It was a busy night Thursday across the Post and KFEQ coverage area, with a few wrestling events and basketball tournament action. Let's get to it!

St. Joseph city wrestling championships Benton won the tournament with solid performances all around, but Central and Lafayette had some big individuals performances, too. <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/d30c7ec1-2463-4d5f-ba5b-5937917d4ce8">Full coverage here</a>.

King City tournament - boys Stanberry 55 Stewartsville-Osborn 40 Albany 51 Northeast Nodaway 45. - The Bulldogs and Warriors meet in the tournament final on Saturday at 2 p.m. at the old gym in King City.

King City tournament - girls Stanberry 32 King City 19 Albany 30 DeKalb 27 - The Bulldog and Warrior girls' teams meet in Saturday's final at 2 p.m. in the new gym at King City.

Northwest Missouri tournament North Nodaway 57 West Nodaway 40 - girls - North Nodaway coach Sami Jackson picks up her 100th career victory. Worth County 55 Northland Christian 16 - girls Northland Christian 73 Nodaway-Holt 49 - boys Worth County 65 North Nodaway 35 - boys

North Platte tournament Girls Platte Valley 57 North Platte 28 North Andrew 46 Plattsburg 36 - Platte Valley and North Andrew meet in the title game on Saturday at 3 p.m.

Boys Mid-Buchanan 60 Plattsburg 38 Mound City 81 West Platte 43 - Tony Osburn scores 28 pts. Mound City and Mid-Buchanan meet in the title on Saturday at 4:30 p.m.

Hamilton tournament Gallatin 54 Trenton 28 - girls (consolation) Gallatin 53 East Buchanan 51 - boys (pool play) East Buchanan 50 Lathrop 40 - girls (pool play)

Cameron tournament Boys Benton 62 Lawson 44 - Allan Coy 24 pts. The Cardinals face Smithville in the semifinals Friday night at 7 p.m. Maryville 56 Battle 48

Girls Maryville 54 Cameron 41 - Serena Sundell and Rylee Vierthaler each score 19 pts. Chillicothe 64 Smithville 60 - The Hornets and Spoofhounds meet in the championship on Saturday at 1 p.m.

Gilman City tournament Pattonsburg 59 St. Joseph Christian 45 - girls Pattonsburg 66 St. Joseph Christian 57 - boys Princeton 70 Union Star 52 - girls Princeton 60 Union Star 34 - boys

Other basketball scores Thursday Lafayette 44 St. Paul Lutheran 39 - girls Lafayette 78 St. Paul Lutheran 44 - boys

Wrestling results Mid-Buchanan earned a 66-14 win over Brookfield and a 41-27 win over Lee's Summit Thursday. Elsewhere, Maysville earned a sweep with wins over South Harrison (58-6), Riverside (69-6) and Marceline.

Stanberry quad (girls) Trenton 12 North Andrew 6 Stanberry 18 Trenton 12

By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostIt was a busy night Thursday across the Post and KFEQ coverage area, with a few wrestling events and basketball tournament action. Let's get to it!St. Joseph city wrestling championships Benton won the tournament with solid performances all around, but Central and Lafayette had some big individuals performances, too. <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/d30c7ec1-2463-4d5f-ba5b-5937917d4ce8">Full coverage here</a>.King City tournament - boys Stanberry 55 Stewartsville-Osborn 40 Albany 51 Northeast Nodaway 45. - The Bulldogs and Warriors meet in the tournament final on Saturday at 2 p.m. at the old gym in King City.King City tournament - girls Stanberry 32 King City 19 Albany 30 DeKalb 27 - The Bulldog and Warrior girls' teams meet in Saturday's final at 2 p.m. in the new gym at King City.Northwest Missouri tournament North Nodaway 57 West Nodaway 40 - girls - North Nodaway coach Sami Jackson picks up her 100th career victory. Worth County 55 Northland Christian 16 - girls Northland Christian 73 Nodaway-Holt 49 - boys Worth County 65 North Nodaway 35 - boysNorth Platte tournament Girls Platte Valley 57 North Platte 28 North Andrew 46 Plattsburg 36 - Platte Valley and North Andrew meet in the title game on Saturday at 3 p.m.Boys Mid-Buchanan 60 Plattsburg 38 Mound City 81 West Platte 43 - Tony Osburn scores 28 pts. Mound City and Mid-Buchanan meet in the title on Saturday at 4:30 p.m.Hamilton tournament Gallatin 54 Trenton 28 - girls (consolation) Gallatin 53 East Buchanan 51 - boys (pool play) East Buchanan 50 Lathrop 40 - girls (pool play)Cameron tournament Boys Benton 62 Lawson 44 - Allan Coy 24 pts. The Cardinals face Smithville in the semifinals Friday night at 7 p.m. Maryville 56 Battle 48Girls Maryville 54 Cameron 41 - Serena Sundell and Rylee Vierthaler each score 19 pts. Chillicothe 64 Smithville 60 - The Hornets and Spoofhounds meet in the championship on Saturday at 1 p.m.Gilman City tournament Pattonsburg 59 St. Joseph Christian 45 - girls Pattonsburg 66 St. Joseph Christian 57 - boys Princeton 70 Union Star 52 - girls Princeton 60 Union Star 34 - boysOther basketball scores Thursday Lafayette 44 St. Paul Lutheran 39 - girls Lafayette 78 St. Paul Lutheran 44 - boysWrestling results Mid-Buchanan earned a 66-14 win over Brookfield and a 41-27 win over Lee's Summit Thursday. Elsewhere, Maysville earned a sweep with wins over South Harrison (58-6), Riverside (69-6) and Marceline.Stanberry quad (girls) Trenton 12 North Andrew 6 Stanberry 18 Trenton 12

KFEQ/St. Joseph Post area high school scoreboard - January 28, 2021

The Benton wrestling team had a solid night in the St. Joseph City Triangular Meet Thursday hosted by Lafayette High School.

The Cardinals finished the night with seven combined pins and three wrestlers going 2-0. Benton as a team went 2-0 Thursday, Lafayette finished&nbsp; 1-1 and Central went 0-2.

Benton's Angelo Barron (132) scored pins against A.J. Allen of Lafayette and Connor McPhillips of St. Joseph Central.

Bishop Rush (145) pinned Trevor Johnson of Lafayette and Central's Brian Eickelman.

In the heavyweight class, Benton's Kevin Machado (285) pinned Central's Nicholas Haddock and scored a 1-0 victory over Lafayette's Q Garrett in a close, physical match.

Also of note for Benton, senior Tyler Murphy, fresh off of an MEC Conference title on Saturday, pinned Central's Connor McPhillips. Murphy, who was a runner-up at state last season, is now a four-time St. Joseph city champion.

The Cardinals' Blake Gilbert (132), who's listed as a JV wrestler, had a big moment with a pin against Lafayette's Chris Arias (145).

Also, Benton's Josh Peek (170) pinned Lafayette's Ben Kneib to round out his night.

Lafayette scored a big win early when Trevor Johnson (138) outlasted Central's Connor McPhillips, 9-4. The win was the 100th in Johnson's career.

It wasn't an easy path for Johnson, who fell just shy of state at districts last season and got a concussion in a meet in late December and then broke his nose when he came back in January.

"Coming out here and getting my 100th victory really makes me want to push forward," Johnson said. "Getting that victory means a lot. Hopefully, it shows these younger guys that it can be done and they're capable of doing it. It's worth doing."

Elsewhere for Lafayette, Jay Greiner (182) pinned Benton's Diego Barron. Zach Pribble (220) scored a pin against Benton's Colton Davis as well.

In the lighter weight classes, Lafayette's Tristan Flynn (113) pinned Benton's Kaleb Boyle, while Marco Dalakishvili, an MEC Conference champion, pinned Central's Logan Cook.

The Indians had only five wrestlers in the meet Thursday, but senior Caleb Zweerink became a four-time St. Joseph city champion after pinning Benton's Josh Peek.

"It feels good," Zweerink said. "My first few years wrestling, I didn't have a ton of success. So, it feels good to finally see all of the hard work pay off."

Benton and Lafayette will wrestle at the Benton tournament on Saturday. Central will compete in the Shawnee Mission North tournament on Saturday as well.

