and New York Mets.

He led the American League with 23 victories in 1962 and was the MVP of the&nbsp;1962 World Series, according to the Yankee web site.

Terry is also best known for pitching the walk-off home run to&nbsp;Bill Mazeroski&nbsp;that won the&nbsp;1960 World Series&nbsp;for the&nbsp;Pittsburgh Pirates. Terry was 86.

LARNED — The baseball&nbsp; world is mourning the death of Ralph Terry who died Wednesday in Larned where he lived for many years following a successful major league baseball career with the New York Yankees, Kansas City A's, Cleveland Indians and New York Mets.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The Royals mourn the loss of Kansas resident, World Series hero, and former Yankees and Kansas City A&#39;s pitcher Ralph Terry. <a href="https://t.co/BIG9WbRAol">pic.twitter.com/BIG9WbRAol</a>&mdash; Kansas City Royals (@Royals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Royals/status/1504168316209795072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>He led the American League with 23 victories in 1962 and was the MVP of the&nbsp;1962 World Series, according to the Yankee web site.Terry is also best known for pitching the walk-off home run to&nbsp;Bill Mazeroski&nbsp;that won the&nbsp;1960 World Series&nbsp;for the&nbsp;Pittsburgh Pirates. Terry was 86.

World Series hero Ralph Terry dies in Larned

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Royals agreed with six-time All-Star Zack Greinke on a $13 million contract for this season, reuniting the left-hander with the club that drafted him in the first round two decades ago, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press. 

The person, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal was pending a physical, said that Greinke could earn up to $2 million in performance bonuses. The Athletic was first to report that a deal had been reached. 

The 38-year-old Greinke was the sixth overall pick of the Royals in the 2002 draft, and he spent his first six-plus seasons with the club, winning the Cy Young Award during his standout 2009 season.

By Dave SkrettaKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Royals agreed with six-time All-Star Zack Greinke on a $13 million contract for this season, reuniting the left-hander with the club that drafted him in the first round two decades ago, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press. The person, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal was pending a physical, said that Greinke could earn up to $2 million in performance bonuses. The Athletic was first to report that a deal had been reached. The 38-year-old Greinke was the sixth overall pick of the Royals in the 2002 draft, and he spent his first six-plus seasons with the club, winning the Cy Young Award during his standout 2009 season.

Royals sign Zack Greinke

First TeamAnna Becker (9) – SeamanBrooklyn DeLeye (11) – Washburn RuralGracie Gilpin (12) – EmporiaEmma Krueger (12) – Washburn RuralKiki Smith (11) – Topeka HighTae Thomas (12) – Topeka HighSecond TeamZoe Canfield (10) – Washburn RuralJada Ingram (10) – Washburn RuralAvery Larson (11) – ManhattanMacy Smith (12) – HaydenRebecca Snyder (11) – EmporiaTaylin Stallbaumer (10) – SeamanHonorable MentionAllie Baker (12) – EmporiaAdisyn Caryl (11) – Topeka HighZoe Clark (10) – Topeka WestGrace Dixon (12) – ManhattanAva Esser (9) – SeamanBrylee Meier (9) – HaydenAmelia Ramsey (9) – Highland ParkFaith Shields (11) – Topeka HighCarly Stuke (12) - HaydenAisya Taylor (12) – Highland ParkDayShauna Wiley (12) – Topeka HighDestiny Yates (11) – ManhattanNewcomer of the YearAnna Becker (9) – SeamanPlayer of the YearKiki Smith (11) – Topeka HighCo-Coaches of the YearKevin Bordewick – Washburn RuralMatt Tinsley – Seaman

2021-22 Centennial League All-League Girls’ Basketball Selections

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Sophomore guard&nbsp;Nijel Pack&nbsp;received yet another honor for his impressive season in 2021-22, as he was selected First Team All-District 8 by the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) on Tuesday morning.

Pack was joined on the organization’s First Team by Kansas’&nbsp;Ochai Agbaji, Baylor’s&nbsp;James Akinjo, Iowa State’s&nbsp;Izaiah Brockington&nbsp;and Texas Tech’s&nbsp;Bryson Williams, mirroring the All-Big 12 First Team by the league coaches and The Associated Press. The Second Team consisted of Texas’&nbsp;Timmy Allen, Kansas’&nbsp;Christian Braun, Baylor’s&nbsp;Adam Flagler, TCU’s&nbsp;Mike Miles, Jr., and West Virginia’s&nbsp;Taz Sherman. The District 8 Coach of the Year was Baylor’s&nbsp;Scott Drew. The All-District honors are voted on by NABC-member coaches across NCAA Division I.

