KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs finalized a five-year, $158.75 million contract with Chris Jones on Monday, keeping the All-Pro tackle in the middle of their defensive line as they chase a record-setting third consecutive Super Bowl title.

Jones will make $95 million guaranteed over the first three years of the deal, a person familiar with the details told The Associated Press on Saturday night, when the framework for the agreement was put in place. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the financial terms for one of the biggest deals for a defensive player in NFL history were not disclosed.

“Five more years of greatness,” Jones said in a brief video posted Monday on X, formally known as Twitter. “This is everything we've dreamed about, talked about. Now let's get some more Super Bowl rings.”

Jones turns 30 in July, so the Chiefs are gambling that there will be no drop-off for one of the league's top pass rushers.

His agents, Michael and Jason Katz, tweeted their congratulations to “the highest-paid defensive tackle in NFL history.” Jones later tweeted an “A+” to Chiefs chairman Clark Hunt, whose ownership of the franchise was given a failing grade when the NFL Players Association released its annual report card at the scouting combine.

Jones promised Chiefs fans at a victory parade following their overtime win over San Francisco in the Super Bowl that he'd be back to chase a three-peat, but that required getting a long-term deal done with a franchise bumping up against the salary cap.

The sides had tried and failed to do that the past two offseasons, and Jones skipped every offseason workout last year — including a mandatory minicamp and training camp — along with a Week 1 loss to Detroit while at an impasse. He piled up nearly $4 million in fines before agreeing to an incentive-laden one-year deal that got him back on the field this past season.

Jones proceeded to start every game in the regular season and playoffs, including a meaningless regular-season finale against the Chargers, when he got the last sack he needed to reach 10 1/2 for the season and trigger a $1.25 million bonus in his contract.

Jones' teammates certainly harbored no ill-will for his holdout; they rushed from the bench to celebrate the sack with him.

Jones had another half-sack in a wild-card win over Miami in one of the coldest games in NFL history, then helped a team yet to play a road playoff game during its recent run win games at Buffalo and Baltimore. That sent the Chiefs on to their fourth Super Bowl in five years, and the overtime win over the 49ers gave Jones his third championship ring.

Now, the affable defensive tackle will have the opportunity to win a fourth in Kansas City.

Jones was picked by the Chiefs in the second round of the 2016 draft out of Mississippi State, and he quickly earned a spot in the starting lineup. He was a second-team All-Pro in his second season, when he had 15 1/2 sacks, and then began his current run of five consecutive Pro Bowl appearances the following year.

He was voted a first-team All-Pro for the second straight season this past year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710188169956.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones (95) chases San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 58 football game Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones (95) chases San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 58 football game Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs finalized a five-year, $158.75 million contract with Chris Jones on Monday, keeping the All-Pro tackle in the middle of their defensive line as they chase a record-setting third consecutive Super Bowl title.Jones will make $95 million guaranteed over the first three years of the deal, a person familiar with the details told The Associated Press on Saturday night, when the framework for the agreement was put in place. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the financial terms for one of the biggest deals for a defensive player in NFL history were not disclosed.“Five more years of greatness,” Jones said in a brief video posted Monday on X, formally known as Twitter. “This is everything we've dreamed about, talked about. Now let's get some more Super Bowl rings.”Jones turns 30 in July, so the Chiefs are gambling that there will be no drop-off for one of the league's top pass rushers.His agents, Michael and Jason Katz, tweeted their congratulations to “the highest-paid defensive tackle in NFL history.” Jones later tweeted an “A+” to Chiefs chairman Clark Hunt, whose ownership of the franchise was given a failing grade when the NFL Players Association released its annual report card at the scouting combine.Jones promised Chiefs fans at a victory parade following their overtime win over San Francisco in the Super Bowl that he'd be back to chase a three-peat, but that required getting a long-term deal done with a franchise bumping up against the salary cap.The sides had tried and failed to do that the past two offseasons, and Jones skipped every offseason workout last year — including a mandatory minicamp and training camp — along with a Week 1 loss to Detroit while at an impasse. He piled up nearly $4 million in fines before agreeing to an incentive-laden one-year deal that got him back on the field this past season.Jones proceeded to start every game in the regular season and playoffs, including a meaningless regular-season finale against the Chargers, when he got the last sack he needed to reach 10 1/2 for the season and trigger a $1.25 million bonus in his contract.Jones' teammates certainly harbored no ill-will for his holdout; they rushed from the bench to celebrate the sack with him.Jones had another half-sack in a wild-card win over Miami in one of the coldest games in NFL history, then helped a team yet to play a road playoff game during its recent run win games at Buffalo and Baltimore. That sent the Chiefs on to their fourth Super Bowl in five years, and the overtime win over the 49ers gave Jones his third championship ring.Now, the affable defensive tackle will have the opportunity to win a fourth in Kansas City.Jones was picked by the Chiefs in the second round of the 2016 draft out of Mississippi State, and he quickly earned a spot in the starting lineup. He was a second-team All-Pro in his second season, when he had 15 1/2 sacks, and then began his current run of five consecutive Pro Bowl appearances the following year.He was voted a first-team All-Pro for the second straight season this past year.

🏈 Chiefs, All-Pro DT Chris Jones finalize 5-year, $158.75M deal with $95M guaranteed

Missouri Western women's basketball is back in the NCAA tournament for the second time in three years.

The Griffons (25-5) were selected as the No. 2 seed in the Central Region bracket Sunday night. Missouri Western will face No. 7 seed Minnesota State-Mankato (26-5) in regional quarterfinals on Friday at 2:30 p.m. central at the Sawyer Center in Bethany, Oklahoma.

Friday's game will be on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3, 680kfeq.com, KFEQ app) with coverage starting at 2 p.m.

Southern Nazarene (28-2) is the top seed and regional host.

Missouri Western, the MIAA regular season champion this season, won the Central Region tournament in 2022 and made the Elite Eight in Birmingham, Alabama.

The Griffons have made the NCAA tournament 13 times total.

The MIAA sent four teams to the NCAA tournament in women's basketball this year. No. 4 Pittsburg State (24-7) faces No. 5 Harding (25-5) in the first round at 7:30 central Friday.

Pitt State won the MIAA tournament title Sunday, topping Fort Hays State 63-53 on Sunday in Kansas City.

No. 6 Northwest Missouri State (23-7) will face No. 3 Fort Hays State (24-7) in the first round on Friday at 12 p.m. in an MIAA tournament semifinal rematch.

Hays beat Northwest this past Saturday in Kansas City in MIAA tournament semifinals, 56-49. The Bearcat women are back in the big dance for the first time since 2011.

The Missouri Western women would face the winner of Hays/Northwest in regional semifinals on Saturday, should the Griffons win their first-round game.

Women's regional semifinals are on Saturday, March 16 with the regional championships set for Monday. Tip times are to be determined.

The Division II women's basketball Elite Eight, Final Four and national title game will be held at Civic Arena in St. Joseph March 25-29.

Northwest Missouri State (24-7) is the No. 2 seed and will play No. 7 seed Southwest Minnesota State (19-12) in the first round on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. central at the Taylor Center in Mankato, Minnesota.

Minnesota State-Mankato (29-2) is the regional host.&nbsp;

Northwest, who won the MIAA tournament title on Sunday over Pittsburg State 78-65, actually lost to Southwest Minnesota State, 63-56, on November 11, 2023 in the Hillyard Tipoff Classic in St. Joseph.

The Bearcats have won 16 straight games and seek their fifth national title overall.

Men's regional semifinals are Sunday, March 17 and regional championships are Tuesday, March 19.