You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611887828272.jpeg" alt="Tyler Murphy of Benton control's Connor McPhillips of Central in Thursday's St. Joseph city wrestling championships. Photo by Whitnee Ice." />
 <figcaption>Tyler Murphy of Benton control's Connor McPhillips of Central in Thursday's St. Joseph city wrestling championships. Photo by Whitnee Ice.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe Benton wrestling team had a solid night in the St. Joseph City Triangular Meet Thursday hosted by Lafayette High School.The Cardinals finished the night with seven combined pins and three wrestlers going 2-0. Benton as a team went 2-0 Thursday, Lafayette finished&nbsp; 1-1 and Central went 0-2.Benton's Angelo Barron (132) scored pins against A.J. Allen of Lafayette and Connor McPhillips of St. Joseph Central.Bishop Rush (145) pinned Trevor Johnson of Lafayette and Central's Brian Eickelman.In the heavyweight class, Benton's Kevin Machado (285) pinned Central's Nicholas Haddock and scored a 1-0 victory over Lafayette's Q Garrett in a close, physical match.Also of note for Benton, senior Tyler Murphy, fresh off of an MEC Conference title on Saturday, pinned Central's Connor McPhillips. Murphy, who was a runner-up at state last season, is now a four-time St. Joseph city champion.The Cardinals' Blake Gilbert (132), who's listed as a JV wrestler, had a big moment with a pin against Lafayette's Chris Arias (145).Also, Benton's Josh Peek (170) pinned Lafayette's Ben Kneib to round out his night.Lafayette scored a big win early when Trevor Johnson (138) outlasted Central's Connor McPhillips, 9-4. The win was the 100th in Johnson's career.It wasn't an easy path for Johnson, who fell just shy of state at districts last season and got a concussion in a meet in late December and then broke his nose when he came back in January."Coming out here and getting my 100th victory really makes me want to push forward," Johnson said. "Getting that victory means a lot. Hopefully, it shows these younger guys that it can be done and they're capable of doing it. It's worth doing."Elsewhere for Lafayette, Jay Greiner (182) pinned Benton's Diego Barron. Zach Pribble (220) scored a pin against Benton's Colton Davis as well.In the lighter weight classes, Lafayette's Tristan Flynn (113) pinned Benton's Kaleb Boyle, while Marco Dalakishvili, an MEC Conference champion, pinned Central's Logan Cook.The Indians had only five wrestlers in the meet Thursday, but senior Caleb Zweerink became a four-time St. Joseph city champion after pinning Benton's Josh Peek."It feels good," Zweerink said. "My first few years wrestling, I didn't have a ton of success. So, it feels good to finally see all of the hard work pay off."Benton and Lafayette will wrestle at the Benton tournament on Saturday. Central will compete in the Shawnee Mission North tournament on Saturday as well.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611887853208.jpeg" alt="St. Joseph Central's Caleb Zweerink earned a pin over Benton's Josh Peek at Thursday's St. Joseph City triangular at Lafayette High School Thursday. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>St. Joseph Central's Caleb Zweerink earned a pin over Benton's Josh Peek at Thursday's St. Joseph City triangular at Lafayette High School Thursday. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611888047075.jpeg" alt="Lafayette's Marco Dalakishvili (126) earned a pin over Central's Logan Cook Thursday. Photo by Whitnee Ice." />
 <figcaption>Lafayette's Marco Dalakishvili (126) earned a pin over Central's Logan Cook Thursday. Photo by Whitnee Ice.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Benton scores multiple pins, Lafayette's Trevor Johnson reaches 100th win Thursday

No. 23 Missouri Western (8-2) had won four straight games entering a Thursday game at Nebraska-Kearney on Jan. 14, in which the Lopers beat the then 16th-ranked Griffons,&nbsp; 75-67.

The plan was to go to Fort Hays State that Saturday. Instead, positive COVID-19 tests within the Missouri Western men's and women's programs put team activities on pause.

For Griffon men's head coach Will Martin, he found an advantage within the disadvantage of having to sit out.

"The advantage we found is we were able to dive deeper into film than we have all year," Martin told the Post. "We had some great Zoom sessions and great individual meetings with guys over Zoom and FaceTime. Even meetings that had nothing to with basketball. Just daily check-ins, like 'How're you doing, man? How's your family?'"

A few players experienced mild symptoms, though everyone is feeling better now, according to Martin.

The Griffons returned to practice Monday, though not everyone has been able to return yet, and practices have been segmented thus far.

"Health and peace of mind is priority number one for me and my staff when it comes to our players," Martin said. "So, it's going to be a slow drip. But, I think we'll come back better than ever. That's not necessarily not going to be defined by wins and losses. It'll be defined by the connectivity of our team."

Missouri Western is ready to hit the ground running, as they get set for two games to round out January, and then look ahead to a busy February.

The Griffons head to Warrensburg to face Central Missouri (5-8) Thursday and then Jefferson City for a meeting with Lincoln (7-3) on Saturday.

UCM has won three straight and are 4-2 at home. Lincoln, meanwhile, is 5-1 in their last six outings and 6-1 this season at Jason Gym.

Martin knows as well as anyone that winning on the road in the MIAA is a constant challenge.

"Every single year, (Central Missouri) is really tough to beat at home," Martin said. "It's a real thing in the MIAA - it's hard to win on the road."

The Griffons will get a week-long breather after Saturday's game, but then face quite the gauntlet in the final three weeks of February.

Missouri Western will host No. 3 Northwest Missouri State on Feb. 6, which starts a stretch of six games in 10 days.

In all, Missouri Western will play 10 games in the final 21 days of February. Intimidating? Perhaps, but for Martin's team, a good learning experience, particularly for those who have professional aspirations.

"We've got guys on our team who want to be pros, and they're going to see what it really feels like to play six games in 10 days and so on," Martin said. "That's what it's like when you're a pro, whether that's overseas or here in the States."&nbsp;

Within Western's busy February is a home-and-away series with Northwest Missouri State. The Bearcats and Griffons were supposed to play for the first time this season on Dec. 12, and then on Jan. 19.

That game was rescheduled a second time, and will now be in Maryville on Feb. 6. The two teams then face off again on Feb. 9 at the MWSU Fieldhouse - a game that was on the original schedule.

Two-time defending national champion Northwest has had Western's number, winning 17 straight meetings in the series since 2013, though two meetings in four days is exceedingly rare.

Martin recognizes both the challenge, and excitement, that those games bring for the team and the local area.

"It's a great opponent to see where we truly stand," Martin said. "To see where our ability and our character and our grit stands. I believe we're rounding the corner in becoming a top team in this league. I know they'll be ready, and I can promise you we'll be ready.

"I think it'll be fun for the community, too. I know it's a big game here in this area, and it should be. It should create some buzz around town for sure."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611775083661.jpeg" alt="Missouri Western men's basketball has been inactive since Jan. 14 due to positive COVID-19 tests within the program. Photo courtesy of GoGriffons.com." />
 <figcaption>Missouri Western men's basketball has been inactive since Jan. 14 due to positive COVID-19 tests within the program. Photo courtesy of GoGriffons.com.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostYou could say it's been a little while.No. 23 Missouri Western (8-2) had won four straight games entering a Thursday game at Nebraska-Kearney on Jan. 14, in which the Lopers beat the then 16th-ranked Griffons,&nbsp; 75-67.The plan was to go to Fort Hays State that Saturday. Instead, positive COVID-19 tests within the Missouri Western men's and women's programs put team activities on pause.For Griffon men's head coach Will Martin, he found an advantage within the disadvantage of having to sit out."The advantage we found is we were able to dive deeper into film than we have all year," Martin told the Post. "We had some great Zoom sessions and great individual meetings with guys over Zoom and FaceTime. Even meetings that had nothing to with basketball. Just daily check-ins, like 'How're you doing, man? How's your family?'"A few players experienced mild symptoms, though everyone is feeling better now, according to Martin.The Griffons returned to practice Monday, though not everyone has been able to return yet, and practices have been segmented thus far."Health and peace of mind is priority number one for me and my staff when it comes to our players," Martin said. "So, it's going to be a slow drip. But, I think we'll come back better than ever. That's not necessarily not going to be defined by wins and losses. It'll be defined by the connectivity of our team."Missouri Western is ready to hit the ground running, as they get set for two games to round out January, and then look ahead to a busy February.The Griffons head to Warrensburg to face Central Missouri (5-8) Thursday and then Jefferson City for a meeting with Lincoln (7-3) on Saturday.UCM has won three straight and are 4-2 at home. Lincoln, meanwhile, is 5-1 in their last six outings and 6-1 this season at Jason Gym.Martin knows as well as anyone that winning on the road in the MIAA is a constant challenge."Every single year, (Central Missouri) is really tough to beat at home," Martin said. "It's a real thing in the MIAA - it's hard to win on the road."The Griffons will get a week-long breather after Saturday's game, but then face quite the gauntlet in the final three weeks of February.Missouri Western will host No. 3 Northwest Missouri State on Feb. 6, which starts a stretch of six games in 10 days.In all, Missouri Western will play 10 games in the final 21 days of February. Intimidating? Perhaps, but for Martin's team, a good learning experience, particularly for those who have professional aspirations."We've got guys on our team who want to be pros, and they're going to see what it really feels like to play six games in 10 days and so on," Martin said. "That's what it's like when you're a pro, whether that's overseas or here in the States."&nbsp;Within Western's busy February is a home-and-away series with Northwest Missouri State. The Bearcats and Griffons were supposed to play for the first time this season on Dec. 12, and then on Jan. 19.That game was rescheduled a second time, and will now be in Maryville on Feb. 6. The two teams then face off again on Feb. 9 at the MWSU Fieldhouse - a game that was on the original schedule.Two-time defending national champion Northwest has had Western's number, winning 17 straight meetings in the series since 2013, though two meetings in four days is exceedingly rare.Martin recognizes both the challenge, and excitement, that those games bring for the team and the local area."It's a great opponent to see where we truly stand," Martin said. "To see where our ability and our character and our grit stands. I believe we're rounding the corner in becoming a top team in this league. I know they'll be ready, and I can promise you we'll be ready."I think it'll be fun for the community, too. I know it's a big game here in this area, and it should be. It should create some buzz around town for sure."You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Missouri Western basketball back in action Thursday after a two-week pause

King City tournament - boys Albany 48 South Holt 43 Stewartsville-Osborn 59 Maysville 47 Northeast Nodaway 59 King City 41

King City tournament - girls King City 34 South Holt 30 Albany 39 Stewartsville-Osborn 22 DeKalb 45 Maysville 28 Stanberry 48 Northeast Nodaway 14

Northwest Missouri tournament Worth County 43 Nodaway-Holt 27 - girls Rock Port 63 West Nodaway 49 - girls Rock Port 66 Nodaway-Holt 38 - boys West Nodaway 68 North Nodaway 28 - boys

Hamilton tournament East Buchanan 81 Penney 51 - boys

Richmond tournament Summit Christian 61 Bishop LeBlond 38 - boys

All of the brackets and Thursday's schedule<a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/e1e204af-9cac-4f08-b0c6-f89179e91a97"> can be viewed here</a>.

