By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe src="https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/KFEQ-Morning-Sports-3102025-e2vvd99/a-abqsrn9" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

KFEQ Morning Sports

For the third time in four years, and the 15th time in program history, the Missouri Western women's basketball team has punched their ticket into the NCAA tournament.&nbsp;

The Lady Griffons were selected as the four seed in the NCAA Central Region during the NCAA Divsion II Women's Basketball Selection show on Sunday night.&nbsp; Missouri Western will play five seed Minnesota State in Pittsburgh, Kansas.&nbsp; Pittsburgh State was selected as the top seed in the region earning the right to host.&nbsp;

The trip to the dance is the first for the Griffons under first-year head coach Ashton Feldhaus, who guided Missouri Western to a 20-9 record in her debut season, and did so with a unique rebuild of the conference championship program she inherited. Competing with a roster of just 10 student-athletes for the majority of the 2024-25 season, the Griffons reached 20 wins for the fifth time in six years.

Missouri Western is 13-14 in NCAA tournament games all-time, with regional championships (Elite 8 Appearances) in 1994, 1995 and 2022.

A time and date for tip-off will be announced soon.

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741579772732.jpeg" alt="Missouri Western women's basketball is in the NCAA tournament for the third time in four years. They will play Minnesota State in the first round/ Photo courtesy of Missouri Western Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Missouri Western women's basketball is in the NCAA tournament for the third time in four years. They will play Minnesota State in the first round/ Photo courtesy of Missouri Western Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostFor the third time in four years, and the 15th time in program history, the Missouri Western women's basketball team has punched their ticket into the NCAA tournament.&nbsp;The Lady Griffons were selected as the four seed in the NCAA Central Region during the NCAA Divsion II Women's Basketball Selection show on Sunday night.&nbsp; Missouri Western will play five seed Minnesota State in Pittsburgh, Kansas.&nbsp; Pittsburgh State was selected as the top seed in the region earning the right to host.&nbsp;The trip to the dance is the first for the Griffons under first-year head coach Ashton Feldhaus, who guided Missouri Western to a 20-9 record in her debut season, and did so with a unique rebuild of the conference championship program she inherited. Competing with a roster of just 10 student-athletes for the majority of the 2024-25 season, the Griffons reached 20 wins for the fifth time in six years.Missouri Western is 13-14 in NCAA tournament games all-time, with regional championships (Elite 8 Appearances) in 1994, 1995 and 2022.A time and date for tip-off will be announced soon.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

MWSU women's basketball back in the NCAA tournament

St. Joseph's Noah Cameron made his first Cactus League start for the Kansas City Royals on Sunday against the Milwaukee Brewers where the Royals came away with a 5-2 victory.&nbsp;

Cameron opened up the game hot in his fourth appearance of spring training, making quick work of the Brewers with a 1-2-3 inning.&nbsp; The Royals went on to take the lead in the bottom half of the inning, thanks to new leadoff hitter Jonathan India, who hit his first home run of the spring to left field.&nbsp;

After Cameron gave up a leadoff double to Mark Cahna to start the second inning, he got Oliver Dunn to ground out and Manuel Margot to fly out, before striking out Jake Bauers with a curveball to end the inning.&nbsp;

After Kansas City failed to score in the bottom half of the inning, Milwaukee tied up the game in the top of the third.&nbsp; Cameron struck out Eric Haase to start the inning, but gave up a single to Raynel Delgado.&nbsp; As Delgado stole second, on a 3-2 pickoff move, first baseman Jac Caglianone threw the ball off his back, and into the outfield allowing Delgado to advance to third.&nbsp; After a Sal Frelick walk, Delgado scored on a sacrifice fly by Vinny Capra.&nbsp;

Caglianone made up for his mistake in the bottom half of the inning, hitting his third home run of spring training, 444 feet to right field for a monster blast, again putting Cameron in position to earn a win in his first spring start.&nbsp;

Carlos Hernandez relieved Cameron in the fourth inning and walked Cahna, who advanced to second on a wild pitch.&nbsp; After forcing Dunn and Margot to fly out, Bauers hit a double to drive in Cahna and tie the game up once more.&nbsp;

The game remained tied until the sixth inning where Maikel Garcia drove in MJ Melendez after he tripled.&nbsp; Kansas City scored two more runs in the eighth, Daniel Vazquez driving in Payton Wilson with an RBI triple and then scoring one batter later on a fielding error.&nbsp;

Cameron earned a no decision in the game, pitching three innings, striking out two batters, giving up two hits, walking one, and giving up one unearned run.&nbsp; Austin Cox earned the win.&nbsp;

Through spring training Cameron has continued to impress the Royals and fans.&nbsp; Through his four appearances he's pitched 10 innings and has struck out seven batters with a 3.60 ERA with one save.&nbsp;

The Royals matchup with the Cleveland Guardians on Monday.&nbsp; First pitch is at 3:05.&nbsp; The next broadcast of Royals spring training on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM) will be on Tuesday against the Texas Rangers with coverage beginning at 2pm.&nbsp;

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741572394248.jpeg" alt="St. Joseph' s Noah Cameron made his first Cactus League start against the Milwaukee Brewers Sunday.&nbsp; Cameron pitched three innings, gave up one unearned run, walked one and struck out two/ Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>St. Joseph' s Noah Cameron made his first Cactus League start against the Milwaukee Brewers Sunday.&nbsp; Cameron pitched three innings, gave up one unearned run, walked one and struck out two/ Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph's Noah Cameron made his first Cactus League start for the Kansas City Royals on Sunday against the Milwaukee Brewers where the Royals came away with a 5-2 victory.&nbsp;Cameron opened up the game hot in his fourth appearance of spring training, making quick work of the Brewers with a 1-2-3 inning.&nbsp; The Royals went on to take the lead in the bottom half of the inning, thanks to new leadoff hitter Jonathan India, who hit his first home run of the spring to left field.&nbsp;After Cameron gave up a leadoff double to Mark Cahna to start the second inning, he got Oliver Dunn to ground out and Manuel Margot to fly out, before striking out Jake Bauers with a curveball to end the inning.&nbsp;After Kansas City failed to score in the bottom half of the inning, Milwaukee tied up the game in the top of the third.&nbsp; Cameron struck out Eric Haase to start the inning, but gave up a single to Raynel Delgado.&nbsp; As Delgado stole second, on a 3-2 pickoff move, first baseman Jac Caglianone threw the ball off his back, and into the outfield allowing Delgado to advance to third.&nbsp; After a Sal Frelick walk, Delgado scored on a sacrifice fly by Vinny Capra.&nbsp;Caglianone made up for his mistake in the bottom half of the inning, hitting his third home run of spring training, 444 feet to right field for a monster blast, again putting Cameron in position to earn a win in his first spring start.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Jac Caglianone, oh my 🤯 The <a href="https://twitter.com/Royals?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Royals</a> top prospect (MLB No. 22) destroys his 3rd homer of the spring! 444 ft | 114.6 EV <a href="https://t.co/JlljYwPgBf">pic.twitter.com/JlljYwPgBf</a>&mdash; MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLBPipeline/status/1898838314373026110?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Carlos Hernandez relieved Cameron in the fourth inning and walked Cahna, who advanced to second on a wild pitch.&nbsp; After forcing Dunn and Margot to fly out, Bauers hit a double to drive in Cahna and tie the game up once more.&nbsp;The game remained tied until the sixth inning where Maikel Garcia drove in MJ Melendez after he tripled.&nbsp; Kansas City scored two more runs in the eighth, Daniel Vazquez driving in Payton Wilson with an RBI triple and then scoring one batter later on a fielding error.&nbsp;Cameron earned a no decision in the game, pitching three innings, striking out two batters, giving up two hits, walking one, and giving up one unearned run.&nbsp; Austin Cox earned the win.&nbsp;Through spring training Cameron has continued to impress the Royals and fans.&nbsp; Through his four appearances he's pitched 10 innings and has struck out seven batters with a 3.60 ERA with one save.&nbsp;The Royals matchup with the Cleveland Guardians on Monday.&nbsp; First pitch is at 3:05.&nbsp; The next broadcast of Royals spring training on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM) will be on Tuesday against the Texas Rangers with coverage beginning at 2pm.&nbsp;You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

St. Joseph's Noah Cameron makes first spring start, Royals top Brewers 5-2

Linebacker Nick Bolton is resigning with the Kansas City Chiefs on a three year deal worth $45 million, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter today.&nbsp;

He joined the Chiefs in 2021 as a second-round draft pick out of Missouri. He became an immediate contributor, starting 12 games as a rookie and finishing with 112 tackles.&nbsp; He&nbsp;became a full-time starter in 2022, and made 180 tackles, with two sacks and two interceptions in the regular season. His signature play that season was a 36-yard fumble return for a touchdown in the Chiefs' Super Bowl LVII win over the Philadelphia Eagles.

Bolton started 16 games this past regular season, registering 106 tackles and recording a career-high three sacks. He then started all three games in the postseason, recording 20 tackles.