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Sophomore guard&nbsp;Nijel Pack&nbsp;received yet another honor for his impressive season in 2021-22, as he was selected First Team All-District 8 by the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) on Tuesday morning.Pack was joined on the organization’s First Team by Kansas’&nbsp;Ochai Agbaji, Baylor’s&nbsp;James Akinjo, Iowa State’s&nbsp;Izaiah Brockington&nbsp;and Texas Tech’s&nbsp;Bryson Williams, mirroring the All-Big 12 First Team by the league coaches and The Associated Press. The Second Team consisted of Texas’&nbsp;Timmy Allen, Kansas’&nbsp;Christian Braun, Baylor’s&nbsp;Adam Flagler, TCU’s&nbsp;Mike Miles, Jr., and West Virginia’s&nbsp;Taz Sherman. The District 8 Coach of the Year was Baylor’s&nbsp;Scott Drew. The All-District honors are voted on by NABC-member coaches across NCAA Division I.

Pack Named First Team All-District 8 by NABC

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22DAVE%20SKRETTA%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports Writer</a>

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas CIty Royals open their long-awaited spring camp in Arizona on Monday with a somewhat unexpected edge over just about every other team in baseball: youth. For one thing, they return almost their entire roster intact, making an abbreviated spring training easier to deal with. For another, all those players are full of youthful energy, and might not quite need the two months of work to get limbered up for the season. 

The Royals are coming off a 74-88 season but were coming on strong at the end, giving them a lot of optimism about the upcoming year.

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22DAVE%20SKRETTA%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports Writer</a>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas CIty Royals open their long-awaited spring camp in Arizona on Monday with a somewhat unexpected edge over just about every other team in baseball: youth. For one thing, they return almost their entire roster intact, making an abbreviated spring training easier to deal with. For another, all those players are full of youthful energy, and might not quite need the two months of work to get limbered up for the season. The Royals are coming off a 74-88 season but were coming on strong at the end, giving them a lot of optimism about the upcoming year.