By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostKing City tournament - boys Albany 48 South Holt 43 Stewartsville-Osborn 59 Maysville 47 Northeast Nodaway 59 King City 41King City tournament - girls King City 34 South Holt 30 Albany 39 Stewartsville-Osborn 22 DeKalb 45 Maysville 28 Stanberry 48 Northeast Nodaway 14Northwest Missouri tournament Worth County 43 Nodaway-Holt 27 - girls Rock Port 63 West Nodaway 49 - girls Rock Port 66 Nodaway-Holt 38 - boys West Nodaway 68 North Nodaway 28 - boysHamilton tournament East Buchanan 81 Penney 51 - boysRichmond tournament Summit Christian 61 Bishop LeBlond 38 - boysAll of the brackets and Thursday's schedule<a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/e1e204af-9cac-4f08-b0c6-f89179e91a97"> can be viewed here</a>.

KFEQ/St. Joseph Post area high school scoreboard - January 27, 2021

Almost every school in northwest Missouri had a third straight snow day Wednesday, which wreaked further havoc for athletic directors and area basketball tournaments.

Much like Tuesday, some schools are electing to play, while others are not. Here's the revised schedule for Wednesday:

King City tournament - on as planned for Wednesday

North Platte tournament All games for Wednesday have been postponed. Revised bracket is below.

4:30 Wednesday - East Buchanan vs. Penney - boys 5:45 Wednesday - Lafayette County vs. South Harrison - boys

The updated Hamilton bracket will be released later on Wednesday afternoon.

Cameron tournament Games have been pushed to Thursday and they'll start at the same times. These are all semifinals.

5:30 Thursday - Benton vs. Lawson - boys (Cameron MS gym) 5:30 Thursday - Chillicothe vs. KC Northeast - boys (Cameron HS gym) 7:00 Thursday - Cameron vs. Maryville - girls (Cameron HS gym) 7:00 Thursday - Chillicothe vs. Smithville - girls (Cameron MS gym)

Richmond tournament The Bishop LeBlond boys face Summit Christian on Wednesday at 5:45 p.m. in a battle of top ten teams.

Gilman City tournament - Updated schedule

East Harrison @ Gilman City has been postponed to Feb. 1. Princeton @ Union Star has been moved to Thursday. Milan JV @ North Harrison has been canceled and won't be made up.

You can follow St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostAlmost every school in northwest Missouri had a third straight snow day Wednesday, which wreaked further havoc for athletic directors and area basketball tournaments.Much like Tuesday, some schools are electing to play, while others are not. Here's the revised schedule for Wednesday:King City tournament - on as planned for Wednesday<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611686406048.jpeg" alt="Girls." />
 <figcaption>Girls.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611686425094.jpeg" alt="Boys." />
 <figcaption>Boys.</figcaption>
 </figure>Northwest Missouri tournament<div><div id="fb-root"></div>
<script async defer crossorigin="anonymous" src="https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v9.0" nonce="77EErcoB"></script></div><div><div class="fb-post" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/WestNodaway/posts/877526949732099" data-width="500" data-show-text="true"><blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/WestNodaway/posts/877526949732099" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore">The Northwest Missouri Tournament is on for tonight with the following agenda:
Wednesday, January 27th
4:30 Girls-...Posted by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/WestNodaway/">West Nodaway</a> on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/WestNodaway/posts/877526949732099">Wednesday, January 27, 2021</a></blockquote></div></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611686380381.jpeg" alt="Rest of the Northwest girls' tournament." />
 <figcaption>Rest of the Northwest girls' tournament.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611686365233.jpeg" alt="Northwest boys." />
 <figcaption>Northwest boys.</figcaption>
 </figure>North Platte tournament All games for Wednesday have been postponed. Revised bracket is below.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611776759939.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hamilton tournament4:30 Wednesday - East Buchanan vs. Penney - boys 5:45 Wednesday - Lafayette County vs. South Harrison - boysThe updated Hamilton bracket will be released later on Wednesday afternoon.Cameron tournament Games have been pushed to Thursday and they'll start at the same times. These are all semifinals.5:30 Thursday - Benton vs. Lawson - boys (Cameron MS gym) 5:30 Thursday - Chillicothe vs. KC Northeast - boys (Cameron HS gym) 7:00 Thursday - Cameron vs. Maryville - girls (Cameron HS gym) 7:00 Thursday - Chillicothe vs. Smithville - girls (Cameron MS gym)Richmond tournament The Bishop LeBlond boys face Summit Christian on Wednesday at 5:45 p.m. in a battle of top ten teams.Gilman City tournament - Updated schedule<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611776619045.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>East Harrison @ Gilman City has been postponed to Feb. 1. Princeton @ Union Star has been moved to Thursday. Milan JV @ North Harrison has been canceled and won't be made up.You can follow St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

More snow forces more tournament changes in northwest Missouri

The Missouri Basketball Coaches Association released its latest boys' and girls' high school basketball rankings Tuesday night, and numerous teams from the St. Joseph Post and KFEQ coverage area made the list.

Class 1 boys Winston No. 3 (16-0) Mound City No. 4 (17-0)

Class 3 boys Mid-Buchanan No. 3 (12-5) Bishop LeBlond No. 6 (12-5) Gallatin No. 10 (14-1)

Class 5 boys Lafayette St. Joseph No. 8 (8-4)

Class 1 girls Platte Valley No. 2 (16-0) Stanberry No. 5 (11-3)

Class 2 girls Bishop LeBlond No. 5 (12-4) East Atchison No. 6 (12-4) Polo No. 7 (15-2)

Class 4 girls Cameron&nbsp; - receiving votes (14-2) Maryville - receiving votes (12-1)

**Editors' note** Okay, seriously. What's it going to take to get Cameron and Maryville, who each have one of the best players in the state (Laini Joseph - Cameron, Serena Sundell - Maryville) to be in the top 10?

Full poll <a href="https://mo.nhsbca.org/mbca-polls">here</a>.

By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe Missouri Basketball Coaches Association released its latest boys' and girls' high school basketball rankings Tuesday night, and numerous teams from the St. Joseph Post and KFEQ coverage area made the list.Class 1 boys Winston No. 3 (16-0) Mound City No. 4 (17-0) Class 3 boys Mid-Buchanan No. 3 (12-5) Bishop LeBlond No. 6 (12-5) Gallatin No. 10 (14-1)Class 5 boys Lafayette St. Joseph No. 8 (8-4) Class 1 girls Platte Valley No. 2 (16-0) Stanberry No. 5 (11-3)Class 2 girls Bishop LeBlond No. 5 (12-4) East Atchison No. 6 (12-4) Polo No. 7 (15-2)Class 4 girls Cameron&nbsp; - receiving votes (14-2) Maryville - receiving votes (12-1)**Editors' note** Okay, seriously. What's it going to take to get Cameron and Maryville, who each have one of the best players in the state (Laini Joseph - Cameron, Serena Sundell - Maryville) to be in the top 10?Full poll <a href="https://mo.nhsbca.org/mbca-polls">here</a>.You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Winston, Mound City, Mid-Buchanan boys, Platte Valley, Stanberry girls highlight rankings

North Platte tournament Plattsburg 58 Polo 44 - girls North Andrew 47 Mid-Buchanan 32 - girls - North Andrew and Plattsburg will meet in the semifinals. North Platte 45 West Platte&nbsp; 30- girls Platte Valley 63 Mound City 7 - girls Plattsburg 62 North Andrew 49 - boys Mid-Buchanan 63 Polo 23 - boys West Platte 61 Platte Valley 60 - boys Mound City 87 North Platte 33 - boys

Gilman City tournament St. Joseph Christian 61 Union Star 37 - girls St. Joseph Christian 51 Union Star 14 - boys - Caleb Carlson 13 pts.

Hamilton tournament East Buchanan 56 Gallatin 19 - girls Hamilton 51 Lafayette County 37 - girls Gallatin 67 Hamilton 43 - boys

Cameron tournament Maryville 51 Chillicothe 42 - boys. The Spoofhounds advance to the semifinals with the victory. Cameron 72 KC Northeast 16. Laini Joseph surpasses 1,500 career points. Maryville (12-1) and Cameron (14-2) now face off in the semifinals on Wednesday at 5:30.