Bolton has 559 tackles and 37 tackles for loss in his career, including playoffs. The other four players with 550-plus tackles and 35-plus TFLs over their first four seasons (including playoffs) since 2000, per NFL Research, combined for 10 first-team All-Pro selections in those spans -- Luke Kuechly, Lavonte David, NaVorro Bowman, and Patrick Willis.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697752888994.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs' Nick Bolton (32) reacts after an interception during the first half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs' Nick Bolton (32) reacts after an interception during the first half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostLinebacker Nick Bolton is resigning with the Kansas City Chiefs on a three year deal worth $45 million, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter today.&nbsp;He joined the Chiefs in 2021 as a second-round draft pick out of Missouri. He became an immediate contributor, starting 12 games as a rookie and finishing with 112 tackles.&nbsp; He&nbsp;became a full-time starter in 2022, and made 180 tackles, with two sacks and two interceptions in the regular season. His signature play that season was a 36-yard fumble return for a touchdown in the Chiefs' Super Bowl LVII win over the Philadelphia Eagles.Bolton started 16 games this past regular season, registering 106 tackles and recording a career-high three sacks. He then started all three games in the postseason, recording 20 tackles.Bolton has 559 tackles and 37 tackles for loss in his career, including playoffs. The other four players with 550-plus tackles and 35-plus TFLs over their first four seasons (including playoffs) since 2000, per NFL Research, combined for 10 first-team All-Pro selections in those spans -- Luke Kuechly, Lavonte David, NaVorro Bowman, and Patrick Willis.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Chiefs resign LB Nick Bolton to three year, $45 million deal

Last year, the Lafayette Fighting Irish beat the Benton Cardinals in the Class 4 District 16 championship game on a last second shot by then freshman Jodell Redman.&nbsp; This year, the Cardinals got their revenge.

Benton raced out to an early lead and never let Lafayette back into the game, winning against their crosstown rivals 65-46 and bringing the first district title since 2007 to the southside.&nbsp;

After the Cardinals raced to a 6-0 lead to start the game, the Fighting Irish cut the lead to as much as two before Benton pulled away and led at the end of the first quarter 19-8.&nbsp;

While the second quarter was closer, the Cardinals continued to show a potent offensive attack and stifling defense to keep holding Lafayette down, going on to lead 35-18.&nbsp;

Benton Head Coach Jared Boone says the team knew they had to come out early and set the tone.&nbsp;

"We knew they were going to come out juiced up, especially after the way they played yesterday," Boone tells reporters following the game.&nbsp; "They're in this championship game year after year after year after year, I mean they've owned this district year after year after year after year, so I mean they have that championship pedigree, we knew it was going to be tough."&nbsp;

"KB (Lafayette head coach Kevin Bristol) did a good job, hats off to them in towing the load, but I mean we had a good start and we didn't look back."&nbsp;

Benton went on to outscore Lafayette 30-28 in the second half of the game on way to the district championship.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Boone says it means everything to bring the first championship in 18 years back to the southside

"It's why I came back, to try to deliver this to this community this school, I mean I have no words, it's amazing," Boone says.&nbsp; "It's all contributed to these guys, their hard work, their belief in me, and what we're trying to do here and what we're trying to build here."&nbsp;

"You know they put their hard hats on and come to work every single day, and we've had our ups and our downs and our heartbreaks and days where we've been at it, but it's all for this, it's all for this."

Senior Lincoln Goodwin led the team with 21 points.&nbsp; Junior Mach Mayom scored 14 while senior Myles Bachali added 11.&nbsp; Bachali says waiting a whole year for this rematch, after a heartbreaking loss last season, is what motivated the team

"Just having to wait 365 days, just keeping in the back of our mind we got beat, everyday it haunts you the whole year," Bachali points out.&nbsp;

Beating a team that has been as dominant as Lafayette could bring pressure to any other team, but not Benton, according to Goodwin.&nbsp;

"I mean not really pressure, this is what we're built for, we work hard every single day, we're built for the moment," Goodwin tells reporters.&nbsp;

Benton will matchup with St. Pius X to open up the Class 4 quarterfinals on Monday.&nbsp; MSHSAA has yet to announce the host or tipoff time.&nbsp; In their one matchup this season, Benton beat St. Pius 64-53.&nbsp;

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741403651938.jpeg" alt="The Benton student section celebrate alongside the team after winning the Class 4 District 16 title/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>The Benton student section celebrate alongside the team after winning the Class 4 District 16 title/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostLast year, the Lafayette Fighting Irish beat the Benton Cardinals in the Class 4 District 16 championship game on a last second shot by then freshman Jodell Redman.&nbsp; This year, the Cardinals got their revenge.Benton raced out to an early lead and never let Lafayette back into the game, winning against their crosstown rivals 65-46 and bringing the first district title since 2007 to the southside.&nbsp;After the Cardinals raced to a 6-0 lead to start the game, the Fighting Irish cut the lead to as much as two before Benton pulled away and led at the end of the first quarter 19-8.&nbsp;While the second quarter was closer, the Cardinals continued to show a potent offensive attack and stifling defense to keep holding Lafayette down, going on to lead 35-18.&nbsp;Benton Head Coach Jared Boone says the team knew they had to come out early and set the tone.&nbsp;"We knew they were going to come out juiced up, especially after the way they played yesterday," Boone tells reporters following the game.&nbsp; "They're in this championship game year after year after year after year, I mean they've owned this district year after year after year after year, so I mean they have that championship pedigree, we knew it was going to be tough."&nbsp;"KB (Lafayette head coach Kevin Bristol) did a good job, hats off to them in towing the load, but I mean we had a good start and we didn't look back."&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741402893764.jpeg" alt="Myles Bachali goes up for a layup/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Myles Bachali goes up for a layup/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>Benton went on to outscore Lafayette 30-28 in the second half of the game on way to the district championship.&nbsp;&nbsp;Boone says it means everything to bring the first championship in 18 years back to the southside"It's why I came back, to try to deliver this to this community this school, I mean I have no words, it's amazing," Boone says.&nbsp; "It's all contributed to these guys, their hard work, their belief in me, and what we're trying to do here and what we're trying to build here."&nbsp;"You know they put their hard hats on and come to work every single day, and we've had our ups and our downs and our heartbreaks and days where we've been at it, but it's all for this, it's all for this."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741410460395.jpeg" alt="Lincoln Goodwin takes a fadeway shot/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Lincoln Goodwin takes a fadeway shot/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>Senior Lincoln Goodwin led the team with 21 points.&nbsp; Junior Mach Mayom scored 14 while senior Myles Bachali added 11.&nbsp; Bachali says waiting a whole year for this rematch, after a heartbreaking loss last season, is what motivated the team"Just having to wait 365 days, just keeping in the back of our mind we got beat, everyday it haunts you the whole year," Bachali points out.&nbsp;Beating a team that has been as dominant as Lafayette could bring pressure to any other team, but not Benton, according to Goodwin.&nbsp;"I mean not really pressure, this is what we're built for, we work hard every single day, we're built for the moment," Goodwin tells reporters.&nbsp;Benton will matchup with St. Pius X to open up the Class 4 quarterfinals on Monday.&nbsp; MSHSAA has yet to announce the host or tipoff time.&nbsp; In their one matchup this season, Benton beat St. Pius 64-53.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741410501154.jpeg" alt="Daryan May breakaway layup/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Daryan May breakaway layup/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741410524033.jpeg" alt="Jodell Redman (5) fights through the double team of Mach Mayom (35) and Xavier Warner (25)/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Jodell Redman (5) fights through the double team of Mach Mayom (35) and Xavier Warner (25)/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Benton boys basketball beats Lafayette 65-46 for first district title since '07

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe src="https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/KFEQ-Morning-Sports-372025-e2vrgdp/a-abqo179" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

The Mid- America Intercollegiate Athletics Association presidents unanimously voted to keep the men's and women's basketball tournaments in Kansas City until at least 2030.  

With a contract expiring in 2026, a bid process was put out for communities to try to get the tournament away from Municipal Auditorium.  St. Joseph was one of those bids.  

St. Joseph Sports Commission Director Brett Esely says he's disappointed for St. Joseph in the MIAA's decision 

"Simply because, we host events of that nature in a very professional, hospitable manner, and being around that event for so long, just from my previous experience, the MIAA basketball championship would be a great fit for St. Joseph," Esely tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  "And it still could be someday." 

Esely says he feels like they put together a very competitive bid to bring the tournament to St. Joseph, but adds he respects the decision to go back to Kansas City.  

Esely doesn't feel though as if the bids from other communities were used to get a better deal from Kansas City 

"I think the MIAA, Commissioner Racy and his staff, did their due diligence to seek, really, communities that could host the leagues marquee championship," Esely says.  "And we felt from day one that it was a real bid process; I think it definitely was."  

Esely feels like this is just the reality of the bid process and says he respects the decision and the opportunity and looks forward to future opportunities with the MIAA. 