Women's Central Region bracket - Bethany, Oklahoma

Men's Central Region bracket - Mankato, Minnesota

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710129868840.jpeg" alt="Stock photo via Missouri Western athletics." />
 <figcaption>Stock photo via Missouri Western athletics.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostMissouri Western women's basketball is back in the NCAA tournament for the second time in three years.The Griffons (25-5) were selected as the No. 2 seed in the Central Region bracket Sunday night. Missouri Western will face No. 7 seed Minnesota State-Mankato (26-5) in regional quarterfinals on Friday at 2:30 p.m. central at the Sawyer Center in Bethany, Oklahoma.Friday's game will be on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3, 680kfeq.com, KFEQ app) with coverage starting at 2 p.m.Southern Nazarene (28-2) is the top seed and regional host.Missouri Western, the MIAA regular season champion this season, won the Central Region tournament in 2022 and made the Elite Eight in Birmingham, Alabama.The Griffons have made the NCAA tournament 13 times total.The MIAA sent four teams to the NCAA tournament in women's basketball this year. No. 4 Pittsburg State (24-7) faces No. 5 Harding (25-5) in the first round at 7:30 central Friday.Pitt State won the MIAA tournament title Sunday, topping Fort Hays State 63-53 on Sunday in Kansas City.No. 6 Northwest Missouri State (23-7) will face No. 3 Fort Hays State (24-7) in the first round on Friday at 12 p.m. in an MIAA tournament semifinal rematch.Hays beat Northwest this past Saturday in Kansas City in MIAA tournament semifinals, 56-49. The Bearcat women are back in the big dance for the first time since 2011.The Missouri Western women would face the winner of Hays/Northwest in regional semifinals on Saturday, should the Griffons win their first-round game.Women's regional semifinals are on Saturday, March 16 with the regional championships set for Monday. Tip times are to be determined.The Division II women's basketball Elite Eight, Final Four and national title game will be held at Civic Arena in St. Joseph March 25-29.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">IN ✅ <a href="https://twitter.com/GriffonWBB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GriffonWBB</a> is <a href="https://twitter.com/NCAADII?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NCAADII</a> tournament bound for the 2nd time in 3 years, earning the #2 seed in the Central Region. The Griffons will play <a href="https://twitter.com/NorthernSunConf?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NorthernSunConf</a> champion Minnesota State in the first round on Friday in OKC. <a href="https://t.co/DyrozAMLy4">pic.twitter.com/DyrozAMLy4</a>&mdash; Tommy Rezac (@TommyKFEQ) <a href="https://twitter.com/TommyKFEQ/status/1767019965050225001?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Men's basketballNorthwest Missouri State (24-7) is the No. 2 seed and will play No. 7 seed Southwest Minnesota State (19-12) in the first round on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. central at the Taylor Center in Mankato, Minnesota.Minnesota State-Mankato (29-2) is the regional host.&nbsp;Northwest, who won the MIAA tournament title on Sunday over Pittsburg State 78-65, actually lost to Southwest Minnesota State, 63-56, on November 11, 2023 in the Hillyard Tipoff Classic in St. Joseph.The Bearcats have won 16 straight games and seek their fifth national title overall.Men's regional semifinals are Sunday, March 17 and regional championships are Tuesday, March 19.Women's Central Region bracket - Bethany, Oklahoma<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710188231192.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Men's Central Region bracket - Mankato, Minnesota<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710131006254.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

MWSU WBB, Northwest men's and women's basketball NCAA tournament bound

KANSAS CITY - Missouri Western hit only five of its first 16 shot attempts in the first quarter, and that was the tone setter of the day.

The Griffons (25-5) never could get going offensively, while Pitt State shot north of 47% and the Gorillas went on to win 75-55 in an MIAA tournament semifinal in Kansas City Saturday.

Missouri Western, whose 15-game winning streak came to an end, missed 47 field goals, shooting 20-of-67 in all. The Griffons were also 4-of-21 from three.

Pitt State (23-7) was an efficient 24-of-51 from the field, as the Gorillas connected on 15 of their first 29 shots in the first half.

Pitt State also dominated on the glass all day, outrebounding Western 47-31, including 40-20 on the defensive boards. The Gorillas knocked down 22-of-25 at the free throw line, while Western was 11-of-15.

Western trailed by as many as 25 points, got it to within 60-46 with 7:50 to play, but Pitt State would go back up&nbsp; by 20 just a couple of minutes later to seal the deal.

Karenna Gerber led the Gorillas with 20 points, going 10-of-13 at the foul line. Grace Pyle had 15 points. Macie Mays had 13.

Johnni Gonzalez led Missouri Western with 12 points. Connie Clarke and Tiani Ellison had nine. The Griffons are denied their first trip to the MIAA tournament championship since 2007.

Pittsburg State, who was 0-7 against the Griffons in MIAA tournament play in women's basketball prior to Saturday, are in the tournament championship on Sunday at 1 p.m.

The Gorillas, who reached the title game in 1992 and 2016, have never won the MIAA tournament.

Projected as the No. 2 seed in the NCAA Central Region tournament in the latest regional rankings, the Griffons will find out their official seeding during the NCAA Division II women's basketball selection show, which is Sunday, March 10 at 9:30 p.m. central on NCAA.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710016820702.jpeg" alt="Connie Clarke tries to drive against Pittsburg State in an MIAA tournament semifinal game on Saturday at Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City. Photo by A.J. Robbins." />
 <figcaption>Connie Clarke tries to drive against Pittsburg State in an MIAA tournament semifinal game on Saturday at Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City. Photo by A.J. Robbins.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostKANSAS CITY - Missouri Western hit only five of its first 16 shot attempts in the first quarter, and that was the tone setter of the day.The Griffons (25-5) never could get going offensively, while Pitt State shot north of 47% and the Gorillas went on to win 75-55 in an MIAA tournament semifinal in Kansas City Saturday.Missouri Western, whose 15-game winning streak came to an end, missed 47 field goals, shooting 20-of-67 in all. The Griffons were also 4-of-21 from three.Pitt State (23-7) was an efficient 24-of-51 from the field, as the Gorillas connected on 15 of their first 29 shots in the first half.Pitt State also dominated on the glass all day, outrebounding Western 47-31, including 40-20 on the defensive boards. The Gorillas knocked down 22-of-25 at the free throw line, while Western was 11-of-15.Western trailed by as many as 25 points, got it to within 60-46 with 7:50 to play, but Pitt State would go back up&nbsp; by 20 just a couple of minutes later to seal the deal.Karenna Gerber led the Gorillas with 20 points, going 10-of-13 at the foul line. Grace Pyle had 15 points. Macie Mays had 13.Johnni Gonzalez led Missouri Western with 12 points. Connie Clarke and Tiani Ellison had nine. The Griffons are denied their first trip to the MIAA tournament championship since 2007.Pittsburg State, who was 0-7 against the Griffons in MIAA tournament play in women's basketball prior to Saturday, are in the tournament championship on Sunday at 1 p.m.The Gorillas, who reached the title game in 1992 and 2016, have never won the MIAA tournament.Missouri Western's season is not over.Projected as the No. 2 seed in the NCAA Central Region tournament in the latest regional rankings, the Griffons will find out their official seeding during the NCAA Division II women's basketball selection show, which is Sunday, March 10 at 9:30 p.m. central on NCAA.com.Candi Whitaker postgame<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/Candi-Whitaker---postgame---3924-e2grths/a-ab23tug" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>Full audio broadcast<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/MWSU-WBB-vs--Pitt-State---MIAA-semifinals-e2grte5/a-ab23tlo" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

MWSU unable to find offensive rhythm, Griffons fall to Pitt State in MIAA semis

KANSAS CITY - Missouri Western men's basketball got down by 17 points at halftime and never recovered in an 80-52 loss to No. 1 seed Northwest Missouri State in MIAA tournament quarterfinals on Thursday night at Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City.

The Griffons (17-13) shot a respectable 48.8% from the field, but Northwest (25-4) shot 55.2%, including 9-of-16 from three. The Bearcats made 32 field goals, while Western made 21.

Missouri Western went 1-for-10 from long range Thursday, while Northwest was 6-of-8 from three in the second half alone.