Richmond tournament Bishop LeBlond 66 Lone Jack 30 - boys

Wednesday game times and area brackets <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/1785f088-efc0-460e-b144-3ee4b41c5c63">can be found here</a>.

Wrestling Mid-Buchanan won the KCI Conference Championship for a second straight year.

By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostNorth Platte tournament Plattsburg 58 Polo 44 - girls North Andrew 47 Mid-Buchanan 32 - girls - North Andrew and Plattsburg will meet in the semifinals. North Platte 45 West Platte&nbsp; 30- girls Platte Valley 63 Mound City 7 - girls Plattsburg 62 North Andrew 49 - boys Mid-Buchanan 63 Polo 23 - boys West Platte 61 Platte Valley 60 - boys Mound City 87 North Platte 33 - boysGilman City tournament St. Joseph Christian 61 Union Star 37 - girls St. Joseph Christian 51 Union Star 14 - boys - Caleb Carlson 13 pts.Hamilton tournament East Buchanan 56 Gallatin 19 - girls Hamilton 51 Lafayette County 37 - girls Gallatin 67 Hamilton 43 - boysUpdated Hamilton brackets.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611719930791.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Cameron tournament Maryville 51 Chillicothe 42 - boys. The Spoofhounds advance to the semifinals with the victory. Cameron 72 KC Northeast 16. Laini Joseph surpasses 1,500 career points. Maryville (12-1) and Cameron (14-2) now face off in the semifinals on Wednesday at 5:30.Richmond tournament Bishop LeBlond 66 Lone Jack 30 - boysWednesday game times and area brackets <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/1785f088-efc0-460e-b144-3ee4b41c5c63">can be found here</a>.Wrestling Mid-Buchanan won the KCI Conference Championship for a second straight year.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><a href="https://twitter.com/MB_Wrestling?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MB_Wrestling</a> sweeps the night and wins the KCI Conference Championship! MB-69<a href="https://twitter.com/LathropAthleti1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LathropAthleti1</a>-3 MB-59<a href="https://twitter.com/LawsonGoCards?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LawsonGoCards</a> - 10<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MBDragonPride?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MBDragonPride</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/SJNPSports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SJNPSports</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/KQ2SPORTS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KQ2SPORTS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/KKWKCameron?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KKWKCameron</a> <a href="https://t.co/OpHvc8oqFD">pic.twitter.com/OpHvc8oqFD</a>&mdash; Mid Buchanan (@MBDragonSports) <a href="https://twitter.com/MBDragonSports/status/1354259950772621317?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 27, 2021</a></blockquote>
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KFEQ/St. Joseph Post area high school scoreboard - January 26, 2021

Many schools across northwest Missouri had another snow day Tuesday, forcing further basketball tournament postponements.

Here are the updated brackets that include teams in the KFEQ and St. Joseph Post coverage area.

North Platte tournament (on as scheduled)

Benton vs. Lawson boys will play on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m.

The Maryville boys will play Chillicothe Tuesday evening at 5:30 in the Cameron middle school gym.

Hamilton tournament - boys and girls

The Hamilton tournament will be played as scheduled with a few modifications:

4:30 Tuesday - East Buchanan vs. Gallatin - girls

5:45 Tuesday - Penney vs. Higginsville - girls

7:00 Tuesday - Penney vs. Gallatin - boys

St. Joseph Christian vs. Union Star will still be Tuesday at 6/7:30 p.m. and Pattonsburg/Princeton will be Saturday at 2/3:30 p.m. It will be a round-robin format. Milan JV @ North Harrison will be played on Wednesday at 6/7:30. East Harrison @ Gilman City will be played Wednesday at 6 and 7:30 as well.

You can follow St. Joseph Post on Twitter @StJosephPost.

By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostMany schools across northwest Missouri had another snow day Tuesday, forcing further basketball tournament postponements.Here are the updated brackets that include teams in the KFEQ and St. Joseph Post coverage area.North Platte tournament (on as scheduled)<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Tomorrow NP Tournament. At <a href="https://twitter.com/PlattsburgHS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PlattsburgHS</a> Main Gym: Polo vs. Pburg girls at 5 NA vs. Pburg boys at 6:30 Aux Gym MB vs NA girls at 5 MB vs. Polo boys at 6:30 At NP NP vs. WP girls at 4:30 P Valley vs WP boys at 5:45 P Valley vs. MC girls at 7:15 NP vs. MC boys at 8:30&mdash; North Platte Panthers (@PanthersNorth) <a href="https://twitter.com/PanthersNorth/status/1353787291261612033?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 25, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Northwest Missouri tournament<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611686365233.jpeg" alt="Northwest boys." />
 <figcaption>Northwest boys.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611686380381.jpeg" alt="Northwest girls." />
 <figcaption>Northwest girls.</figcaption>
 </figure>King City tournament - girls<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611686406048.jpeg" alt="King City girls." />
 <figcaption>King City girls.</figcaption>
 </figure>King City tournament - boys<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611686425094.jpeg" alt="King City boys." />
 <figcaption>King City boys.</figcaption>
 </figure>Cameron tournament - boysBenton vs. Lawson boys will play on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m.The Maryville boys will play Chillicothe Tuesday evening at 5:30 in the Cameron middle school gym.Updated Cameron girls' bracket<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611689568345.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hamilton tournament - boys and girlsThe Hamilton tournament will be played as scheduled with a few modifications:4:30 Tuesday - East Buchanan vs. Gallatin - girls5:45 Tuesday - Penney vs. Higginsville - girls7:00 Tuesday - Penney vs. Gallatin - boys<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611607052749.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Gilman City tournamentSt. Joseph Christian vs. Union Star will still be Tuesday at 6/7:30 p.m. and Pattonsburg/Princeton will be Saturday at 2/3:30 p.m. It will be a round-robin format. Milan JV @ North Harrison will be played on Wednesday at 6/7:30. East Harrison @ Gilman City will be played Wednesday at 6 and 7:30 as well.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611607517487.png" alt="Gilman 1.png" />
 <figcaption>Gilman 1.png</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611607544225.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow St. Joseph Post on Twitter @StJosephPost.

Basketball tournament update - most area games postponed Tuesday

The Missouri Western men's basketball home game against Northwest Missouri State has been rescheduled for Tuesday, February 9 at the MWSU Fieldhouse. The game will tip at 7:00 p.m. and air on KFEQ (680 AM, 95.3 FM). The Griffons and Bearcats were originally scheduled to play Dec. 12, but the game was postponed due to COVID-19 protocols and moved to Jan. 19. That game was also postponed due to COVID. So, the two teams will now play each other twice in a span of four days.

Western will also play its originally scheduled game at Northwest on February 6. That game will start a busy stretch for Missouri Western as they will play six games in 10 days.

Along with the two Northwest games, the Griffons will play a rescheduled home game against Central Oklahoma on February 7, originally scheduled home games against Missouri Southern (Feb. 11) and Pittsburg State (Feb. 13) and a rescheduled home game against Newman on Monday, Feb. 15. Five of the six games during that stretch are at the Fieldhouse. The Griffons, who are 8-2 this season, return to the court this week after pausing team activities last week. Missouri Western heads to Central Missouri (5-8) on Thursday for a 7:30 p.m. tip-off and then they play at Lincoln (7-3) on Saturday at 3:30 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Missouri Western hasn't played since Jan. 14, when they lost 75-67 at Nebraska-Kearney.

By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph Post&nbsp;The Missouri Western men's basketball home game against Northwest Missouri State has been rescheduled for Tuesday, February 9 at the MWSU Fieldhouse. The game will tip at 7:00 p.m. and air on KFEQ (680 AM, 95.3 FM). The Griffons and Bearcats were originally scheduled to play Dec. 12, but the game was postponed due to COVID-19 protocols and moved to Jan. 19. That game was also postponed due to COVID. So, the two teams will now play each other twice in a span of four days.Western will also play its originally scheduled game at Northwest on February 6. That game will start a busy stretch for Missouri Western as they will play six games in 10 days.Along with the two Northwest games, the Griffons will play a rescheduled home game against Central Oklahoma on February 7, originally scheduled home games against Missouri Southern (Feb. 11) and Pittsburg State (Feb. 13) and a rescheduled home game against Newman on Monday, Feb. 15. Five of the six games during that stretch are at the Fieldhouse. The Griffons, who are 8-2 this season, return to the court this week after pausing team activities last week. Missouri Western heads to Central Missouri (5-8) on Thursday for a 7:30 p.m. tip-off and then they play at Lincoln (7-3) on Saturday at 3:30 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;Missouri Western hasn't played since Jan. 14, when they lost 75-67 at Nebraska-Kearney.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611685891563.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>

Missouri Western reschedules men's basketball game against Bearcats

Northwest Missouri State senior forward Ryan Hawkins was named the&nbsp;MIAA&nbsp;men's basketball athlete of the week Monday. Hawkins averaged 26.5 points, 11.0 rebounds and shot 62.1% from the field, including 64.7% from three-point range, in two Bearcat victories over Newman and Central Oklahoma.