Esely says when the next bid process comes around, an obvious thing that could make a stronger case for St. Joseph is more hotels and conference space 

"I do think, four years from now, I think that landscape in St. Joseph will look considerably different than it does today." Esely says.  

Esely points out one new hotel has already been developed in the North Village Shoppes, and there is another on the way.  There is also development underway on a hotel and conference center at the site of the old Ramada Inn at I-29 and Frederick. 

Esely says it is also paramount to continue working on getting more hotel spaces in downtown St. Joseph 

"I don't know this, but you often wonder if there was a downtown hotel open and functional today, would the MIAA's decision have been different?" Esely questions.  "You know, I don't know that I can't answer that, but I know it certainly wouldn't have hurt." 

Esely says he thinks keeping amenities in mind and knowing what out-of-town groups need needs to be kept in the forefront when talking about tourism as well as these big sporting events.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679502589475.jpeg" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKE St. Joseph Post The Mid- America Intercollegiate Athletics Association presidents unanimously voted to keep the men's and women's basketball tournaments in Kansas City until at least 2030. With a contract expiring in 2026, a bid process was put out for communities to try to get the tournament away from Municipal Auditorium. St. Joseph was one of those bids. St. Joseph Sports Commission Director Brett Esely says he's disappointed for St. Joseph in the MIAA's decision "Simply because, we host events of that nature in a very professional, hospitable manner, and being around that event for so long, just from my previous experience, the MIAA basketball championship would be a great fit for St. Joseph," Esely tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "And it still could be someday." Esely says he feels like they put together a very competitive bid to bring the tournament to St. Joseph, but adds he respects the decision to go back to Kansas City. Esely doesn't feel though as if the bids from other communities were used to get a better deal from Kansas City "I think the MIAA, Commissioner Racy and his staff, did their due diligence to seek, really, communities that could host the leagues marquee championship," Esely says. "And we felt from day one that it was a real bid process; I think it definitely was." Esely feels like this is just the reality of the bid process and says he respects the decision and the opportunity and looks forward to future opportunities with the MIAA. Esely says when the next bid process comes around, an obvious thing that could make a stronger case for St. Joseph is more hotels and conference space "I do think, four years from now, I think that landscape in St. Joseph will look considerably different than it does today." Esely says. Esely points out one new hotel has already been developed in the North Village Shoppes, and there is another on the way. There is also development underway on a hotel and conference center at the site of the old Ramada Inn at I-29 and Frederick. Esely says it is also paramount to continue working on getting more hotel spaces in downtown St. Joseph "I don't know this, but you often wonder if there was a downtown hotel open and functional today, would the MIAA's decision have been different?" Esely questions. "You know, I don't know that I can't answer that, but I know it certainly wouldn't have hurt." Esely says he thinks keeping amenities in mind and knowing what out-of-town groups need needs to be kept in the forefront when talking about tourism as well as these big sporting events.JOURNAL<div><iframe src="https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/Journal-Esely-disappointed-for-St--Joseph-by-MIAA-decision-e2vrfce/a-abqnvuu" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>FULL INTERVIEW<div><iframe src="https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/Full-Interiew-Brett-Esely-on-MIAA-decision-to-stay-in-KC-e2vrg4s/a-abqo0rn" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

St. Joseph Sports Director dissapointed for city by MIAA choice to stay in KC

Former Kansas City Chiefs and Missouri Tigers, and current Jacksonville Jaguars, center Mitch Morse has announced his retirement from the NFL.&nbsp;

Morse is a former second-round pick in the 2015 NFL draft by the Kansas City Chiefs. After spending four seasons in Kansas City, Morse played in Buffalo from 2019 to 2023 and spent the 2024 season in Jacksonville after signing with the team last offseason.

Morse was a Pro Bowler during the 2022 season with Buffalo.

Last season with the Jaguars, Morse provided a stabilizing presence along the offensive line, particularly in pass protection, allowing only three sacks and two quarterback hits in 634 pass-blocking snaps, according to Pro Football Focus.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741276860194.jpeg" alt="Mitch Morse" />
 <figcaption>Mitch Morse</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostFormer Kansas City Chiefs and Missouri Tigers, and current Jacksonville Jaguars, center Mitch Morse has announced his retirement from the NFL.&nbsp;Morse is a former second-round pick in the 2015 NFL draft by the Kansas City Chiefs. After spending four seasons in Kansas City, Morse played in Buffalo from 2019 to 2023 and spent the 2024 season in Jacksonville after signing with the team last offseason.Morse was a Pro Bowler during the 2022 season with Buffalo.Last season with the Jaguars, Morse provided a stabilizing presence along the offensive line, particularly in pass protection, allowing only three sacks and two quarterback hits in 634 pass-blocking snaps, according to Pro Football Focus.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/mithenmor60?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mithenmor60</a> is calling it a career 👏<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DUUUVAL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DUUUVAL</a>&mdash; Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jaguars/status/1897669697510027630?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 6, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Former Chiefs, Tigers OL Mitch Morse announces retirement

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe src="https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/KFEQ-Morning-Sports-362025-e2vptms/a-abqm11j" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

Former Missouri Western women's basketball player and graduate assistant Chelsea Dewey has been honored in her second year as head coach of the Arizona Western women's basketball.

Dewey was named by the&nbsp;Arizona Community College Athletic Conference as the&nbsp;ACCAC DI Women's Basketball Coach of the Year, after leading the Matadors to a 25-3 record.&nbsp;

Dewey led the Matadors to the program's first regular season title since the 2021-22 season after winning their last nine regular season games to secure the No. 1 seed in the upcoming Region I Tournament.

The Matadors are currently ranked No. 11 in the final NJCAA DI Women's Basketball poll and own wins over seven nationally ranked opponents this season and are 7-1 in games against teams ranked in the NJCAA DI Women's Basketball Top-25.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Matadors completed a perfect regular season at home, going 14-0 on the home floor at the House Gymnasium.

The last time the ACCAC Coach of the Year honors was awarded to Arizona Western was in the 2021-22 season when Patrick Cunningham won the award.

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729872896741.jpeg" alt="Chelsea Dewey leads a huddle during a gamebreak for Arizona Western/ Photo courtesy of Arizona Western College" />
 <figcaption>Chelsea Dewey leads a huddle during a gamebreak for Arizona Western/ Photo courtesy of Arizona Western College</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKEFormer Missouri Western women's basketball player and graduate assistant Chelsea Dewey has been honored in her second year as head coach of the Arizona Western women's basketball.Dewey was named by the&nbsp;Arizona Community College Athletic Conference as the&nbsp;ACCAC DI Women's Basketball Coach of the Year, after leading the Matadors to a 25-3 record.&nbsp;Dewey led the Matadors to the program's first regular season title since the 2021-22 season after winning their last nine regular season games to secure the No. 1 seed in the upcoming Region I Tournament.The Matadors are currently ranked No. 11 in the final NJCAA DI Women's Basketball poll and own wins over seven nationally ranked opponents this season and are 7-1 in games against teams ranked in the NJCAA DI Women's Basketball Top-25.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Matadors completed a perfect regular season at home, going 14-0 on the home floor at the House Gymnasium.The last time the ACCAC Coach of the Year honors was awarded to Arizona Western was in the 2021-22 season when Patrick Cunningham won the award.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Former Griffon Chelsea Dewey named ACCAC Coach of the Year

Once the new league year opens on March 12th, a key part of the Kansas City Chiefs offensive line will be on the move, heading to Chicago.&nbsp;

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport the Chiefs are trading Joe Thuney to the Bears.&nbsp; In return Kansas City will get a fourth round pick in next year's NFL draft.&nbsp;

It's a significant move for both sides.&nbsp; Last year, Thuney turned into one of the most valuable players for the Chiefs, and in turn was named the teams's MVP by his teammates, after Thuney slid from left guard to left tackle midway through the season when it became clear he was the best option at that position.&nbsp;

For the Bears, it's the second trade they've have agreed to in the past 24 hours to beef up their offensive line to provide better protection for quarterback Caleb Williams. On Tuesday, the Bears agreed to a trade with the Los Angeles Rams to acquire guard Jonah Jackson.

Thuney, who will be 33 in November, signed with the Chiefs in 2021 after playing his first five years with the Patriots. He is a four-time Super Bowl champion, having won two with New England and two with Kansas City.

By trading Thuney, the Chiefs will save $16 million against the cap. Thuney is currently entering the last year of his contract and is set to make $15.5 million in base salary.&nbsp; Kansas City also franchise-tagged guard Trey Smith and has signaled that the club would like to sign him to a long-term deal.