What's more, the Bearcats dominated the rebounding 33-19, including 14-5 on the offensive glass. Northwest scored 24 second chance points on those boards.

The Griffons had just five assists to 12 turnovers, while Northwest doled out 17 assists to only eight giveaways.

Wes Dreamer led the attack with 22 points on a 4-of-5 clip from downtown. Daniel Abrieu was dominant with a season-high 20 points on 9-of-13 shooting. He also had seven rebounds.

Taye Fields was sound for Missouri Western, leading the way with 20 points on 9-of-12 shooting. Julius Dixon was second in scoring with eight points.

The Griffons end the season with their most wins since the 2019-20 campaign. It's the first winning season since 2020-21 and just the fifth winning season since 2003 - the last time Western won the MIAA tournament title.&nbsp;

Northwest, winners of 14 straight games and 26 of the last 27 against the Griffons, advance to MIAA tournament semifinals to face either Washburn or Rogers State on Saturday at 6 p.m.

Northwest is going for its eight MIAA tournament title in the last nine years.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709869170691.jpeg" alt="Photo by A.J. Robbins." />
 <figcaption>Photo by A.J. Robbins.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostKANSAS CITY - Missouri Western men's basketball got down by 17 points at halftime and never recovered in an 80-52 loss to No. 1 seed Northwest Missouri State in MIAA tournament quarterfinals on Thursday night at Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City.The Griffons (17-13) shot a respectable 48.8% from the field, but Northwest (25-4) shot 55.2%, including 9-of-16 from three. The Bearcats made 32 field goals, while Western made 21.Missouri Western went 1-for-10 from long range Thursday, while Northwest was 6-of-8 from three in the second half alone.What's more, the Bearcats dominated the rebounding 33-19, including 14-5 on the offensive glass. Northwest scored 24 second chance points on those boards.The Griffons had just five assists to 12 turnovers, while Northwest doled out 17 assists to only eight giveaways.Wes Dreamer led the attack with 22 points on a 4-of-5 clip from downtown. Daniel Abrieu was dominant with a season-high 20 points on 9-of-13 shooting. He also had seven rebounds.Taye Fields was sound for Missouri Western, leading the way with 20 points on 9-of-12 shooting. Julius Dixon was second in scoring with eight points.The Griffons end the season with their most wins since the 2019-20 campaign. It's the first winning season since 2020-21 and just the fifth winning season since 2003 - the last time Western won the MIAA tournament title.&nbsp;Northwest, winners of 14 straight games and 26 of the last 27 against the Griffons, advance to MIAA tournament semifinals to face either Washburn or Rogers State on Saturday at 6 p.m.Northwest is going for its eight MIAA tournament title in the last nine years.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709870522067.jpeg" alt="Josh Book tries to drive against defenders in Thursday's MIAA tournament quarterfinal. Photo by A.J. Robbins." />
 <figcaption>Josh Book tries to drive against defenders in Thursday's MIAA tournament quarterfinal. Photo by A.J. Robbins.</figcaption>
 </figure>Full audio broadcast<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/MWSU-MBB-vs--Northwest---3724-e2gptni/a-ab1uiv1" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>Jon Hood postgame<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/MWSU-assistant-Jon-Hood---3724-e2gptr1/a-ab1uj7h" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Northwest MBB dominates MWSU in MIAA tournament quarterfinals

KANSAS CITY - Missouri Western overcame a cold shooting start and dominated the offensive glass in a 64-55 win over Emporia State in the MIAA tournament quarterfinals on Thursday in Kansas City.

The Griffons (25-4) got down by eight points in the second quarter, 19-11, after shooting only 3-of-15 from the field in the first period.

Emporia (14-16) led 30-25 at the break, but Western righted the ship, going on a 12-0 run and scoring 24 third quarter points, leading 49-46 entering the fourth.

The Griffons' defense took over in those closing 10 minutes, as Emporia State shot only 2-of-13 in the last frame.

The Hornets, who led the MIAA with 215 made three-pointers coming in, went just 3-of-19 from long range Thursday. Missouri Western was 8-of-24 from deep.

Missouri Western was also dominant in rebounding, particularly on the offensive end. The Griffons won the rebounding battle 43-32, including 14-3 on the offensive glass.

Missouri Western earned 20 second chance points off of those offensive boards. The Griffons' bench also outscored Emporia's 17-4.

Seniors Connie Clarke and Brionna Budgets led the way in scoring. Budgets had 14 points, while Clarke notched 13. Freshman Tiani Ellison, in her fifth start of the season, finished with 11.

Alyssa Bonilla came up clutch in the fourth quarter, scoring all seven of her points off the bench in the final period.

Katie Horyna, who didn't play against Missouri Western on Feb. 10, led Emporia with a game-high 18 points. Faith Paramore had 13.

The Griffons have won 15 straight games, and have now beaten Emporia State in each of the last five meetings.

Missouri Western advances to the MIAA tournament semifinals, where they will play either No. 4 seed Missouri Southern (20-8) or No. 5 seed Pittsburg State (21-7).

Southern and Pitt play in quarters on Friday at noon.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709844765446.jpeg" alt="Connie Clarke (10) scored 10 of her 13 points in the second half in a 64-55 win over Emporia State in the MIAA tournament quarterfinals. Photo by A.J. Robbins." />
 <figcaption>Connie Clarke (10) scored 10 of her 13 points in the second half in a 64-55 win over Emporia State in the MIAA tournament quarterfinals. Photo by A.J. Robbins.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostKANSAS CITY - Missouri Western overcame a cold shooting start and dominated the offensive glass in a 64-55 win over Emporia State in the MIAA tournament quarterfinals on Thursday in Kansas City.The Griffons (25-4) got down by eight points in the second quarter, 19-11, after shooting only 3-of-15 from the field in the first period.Emporia (14-16) led 30-25 at the break, but Western righted the ship, going on a 12-0 run and scoring 24 third quarter points, leading 49-46 entering the fourth.The Griffons' defense took over in those closing 10 minutes, as Emporia State shot only 2-of-13 in the last frame.The Hornets, who led the MIAA with 215 made three-pointers coming in, went just 3-of-19 from long range Thursday. Missouri Western was 8-of-24 from deep.Missouri Western was also dominant in rebounding, particularly on the offensive end. The Griffons won the rebounding battle 43-32, including 14-3 on the offensive glass.Missouri Western earned 20 second chance points off of those offensive boards. The Griffons' bench also outscored Emporia's 17-4.Seniors Connie Clarke and Brionna Budgets led the way in scoring. Budgets had 14 points, while Clarke notched 13. Freshman Tiani Ellison, in her fifth start of the season, finished with 11.Alyssa Bonilla came up clutch in the fourth quarter, scoring all seven of her points off the bench in the final period.Katie Horyna, who didn't play against Missouri Western on Feb. 10, led Emporia with a game-high 18 points. Faith Paramore had 13.The Griffons have won 15 straight games, and have now beaten Emporia State in each of the last five meetings.Missouri Western advances to the MIAA tournament semifinals, where they will play either No. 4 seed Missouri Southern (20-8) or No. 5 seed Pittsburg State (21-7).Southern and Pitt play in quarters on Friday at noon.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709845815568.jpeg" alt="Brionna Budgets (23) and Jordan Cunningham (40). Photo by A.J. Robbins." />
 <figcaption>Brionna Budgets (23) and Jordan Cunningham (40). Photo by A.J. Robbins.</figcaption>
 </figure>Full audio broadcast<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/MWSU-MBB-vs--MoSo---MIAA-tournament-e2gobnb/a-ab1qfa2" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>Emily Wacker postgame<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/Emily-Wacker---Emporia-postgame-e2gpf6a/a-ab1taij" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>Alyssa Bonilla postgame<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/Alyssa-Bonilla---Emporia-State-postgame-e2gpfas/a-ab1tb10" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

MWSU WBB overcomes early lulls, gets past Emporia State in MIAA quarterfinals

KANSAS CITY - Missouri Western men's basketball trailed for only 15 seconds and dominated on the glass in a 62-56 win over Missouri Southern in the first round of the MIAA tournament in Kansas City Wednesday.