This marks the fifth&nbsp;time in&nbsp;Hawkins's career that he's earned the&nbsp;MIAA's&nbsp;athlete of the week award. Hawkins tallied a season-high 30 points last Thursday against Newman. Hawkins netted his eighth career 30-point game as he drained 11-of-18 field goals and 5-of-9 from deep vs. the Jets. Hawkins then secured his 22nd career double-double with a 23-point, 17-rebound effort vs. Central Oklahoma Saturday. Hawkins made 7-of-11 field goals including 6-of-8 from three-point range. Hawkins is considered among the elite NCAA Division II players in the nation and his name is scattered atop the NCAA's Division II active career leaders in numerous categories. Hawkins Among NCAA Division II Active Career Leaders 1st - Games Played (112) 2nd - Steals (188) 3rd - Rebounds (773) 4th - Field Goals Made (590) 5th - Total Points (1,647) 7th - 3-Point Field Goals Made (227) 9th - Double-Doubles (22) Northwest's 2020-21&nbsp;MIAA&nbsp;Athlete of the Week Awards Nov. 23 - Trevor&nbsp;Hudgins Dec. 7 - Ryan Hawkins Jan. 18 - Trevor Hudgins Jan. 25 - Ryan Hawkins&nbsp;

St. Joseph PostNorthwest Missouri State senior forward Ryan Hawkins was named the&nbsp;MIAA&nbsp;men's basketball athlete of the week Monday. Hawkins averaged 26.5 points, 11.0 rebounds and shot 62.1% from the field, including 64.7% from three-point range, in two Bearcat victories over Newman and Central Oklahoma.This marks the fifth&nbsp;time in&nbsp;Hawkins's career that he's earned the&nbsp;MIAA's&nbsp;athlete of the week award. Hawkins tallied a season-high 30 points last Thursday against Newman. Hawkins netted his eighth career 30-point game as he drained 11-of-18 field goals and 5-of-9 from deep vs. the Jets. Hawkins then secured his 22nd career double-double with a 23-point, 17-rebound effort vs. Central Oklahoma Saturday. Hawkins made 7-of-11 field goals including 6-of-8 from three-point range. Hawkins is considered among the elite NCAA Division II players in the nation and his name is scattered atop the NCAA's Division II active career leaders in numerous categories. Hawkins Among NCAA Division II Active Career Leaders 1st - Games Played (112) 2nd - Steals (188) 3rd - Rebounds (773) 4th - Field Goals Made (590) 5th - Total Points (1,647) 7th - 3-Point Field Goals Made (227) 9th - Double-Doubles (22) Northwest's 2020-21&nbsp;MIAA&nbsp;Athlete of the Week Awards Nov. 23 - Trevor&nbsp;Hudgins Dec. 7 - Ryan Hawkins Jan. 18 - Trevor Hudgins Jan. 25 - Ryan Hawkins&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611610524871.jpeg" alt="Ryan Hawkins." />
 <figcaption>Ryan Hawkins.</figcaption>
 </figure>

Northwest's Ryan Hawkins named MIAA men's basketball athlete of the week

The Kansas City Chiefs have clinched back-to-back Super Bowl appearances for the first time in franchise history.

The defending champion Chiefs (16-2) protected their home field and defeated the Buffalo Bills, 38-24, in the AFC Championship on Sunday night at Arrowhead Stadium.

Patrick Mahomes, who underwent concussion protocol successfully this past week and battled some minor turf toe, seemed completely unbothered Sunday, passing for a postseason-best 325 yards and three touchdowns on 29-of-38 passing, improving his career postseason record to 4-1.

"The best thing about this team is that we believe in each other," Mahomes told CBS after the game. "Every single time we hit the field, we give everything we have. The job is not finished."

The Chiefs' offense piled up 439 yards of offense and averaged 6.9 yards per play. Mahomes says he felt primed for a big game all day leading up to the game.

"We did a good job of rehabbing and getting myself ready to go," Mahomes said. "I feel like I was myself out there and we were able to go out there and score points and find a way to win against a really good football team."

The Bills got off to a hot start in Sunday's game. After coming away with a 51-yard field goal by Tyler Bass on their opening drive, Buffalo's special teams came up with a big play.&nbsp;

Backed inside his own 15, Mecole Hardman muffed a punt, which the Bills recovered and turned into points on the next play.

With a first-and-goal at the three, Allen tossed the ball to Dawson Knox on a swing pass, but Bass missed the PAT, putting Buffalo ahead 9-0 with 6:14 to go in the first.

"After that fumble, I told Mecole on the sidelines that he was going to make a big play, and sure enough he made multiple," said Mahomes.

Hardman indeed atoned for his sins on the next drive as he hauled in a three-yard touchdown pass from Mahomes, capping a 14-play, 80-yard drive that took nearly seven minutes off the clock.

Kansas City got on the board, trailing 9-7 with 14:16 left in the first half.

On the Chiefs' following drive, Hardman further redeemed himself with a 50-yard run on an end around that put Kansas City into scoring range.

That run by Hardman was the longest rush from scrimmage in franchise postseason history.

Four plays later, Darrel Williams punched it in from four yards out, giving Kansas City its first lead at 14-9 with 9:35 to go until halftime.

Kansas City's defense also stepped up big, forcing three Bills' punts in the first half after Buffalo had scored on their opening series.

The Chiefs' offense took advantage, stringing together a nine-play, 77-yard drive capped off by a one-yard touchdown run by Clyde Edwards-Helaire, who had previously been inactive since Week 15 with an ankle injury suffered against the Saints. It was the first postseason touchdown in the rookie's career.

The Chiefs led 21-9 with 4:12 left in the second, completely swinging the momentum in their favor after a sluggish start.

Buffalo moved the ball down the field inside the final four minutes of the first half and made it all the way to the Kansas City two-yard line, but had to settle for a 20-yard field goal from Bass, giving the Chiefs a 21-12 halftime lead.

The Chiefs got the ball to start the second half, and marched right down the field again, as the drive was sparked by a 31-yard reception by Tyreek Hill. The drive stalled, however, and Harrison Butker came in for a 45-yard field goal, putting Kansas City ahead 24-12 with 10:48 left in the third.

The Bills looked solid on their first possession of the second half as well, but the drive stalled, and Bass had to come in for his third field goal of the game - this one good from 27 yards out.

That cut the Chiefs lead down to 24-15 with under six minutes left in the third.

Kansas City, once again, had a bigger and better answer. Sparked by a 71-yard pitch and catch to Hill, it took the Chiefs only four plays to put another touchdown on the board.&nbsp;

Mahomes tossed an underhanded ball to Kelce, who took it in from a yard away, putting Kansas City ahead 31-15 with 3:34 to go in the third.

The Bills tried to battle back and were driving into Chiefs territory, but an interception by Rashad Fenton ended that series and Kansas City capitalized off of the first Bills' turnover.

The Chiefs drove 58 yards on 11 plays and went to their sure-handed tight end for another touchdown - this one from five yards out to put Kansas City ahead 38-15 with just over 7:36 to play.

Kelce, who's had the most receiving yards by a tight end in a single season in NFL history this year, finished Sunday's game with a playoff game record-tying 13 catches for 118 yards and two scores.

"You put me and Tyreek (out there ," Kelce said, "one in the back of the end zone and one in the front, and hope that one of us can win our matchups, thinking it's a man coverage. Sure enough, everyone forgot about me."

Hill was also clutch with nine grabs for 172 yards, averaging over 19 yards per catch.

Kelce says Mahomes was as good as he's ever seen him play, despite the uncertainty of his status going in.

"I mean, he was dialed in, throwing the ball all over the field and making the right decisions," Kelce said. "Sure enough, he played his A-game and led us to the Super Bowl, man."

Now awaiting Kansas City in Super Bowl 55 is Tampa Bay. The Buccaneers (14-5) defeated the Green Bay Packers, 31-26, on Sunday afternoon at Lambeau Field in the NFC Championship.

This will mark a record tenth Super Bowl appearance by quarterback Tom Brady, who passed for three touchdowns, but also threw three interceptions in the win.

Super Bowl 55 kicks off on Sunday, Feb. 7, at 5:30 p.m. central from Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, making the Buccaneers the first franchise in NFL history to play a Super Bowl on their home field.

Kansas City won at Tampa this past regular season on Nov. 29, 27-24 - a game in which Brady threw three touchdowns a pair of interceptions. Mahomes did not throw a pick in that game, and finished with a season-best 462 yards and three scores.

Andy Reid, who's now fourth on the NFL's all-time list with 17 postseason wins as a head coach, says Sunday's win was a 'good team effort' but stresses the need to always improve.

"This job is a little bit like, and I'm talking about coaches and players, being a farmer," Reid said. "The work is never done. You can always work to get better as a team, and that's what we're going to do here in the next couple of weeks."

Brady and Mahomes have met four times before, and the series between the two legends is tied 2-2. All four of the previous meetings have been decided by seven points or less.

"Every one (of the previous games against Brady) are tremendous," Reid said. "I wouldn't expect this to be any different. Those two have a lot of respect for each other."

"The Super Bowl is the Super Bowl," Mahomes said on the excitement of facing Brady on the biggest stage. "Being able to go up against one of the greatest, if not the greatest quarterback of all time in his 150th Super Bowl...I mean, it's going to be a great experience.

"To go out there and have a chance to repeat and do it against the best, it's something special and I'm looking forward to the opportunity."