Rapoport also responded to a post on X from Yahoo's Nate Tice, discussing the future of the left guard position. He emphasized that he expects former Chiefs second-round pick Kingsley Suamataia to be given a shot to play left guard in place of Thuney.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722280296661.png" alt="Joe Thuney (62) walks down the hill with tackle Jawaan Taylor (74) before practice, Thuney returned to practice Monday after being on the PUP list to start Training Camp/ Photo by Alexis Starks" />
 <figcaption>Joe Thuney (62) walks down the hill with tackle Jawaan Taylor (74) before practice, Thuney returned to practice Monday after being on the PUP list to start Training Camp/ Photo by Alexis Starks</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostOnce the new league year opens on March 12th, a key part of the Kansas City Chiefs offensive line will be on the move, heading to Chicago.&nbsp;According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport the Chiefs are trading Joe Thuney to the Bears.&nbsp; In return Kansas City will get a fourth round pick in next year's NFL draft.&nbsp;It's a significant move for both sides.&nbsp; Last year, Thuney turned into one of the most valuable players for the Chiefs, and in turn was named the teams's MVP by his teammates, after Thuney slid from left guard to left tackle midway through the season when it became clear he was the best option at that position.&nbsp;For the Bears, it's the second trade they've have agreed to in the past 24 hours to beef up their offensive line to provide better protection for quarterback Caleb Williams. On Tuesday, the Bears agreed to a trade with the Los Angeles Rams to acquire guard Jonah Jackson.Thuney, who will be 33 in November, signed with the Chiefs in 2021 after playing his first five years with the Patriots. He is a four-time Super Bowl champion, having won two with New England and two with Kansas City.By trading Thuney, the Chiefs will save $16 million against the cap. Thuney is currently entering the last year of his contract and is set to make $15.5 million in base salary.&nbsp; Kansas City also franchise-tagged guard Trey Smith and has signaled that the club would like to sign him to a long-term deal.Rapoport also responded to a post on X from Yahoo's Nate Tice, discussing the future of the left guard position. He emphasized that he expects former Chiefs second-round pick Kingsley Suamataia to be given a shot to play left guard in place of Thuney.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Good call. I believe Kingsley Suamataia, a former 2nd rounder, will be given a shot to become a guard, stepping in for the former All-Pro. <a href="https://t.co/8aN1c2H8AP">https://t.co/8aN1c2H8AP</a>&mdash; Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapSheet/status/1897296317241864618?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Report: Chiefs trade OL Joe Thuney to Chicago for 2026 draft pick

Former Northwest Missouri State player Bennett Stirtz and former coach Ben McCollum have earned honors in their first year at Drake University as the Missouri Valley Conference announced it's league awards on Wednesday.&nbsp;

McCollum was named the Missouri Valley Coach of the Year.&nbsp;McCollum joins 21 other coaches to a win an MVC men's basketball title in his first year in the league. He's the 14th rookie coach to win the league's Coach of the Year award, which was first presented in 1949.

With 27 wins, he's among the most successful first-year league coaches. Drake, 27-3 overall and 17-3 in the MVC, is tied for the national lead in victories and is second in winning percentage behind Auburn. Drake is the only team in the NCAA that has a perfect record against the top two quadrants.

Stirtz has been named the MVC Larry Bird Player of the Year.&nbsp;&nbsp;Stirtz is just the third player in league history to earn the Larry Bird Trophy in his first season in the MVC. Player of the Year was not the only honor given to the Liberty, Mo., native, however. Stirtz was also named Newcomer of the Year, selected First Team All-MVC, and named to the All-Newcomer Team.

Stirtz leads the MVC in scoring (18.93), assists (5.93) and steals (2.20). Stirtz, who leads the nation in minutes per game, is the only player in the NCAA to lead his league in scoring, assists, and steals.

Two other former Northwest players who followed McCollum to Drake earned honors as well.&nbsp; Mitch Mascari earned an MVC All-Third Teams Selection, while Daniel Abreau was named to the MVC All-Defensive Team.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634064862076.jpeg" alt="Northwest Missouri State men's basketball coach Ben McCollum enters his 12th season as head coach of the Bearcats, having already won three national titles, including in 2021. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Northwest Missouri State men's basketball coach Ben McCollum enters his 12th season as head coach of the Bearcats, having already won three national titles, including in 2021. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostFormer Northwest Missouri State player Bennett Stirtz and former coach Ben McCollum have earned honors in their first year at Drake University as the Missouri Valley Conference announced it's league awards on Wednesday.&nbsp;McCollum was named the Missouri Valley Coach of the Year.&nbsp;McCollum joins 21 other coaches to a win an MVC men's basketball title in his first year in the league. He's the 14th rookie coach to win the league's Coach of the Year award, which was first presented in 1949.With 27 wins, he's among the most successful first-year league coaches. Drake, 27-3 overall and 17-3 in the MVC, is tied for the national lead in victories and is second in winning percentage behind Auburn. Drake is the only team in the NCAA that has a perfect record against the top two quadrants.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741196162442.jpeg" alt="Bennett Stirtz/ Photo courtesy of Ginnie Coleman with Drake Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Bennett Stirtz/ Photo courtesy of Ginnie Coleman with Drake Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>Stirtz has been named the MVC Larry Bird Player of the Year.&nbsp;&nbsp;Stirtz is just the third player in league history to earn the Larry Bird Trophy in his first season in the MVC. Player of the Year was not the only honor given to the Liberty, Mo., native, however. Stirtz was also named Newcomer of the Year, selected First Team All-MVC, and named to the All-Newcomer Team.Stirtz leads the MVC in scoring (18.93), assists (5.93) and steals (2.20). Stirtz, who leads the nation in minutes per game, is the only player in the NCAA to lead his league in scoring, assists, and steals.Two other former Northwest players who followed McCollum to Drake earned honors as well.&nbsp; Mitch Mascari earned an MVC All-Third Teams Selection, while Daniel Abreau was named to the MVC All-Defensive Team.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Former NWMSU coach McCollum named Missouri Valley Coach of the Year; Stirtz Player of the Year

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe src="https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/KFEQ-Morning-Sports-e2vml46/a-abqhsp7" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

For a second consecutive season, and just the third time in school history, the East Buchanan Bulldog boys' basketball team is advancing to the Class 3 State Quarterfinals after beating the Lexington Minutemen 73-56.  

After a tough district championship just two days prior, where the Bulldogs didn't take the lead back until the fourth quarter, East Buchanan got off to a quick start against Lexington racing to a 6-0 lead before the Minutemen called a timeout with 5:49 left in the first quarter.  

The timeout helped and Lexington made the adjustments they needed too, going on to take the lead at the buzzer with a layup by Damario Moss, who got fouled but missed the and one free throw, giving the Minutemen a 21-20 lead at the end of one.

East Buchanan and Lexington continued trading blows throughout the second quarter, the Bulldogs only ever leading by as much as five points, but a late three by the Minutemen made the score 38-36 at the halftime break.   

Once the second half began though, it was all East Buchanan.  The Bulldogs started the second half on an 8-3 run before a timeout was called.  With one minute remaining in the quarter, East Buchanan had outscored Lexington 14-3 and ended the third with a 55-44 lead.  

East Buchanan continued their dominant second half, outscoring Lexington in the fourth quarter 18-12 on way to the 73-56 victory.

Senior Seth Spencer led five Bulldogs in double digit scoring with 14 points.  Junior Ben Rhoad scored 13, senior Clark Scott put up 12, while seniors Isaiah Watkins and Dylan Davidson added 11 and 10 points respectively  

Spencer says as a team, the Bulldogs just focus on moving the ball around and finding the best shot 

"Get inside the paint, get it out, just try to get as many shots as we can and try to get inside," Spencer tells reporters following the game. "That's all we kind of do, that's what we praise at practice.  

East Buchanan made it to the quarterfinals last year, falling in a heartbreaker to Summit Christian Academy 66-64.   

Head Coach Michael Carpenter says, with a group of five seniors who played in that game, his team, and particularly those guys, are very driven to take the next step and get to Columbia.  

"They've played really hard, that group they've been together since elementary school, they've come up together and you can really see that when they go out there and make those runs and stuff because they kind of know where everyone is going to be at and they know what they've done they played together for a long time," Carpenter says "And so it means a lot." 