The No. 9 seed Griffons (17-12, 11-12 MIAA) held Southern to just 36.8% shooting (21-of-57) from the field and just 4-of-24 from three.

Missouri Western was dominant in rebounding throughout, outrebounding the Lions 43-29, including 14-8 on the offensive glass.

The Griffons scored 17 second chance points off of those offensive boards.

JaRon Thames came to life, scoring 15 of his game-high 18 points in the second half. Thames also had nine rebounds.

Taye Fields notched his third straight double-double and his ninth of the season with 15 points and 15 boards. Julius Dixon added eight points on two made threes.

Vinson Sigmon Jr. led Missouri Southern (13-16, 11-12 MIAA) with 18 points. The Lions end their season, having lost their last four games in a row.

Missouri Western men's basketball has now won its first-round MIAA tournament game for the third time in four seasons.

The Griffons advance to the quarterfinals, where they'll see No. 1 seed Northwest Missouri State (24-4, 20-2 MIAA) on Thursday night at 6 p.m.

The game is on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3, 680kfeq.com, KFEQ app) with coverage starting at 5:30.

Northwest, who won the MIAA regular season title for an 11th straight year this year, is going for its eighth MIAA tournament championship in the last nine seasons.

Northwest and Western split their regular season series this year. The Griffons beat the Bearcats in St. Joseph on Jan. 13, 76-70.

Northwest got Western back in Maryville on Feb. 24, 65-57.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709779782213.jpeg" alt="Julius Dixon (0) brings the ball up the floor against Missouri Southern in a 62-56 win over the Lions on Wednesday at Municiapl Auditorium in Kansas City in the MIAA tournament. Photo by A.J. Robbins." />
 <figcaption>Julius Dixon (0) brings the ball up the floor against Missouri Southern in a 62-56 win over the Lions on Wednesday at Municiapl Auditorium in Kansas City in the MIAA tournament. Photo by A.J. Robbins.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostKANSAS CITY - Missouri Western men's basketball trailed for only 15 seconds and dominated on the glass in a 62-56 win over Missouri Southern in the first round of the MIAA tournament in Kansas City Wednesday.The No. 9 seed Griffons (17-12, 11-12 MIAA) held Southern to just 36.8% shooting (21-of-57) from the field and just 4-of-24 from three.Missouri Western was dominant in rebounding throughout, outrebounding the Lions 43-29, including 14-8 on the offensive glass.The Griffons scored 17 second chance points off of those offensive boards.JaRon Thames came to life, scoring 15 of his game-high 18 points in the second half. Thames also had nine rebounds.Taye Fields notched his third straight double-double and his ninth of the season with 15 points and 15 boards. Julius Dixon added eight points on two made threes.Vinson Sigmon Jr. led Missouri Southern (13-16, 11-12 MIAA) with 18 points. The Lions end their season, having lost their last four games in a row.Missouri Western men's basketball has now won its first-round MIAA tournament game for the third time in four seasons.The Griffons advance to the quarterfinals, where they'll see No. 1 seed Northwest Missouri State (24-4, 20-2 MIAA) on Thursday night at 6 p.m.The game is on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3, 680kfeq.com, KFEQ app) with coverage starting at 5:30.Northwest, who won the MIAA regular season title for an 11th straight year this year, is going for its eighth MIAA tournament championship in the last nine seasons.Northwest and Western split their regular season series this year. The Griffons beat the Bearcats in St. Joseph on Jan. 13, 76-70.Northwest got Western back in Maryville on Feb. 24, 65-57.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709780397506.jpeg" alt="JaRon Thames (24) goes up for a shot against Missouri Southern Wednesday. Photo by A.J. Robbins." />
 <figcaption>JaRon Thames (24) goes up for a shot against Missouri Southern Wednesday. Photo by A.J. Robbins.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709780814420.jpeg" alt="Kiani Saxon had a dunk in the final 12 seconds to put MWSU up by seven. Photo by A.J. Robbins." />
 <figcaption>Kiani Saxon had a dunk in the final 12 seconds to put MWSU up by seven. Photo by A.J. Robbins.</figcaption>
 </figure>Assistant coach Jon Hood postgame<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/MWSU-MBB-assistant-Jon-Hood---MoSo-postgame-e2gobrp" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>Full audio broadcast<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/MWSU-MBB-vs--MoSo---MIAA-tournament-e2gobnb/a-ab1qfa2" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

MWSU men get MIAA tournament win over MSSU, Griffons to rematch with Bearcats

Missouri Western women's basketball raked in some of the top honors from the MIAA Tuesday as postseason play approaches.

Head coach Candi Whitaker was named MIAA Coach of the Year after leading the Griffons to an MIAA regular season title and a 24-4 campaign.

Whitaker, in her fifth season at Western, has guided the Griffons to a 99-45 record in that time. She now has a Central Region title and MIAA regular season title to her name.

Whitaker has guided the Griffons to three straight seasons with 20 wins or more. She's achieved 20 or more wins in four of her first five seasons with Missouri Western.

Missouri Western senior forward Connie Clarke was tabbed as the league's Defensive Player of the Year for a second straight season.

The Birmingham, Alabama native led the MIAA this season with 72 steals. Clarke was Western's lead scorer and rebounder, averaging 12.3 points and 7.5 boards per contest.

Clarke was also named as a first-team all-MIAA selection and a member of the MIAA All-Defensive team.

Another Missouri Western senior, guard Brionna Budgets, was picked a second-team all-MIAA honoree. The Kansas City native and 2022 Central Region tournament MVP is now a three-time all-MIAA pick.

The Missouri Western women, now ranked No. 18 in the nation, open MIAA tournament play on Thursday at noon in the quarterfinals at Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City. The game is on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3, 680kfeq.com, KFEQ app).

The Griffons will play either No. 8 seed Northeastern State (14-14) or No. 9 seed Emporia State (13-15). Emporia and Northeastern play on Wednesday at noon.

Northwest Missouri State women's basketball had three players honored by the league Wednesday. Senior Jayna Green was named to the all-MIAA Defensive Team for the second time in her career.

Junior Molly Harnett was a second-team all-MIAA pick, while Caely Kesten made the third-team list. Northwest is the No. 2 seed in the MIAA tournament, finishing the year at 22-6 - the program's best record since 2010-11.

Missouri Western's Taye Fields and JaRon Thames were tabbed as third-team all-MIAA honorees on the men's side Tuesday.

Thames led the Griffons in scoring this year with 15 points per contest. Fields had eight double-doubles this season, averaging 12.4 points and 9.5 boards per game.

Fields was second in the league in total rebounds with 256. He led the league in offensive rebounds at 74.

Northwest Missouri State men's basketball coach Ben McCollum got the Coach of the Year nod for the ninth time in his career, while Northwest's Wes Dreamer was named the MIAA's Men's Player of the Year.

The Bearcats won the MIAA regular season crown for an 11th straight year with a 24-4 record, winning their last 13 games of the regular season.

Sophomore guard Bennett Stirtz got a second-team all-conference nod, while Mitch Mascari and Isaiah Jackson were honorable mention picks.

Missouri Western men's basketball opens MIAA tournament play on Wednesday against No. 8 seed Missouri Southern (13-15). Tip-off is set for 6 p.m. Coverage starts at 5:30 on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3, 680kfeq.com, KFEQ app).