You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611541702400.png" alt="Darrel Williams scores a touchdown in the second quarter, which gave the Chiefs their first lead in the AFC Championship on Sunday night." />
 <figcaption>Darrel Williams scores a touchdown in the second quarter, which gave the Chiefs their first lead in the AFC Championship on Sunday night.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe Kansas City Chiefs have clinched back-to-back Super Bowl appearances for the first time in franchise history.The defending champion Chiefs (16-2) protected their home field and defeated the Buffalo Bills, 38-24, in the AFC Championship on Sunday night at Arrowhead Stadium.Patrick Mahomes, who underwent concussion protocol successfully this past week and battled some minor turf toe, seemed completely unbothered Sunday, passing for a postseason-best 325 yards and three touchdowns on 29-of-38 passing, improving his career postseason record to 4-1."The best thing about this team is that we believe in each other," Mahomes told CBS after the game. "Every single time we hit the field, we give everything we have. The job is not finished."The Chiefs' offense piled up 439 yards of offense and averaged 6.9 yards per play. Mahomes says he felt primed for a big game all day leading up to the game."We did a good job of rehabbing and getting myself ready to go," Mahomes said. "I feel like I was myself out there and we were able to go out there and score points and find a way to win against a really good football team."The Bills got off to a hot start in Sunday's game. After coming away with a 51-yard field goal by Tyler Bass on their opening drive, Buffalo's special teams came up with a big play.&nbsp;Backed inside his own 15, Mecole Hardman muffed a punt, which the Bills recovered and turned into points on the next play.With a first-and-goal at the three, Allen tossed the ball to Dawson Knox on a swing pass, but Bass missed the PAT, putting Buffalo ahead 9-0 with 6:14 to go in the first."After that fumble, I told Mecole on the sidelines that he was going to make a big play, and sure enough he made multiple," said Mahomes.Hardman indeed atoned for his sins on the next drive as he hauled in a three-yard touchdown pass from Mahomes, capping a 14-play, 80-yard drive that took nearly seven minutes off the clock.Kansas City got on the board, trailing 9-7 with 14:16 left in the first half.On the Chiefs' following drive, Hardman further redeemed himself with a 50-yard run on an end around that put Kansas City into scoring range.That run by Hardman was the longest rush from scrimmage in franchise postseason history.Four plays later, Darrel Williams punched it in from four yards out, giving Kansas City its first lead at 14-9 with 9:35 to go until halftime.They never trailed after.Kansas City's defense also stepped up big, forcing three Bills' punts in the first half after Buffalo had scored on their opening series.The Chiefs' offense took advantage, stringing together a nine-play, 77-yard drive capped off by a one-yard touchdown run by Clyde Edwards-Helaire, who had previously been inactive since Week 15 with an ankle injury suffered against the Saints. It was the first postseason touchdown in the rookie's career.The Chiefs led 21-9 with 4:12 left in the second, completely swinging the momentum in their favor after a sluggish start.Buffalo moved the ball down the field inside the final four minutes of the first half and made it all the way to the Kansas City two-yard line, but had to settle for a 20-yard field goal from Bass, giving the Chiefs a 21-12 halftime lead.The Chiefs got the ball to start the second half, and marched right down the field again, as the drive was sparked by a 31-yard reception by Tyreek Hill. The drive stalled, however, and Harrison Butker came in for a 45-yard field goal, putting Kansas City ahead 24-12 with 10:48 left in the third.The Bills looked solid on their first possession of the second half as well, but the drive stalled, and Bass had to come in for his third field goal of the game - this one good from 27 yards out.That cut the Chiefs lead down to 24-15 with under six minutes left in the third.Kansas City, once again, had a bigger and better answer. Sparked by a 71-yard pitch and catch to Hill, it took the Chiefs only four plays to put another touchdown on the board.&nbsp;Mahomes tossed an underhanded ball to Kelce, who took it in from a yard away, putting Kansas City ahead 31-15 with 3:34 to go in the third.The Bills tried to battle back and were driving into Chiefs territory, but an interception by Rashad Fenton ended that series and Kansas City capitalized off of the first Bills' turnover.The Chiefs drove 58 yards on 11 plays and went to their sure-handed tight end for another touchdown - this one from five yards out to put Kansas City ahead 38-15 with just over 7:36 to play.Kelce, who's had the most receiving yards by a tight end in a single season in NFL history this year, finished Sunday's game with a playoff game record-tying 13 catches for 118 yards and two scores."You put me and Tyreek (out there ," Kelce said, "one in the back of the end zone and one in the front, and hope that one of us can win our matchups, thinking it's a man coverage. Sure enough, everyone forgot about me."Hill was also clutch with nine grabs for 172 yards, averaging over 19 yards per catch.Kelce says Mahomes was as good as he's ever seen him play, despite the uncertainty of his status going in."I mean, he was dialed in, throwing the ball all over the field and making the right decisions," Kelce said. "Sure enough, he played his A-game and led us to the Super Bowl, man."Now awaiting Kansas City in Super Bowl 55 is Tampa Bay. The Buccaneers (14-5) defeated the Green Bay Packers, 31-26, on Sunday afternoon at Lambeau Field in the NFC Championship.This will mark a record tenth Super Bowl appearance by quarterback Tom Brady, who passed for three touchdowns, but also threw three interceptions in the win.Super Bowl 55 kicks off on Sunday, Feb. 7, at 5:30 p.m. central from Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, making the Buccaneers the first franchise in NFL history to play a Super Bowl on their home field.Kansas City won at Tampa this past regular season on Nov. 29, 27-24 - a game in which Brady threw three touchdowns a pair of interceptions. Mahomes did not throw a pick in that game, and finished with a season-best 462 yards and three scores.Andy Reid, who's now fourth on the NFL's all-time list with 17 postseason wins as a head coach, says Sunday's win was a 'good team effort' but stresses the need to always improve."This job is a little bit like, and I'm talking about coaches and players, being a farmer," Reid said. "The work is never done. You can always work to get better as a team, and that's what we're going to do here in the next couple of weeks."Brady and Mahomes have met four times before, and the series between the two legends is tied 2-2. All four of the previous meetings have been decided by seven points or less."Every one (of the previous games against Brady) are tremendous," Reid said. "I wouldn't expect this to be any different. Those two have a lot of respect for each other.""The Super Bowl is the Super Bowl," Mahomes said on the excitement of facing Brady on the biggest stage. "Being able to go up against one of the greatest, if not the greatest quarterback of all time in his 150th Super Bowl...I mean, it's going to be a great experience."To go out there and have a chance to repeat and do it against the best, it's something special and I'm looking forward to the opportunity."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611543187618.png" alt="Tyreek Hill cuts up field on a 71-yard reception in the second half of Sunday's AFC Championship game." />
 <figcaption>Tyreek Hill cuts up field on a 71-yard reception in the second half of Sunday's AFC Championship game.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Chiefs' offense overwhelms Buffalo, Kansas City headed back to the Super Bowl

The Northwest Missouri State and Missouri Western men’s and women’s track teams wrapped up competition in day two of the Northwest Open in Hughes&nbsp;Fieldhouse on Saturday.

The Griffons had two event winners as junior&nbsp;Jordan Garr&nbsp;captured the men's shot put title and junior&nbsp;Hanna Williams&nbsp;won the 600-yard run. It's the second straight shot put crown for Garr after winning at Washburn last week. The St. Joseph native and Central alum threw a NCAA Division II provisional mark of 16.72 meters (54-10.25 feet) and won the event by over three feet.

Garr also finished eighth in the weight throw with a personal best throw of 15.67 meters (51.05-00 feet). Williams ran the 600-yard for the first time this season and broke her own Northwest Open meet record with a time of 1:25.30. She set that record in 2019.

Also on the women's side, Mid-Buchanan alum Bailey Gilbert&nbsp;followed up her Pentathlon victory Friday night with a second place finish in the long jump (5.37 m, 17-07.50 ft) and the women's 4x400 meter relay also finished second on Saturday with a time of 3:57.40. The Griffon track &amp; field teams will travel to Pittsburg State next weekend as they'll compete at the MIAA Challenge on Saturday, January 30.

Northwest Missouri State recap Ally Hammond had another strong individual showing as she placed fourth in the 60m dash before taking gold in the 60m hurdles. Bailey Blake and&nbsp;Kaylee&nbsp;Harp took second and third place, respectively, in the 600-yard dash, while&nbsp;Delanie&nbsp;Dykes won the 800m run in a new meet record time of 2:17.99. Caroline Cunningham brought home a win of her own, taking gold in the 3,000-meter run with a new meet-record time of 10:14.07.

The women's 4x400m relay team of Aliyah Simmons,&nbsp;Blake, Tiffany&nbsp;Hughey, and Addie&nbsp;Palser&nbsp;also won the event in a new meet-record time of 3:53.23. On the men’s side,&nbsp;Gavyn&nbsp;Monday nearly had provisional qualifying times in the 60m dash (6.88s) and 200m dash (21.65s). Monday’s 200m time ties teammate’s&nbsp;Caelon&nbsp;Harkey&nbsp;time for third best in Northwest history.