East Buchanan will face KIPP KC Legacy in the Class 3 Quarterfinals on Friday.  MSHSAA has yet to announce the tip off time or the location.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741059503419.jpeg" alt="Seth Spencer puts back a shot over Lexington's Daymon Slater (23)/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Seth Spencer puts back a shot over Lexington's Daymon Slater (23)/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostFor a second consecutive season, and just the third time in school history, the East Buchanan Bulldog boys' basketball team is advancing to the Class 3 State Quarterfinals after beating the Lexington Minutemen 73-56. After a tough district championship just two days prior, where the Bulldogs didn't take the lead back until the fourth quarter, East Buchanan got off to a quick start against Lexington racing to a 6-0 lead before the Minutemen called a timeout with 5:49 left in the first quarter. The timeout helped and Lexington made the adjustments they needed too, going on to take the lead at the buzzer with a layup by Damario Moss, who got fouled but missed the and one free throw, giving the Minutemen a 21-20 lead at the end of one.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741059548738.jpeg" alt="Isaiah Watkins lays the ball up on a breakaway in the first quarter of East Buchanan's sectional matchup with Lexington/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Isaiah Watkins lays the ball up on a breakaway in the first quarter of East Buchanan's sectional matchup with Lexington/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>East Buchanan and Lexington continued trading blows throughout the second quarter, the Bulldogs only ever leading by as much as five points, but a late three by the Minutemen made the score 38-36 at the halftime break. Once the second half began though, it was all East Buchanan. The Bulldogs started the second half on an 8-3 run before a timeout was called. With one minute remaining in the quarter, East Buchanan had outscored Lexington 14-3 and ended the third with a 55-44 lead. East Buchanan continued their dominant second half, outscoring Lexington in the fourth quarter 18-12 on way to the 73-56 victory.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741059585958.jpeg" alt="Clark Scott (24) physically goes up against Lexington's Colten Sawyer (2)/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Clark Scott (24) physically goes up against Lexington's Colten Sawyer (2)/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>Senior Seth Spencer led five Bulldogs in double digit scoring with 14 points. Junior Ben Rhoad scored 13, senior Clark Scott put up 12, while seniors Isaiah Watkins and Dylan Davidson added 11 and 10 points respectively Spencer says as a team, the Bulldogs just focus on moving the ball around and finding the best shot "Get inside the paint, get it out, just try to get as many shots as we can and try to get inside," Spencer tells reporters following the game. "That's all we kind of do, that's what we praise at practice. East Buchanan made it to the quarterfinals last year, falling in a heartbreaker to Summit Christian Academy 66-64. Head Coach Michael Carpenter says, with a group of five seniors who played in that game, his team, and particularly those guys, are very driven to take the next step and get to Columbia. "They've played really hard, that group they've been together since elementary school, they've come up together and you can really see that when they go out there and make those runs and stuff because they kind of know where everyone is going to be at and they know what they've done they played together for a long time," Carpenter says "And so it means a lot." East Buchanan will face KIPP KC Legacy in the Class 3 Quarterfinals on Friday. MSHSAA has yet to announce the tip off time or the location.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741059619171.jpeg" alt="Kolten Woodside (11) goes for three against Lexington's Chael Lichte (30)/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Kolten Woodside (11) goes for three against Lexington's Chael Lichte (30)/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741059640939.jpeg" alt="Aidan Smith/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Aidan Smith/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

East Buchanan makes easy work of Lexington 73-56 to advance to Class 3 Quarterfinals

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe src="https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-news/embed/episodes/KFEQ-Morning-Sports-e2vl0f9/a-abqfprp" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

The East Buchanan Bulldog boy's basketball team overcame being down by as many as 14 points to defeat the Mid-Buchanan Dragons 73-66 in the Class 3 District 15 championship game, winning their second straight district title.  

East Buchanan opened the scoring in the first quarter, a three pointer by Seth Spencer, but after that it was all Mid-Buchanan with the Dragons going on a 12-0 run until Bulldogs head coach Michael Carpenter called a timeout.  The timeout allowed the right time to adjust and for East Buchanan to start clawing back, ending the first quarter trailing 23-18.  

Both teams continued going back and forth in the second quarter, a strong and physical effort by the Dragons forcing the Bulldogs into several turnovers, and Mid-Buchanan held their lead at halftime 41-31.

Things continued to go bad for East Buchanan to start the second half, falling behind by 14 points at one point to Mid-Buchanan.  But the Bulldogs did not stop fighting, as senior Isaiah Watkins turned a switch and took the game into his own hands, helping to pull East Buchanan back to within five at 54-49.  

Watkins hot hand continued into the final quarter, scoring the first five points to tie the game up, before East Buchanan took their first lead since the start of the game, leading 61-58 with just under five minutes remaining and forcing Dragons head coach Bryce Kemper to call a timeout.  

The Bulldogs and Dragons exchanged the lead a couple more times before East Buchanan pulled away for good and earned the win.

"I don't even know, I've been telling our assistant coaches I'm not sure how we came back and got that," Carpenter told reporters following the game.  "I know Isaiah got hot and then we kind of cut it back and our boys did an awesome job of fighting, I couldn't be more proud of them." 

"There's been a lot of times we're playing MId-Buchanan and we get down and they just keep us there, but to show that fight and do that I couldn't be more proud, that was a crazy game." 

Watkins led East Buchanan with 21 points.  Clark Scott scored 17 and Spencer added 12.  For Mid-Buchanan Chris Kowalewcyz led with 17. 

It will be a short turnaround for East Buchanan as they play Lexington on Monday in Gower for sectionals.  Tipping off at 6:30pm. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1740810199472.jpeg" alt="East Buchanan's boys brought home their second straight division title, beating Mid-Buchanan 73-66/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>East Buchanan's boys brought home their second straight division title, beating Mid-Buchanan 73-66/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe East Buchanan Bulldog boy's basketball team overcame being down by as many as 14 points to defeat the Mid-Buchanan Dragons 73-66 in the Class 3 District 15 championship game, winning their second straight district title. East Buchanan opened the scoring in the first quarter, a three pointer by Seth Spencer, but after that it was all Mid-Buchanan with the Dragons going on a 12-0 run until Bulldogs head coach Michael Carpenter called a timeout. The timeout allowed the right time to adjust and for East Buchanan to start clawing back, ending the first quarter trailing 23-18. Both teams continued going back and forth in the second quarter, a strong and physical effort by the Dragons forcing the Bulldogs into several turnovers, and Mid-Buchanan held their lead at halftime 41-31.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1740810245174.jpeg" alt="Mid Buchanan's Chris Kowalewycz (0) goes up for a shot/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Mid Buchanan's Chris Kowalewycz (0) goes up for a shot/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>Things continued to go bad for East Buchanan to start the second half, falling behind by 14 points at one point to Mid-Buchanan. But the Bulldogs did not stop fighting, as senior Isaiah Watkins turned a switch and took the game into his own hands, helping to pull East Buchanan back to within five at 54-49. Watkins hot hand continued into the final quarter, scoring the first five points to tie the game up, before East Buchanan took their first lead since the start of the game, leading 61-58 with just under five minutes remaining and forcing Dragons head coach Bryce Kemper to call a timeout. The Bulldogs and Dragons exchanged the lead a couple more times before East Buchanan pulled away for good and earned the win.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1740810400507.jpeg" alt="Isaiah Watkins/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Isaiah Watkins/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>"I don't even know, I've been telling our assistant coaches I'm not sure how we came back and got that," Carpenter told reporters following the game. "I know Isaiah got hot and then we kind of cut it back and our boys did an awesome job of fighting, I couldn't be more proud of them." "There's been a lot of times we're playing MId-Buchanan and we get down and they just keep us there, but to show that fight and do that I couldn't be more proud, that was a crazy game." Watkins led East Buchanan with 21 points. Clark Scott scored 17 and Spencer added 12. For Mid-Buchanan Chris Kowalewcyz led with 17. It will be a short turnaround for East Buchanan as they play Lexington on Monday in Gower for sectionals. Tipping off at 6:30pm. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1740810465971.jpeg" alt="Carder Campbell (3) goes for three as East Buchanan's Dylan Davidson defends/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Carder Campbell (3) goes for three as East Buchanan's Dylan Davidson defends/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1740810483299.jpeg" alt="Kolten Woodside (11) defends against Ian Wegenga (5)/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Kolten Woodside (11) defends against Ian Wegenga (5)/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1740810500954.jpeg" alt="Seth Spencer/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Seth Spencer/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

East Buchanan takes down rival Mid-Buchanan 73-66 for Class 3 District 15 title

Up by nine at the halftime break, a late three by Vanderbilt forced overtime and the Commodores took over from there, taking down the #14 Missouri Tigers in Nashville 97-93.&nbsp;

Missouri and Vanderbilt traded blows through the first seven minutes of the game before the Tigers pulled away, leading at the first official TV timeout 16-7 with 12:06 left in the first half.&nbsp; After the timeout, the Commodores begin to fight their way back, getting within one by the second TV timeout.&nbsp;

Missouri went on to pull away through the remainder of the first half, leading 38-29.&nbsp; But once again on the road, the Missouri shooters went cold, while the opposing team found a way to get hot, the Commodores going on an 11-5 run to open up the second half.&nbsp;

Vanderbilt eventually took the lead, but the Tigers continued to scratch and claw keeping up with the Commodores, but were forced into overtime as Tyler Nickel made a three point shot with four seconds left in regulation.&nbsp;

The Commodores outscored Missouri 16-12 in the overtime period to earn the win.&nbsp;

Caleb Grill led the Tigers with 28 points off the bench. Mark Mitchell scored 20 points while Tamar Bates and Anthony Robinson each added 16 points.&nbsp;