Northwest will play the winner of Missouri Western/Missouri Southern on Thursday at 6 p.m. in quarterfinals.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709667502361.jpeg" alt="Candi Whitaker is the 2023-24 MIAA women's basketball Coach of the Year. Photo by A.J. Robbins." />
 <figcaption>Candi Whitaker is the 2023-24 MIAA women's basketball Coach of the Year. Photo by A.J. Robbins.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostMissouri Western women's basketball raked in some of the top honors from the MIAA Tuesday as postseason play approaches.Head coach Candi Whitaker was named MIAA Coach of the Year after leading the Griffons to an MIAA regular season title and a 24-4 campaign.Whitaker, in her fifth season at Western, has guided the Griffons to a 99-45 record in that time. She now has a Central Region title and MIAA regular season title to her name.Whitaker has guided the Griffons to three straight seasons with 20 wins or more. She's achieved 20 or more wins in four of her first five seasons with Missouri Western.Missouri Western senior forward Connie Clarke was tabbed as the league's Defensive Player of the Year for a second straight season.The Birmingham, Alabama native led the MIAA this season with 72 steals. Clarke was Western's lead scorer and rebounder, averaging 12.3 points and 7.5 boards per contest.Clarke was also named as a first-team all-MIAA selection and a member of the MIAA All-Defensive team.Another Missouri Western senior, guard Brionna Budgets, was picked a second-team all-MIAA honoree. The Kansas City native and 2022 Central Region tournament MVP is now a three-time all-MIAA pick.The Missouri Western women, now ranked No. 18 in the nation, open MIAA tournament play on Thursday at noon in the quarterfinals at Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City. The game is on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3, 680kfeq.com, KFEQ app).The Griffons will play either No. 8 seed Northeastern State (14-14) or No. 9 seed Emporia State (13-15). Emporia and Northeastern play on Wednesday at noon.Northwest Missouri State women's basketball had three players honored by the league Wednesday. Senior Jayna Green was named to the all-MIAA Defensive Team for the second time in her career.Junior Molly Harnett was a second-team all-MIAA pick, while Caely Kesten made the third-team list. Northwest is the No. 2 seed in the MIAA tournament, finishing the year at 22-6 - the program's best record since 2010-11.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1709270235322.jpeg" alt="Connie Clarke (left). Photo by A.J. Robbins." />
 <figcaption>Connie Clarke (left). Photo by A.J. Robbins.</figcaption>
 </figure>Men's accoladesMissouri Western's Taye Fields and JaRon Thames were tabbed as third-team all-MIAA honorees on the men's side Tuesday.Thames led the Griffons in scoring this year with 15 points per contest. Fields had eight double-doubles this season, averaging 12.4 points and 9.5 boards per game.Fields was second in the league in total rebounds with 256. He led the league in offensive rebounds at 74.Northwest Missouri State men's basketball coach Ben McCollum got the Coach of the Year nod for the ninth time in his career, while Northwest's Wes Dreamer was named the MIAA's Men's Player of the Year.The Bearcats won the MIAA regular season crown for an 11th straight year with a 24-4 record, winning their last 13 games of the regular season.Sophomore guard Bennett Stirtz got a second-team all-conference nod, while Mitch Mascari and Isaiah Jackson were honorable mention picks.Missouri Western men's basketball opens MIAA tournament play on Wednesday against No. 8 seed Missouri Southern (13-15). Tip-off is set for 6 p.m. Coverage starts at 5:30 on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3, 680kfeq.com, KFEQ app).Northwest will play the winner of Missouri Western/Missouri Southern on Thursday at 6 p.m. in quarterfinals.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709669367194.jpeg" alt="Taye Fields (13). Courtesy photo." />
 <figcaption>Taye Fields (13). Courtesy photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

MWSU's Whitaker named MIAA Coach of the Year, Clarke named best defensive player

PITTSBURG, KS - Missouri Western's women's basketball led by 13 points in the first half and withstood a second half push from Pittsburg State in a 68-61 win over the Gorillas at John Lance Arena in Pittsburg, KS Saturday.

The No. 19 Griffons (24-4, 19-3 MIAA) led by 10 at halftime and only trailed for 15 seconds of the contest.

Pitt State (21-7, 15-7 MIAA) outscored Western in the third period, 16-9, and got to within two points at 54-52 with 9:17 to play.

The Gorillas went cold in the fourth quarter, however, making only 4-of-13 field goal attempts over the final 10 minutes.

Two Missouri Western seniors, Brionna Budgets and Johnni Gonzalez, closed the door with huge shots in the waning minutes.

Leading 58-55 with 3:44 to play, Budgets and Gonzalez each hit monster three-pointers inside the final three minutes to push the lead to three possessions.

In fact, Budgets and Gonzalez combined for 10 points in the last three minutes alone. Budgets finished with a game-high 20 points on a 4-of-7 effort from three.

Gonzalez scored 12 points to go with five rebounds and a game-high five assists.

Western held Pitt State, the No. 1 field goal shooting team in the MIAA, to a meager 34.9% from the field (22-of-63), including 6-of-24 from three. The Griffons have held their last nine opponents to sub 40-percent shooting.

Missouri Western ended the regular season on a 14-game winning streak. The Griffons are the No. 1 seed in the MIAA tournament and will play on Thursday in the quarterfinal round at noon&nbsp;at Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City.&nbsp;That game is on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3, 680kfeq.com, KFEQ app).

The Griffons will face the winner of Northeastern State (14-14) and Emporia State (13-15). The Hornets and Riverhawks play on Wednesday at noon.

MIAA women's basketball tournament

Candi Whitaker, Brionna Budgets interview

Griffon men battle hard, come up short at Pitt State in double OT

Missouri Western men's basketball led by nine points in the first half, trailed by seven in the second, but managed to tie the game at 67-67 and send it to overtime.

JaRon Thames had two looks at a go-ahead, three-point prayer at midcourt - one at the end of regulation, and the other at the end of the first OT.

Both shots were just off the mark, though, and Pitt State (19-9, 15-7 MIAA) jumped out to a five-point lead in the second OT to hold on for an 86-83 win over the Griffons at John Lance Arena in Pittsburg, KS Saturday.

The game featured 11 lead changes and nine ties. Missouri Western (16-12, 10-12 MIAA) trailed by seven, 58-51, with 5:53 left in regulation, before leading 67-64 in the final minute.

Pitt State's DeShaun English II tied the game on an 'and-one' with 37 seconds left in regulation to ultimately send it to overtime.

Western never led by more than a point in the first OT, and then got down 83-78 to start the second extra period.

The Gorillas, who finished third in the MIAA regular season standings and won 10 of their last 11, went up 85-81 with 15 seconds left on two free throws to put the game on ice.

Pitt State was 25-of-30 at the foul line Saturday. Western was 13-of-19. Pitt State outscored MWSU in the paint 44-30, but the Griffons made 12-of-21 attempts from three compared to just 5-of-16 by Pitt.

Taye Fields put on a spectacular show for Western, scoring a game-high and career-high 32 points on 12-of-19 shooting. He also had a game-high 16 rebounds to log his eighth double-double of the season.

Kiani Saxon had a career day as well, scoring 16 points and grabbing 11 rebounds in his first career double-double in a Griffon uniform.

Jeremy Shaw led four Gorillas in double figures with 25 points to go with nine rebounds.

Missouri Western, despite losing nine of their last 11 games to end the regular season, earned the No. 9 seed in the MIAA tournament.

The Griffons will face No. 8 seed Missouri Southern (13-15) in the first round of tournament play on Wednesday night at 6 p.m. at Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City. That game is on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3, 680kfeq.com, KFEQ app).

The winner of that game will then see No. 1 seed Northwest Missouri State (24-4) in quarterfinals on Thursday at 6 p.m.