Harkey&nbsp;took third in the 400m dash in an NCAA Division II provisional qualifying time of 48.29 seconds. RJ Williams was just off provisional qualifying time in the 400m dash as well with his time of 49.07 seconds. Abdelrahim&nbsp;Mahgoub&nbsp;(1:52.76) and Jake Norris (1:52.90) each met NCAA Division II provisional qualifying time in the 800m run as they finished second and third in the event respectively. Those times rank sixth and seventh in Northwest history. Blake Morgan won the high jump for the second time this season with a meet record jump of 6-09.50 (2.07m). Reece Smith won&nbsp;the 3000m run in dominating fashion as he set new school and Hughes&nbsp;Fieldhouse&nbsp;records with his time of 8:18.35, as well as meeting NCAA Division II provisional qualifying time. The men's 4x400-meter relay team of&nbsp;Harkey, Prince Griffin,&nbsp;Mahgoub, and Monday won the event as well in a time of 3:14.04. That time set a new meet record, met NCAA Division II provisional qualifying time, and&nbsp;currently sits at third in Northwest history as well. Among performances from Friday’s portion of the meet, both men’s and women’s distance medley relay teams met NCAA Division II provisional qualifying times. The men’s team set meet and school records with their time as well. The Northwest men’s distance trio of Mike&nbsp;Lagat&nbsp;(14:58.34), Jacob&nbsp;Nkamasiai&nbsp;(14:58.58), and&nbsp;Fedrick&nbsp;Kipyego&nbsp;(15:01.80) also swept gold, silver, and bronze finishes in the 5000m run. The Bearcats are back in Hughes&nbsp;Fieldhouse&nbsp;next Saturday, Jan. 30 for the Herschel&nbsp;Neil Invite.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611464600694.jpeg" alt="Northwest's Caelon Harkey competes in Saturday's Northwest Open at Hughes Fieldhouse. Photo courtesy of BearcatSports.com." />
 <figcaption>Northwest's Caelon Harkey competes in Saturday's Northwest Open at Hughes Fieldhouse. Photo courtesy of BearcatSports.com.</figcaption>
 </figure>St. Joseph PostThe Northwest Missouri State and Missouri Western men’s and women’s track teams wrapped up competition in day two of the Northwest Open in Hughes&nbsp;Fieldhouse on Saturday.Missouri Western recapThe Griffons had two event winners as junior&nbsp;Jordan Garr&nbsp;captured the men's shot put title and junior&nbsp;Hanna Williams&nbsp;won the 600-yard run. It's the second straight shot put crown for Garr after winning at Washburn last week. The St. Joseph native and Central alum threw a NCAA Division II provisional mark of 16.72 meters (54-10.25 feet) and won the event by over three feet.Garr also finished eighth in the weight throw with a personal best throw of 15.67 meters (51.05-00 feet). Williams ran the 600-yard for the first time this season and broke her own Northwest Open meet record with a time of 1:25.30. She set that record in 2019.Also on the women's side, Mid-Buchanan alum Bailey Gilbert&nbsp;followed up her Pentathlon victory Friday night with a second place finish in the long jump (5.37 m, 17-07.50 ft) and the women's 4x400 meter relay also finished second on Saturday with a time of 3:57.40. The Griffon track &amp; field teams will travel to Pittsburg State next weekend as they'll compete at the MIAA Challenge on Saturday, January 30.Northwest Missouri State recap Ally Hammond had another strong individual showing as she placed fourth in the 60m dash before taking gold in the 60m hurdles. Bailey Blake and&nbsp;Kaylee&nbsp;Harp took second and third place, respectively, in the 600-yard dash, while&nbsp;Delanie&nbsp;Dykes won the 800m run in a new meet record time of 2:17.99. Caroline Cunningham brought home a win of her own, taking gold in the 3,000-meter run with a new meet-record time of 10:14.07.The women's 4x400m relay team of Aliyah Simmons,&nbsp;Blake, Tiffany&nbsp;Hughey, and Addie&nbsp;Palser&nbsp;also won the event in a new meet-record time of 3:53.23. On the men’s side,&nbsp;Gavyn&nbsp;Monday nearly had provisional qualifying times in the 60m dash (6.88s) and 200m dash (21.65s). Monday’s 200m time ties teammate’s&nbsp;Caelon&nbsp;Harkey&nbsp;time for third best in Northwest history.Harkey&nbsp;took third in the 400m dash in an NCAA Division II provisional qualifying time of 48.29 seconds. RJ Williams was just off provisional qualifying time in the 400m dash as well with his time of 49.07 seconds. Abdelrahim&nbsp;Mahgoub&nbsp;(1:52.76) and Jake Norris (1:52.90) each met NCAA Division II provisional qualifying time in the 800m run as they finished second and third in the event respectively. Those times rank sixth and seventh in Northwest history. Blake Morgan won the high jump for the second time this season with a meet record jump of 6-09.50 (2.07m). Reece Smith won&nbsp;the 3000m run in dominating fashion as he set new school and Hughes&nbsp;Fieldhouse&nbsp;records with his time of 8:18.35, as well as meeting NCAA Division II provisional qualifying time. The men's 4x400-meter relay team of&nbsp;Harkey, Prince Griffin,&nbsp;Mahgoub, and Monday won the event as well in a time of 3:14.04. That time set a new meet record, met NCAA Division II provisional qualifying time, and&nbsp;currently sits at third in Northwest history as well. Among performances from Friday’s portion of the meet, both men’s and women’s distance medley relay teams met NCAA Division II provisional qualifying times. The men’s team set meet and school records with their time as well. The Northwest men’s distance trio of Mike&nbsp;Lagat&nbsp;(14:58.34), Jacob&nbsp;Nkamasiai&nbsp;(14:58.58), and&nbsp;Fedrick&nbsp;Kipyego&nbsp;(15:01.80) also swept gold, silver, and bronze finishes in the 5000m run. The Bearcats are back in Hughes&nbsp;Fieldhouse&nbsp;next Saturday, Jan. 30 for the Herschel&nbsp;Neil Invite.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Missouri Western, Northwest Missouri State finish strong at Northwest Open

The No. 3 Northwest Missouri State men's basketball team won its fifth straight game with a 90-68 blowout over Central Oklahoma at Bearcat Arena Saturday. Junior guard and Lafayette St. Joseph alum Diego Bernard became the 25th Bearcat to surpass 1,000 career points as he tallied 16 points on 6-of-8 shooting from the floor.&nbsp; Northwest's other junior guard, Trevor&nbsp;Hudgins, stuffed his stat sheet with 20 points, nine assists and five steals. Senior Ryan Hawkins registered game-highs in points (23) and rebounds (17). Hudgins&nbsp;took care of the offense early in the second half as he put up 11 points in the first five minutes to boost Northwest's lead to 66-45 with 15:05 to go in the game.&nbsp;

Bearcat women start three true freshmen, fall in close battle with UCO&nbsp;

The Central Oklahoma&nbsp;Bronchos scored a 61-51 win over the Bearcats Saturday. The&nbsp;Bronchos&nbsp;move to 7-4 overall, while Northwest falls to 4-7 . Northwest freshman Molly&nbsp;Hartnett&nbsp;scored a career-high 26 points in the contest.&nbsp;

Hartnett&nbsp;carried the first-quarter offense for the Bearcats as she accounted for 11 of Northwest's 15 points.&nbsp; Northwest cut into the UCO lead in the fourth.&nbsp;Hartnett&nbsp;finished off a three-point play to pull Northwest to within 47-44, but the&nbsp;Bronchos&nbsp;responded with a 6-0 run. Northwest could only manage one made field goal in their last seven attempts.&nbsp;&nbsp; Both Northwest teams will be back in action Thursday at Lincoln. The women's game will start things off at 5:30 p.m.

St. Joseph Post&nbsp;The No. 3 Northwest Missouri State men's basketball team won its fifth straight game with a 90-68 blowout over Central Oklahoma at Bearcat Arena Saturday. Junior guard and Lafayette St. Joseph alum Diego Bernard became the 25th Bearcat to surpass 1,000 career points as he tallied 16 points on 6-of-8 shooting from the floor.&nbsp; Northwest's other junior guard, Trevor&nbsp;Hudgins, stuffed his stat sheet with 20 points, nine assists and five steals. Senior Ryan Hawkins registered game-highs in points (23) and rebounds (17). Hudgins&nbsp;took care of the offense early in the second half as he put up 11 points in the first five minutes to boost Northwest's lead to 66-45 with 15:05 to go in the game.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611461512577.jpeg" alt="Diego Bernard." />
 <figcaption>Diego Bernard.</figcaption>
 </figure>Bearcat women start three true freshmen, fall in close battle with UCO&nbsp; The Central Oklahoma&nbsp;Bronchos scored a 61-51 win over the Bearcats Saturday. The&nbsp;Bronchos&nbsp;move to 7-4 overall, while Northwest falls to 4-7 . Northwest freshman Molly&nbsp;Hartnett&nbsp;scored a career-high 26 points in the contest.&nbsp;Hartnett&nbsp;carried the first-quarter offense for the Bearcats as she accounted for 11 of Northwest's 15 points.&nbsp; Northwest cut into the UCO lead in the fourth.&nbsp;Hartnett&nbsp;finished off a three-point play to pull Northwest to within 47-44, but the&nbsp;Bronchos&nbsp;responded with a 6-0 run. Northwest could only manage one made field goal in their last seven attempts.&nbsp;&nbsp; Both Northwest teams will be back in action Thursday at Lincoln. The women's game will start things off at 5:30 p.m.