Missouri is now 21-8 on the season, 10-6 in the SEC.&nbsp; The Tigers stay on the road Wednesday taking on Oklahoma.&nbsp; Tipoff is at 7pm, pregame will air at 6:30 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1740882047736.jpeg" alt="Mark Mitchell goes for a shot layup against Vanderbilt/ Photo courtesy of Mizzou Hoops on X" />
 <figcaption>Mark Mitchell goes for a shot layup against Vanderbilt/ Photo courtesy of Mizzou Hoops on X</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostUp by nine at the halftime break, a late three by Vanderbilt forced overtime and the Commodores took over from there, taking down the #14 Missouri Tigers in Nashville 97-93.&nbsp;Missouri and Vanderbilt traded blows through the first seven minutes of the game before the Tigers pulled away, leading at the first official TV timeout 16-7 with 12:06 left in the first half.&nbsp; After the timeout, the Commodores begin to fight their way back, getting within one by the second TV timeout.&nbsp;Missouri went on to pull away through the remainder of the first half, leading 38-29.&nbsp; But once again on the road, the Missouri shooters went cold, while the opposing team found a way to get hot, the Commodores going on an 11-5 run to open up the second half.&nbsp;Vanderbilt eventually took the lead, but the Tigers continued to scratch and claw keeping up with the Commodores, but were forced into overtime as Tyler Nickel made a three point shot with four seconds left in regulation.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">NICKELLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL‼️ OT ⚓️⬇️ <a href="https://t.co/vcFldh1pPm">pic.twitter.com/vcFldh1pPm</a>&mdash; Vanderbilt Men&#39;s Basketball (@VandyMBB) <a href="https://twitter.com/VandyMBB/status/1896005670258032746?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The Commodores outscored Missouri 16-12 in the overtime period to earn the win.&nbsp;Caleb Grill led the Tigers with 28 points off the bench. Mark Mitchell scored 20 points while Tamar Bates and Anthony Robinson each added 16 points.&nbsp;Missouri is now 21-8 on the season, 10-6 in the SEC.&nbsp; The Tigers stay on the road Wednesday taking on Oklahoma.&nbsp; Tipoff is at 7pm, pregame will air at 6:30 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).

Tigers fall in OT 97-93 as Commodores stay hot

 The Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association has announced its postseason basketball championships will remain in Kansas City’s Municipal Auditorium through 2030.

"Following consideration of multiple competitive bids by other communities to host the MIAA women's and men's basketball championships every March, I am pleased to announce that the MIAA Tournament will remain in Kansas City at least through the 2030 Championships,” said MIAA Commissioner Mike Racy in a news release by the MIAA.

"The MIAA is one of the oldest conferences in the NCAA, and we have one of the most competitive college basketball tournaments in the country every year,” continued Commissioner Racy. “Our coaches and student-athletes love competing in the historic Municipal Auditorium, and it’s exciting that leaders in Kansas City want to continue to feature the MIAA basketball championships every Spring as part of ‘March Madness’ in this great college basketball city!"

The league’s upcoming men’s and women’s basketball championships will mark the 22nd year of MIAA Madness in Kansas City’s historic Municipal Auditorium. 

With the Association’s previous contract expiring after the 2026 championships, MIAA presidents put the tournament up for proposals and unanimously approved a four-year extension to keep one of Division II’s best conference championships in Kansas City.&nbsp; St. Joseph, as well as Topeka, were the two other cities that put in competitive bids and were up for consideration.

“The MIAA is a Kansas City institution and longtime contributor in this community recognized for its sports culture,” said Kathy Nelson, President and CEO of Visit KC and the Kansas City Sports Commission. “We’re thrilled and grateful to know the MIAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships will continue to play a key role in making KC an unparalleled destination for college basketball.”

This season’s MIAA men’s and women’s basketball championships begin Wednesday, March 5, with the championship games scheduled for Sunday, March 9. To find more information you can click <a href="https://themiaa.com/feature/2025-miaa-basketball-championships">HERE</a>.

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740774784791.jpeg" alt="Municipal Auditorium basketball court/ Courtesy of Visit KC" />
 <figcaption>Municipal Auditorium basketball court/ Courtesy of Visit KC</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post The Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association has announced its postseason basketball championships will remain in Kansas City’s Municipal Auditorium through 2030."Following consideration of multiple competitive bids by other communities to host the MIAA women's and men's basketball championships every March, I am pleased to announce that the MIAA Tournament will remain in Kansas City at least through the 2030 Championships,” said MIAA Commissioner Mike Racy in a news release by the MIAA."The MIAA is one of the oldest conferences in the NCAA, and we have one of the most competitive college basketball tournaments in the country every year,” continued Commissioner Racy. “Our coaches and student-athletes love competing in the historic Municipal Auditorium, and it’s exciting that leaders in Kansas City want to continue to feature the MIAA basketball championships every Spring as part of ‘March Madness’ in this great college basketball city!"The league’s upcoming men’s and women’s basketball championships will mark the 22nd year of MIAA Madness in Kansas City’s historic Municipal Auditorium. With the Association’s previous contract expiring after the 2026 championships, MIAA presidents put the tournament up for proposals and unanimously approved a four-year extension to keep one of Division II’s best conference championships in Kansas City.&nbsp; St. Joseph, as well as Topeka, were the two other cities that put in competitive bids and were up for consideration.“The MIAA is a Kansas City institution and longtime contributor in this community recognized for its sports culture,” said Kathy Nelson, President and CEO of Visit KC and the Kansas City Sports Commission. “We’re thrilled and grateful to know the MIAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships will continue to play a key role in making KC an unparalleled destination for college basketball.”This season’s MIAA men’s and women’s basketball championships begin Wednesday, March 5, with the championship games scheduled for Sunday, March 9. To find more information you can click <a href="https://themiaa.com/feature/2025-miaa-basketball-championships">HERE</a>.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp;&nbsp;

MIAA basketball tournament to remain in Kansas City through 2030

The Kansas City Royals gave up two home runs to former Kansas State first baseman Nick Martini and suffered their first loss of Spring Training, falling 7-6.

Michael Wacha made his spring debut for the Royals, and started out striking out four consecutive batters, before surrendering the first home run to Martini.&nbsp; A hit batter and a single later, Wacha gave up a double to&nbsp;Adael Amador to give the Rockies a 3-2 lead, which they never looked back from.&nbsp;

Martini homered again in the fifth inning, off of St. Joseph's Noah Cameron who was making his second appearance of the spring after two scoreless innings in the opener last Friday.&nbsp; Cameron pitched two innings, giving up only the two runs on the home run, and striking out one.&nbsp;

Kansas City also sent Chris Stratton and Lucas Erceg to the mound in this game, both&nbsp; making their spring training debuts as well.&nbsp; They combined for four strikeouts, with one run given up by Erceg.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Royals also saw MJ Melendez finally get his first hit of the spring, showing off his new and improved swing, a single in the first inning that scored Michael Massey.&nbsp; He also drove in Joey Weimer in the fifth with a single.&nbsp; Melendez was 2 for 3 at the plate.&nbsp;

The Royals are back in action on Thursday against the Milwaukee Brewers.&nbsp; First pitch will be at 2:05pm, with pregame at 2pm on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe Kansas City Royals gave up two home runs to former Kansas State first baseman Nick Martini and suffered their first loss of Spring Training, falling 7-6.Michael Wacha made his spring debut for the Royals, and started out striking out four consecutive batters, before surrendering the first home run to Martini.&nbsp; A hit batter and a single later, Wacha gave up a double to&nbsp;Adael Amador to give the Rockies a 3-2 lead, which they never looked back from.&nbsp;Martini homered again in the fifth inning, off of St. Joseph's Noah Cameron who was making his second appearance of the spring after two scoreless innings in the opener last Friday.&nbsp; Cameron pitched two innings, giving up only the two runs on the home run, and striking out one.&nbsp;Kansas City also sent Chris Stratton and Lucas Erceg to the mound in this game, both&nbsp; making their spring training debuts as well.&nbsp; They combined for four strikeouts, with one run given up by Erceg.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Royals also saw MJ Melendez finally get his first hit of the spring, showing off his new and improved swing, a single in the first inning that scored Michael Massey.&nbsp; He also drove in Joey Weimer in the fifth with a single.&nbsp; Melendez was 2 for 3 at the plate.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">MJ gets us on the board! <a href="https://t.co/mBgJ5zknak">pic.twitter.com/mBgJ5zknak</a>&mdash; Kansas City Royals (@Royals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Royals/status/1894851753654558748?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The Royals are back in action on Thursday against the Milwaukee Brewers.&nbsp; First pitch will be at 2:05pm, with pregame at 2pm on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Longball plagues Royals in first spring training loss, fall to Rockies 7-6

The Midland Empire Conference will have a new full-fledged member starting in the 2026-27 school year.

The MEC has officially voted to add Excelsior Springs to the conference for all sports and activities starting in the fall of 2026. The Excelsior Springs Board of Education voted earlier this month in favor of joining the conference.