Will Martin, Taye Fields interview

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701408233704.jpeg" alt="Brionna Budgets (23) scored a game-high 20 points in a 68-61 win at Pittsburg State on Saturday. Stock photo." />
 <figcaption>Brionna Budgets (23) scored a game-high 20 points in a 68-61 win at Pittsburg State on Saturday. Stock photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostPITTSBURG, KS - Missouri Western's women's basketball led by 13 points in the first half and withstood a second half push from Pittsburg State in a 68-61 win over the Gorillas at John Lance Arena in Pittsburg, KS Saturday.The No. 19 Griffons (24-4, 19-3 MIAA) led by 10 at halftime and only trailed for 15 seconds of the contest.Pitt State (21-7, 15-7 MIAA) outscored Western in the third period, 16-9, and got to within two points at 54-52 with 9:17 to play.The Gorillas went cold in the fourth quarter, however, making only 4-of-13 field goal attempts over the final 10 minutes.Two Missouri Western seniors, Brionna Budgets and Johnni Gonzalez, closed the door with huge shots in the waning minutes.Leading 58-55 with 3:44 to play, Budgets and Gonzalez each hit monster three-pointers inside the final three minutes to push the lead to three possessions.In fact, Budgets and Gonzalez combined for 10 points in the last three minutes alone. Budgets finished with a game-high 20 points on a 4-of-7 effort from three.Gonzalez scored 12 points to go with five rebounds and a game-high five assists.Western held Pitt State, the No. 1 field goal shooting team in the MIAA, to a meager 34.9% from the field (22-of-63), including 6-of-24 from three. The Griffons have held their last nine opponents to sub 40-percent shooting.Missouri Western ended the regular season on a 14-game winning streak. The Griffons are the No. 1 seed in the MIAA tournament and will play on Thursday in the quarterfinal round at noon&nbsp;at Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City.&nbsp;That game is on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3, 680kfeq.com, KFEQ app).The Griffons will face the winner of Northeastern State (14-14) and Emporia State (13-15). The Hornets and Riverhawks play on Wednesday at noon.MIAA women's basketball tournament<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709431843837.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Candi Whitaker, Brionna Budgets interview<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/Candi-Whitaker--Brionna-Budgets---Pitt-State-postgame-e2gievk/a-ab1bivg" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>Full audio broadcast<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/19-MWSU-WBB--Pitt-State---3224-e2giesk/a-ab1biqn" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>Griffon men battle hard, come up short at Pitt State in double OTMissouri Western men's basketball led by nine points in the first half, trailed by seven in the second, but managed to tie the game at 67-67 and send it to overtime.Well, two overtimes, actually.JaRon Thames had two looks at a go-ahead, three-point prayer at midcourt - one at the end of regulation, and the other at the end of the first OT.Both shots were just off the mark, though, and Pitt State (19-9, 15-7 MIAA) jumped out to a five-point lead in the second OT to hold on for an 86-83 win over the Griffons at John Lance Arena in Pittsburg, KS Saturday.The game featured 11 lead changes and nine ties. Missouri Western (16-12, 10-12 MIAA) trailed by seven, 58-51, with 5:53 left in regulation, before leading 67-64 in the final minute.Pitt State's DeShaun English II tied the game on an 'and-one' with 37 seconds left in regulation to ultimately send it to overtime.Western never led by more than a point in the first OT, and then got down 83-78 to start the second extra period.The Gorillas, who finished third in the MIAA regular season standings and won 10 of their last 11, went up 85-81 with 15 seconds left on two free throws to put the game on ice.Pitt State was 25-of-30 at the foul line Saturday. Western was 13-of-19. Pitt State outscored MWSU in the paint 44-30, but the Griffons made 12-of-21 attempts from three compared to just 5-of-16 by Pitt.Taye Fields put on a spectacular show for Western, scoring a game-high and career-high 32 points on 12-of-19 shooting. He also had a game-high 16 rebounds to log his eighth double-double of the season.Kiani Saxon had a career day as well, scoring 16 points and grabbing 11 rebounds in his first career double-double in a Griffon uniform.Jeremy Shaw led four Gorillas in double figures with 25 points to go with nine rebounds.Missouri Western, despite losing nine of their last 11 games to end the regular season, earned the No. 9 seed in the MIAA tournament.The Griffons will face No. 8 seed Missouri Southern (13-15) in the first round of tournament play on Wednesday night at 6 p.m. at Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City. That game is on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3, 680kfeq.com, KFEQ app).The winner of that game will then see No. 1 seed Northwest Missouri State (24-4) in quarterfinals on Thursday at 6 p.m.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674193019577.jpeg" alt="Missouri Western's Taye Fields (13) had likely the best game of his Griffon career in an 86-83 double overtime loss at Pittsburg State Saturday. Stock photo." />
 <figcaption>Missouri Western's Taye Fields (13) had likely the best game of his Griffon career in an 86-83 double overtime loss at Pittsburg State Saturday. Stock photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>MIAA men's basketball tournament<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709431798320.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Will Martin, Taye Fields interview<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/Will-Martin--Taye-Fields---Pitt-State-postgame-e2gif4i/a-ab1bjee" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>Full audio broadcast<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/MWSU-MBB--Pitt-State---3224-e2gif24/a-ab1bj84" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>

MWSU WBB beats Pitt State in battle of 20-win teams, Griffon men fall short in double OT

CHILLICOTHE - When Lafayette welcomed No. 3 Chillicothe to the North Side on February 13, the Irish took the Hornets to overtime in a tight loss.

Given how Friday's Class 4 District 16 championship game started, it appeared that Lafayette and Chillicothe were headed down a similar road.

With the game tied 20-20 at halftime, Chillicothe outscored Lafayette 15-7 in the third quarter, held the Irish to just four made field goals in the second half and the Hornets pulled away for a 51-37 victory on Friday night in the district title at Chillicothe High School.

The game was as close as it could be for the first three quarters, as neither team led by more than a single possession in the first half. There were 10 lead changes and seven ties in all.

Chillicothe's defense was stout, especially late, turning Lafayette over 17 times unofficially.

Lafayette (19-7) had its struggles at the free throw line, connecting on 9-of-18 attempts from the stripe. Chillicothe (25-1), which hasn't lost to a team from Missouri yet this season, also took away the Irish's top scorer Talicia Byrd, holding the sharp shooter to just five points in her final varsity game.

Freshman Emery Omon led the Irish with 10 points. Senior Honor Wilkerson-Mannings scored eight, while Tia Nance had six.&nbsp;

Senior and William Jewell commit Jolie Bonderer led the Hornets with a game-high 21 points. Junior Elizabeth Oliver had 11.

The Hornets were a sound 12-of-18 at the foul line, including 6-of-10 in the fourth quarter, as Chillicothe won its first district title since 2020 and its 18th straight game.

For Lafayette, a team that bids adieu to seniors Byrd, Mannings and Destiny McDonald, the future is undoubtedly bright.

"Those senior girls have meant everything to me," Lafayette head coach Ryan Madison said. "To be able to help them get a nice season to go out on. They were here when it wasn't great and got to leave when it was pretty good again. So, thrilled for them."

The Irish finished with 19 wins, the most they've had in a season in at least 15 years, and it was Lafayette's first appearance in a district title game since 2017.

Lafayette also had to navigate without starting center and freshman Laniya Carriger for the last four games.

But, with Carriger, Nance, Oman and a cast of others set to come back, Madison is upbeat when he thinks about what could be next, seeing as he helped the Irish increase their win total from 10 to 19 in just one year.

"I'm so proud of all of the things they did this year," said Madison, concluding the first season of his second stint at Lafayette.

"(Chillicothe) is an awfully talented team there. On a night where we needed to be as good as we've been all season defensively, we just weren't. Last time we played them, we had (Carriger) standing in the middle. We didn't have that tonight. That hurt us a little."