Royals prepare for spring training

COLUMBIA, S.C. —University of South Carolina Director of Athletics&nbsp;<a href="https://gamecocksonline.com/staff.aspx?staff=206">Ray Tanner</a>&nbsp;announced Monday that&nbsp;<a href="https://gamecocksonline.com/coaches.aspx?rc=1085">Frank Martin</a>&nbsp;is no longer the head men's basketball coach, effective immediately, according to a media release from the university. "After a thorough evaluation of our men's basketball program, we have decided to make a change," said Tanner. "We are grateful for the dedication that Coach Martin has made to Gamecock Basketball. We wish him and his family nothing but the best in the future." A national search for a new men's basketball coach will begin immediately. "Our expectation is to compete for Southeastern Conference and national championships," said Tanner.&nbsp; "We have great facilities, a passionate fan base and we provide our student-athletes an outstanding experience at the University of South Carolina. We will hire someone with a winning coaching history, who has the energy, passion, and commitment to excellence in all areas of the student-athlete experience." Martin finishes his 10th&nbsp;season as the third-longest tenured head coach in Gamecock men's basketball history. Only Frank McGuire (16 seasons, 1964-80) and Frank Johnson (14.5 seasons, 1940-43; 1946-58) have served as the head Gamecock men's basketball coach longer. The Gamecocks finished this season with an 18-13 record, 9-9 during SEC regular season play. Carolina tied for fifth in the SEC standings and was the 7th&nbsp;seed in the recently concluded SEC Tournament in Tampa, Fla.&nbsp; The Miami, Fla. native had a 171-147 record as the Gamecocks' head coach, including a 79-99 mark in SEC regular-season games. The Gamecocks won 20-plus games twice during his tenure, reaching one NCAA Tournament and the NIT once. He coached Carolina to its first-ever NCAA Final Four in 2017, being named the Jim Phelan National Coach of the Year by CollegeInsider.com. In the previous season, 2015-16, the Gamecocks went to the NIT, earning its first postseason bid since the 2008-09 season. During Martin's tenure, he coached four first-team All-SEC selections, including Sindarius Thornwell, who earned SEC Player of the Year and first-team All-America honors in 2017. Chris Silva was named the SEC Defensive Player of the Year in 2018 and Duane Notice (2016) and Hassani Gravett (2019) were recognized as the SEC Sixth Man of the Year. Martin was named the 32nd&nbsp;head coach in Carolina history on March 27, 2012, after serving as head coach at Kansas State for five seasons.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647291501614.png" alt="Frank Martin-photo courtesy USC" />
 <figcaption>Frank Martin-photo courtesy USC</figcaption>
 </figure>COLUMBIA, S.C. —University of South Carolina Director of Athletics&nbsp;<a href="https://gamecocksonline.com/staff.aspx?staff=206">Ray Tanner</a>&nbsp;announced Monday that&nbsp;<a href="https://gamecocksonline.com/coaches.aspx?rc=1085">Frank Martin</a>&nbsp;is no longer the head men's basketball coach, effective immediately, according to a media release from the university. "After a thorough evaluation of our men's basketball program, we have decided to make a change," said Tanner. "We are grateful for the dedication that Coach Martin has made to Gamecock Basketball. We wish him and his family nothing but the best in the future." A national search for a new men's basketball coach will begin immediately. "Our expectation is to compete for Southeastern Conference and national championships," said Tanner.&nbsp; "We have great facilities, a passionate fan base and we provide our student-athletes an outstanding experience at the University of South Carolina. We will hire someone with a winning coaching history, who has the energy, passion, and commitment to excellence in all areas of the student-athlete experience." Martin finishes his 10th&nbsp;season as the third-longest tenured head coach in Gamecock men's basketball history. Only Frank McGuire (16 seasons, 1964-80) and Frank Johnson (14.5 seasons, 1940-43; 1946-58) have served as the head Gamecock men's basketball coach longer. The Gamecocks finished this season with an 18-13 record, 9-9 during SEC regular season play. Carolina tied for fifth in the SEC standings and was the 7th&nbsp;seed in the recently concluded SEC Tournament in Tampa, Fla.&nbsp; The Miami, Fla. native had a 171-147 record as the Gamecocks' head coach, including a 79-99 mark in SEC regular-season games. The Gamecocks won 20-plus games twice during his tenure, reaching one NCAA Tournament and the NIT once. He coached Carolina to its first-ever NCAA Final Four in 2017, being named the Jim Phelan National Coach of the Year by CollegeInsider.com. In the previous season, 2015-16, the Gamecocks went to the NIT, earning its first postseason bid since the 2008-09 season. During Martin's tenure, he coached four first-team All-SEC selections, including Sindarius Thornwell, who earned SEC Player of the Year and first-team All-America honors in 2017. Chris Silva was named the SEC Defensive Player of the Year in 2018 and Duane Notice (2016) and Hassani Gravett (2019) were recognized as the SEC Sixth Man of the Year. Martin was named the 32nd&nbsp;head coach in Carolina history on March 27, 2012, after serving as head coach at Kansas State for five seasons.

South Carolina fires former K-State coach Martin after 10 seasons 

Centennial League all conference basketball selections have been announced.&nbsp;

Ketraleus Bo Aldridge - Highland Park - Jr.

JuanTario Scrappy Roberts – Highland Park – Sr.

Terrance Tedder – Junction City – Sr.

Newcomer of the year – Gavin Wilhelm - Seaman - Sr.

Player of the year – Elijah Brooks – Topeka West – Sr.

Coach of the year – Rick Bloomquist – Topeka West

Centennial League all conference basketball selections have been announced.&nbsp;1st Team All-LeagueElijah Brooks - Topeka West– Sr.Ketraleus Bo Aldridge - Highland Park - Jr.Howard Johnson - Junction City - Sr.JuanTario Scrappy Roberts – Highland Park – Sr.Ty Henry - Seaman - Sr.Mateo Hyman - Seaman - Sr.2nd Team All-LeagueJoe Otting - Hayden - Jr.Jack Bachelor - Washburn Rural - Jr.Trent Duffey - Hayden - Sr.Sincere Austin - Topeka West - Jr.Kaeden Bonner - Seaman - Jr.Tre Richardson - Highland Park - Jr.Honorable Mention All-LeagueJack Wilson – Manhattan – Jr.Jack Muller - Hayden - Jr.Terrance Tedder – Junction City – Sr.Zander Puthoff - Topeka West - Sr.Jahmir Kingcannon - Highland Park - Jr.Xavier Alexander - Topeka West - Jr.Malachi Berg - Topeka West - Jr.Gavin Wilhelm - Seaman - Sr.Quincey Kidd - Washburn Rural - Sr.Parker Leeds - Emporia - Sr.Newcomer of the year – Gavin Wilhelm - Seaman - Sr.Player of the year – Elijah Brooks – Topeka West – Sr.Coach of the year – Rick Bloomquist – Topeka West