St. Pius X had previously decided to leave the conference for football, but the MEC Board of Directors have voted to remove St. Pius completely from the conference starting at the beginning of fall 2025.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740612289293.jpeg" alt="The MEC Conference has voted to add Excelsior Springs to the conference in 2026, and will remove St.. Pius X starting this fall." />
 <figcaption>The MEC Conference has voted to add Excelsior Springs to the conference in 2026, and will remove St.. Pius X starting this fall.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt.&nbsp; Joseph PostThe Midland Empire Conference will have a new full-fledged member starting in the 2026-27 school year.The MEC has officially voted to add Excelsior Springs to the conference for all sports and activities starting in the fall of 2026. The Excelsior Springs Board of Education voted earlier this month in favor of joining the conference.St. Pius X had previously decided to leave the conference for football, but the MEC Board of Directors have voted to remove St. Pius completely from the conference starting at the beginning of fall 2025.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

MEC Conference votes to remove St. Pius X, add Excelsior Springs in 2026

Change will be coming to the Missouri women's basketball program as head coach Robin Pingeton has informed the Mizzou Athletics Administration she will step away from the program at the end of this season.&nbsp;

Pingeton, currently in her 15th season leading the Tigers, has compiled a 249-216 record at Mizzou, guiding the program to 10 postseason tournament appearances, including four trips to the NCAA Tournament.  

"After a lot of reflection, I have decided it's time for a new voice to lead Mizzou Women's Basketball," Pingeton said in a news release. "This is a decision I arrived at after initiating conversations with Laird Veatch, and I am incredibly grateful for his leadership and support throughout this process. I love Columbia, Mizzou and the amazing community that has supported my family and this program for so many years. This is the end of this chapter. I'm looking forward to the next one. 

"I love this 2024-25 Mizzou team and could not be prouder of the way these young ladies have competed and represented this university. I'll always be grateful for my time at Mizzou and will close this chapter just as I opened it, with profound gratitude for the opportunity to lead this program. I know Laird will do amazing things for this athletics department moving forward." 

In her 15 seasons at Mizzou, Pingeton has guided the Tigers to 22 wins over teams ranked in the top 25 with seven wins over teams ranked in the top 10, including a 2021 victory over No. 1 South Carolina, Mizzou's first victory over the nation's top-ranked team in program history. Pingeton currently ranks second in program winning percentage (.535) and victories (249), trailing only Mizzou Hall of Famer Joann Rutherford (.617, 423-261). 

"Robin Pingeton has poured her heart into Mizzou Women's Basketball for the past 15 years, and we are tremendously grateful for her leadership, character and dedication to our student-athletes," Mizzou Director of Athletics Laird Veatch said. "She has built a program that has competed at a high level, developed young women on and off the court and represented Mizzou with class. We respect her decision and appreciate her commitment to finishing this season strong. 

"A national search for our next head coach will begin soon. We are incredibly excited about the future of Mizzou Women's Basketball." 

With previous head-coaching stops at St. Ambrose and Illinois State, Pingeton is 584-373 in 29 overall seasons, owning the third-most wins among all current SEC head coaches. She is the 17th-winningest active coach in Division I women's basketball.

Pingeton's Tigers will continue their 2024-25 campaign with Thursday's game at Arkansas, a 6:30 p.m. tip-off on SEC Network+.&nbsp; The Tigers will play their home finale on Sunday Vanderbilt, that game will air on KFEQ with tipoff at 2pm and pregame at 1:45. The team's four seniors will be honored before Sunday's tip-off.

The Tigers will play in the SEC Tournament in Greenville, South Carolina, beginning next Wednesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702181587960.jpeg" alt="Robin Pingeton/ File photo" />
 <figcaption>Robin Pingeton/ File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostChange will be coming to the Missouri women's basketball program as head coach Robin Pingeton has informed the Mizzou Athletics Administration she will step away from the program at the end of this season.&nbsp;Pingeton, currently in her 15th season leading the Tigers, has compiled a 249-216 record at Mizzou, guiding the program to 10 postseason tournament appearances, including four trips to the NCAA Tournament. "After a lot of reflection, I have decided it's time for a new voice to lead Mizzou Women's Basketball," Pingeton said in a news release. "This is a decision I arrived at after initiating conversations with Laird Veatch, and I am incredibly grateful for his leadership and support throughout this process. I love Columbia, Mizzou and the amazing community that has supported my family and this program for so many years. This is the end of this chapter. I'm looking forward to the next one. "I love this 2024-25 Mizzou team and could not be prouder of the way these young ladies have competed and represented this university. I'll always be grateful for my time at Mizzou and will close this chapter just as I opened it, with profound gratitude for the opportunity to lead this program. I know Laird will do amazing things for this athletics department moving forward." In her 15 seasons at Mizzou, Pingeton has guided the Tigers to 22 wins over teams ranked in the top 25 with seven wins over teams ranked in the top 10, including a 2021 victory over No. 1 South Carolina, Mizzou's first victory over the nation's top-ranked team in program history. Pingeton currently ranks second in program winning percentage (.535) and victories (249), trailing only Mizzou Hall of Famer Joann Rutherford (.617, 423-261). "Robin Pingeton has poured her heart into Mizzou Women's Basketball for the past 15 years, and we are tremendously grateful for her leadership, character and dedication to our student-athletes," Mizzou Director of Athletics Laird Veatch said. "She has built a program that has competed at a high level, developed young women on and off the court and represented Mizzou with class. We respect her decision and appreciate her commitment to finishing this season strong. "A national search for our next head coach will begin soon. We are incredibly excited about the future of Mizzou Women's Basketball." With previous head-coaching stops at St. Ambrose and Illinois State, Pingeton is 584-373 in 29 overall seasons, owning the third-most wins among all current SEC head coaches. She is the 17th-winningest active coach in Division I women's basketball.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/c6rIVy2mNA">pic.twitter.com/c6rIVy2mNA</a>&mdash; Robin Pingeton (@CoachPingeton) <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachPingeton/status/1894856466697195979?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Pingeton's Tigers will continue their 2024-25 campaign with Thursday's game at Arkansas, a 6:30 p.m. tip-off on SEC Network+.&nbsp; The Tigers will play their home finale on Sunday Vanderbilt, that game will air on KFEQ with tipoff at 2pm and pregame at 1:45. The team's four seniors will be honored before Sunday's tip-off.The Tigers will play in the SEC Tournament in Greenville, South Carolina, beginning next Wednesday.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Mizzou women's coach Robin Pingeton stepping away at end of season

The Kansas City Royals offense exploded in spring training action on Tuesday, defeating the Texas Rangers 15-6 and remaining unbeaten during their time in Surprise, Arizona.&nbsp;

Seth Lugo made his spring training debut, pitching two innings and giving up three runs, all on a three run home run from Rangers outfielder Leody Taveras, and walking two batters.&nbsp; &nbsp;Kansas City got home runs from two non-roster invitees, infielder Tyler Tolbert and newly signed catcher Luke Maile.&nbsp;

For the first time in Michael Massey’s career, he took the field and veered toward the outfield grass rather than the infield dirt.&nbsp; Massey got his first chance at playing left field logging four innings in the field and going 2-for-3 at the plate.

“A little different being out there,” Massey told reporters following the game. “I haven’t played out there since I was a kid. But just seeing the ball and getting reps, I feel like it’s going to be really good for me. … I’m excited. Any way I can help the team is what I’m trying to do. It’s a good challenge.”

And he was challenged right with two opportunities in the first inning. Starter Seth Lugo allowed a few harder-hit balls and more fly balls during his spring debut, which is to be expected in Arizona.

“I was glad to get him some work,” said Lugo, who allowed three runs in two innings over 41 pitches. “Pitching in Arizona, some breaking balls just don’t perform like you’d expect them to, so they get above the barrel and get more fly balls out here.”

Corey Seager hit a fly ball to left in the first inning, and Massey was able to track it down, park under it with his glove up to shade the sun and make a clean and easy catch. Two batters later, Adolis García hit a fly ball to left that Massey broke back on, but he wasn’t able to run an efficient route after losing it in the air.&nbsp; Massey still made the inning-ending catch on a run.

“The first one, I was just so nervous that I was hoping to catch it and don’t even remember it,” Massey said. “But the second one was tough. It was to my right, I broke back, and I’ve been trying to work on being able to take my eye off the ball and then find it again. Took my eye off it, looked up, saw the sun, didn’t see the ball, and then just the work I’ve been doing with [outfield coach Damon Hollins took over], figuring out how to shift myself and see the ball again and get a different angle.”

As the Royals audition both Massey and Jonathan India, two career infielders, in left field this spring, both are learning on the fly and getting game reps under a sunny and high sky in Arizona -- perhaps the best place to learn because it’s one of the hardest places to play outfield. India learned that Sunday when he wasn’t wearing sunglasses in the second inning and lost a ball in the sun, watching it drop in front of him for a “sun ball” double. He went out to the field in the third with sunglasses.