"I'm still proud as heck of what we could accomplish this year. They made me love this game again and reinvigorated me. I'm so happy for them."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709351727119.jpeg" alt="Emery Omon (13) led Lafayette with 10 points Friday in a 51-37 loss at Chillicothe in the Class 4 District 16 championship at Chillicothe High School. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Emery Omon (13) led Lafayette with 10 points Friday in a 51-37 loss at Chillicothe in the Class 4 District 16 championship at Chillicothe High School. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostCHILLICOTHE - When Lafayette welcomed No. 3 Chillicothe to the North Side on February 13, the Irish took the Hornets to overtime in a tight loss.Given how Friday's Class 4 District 16 championship game started, it appeared that Lafayette and Chillicothe were headed down a similar road.With the game tied 20-20 at halftime, Chillicothe outscored Lafayette 15-7 in the third quarter, held the Irish to just four made field goals in the second half and the Hornets pulled away for a 51-37 victory on Friday night in the district title at Chillicothe High School.The game was as close as it could be for the first three quarters, as neither team led by more than a single possession in the first half. There were 10 lead changes and seven ties in all.Chillicothe's defense was stout, especially late, turning Lafayette over 17 times unofficially.Lafayette (19-7) had its struggles at the free throw line, connecting on 9-of-18 attempts from the stripe. Chillicothe (25-1), which hasn't lost to a team from Missouri yet this season, also took away the Irish's top scorer Talicia Byrd, holding the sharp shooter to just five points in her final varsity game.Freshman Emery Omon led the Irish with 10 points. Senior Honor Wilkerson-Mannings scored eight, while Tia Nance had six.&nbsp;Senior and William Jewell commit Jolie Bonderer led the Hornets with a game-high 21 points. Junior Elizabeth Oliver had 11.The Hornets were a sound 12-of-18 at the foul line, including 6-of-10 in the fourth quarter, as Chillicothe won its first district title since 2020 and its 18th straight game.For Lafayette, a team that bids adieu to seniors Byrd, Mannings and Destiny McDonald, the future is undoubtedly bright."Those senior girls have meant everything to me," Lafayette head coach Ryan Madison said. "To be able to help them get a nice season to go out on. They were here when it wasn't great and got to leave when it was pretty good again. So, thrilled for them."The Irish finished with 19 wins, the most they've had in a season in at least 15 years, and it was Lafayette's first appearance in a district title game since 2017.Lafayette also had to navigate without starting center and freshman Laniya Carriger for the last four games.But, with Carriger, Nance, Oman and a cast of others set to come back, Madison is upbeat when he thinks about what could be next, seeing as he helped the Irish increase their win total from 10 to 19 in just one year."I'm so proud of all of the things they did this year," said Madison, concluding the first season of his second stint at Lafayette."(Chillicothe) is an awfully talented team there. On a night where we needed to be as good as we've been all season defensively, we just weren't. Last time we played them, we had (Carriger) standing in the middle. We didn't have that tonight. That hurt us a little.""I'm still proud as heck of what we could accomplish this year. They made me love this game again and reinvigorated me. I'm so happy for them."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709351670736.jpeg" alt="Tia Nance (35)." />
 <figcaption>Tia Nance (35).</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709352843728.jpeg" alt="Honor Wilkerson-Mannings (24)." />
 <figcaption>Honor Wilkerson-Mannings (24).</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709352870010.jpeg" alt="Jolie Bonderer (10) and Talicia Byrd (30)." />
 <figcaption>Jolie Bonderer (10) and Talicia Byrd (30).</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Lafayette falls short at Chillicothe in district title, ends best season in recent memory

WICHITA, KS - Missouri Western women's basketball had already clinched a share of the MIAA regular season championship with a win at Northwest Missouri State last Saturday.

The No. 19 Griffons (23-4, 18-3 MIAA) needed just one more win to clinch the title outright.

Western got that win in dominant fashion, drubbing Newman 105-38 at Fugate Gymnasium in Wichita, Kansas Thursday.

The Griffons, winners of 13 straight, ended the first quarter on a 15-3 run to go up 21-10 by the start of the second.

The game was decided in the second, as Missouri Western outscored Newman in that frame 31-6 to go up 52-16 by intermission.

All 15 players on Candi Whitaker's bench played and 14 of them scored. Connie Clarke, who only had to play 16 minutes, scored a game-high 18 points on 9-of-10 shooting. She also had four steals, five rebounds and three assists.

Brionna Budgets was close behind with 16 points on a 3-of-4 clip from long range. Mackenzie Hart came off the bench for 13. She knocked down 3-of-4 from downtown as well.

The Griffons put up 55 bench points and doled out 30 assists with only seven turnovers. Missouri Western shot 60 percent (42-of-70), including 12-of-21 from three.

Newman (2-25), who has lost 14 games in a row, was held to 25.5 percent shooting (13-of-51).

The 105 points Missouri Western put up is tied for the third most ever put up against an NCAA Division II opponent in program history.

It's the fourth time the Griffs have scored 100 points or more this season and the 10th time they've done it under Candi Whitaker.

Griffon men get back to form offensively in win at Newman

Josh Book played 29 minutes off the bench in Thursday's game at Newman. He had played 30 total minutes in the previous five games combined.

Book, a redshirt freshman, earned every minute, as he led Missouri Western (16-11, 10-11 MIAA) with a game-high and career-high 26 points in an 86-68 win at Newman in Wichita Thursday.

The win snaps what was a five-game losing streak for Western, as the Griffons earned their first MIAA road win since January 6 at Northeastern State.

Missouri Western shot 54.1% (33-of-61) and saw five players finish in double figures. Book scored his 26 on 8-of-12 shooting, including 3-of-4 from beyond the arc. He also had six assists and four rebounds.

JaRon Thames was also on with 18 points on 8-of-10 shooting. He also had three steals, five assists and boards. Julius Dixon scored 14 on a 4-of-9 performance from long range.

Taye Fields logged his sixth double-double of the season with 12 points and 10 rebounds. He also had six assists. Kiani Saxon contributed 10 points and eight boards.

Missouri Western doled out 23 assists while only turning the ball over eight times. The Griffons also converted on 13-of-16 free throw attempts.

The Griffons led by 10, 41-31, at halftime and the lead only steadily ballooned from there down the stretch. Western held Newman (7-19, 4-17 MIAA) to just 3-of-17 shooting from long range.

The Griffons outrebounded the Jets 36-27 as well.