No. 3 Northwest Missouri State tops Central Oklahoma, Diego Bernard joins 1,000 point club

Girls' basketball Princeton 46 Gallatin 35 Pattonsburg 51 Winston 44 Albany 54 West Nodaway 31&nbsp; St. Joseph Central 39 Blue Valley 36

Boys' basketball Albany 54 West Nodaway 43 - Kaeden Hutchinson scores a game-high 25 points for Albany. Winston 52 Pattonsburg 44. The Redbirds keep rolling and move to 16-0. Gallatin 58 Princeton 51 Greenwood 74 Mid-Buchanan 36

Wrestling results The Cameron Dragons, once again, took first in the MEC Conference meet. Benton, Lafayette, Savannah and Maryville also competed.&nbsp;<a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/a97f2f8d-f7dc-4992-92ed-2472459b834f">Full coverage here.</a>

Another Dragons team, Mid-Buchanan, took first in the Lathrop Invitational Saturday, tallying 314 total points.

Mid-Buchanan placers Ryan Coons - 1st - 106 Clancy Woodward - 3rd - 113 Dallas Grippando - 1st - 120 Ethan Vidal - 4th - 120 Kaden Anderson - 1st - 126 Wyatt Cunningham - 2nd - 126 Clayton Rotterman - 2nd - 132 Butch Walters - 1st - 138 Nathan Hyde - 2nd - 145 Colton Kirkham - 3rd - 152 Zach Kelly - 3rd - 160 Chase Davisdon - 2nd - 160 Denton Miller - 2nd - 170 Wade Stanton - 1st - 182 Creed Webster - 1st - 195 Seth Cruz - 1st - 285

West Platte placers @ Lathrop 106- Ryan Handgen 5th place 126- McKanan Reade 6th place 132- Peyson Chandler 4th place 170- Cameron Williams 6th place 195- Lane Scott 6th place 220- Lamar Henderson 5th place 285- Macon McDonald 5th place

By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostGirls' basketball Princeton 46 Gallatin 35 Pattonsburg 51 Winston 44 Albany 54 West Nodaway 31&nbsp; St. Joseph Central 39 Blue Valley 36Boys' basketball Albany 54 West Nodaway 43 - Kaeden Hutchinson scores a game-high 25 points for Albany. Winston 52 Pattonsburg 44. The Redbirds keep rolling and move to 16-0. Gallatin 58 Princeton 51 Greenwood 74 Mid-Buchanan 36Wrestling results The Cameron Dragons, once again, took first in the MEC Conference meet. Benton, Lafayette, Savannah and Maryville also competed.&nbsp;<a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/a97f2f8d-f7dc-4992-92ed-2472459b834f">Full coverage here.</a>Another Dragons team, Mid-Buchanan, took first in the Lathrop Invitational Saturday, tallying 314 total points.Mid-Buchanan placers Ryan Coons - 1st - 106 Clancy Woodward - 3rd - 113 Dallas Grippando - 1st - 120 Ethan Vidal - 4th - 120 Kaden Anderson - 1st - 126 Wyatt Cunningham - 2nd - 126 Clayton Rotterman - 2nd - 132 Butch Walters - 1st - 138 Nathan Hyde - 2nd - 145 Colton Kirkham - 3rd - 152 Zach Kelly - 3rd - 160 Chase Davisdon - 2nd - 160 Denton Miller - 2nd - 170 Wade Stanton - 1st - 182 Creed Webster - 1st - 195 Seth Cruz - 1st - 285West Platte placers @ Lathrop 106- Ryan Handgen 5th place 126- McKanan Reade 6th place 132- Peyson Chandler 4th place 170- Cameron Williams 6th place 195- Lane Scott 6th place 220- Lamar Henderson 5th place 285- Macon McDonald 5th place

KFEQ/St. Joseph Post area high school scoreboard - January 23, 2021

ST. JOSEPH - The Cameron wrestling team tallied 340 total points and had six wrestlers place first, as the Dragons won the Midland Empire Conference wrestling tournament for a third straight year Saturday at Benton High School.

Ryker Smith (120), Kenton Gates (145), Kolby Robinson (160), Paul Viena (170), Wyatt Burnett (220) and Camren Hedgpeth (285) all took gold Saturday.

Hedgpeth, a state qualifier last season, took gold at 285 Saturday after doing so at 195 in the MEC tournament in 2020.

Sam Erickson (106), Caleb Husch (113), Chase Short (132), Brecken Gates (138), Benton Barton (152) and Keegan Reynolds (195) all finished finished second for the Dragons, who've been dominant at the MEC tournament through recent years.

They were fairly dominant Saturday with a combined 40 pins as a team.

"We're consistent for sure," Cameron wrestling coach Phillip Limb said. "Kids step up. Every year, we graduate some kids and young kids step in and fill the void. (MEC) is always something on the calendar that we shoot for. Kids wrestled well today, and came out on top."

Saturday was a day of other milestones for Cameron. Senior Kolby Robinson earned his 100th career win while senior Keegan Reynolds got career win No. 150.

Reynolds lost to Maryville's Keiren Watkins in the final, 3-2, but is overall grateful to reach such a landmark in his career.

"I'm very happy about that," Reynolds said. "I'm just glad I have something that says (the hard work) is paying off. To get to 100 career wins is amazing, and to be on the wall with all of the legends and get into the top five of the all-time wins (in school history) is amazing for me.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611445970133.jpeg" alt="The Cameron wrestling team poses for a team photo after winning the team title at the MEC wrestling tournament at Benton High School Saturday. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>The Cameron wrestling team poses for a team photo after winning the team title at the MEC wrestling tournament at Benton High School Saturday. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostST. JOSEPH - The Cameron wrestling team tallied 340 total points and had six wrestlers place first, as the Dragons won the Midland Empire Conference wrestling tournament for a third straight year Saturday at Benton High School.Ryker Smith (120), Kenton Gates (145), Kolby Robinson (160), Paul Viena (170), Wyatt Burnett (220) and Camren Hedgpeth (285) all took gold Saturday.Hedgpeth, a state qualifier last season, took gold at 285 Saturday after doing so at 195 in the MEC tournament in 2020.Sam Erickson (106), Caleb Husch (113), Chase Short (132), Brecken Gates (138), Benton Barton (152) and Keegan Reynolds (195) all finished finished second for the Dragons, who've been dominant at the MEC tournament through recent years.They were fairly dominant Saturday with a combined 40 pins as a team."We're consistent for sure," Cameron wrestling coach Phillip Limb said. "Kids step up. Every year, we graduate some kids and young kids step in and fill the void. (MEC) is always something on the calendar that we shoot for. Kids wrestled well today, and came out on top."Saturday was a day of other milestones for Cameron. Senior Kolby Robinson earned his 100th career win while senior Keegan Reynolds got career win No. 150.Reynolds lost to Maryville's Keiren Watkins in the final, 3-2, but is overall grateful to reach such a landmark in his career."I'm very happy about that," Reynolds said. "I'm just glad I have something that says (the hard work) is paying off. To get to 100 career wins is amazing, and to be on the wall with all of the legends and get into the top five of the all-time wins (in school history) is amazing for me."I wrestled as hard as I could. It was a great day. I'm walking out of here with a second place medal, so hopefully next time I'll do better."Chillicothe placed second as a team with 213.5 points, Savannah third (157), Lafayette fourth (150.5), Maryville fifth (150), Benton sixth (135) and St. Pius X seventh (82).Savannah's Will Courtney (126), who placed second on the day, earned his 100th career win. Gage Schottel (106) and Chance Phillips (132) took home gold for the Savages.For Lafayette, freshman Marco Dalakishvili (126) and senior Jay Greiner (182) placed first, while senior Andy Nyugen (120) placed second.Greiner placed second at state in 2020 at 145 pounds.Benton's Tyler Murphy&nbsp; (138), who also finished second at state last year at 126, repeated as MEC champion, while Bishop Rush (145) finished second.Maryville senior Keiren Watkins, who placed first at 195, was named the MEC tournament's Most Outstanding Wrestler. Drew Spire (160) and Kort Watkins (285) placed second for the Spoofhounds.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611446222577.jpeg" alt="Maryville's Keiren Watkins after winning the MEC's Most Outstanding Wrestler award. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Maryville's Keiren Watkins after winning the MEC's Most Outstanding Wrestler award. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611446098562.jpeg" alt="Benton's Tyler Murphy (top) defeated Chillicothe's Cayden Larson in round four of Saturday's MEC tournament. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Benton's Tyler Murphy (top) defeated Chillicothe's Cayden Larson in round four of Saturday's MEC tournament. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611446500982.jpeg" alt="Lafayette sophomore Benjamin Kneib pinned Savannah sophomore Jacob Lorraine in round three of Saturday's MEC tournament. Lorraine still placed second for the Savages. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Lafayette sophomore Benjamin Kneib pinned Savannah sophomore Jacob Lorraine in round three of Saturday's MEC tournament. Lorraine still placed second for the Savages. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>