Royals are back in spring training action on Wednesday, taking on the Colorado Rockies.&nbsp; Michael Wacha will make his spring training debut, Daniel Lynch and St. Joseph's Noah Cameron are also scheduled to pitch after throwing a combined four scoreless innings in the spring opener.&nbsp;

First pitch is at 2:05 against the Rockies, pregame can be heard at 2pm on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740588715515.jpeg" alt="Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr (7) celebrates with new second baseman Jonathan India (6) after both scored on an RBI double from Vinnie Pasquantino/ Photo courtesy of the Royals on X" />
 <figcaption>Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr (7) celebrates with new second baseman Jonathan India (6) after both scored on an RBI double from Vinnie Pasquantino/ Photo courtesy of the Royals on X</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe Kansas City Royals offense exploded in spring training action on Tuesday, defeating the Texas Rangers 15-6 and remaining unbeaten during their time in Surprise, Arizona.&nbsp;Seth Lugo made his spring training debut, pitching two innings and giving up three runs, all on a three run home run from Rangers outfielder Leody Taveras, and walking two batters.&nbsp; &nbsp;Kansas City got home runs from two non-roster invitees, infielder Tyler Tolbert and newly signed catcher Luke Maile.&nbsp;For the first time in Michael Massey’s career, he took the field and veered toward the outfield grass rather than the infield dirt.&nbsp; Massey got his first chance at playing left field logging four innings in the field and going 2-for-3 at the plate.“A little different being out there,” Massey told reporters following the game. “I haven’t played out there since I was a kid. But just seeing the ball and getting reps, I feel like it’s going to be really good for me. … I’m excited. Any way I can help the team is what I’m trying to do. It’s a good challenge.”And he was challenged right with two opportunities in the first inning. Starter Seth Lugo allowed a few harder-hit balls and more fly balls during his spring debut, which is to be expected in Arizona.“I was glad to get him some work,” said Lugo, who allowed three runs in two innings over 41 pitches. “Pitching in Arizona, some breaking balls just don’t perform like you’d expect them to, so they get above the barrel and get more fly balls out here.”Corey Seager hit a fly ball to left in the first inning, and Massey was able to track it down, park under it with his glove up to shade the sun and make a clean and easy catch. Two batters later, Adolis García hit a fly ball to left that Massey broke back on, but he wasn’t able to run an efficient route after losing it in the air.&nbsp; Massey still made the inning-ending catch on a run.“The first one, I was just so nervous that I was hoping to catch it and don’t even remember it,” Massey said. “But the second one was tough. It was to my right, I broke back, and I’ve been trying to work on being able to take my eye off the ball and then find it again. Took my eye off it, looked up, saw the sun, didn’t see the ball, and then just the work I’ve been doing with [outfield coach Damon Hollins took over], figuring out how to shift myself and see the ball again and get a different angle.”As the Royals audition both Massey and Jonathan India, two career infielders, in left field this spring, both are learning on the fly and getting game reps under a sunny and high sky in Arizona -- perhaps the best place to learn because it’s one of the hardest places to play outfield. India learned that Sunday when he wasn’t wearing sunglasses in the second inning and lost a ball in the sun, watching it drop in front of him for a “sun ball” double. He went out to the field in the third with sunglasses.Royals are back in spring training action on Wednesday, taking on the Colorado Rockies.&nbsp; Michael Wacha will make his spring training debut, Daniel Lynch and St. Joseph's Noah Cameron are also scheduled to pitch after throwing a combined four scoreless innings in the spring opener.&nbsp;First pitch is at 2:05 against the Rockies, pregame can be heard at 2pm on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Massey gets first outfield action in Royals 15-6 win over Rangers

Senior guard Caleb Grill scored 22 points helping #14 Missouri to a dominant 101-71 win over South Carolina on Tuesday at Mizzou Arena.&nbsp;

Sophomore Anthony Robinson II added 14 points and matched his career high eight assists.&nbsp; Mark Mitchell and Tony Perkins each scored 13 points for the Tigers who had six players score in double figures for the second time this season.&nbsp;

Missouri’s 101 points were the most allowed by the Gamecocks this season and marked the fourth time the Tigers scored at least 100 points this season.&nbsp;Mizzou has scored at least 80 points in five straight conference games for the first time since 1989 when it was a member of the Big 8.

The Tigers have won four of their last five games, and are now 18-1 at home this season, currently the most home wins in the NCAA.&nbsp; With the win, Missouri also recorded their 10th conference win, becoming the first Power four school ever to go from winning no games one season, after going 0-18 in the SEC last year, to 10 wins the next.

With three games left in the regular season, Missouri is next on the road Saturday against Vanderbilt.&nbsp; Tipoff will be at 5pm with pregame at 4:30 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740587968295.jpeg" alt="Missouri guard Tony Perkins (12) drives into the lane against South Carolina's Collin Murray-Boyles (30)/ Photo courtesy of Mizzou Hoops on X" />
 <figcaption>Missouri guard Tony Perkins (12) drives into the lane against South Carolina's Collin Murray-Boyles (30)/ Photo courtesy of Mizzou Hoops on X</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostSenior guard Caleb Grill scored 22 points helping #14 Missouri to a dominant 101-71 win over South Carolina on Tuesday at Mizzou Arena.&nbsp;Sophomore Anthony Robinson II added 14 points and matched his career high eight assists.&nbsp; Mark Mitchell and Tony Perkins each scored 13 points for the Tigers who had six players score in double figures for the second time this season.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">WATCH. OUT. 🤯<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MIZ?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MIZ</a> 🐯 <a href="https://t.co/VPRjot4Z8l">pic.twitter.com/VPRjot4Z8l</a>&mdash; Mizzou Hoops (@MizzouHoops) <a href="https://twitter.com/MizzouHoops/status/1894575957887127904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Missouri’s 101 points were the most allowed by the Gamecocks this season and marked the fourth time the Tigers scored at least 100 points this season.&nbsp;Mizzou has scored at least 80 points in five straight conference games for the first time since 1989 when it was a member of the Big 8.The Tigers have won four of their last five games, and are now 18-1 at home this season, currently the most home wins in the NCAA.&nbsp; With the win, Missouri also recorded their 10th conference win, becoming the first Power four school ever to go from winning no games one season, after going 0-18 in the SEC last year, to 10 wins the next.With three games left in the regular season, Missouri is next on the road Saturday against Vanderbilt.&nbsp; Tipoff will be at 5pm with pregame at 4:30 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Grill scores 22, #14 Missouri dominates South Carolina 101-71

Young athletes looking for a new challenge can hit the ice this weekend at the Try Hockey for Free event.

The St. Joseph Youth Hockey Association is hosting the annual event this Saturday, Feb. 22, at Bode Ice Arena. Kids not currently registered for a hockey team can participate from 6:15 to 7:15 p.m.

No experience is necessary, and all equipment is provided. Organizers say bike helmets are welcome for those wanting extra protection.

Young athletes looking for a new challenge can hit the ice this weekend at the Try Hockey for Free event.The St. Joseph Youth Hockey Association is hosting the annual event this Saturday, Feb. 22, at Bode Ice Arena. Kids not currently registered for a hockey team can participate from 6:15 to 7:15 p.m.No experience is necessary, and all equipment is provided. Organizers say bike helmets are welcome for those wanting extra protection.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740162497158.jpeg" alt="Try Hockey For Free.jpg" />
 <figcaption>Try Hockey For Free.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>

Try Hockey For FREE

Eagle Radio will once again carry both of Missouri's Major League Baseball teams, as the St. Louis Cardinals join the lineup alongside the Kansas City Royals.

Cardinals baseball is back on the airwaves in St. Joseph. KYSJ (KY 102.5)  has announced they will broadcast live coverage of St. Louis Cardinals games throughout the 2025 season, bringing every pitch, home run, and key moment to local listeners.

The Cardinals open the regular season at home against the Minnesota Twins on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at Busch Stadium. Fans can tune in to 102.5 FM to follow the action as St. Louis looks to make another strong push this season. Broadcasts will feature live play-by-play commentary, analysis, and exclusive team coverage, keeping listeners connected whether they’re at home, on the road, or at work.

“I couldn't be more thrilled to bring Cardinals Baseball radio back to St. Joseph,” said Liby Waltemath, General Manager of Eagle Media in a news release. “With the energy surrounding this season, it’s going to be an exciting year for both Missouri teams, and we’re proud to be a part of it.”

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostEagle Radio will once again carry both of Missouri's Major League Baseball teams, as the St. Louis Cardinals join the lineup alongside the Kansas City Royals.Cardinals baseball is back on the airwaves in St. Joseph. KYSJ (KY 102.5) has announced they will broadcast live coverage of St. Louis Cardinals games throughout the 2025 season, bringing every pitch, home run, and key moment to local listeners.The Cardinals open the regular season at home against the Minnesota Twins on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at Busch Stadium. Fans can tune in to 102.5 FM to follow the action as St. Louis looks to make another strong push this season. Broadcasts will feature live play-by-play commentary, analysis, and exclusive team coverage, keeping listeners connected whether they’re at home, on the road, or at work.“I couldn't be more thrilled to bring Cardinals Baseball radio back to St. Joseph,” said Liby Waltemath, General Manager of Eagle Media in a news release. “With the energy surrounding this season, it’s going to be an exciting year for both Missouri teams, and we’re proud to be a part of it.”