Both Missouri Western teams end the regular season at Pittsburg State on Saturday. The women tip at 1:30, the men at 3:30. Both games are on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3, 680kfeq.com, KFEQ app).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1709269486511.jpeg" alt="The Missouri Western women's basketball team won the MIAA regular season title outright with a 105-38 win at Newman Thursday. Photo by A.J. Robbins." />
 <figcaption>The Missouri Western women's basketball team won the MIAA regular season title outright with a 105-38 win at Newman Thursday. Photo by A.J. Robbins.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostWICHITA, KS - Missouri Western women's basketball had already clinched a share of the MIAA regular season championship with a win at Northwest Missouri State last Saturday.The No. 19 Griffons (23-4, 18-3 MIAA) needed just one more win to clinch the title outright.Western got that win in dominant fashion, drubbing Newman 105-38 at Fugate Gymnasium in Wichita, Kansas Thursday.The Griffons, winners of 13 straight, ended the first quarter on a 15-3 run to go up 21-10 by the start of the second.The game was decided in the second, as Missouri Western outscored Newman in that frame 31-6 to go up 52-16 by intermission.All 15 players on Candi Whitaker's bench played and 14 of them scored. Connie Clarke, who only had to play 16 minutes, scored a game-high 18 points on 9-of-10 shooting. She also had four steals, five rebounds and three assists.Brionna Budgets was close behind with 16 points on a 3-of-4 clip from long range. Mackenzie Hart came off the bench for 13. She knocked down 3-of-4 from downtown as well.The Griffons put up 55 bench points and doled out 30 assists with only seven turnovers. Missouri Western shot 60 percent (42-of-70), including 12-of-21 from three.Newman (2-25), who has lost 14 games in a row, was held to 25.5 percent shooting (13-of-51).The 105 points Missouri Western put up is tied for the third most ever put up against an NCAA Division II opponent in program history.It's the fourth time the Griffs have scored 100 points or more this season and the 10th time they've done it under Candi Whitaker.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1709270180826.jpeg" alt="Brionna Budgets." />
 <figcaption>Brionna Budgets.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1709270235322.jpeg" alt="Connie Clarke (left)." />
 <figcaption>Connie Clarke (left).</figcaption>
 </figure>Candi Whitaker interview<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/Candi-Whitaker---Newman-postgame---22924-e2gfv3l/a-ab15d98" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>Full audio broadcast<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/19-MWSU-WBB--Newman---22924-e2gfuvu/a-ab15cuq" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>Griffon men get back to form offensively in win at NewmanJosh Book played 29 minutes off the bench in Thursday's game at Newman. He had played 30 total minutes in the previous five games combined.Book, a redshirt freshman, earned every minute, as he led Missouri Western (16-11, 10-11 MIAA) with a game-high and career-high 26 points in an 86-68 win at Newman in Wichita Thursday.The win snaps what was a five-game losing streak for Western, as the Griffons earned their first MIAA road win since January 6 at Northeastern State.Missouri Western shot 54.1% (33-of-61) and saw five players finish in double figures. Book scored his 26 on 8-of-12 shooting, including 3-of-4 from beyond the arc. He also had six assists and four rebounds.JaRon Thames was also on with 18 points on 8-of-10 shooting. He also had three steals, five assists and boards. Julius Dixon scored 14 on a 4-of-9 performance from long range.Taye Fields logged his sixth double-double of the season with 12 points and 10 rebounds. He also had six assists. Kiani Saxon contributed 10 points and eight boards.Missouri Western doled out 23 assists while only turning the ball over eight times. The Griffons also converted on 13-of-16 free throw attempts.The Griffons led by 10, 41-31, at halftime and the lead only steadily ballooned from there down the stretch. Western held Newman (7-19, 4-17 MIAA) to just 3-of-17 shooting from long range.The Griffons outrebounded the Jets 36-27 as well.Both Missouri Western teams end the regular season at Pittsburg State on Saturday. The women tip at 1:30, the men at 3:30. Both games are on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3, 680kfeq.com, KFEQ app).<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1709271341289.jpeg" alt="Josh Book. Photo by A.J. Robbins." />
 <figcaption>Josh Book. Photo by A.J. Robbins.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1709271388654.jpeg" alt="JaRon Thames (24)." />
 <figcaption>JaRon Thames (24).</figcaption>
 </figure>Will Martin, Josh Book interview<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/Will-Martin--Josh-Book---Newman-postgame---22924-e2gfv7b/a-ab15dki" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>Full audio broadcast<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/MWSU-MBB--Newman---22924-e2gfv4b/a-ab15dd9" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

MWSU WBB clinches MIAA regular season title outright, Griffon men bounce back

CHILLOCOTHE - It had been seven years since Lafayette girls' basketball had beaten Benton in back-to-back meetings. It had also been since 2017 that the Irish have played for a district championship.

Both of those droughts have come to an end.

Lafayette (19-6) started the second quarter on a 14-0 run, led by 10 at halftime and never trailed after in a 61-47 win over rival Benton in a Class 4 District 16 semifinal at Chillicothe High School Wednesday.

The Irish, winners in nine of their last 11 games, hit six of their eight three-pointers in the first half, including four in the second period.

They followed up their <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/f81894d6-121f-4651-b022-87ad083fe634">48-43 win over Benton in the South Side</a> back on February 6.

"Our energy was good from the start," said Lafayette senior Talicia Byrd, who scored 13 points in the win. "We knew it's hard to beat a team twice, so we had that mentality. We didn't know if we'd win the game. We just came in ready to play."

After a back-and-forth first quarter, the score was knotted at 14-14. But, after nearly four minutes of play in the second, Lafayette had raced out to a 28-14 lead, drawing a timeout from Benton.

"We did a good job of taking care of the ball early and I feel like we got a shot every possession there for quite a few in a row," Lafayette coach Ryan Madison said. "That was huge for us. We hadn't played (in Chillicothe) all year. We don't get to practice in this gym, and to shoot it like that in the first half was great."

Benton (17-9), who won't make the Final Four for the first time since 2020, got to within 48-40 midway through the fourth quarter, but never closer, as the Irish had enough answers.

It helped that Lafayette made 10 free throws in the final quarter alone. Senior Honor Mannings led the Irish with a game-high 19 points. Junior Tia Nance had nine.

Junior Andrea Simmons led Benton with 16 points. Junior Emma Loehnig had 13. Sophomore Eliana Arambula finished with 12.

The Irish now advance to the district championship, where they'll play the host school and No. 1 seed Chillicothe (24-1).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1709176688011.jpeg" alt="Honor Mannings (left) led Lafayette with 19 points in a 61-47 win over Benton in a Class 4 District 16 semifinal at Chillicothe High School Wednesday. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Honor Mannings (left) led Lafayette with 19 points in a 61-47 win over Benton in a Class 4 District 16 semifinal at Chillicothe High School Wednesday. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostCHILLOCOTHE - It had been seven years since Lafayette girls' basketball had beaten Benton in back-to-back meetings. It had also been since 2017 that the Irish have played for a district championship.Both of those droughts have come to an end.Lafayette (19-6) started the second quarter on a 14-0 run, led by 10 at halftime and never trailed after in a 61-47 win over rival Benton in a Class 4 District 16 semifinal at Chillicothe High School Wednesday.The Irish, winners in nine of their last 11 games, hit six of their eight three-pointers in the first half, including four in the second period.They followed up their <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/f81894d6-121f-4651-b022-87ad083fe634">48-43 win over Benton in the South Side</a> back on February 6."Our energy was good from the start," said Lafayette senior Talicia Byrd, who scored 13 points in the win. "We knew it's hard to beat a team twice, so we had that mentality. We didn't know if we'd win the game. We just came in ready to play."After a back-and-forth first quarter, the score was knotted at 14-14. But, after nearly four minutes of play in the second, Lafayette had raced out to a 28-14 lead, drawing a timeout from Benton."We did a good job of taking care of the ball early and I feel like we got a shot every possession there for quite a few in a row," Lafayette coach Ryan Madison said. "That was huge for us. We hadn't played (in Chillicothe) all year. We don't get to practice in this gym, and to shoot it like that in the first half was great."Benton (17-9), who won't make the Final Four for the first time since 2020, got to within 48-40 midway through the fourth quarter, but never closer, as the Irish had enough answers.It helped that Lafayette made 10 free throws in the final quarter alone. Senior Honor Mannings led the Irish with a game-high 19 points. Junior Tia Nance had nine.Junior Andrea Simmons led Benton with 16 points. Junior Emma Loehnig had 13. Sophomore Eliana Arambula finished with 12.The Irish now advance to the district championship, where they'll play the host school and No. 1 seed Chillicothe (24-1).The Hornets thrashed Savannah on Wednesday, 51-23, in other semifinal.Chillicothe went into the North Side on February 13, and it took overtime for them to beat Lafayette, 53-48. Now, the two will rematch on Friday night at 6.The Irish now shoot for their first district title since 1989."We've wanted (a district title) since we came into Lafayette," Mannings said. "Our incoming freshmen have helped us out a lot this year and we owe a lot to them.""Since we came to Lafayette, we've had a losing season since our freshman year," Byrd added, "but, it's slowly gotten better."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1709179280353.jpeg" alt="Honor Mannings (24)." />
 <figcaption>Honor Mannings (24).</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1709179308406.jpeg" alt="Talicia Byrd (30)." />
 <figcaption>Talicia Byrd (30).</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1709179332096.jpeg" alt="Tia Nance." />
 <figcaption>Tia Nance.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1709179352936.jpeg" alt="Andrea Simmons (23)." />
 <figcaption>Andrea Simmons (23).</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1709179373172.jpeg" alt="Eliana Arambula (5)." />
 <figcaption>Eliana Arambula (5).</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

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