FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — Running back Jerick McKinnon threw for one touchdown and ran for another, and Patrick Mahomes passed for 305 yards and two scores to help Kansas City beat the New England Patriots 27-17 on Sunday in front of Chiefs superfan Taylor Swift.

With the pop star — and a whole bunch of Swifties — in the crowd, the defending Super Bowl champions snapped a two-game losing streak and maintained control of the AFC West race. Kansas City tight end Travis Kelce, who is in a relationship with Swift, caught five passes for 28 yards, but also had a potential touchdown bounce off his hands.

Bailey Zappe, making his third straight start in place of benched first-round draft pick Mac Jones, completed 23 of 31 passes for 180 yards for the Patriots. New England (3-11) lost for the sixth time in seven games and remains in contention for one of the top two picks in next year’s NFL draft.

In what could be the penultimate home game of coach Bill Belichick’s tenure, the six-time Super Bowl champions took a 10-7 lead before allowing 20 straight points.

Flexed out of “Monday Night Football” because of their ineptitude — an NFL first — the Patriots seemed to have third billing on the day, behind Swift and her beau’s team, which has won two of the past four NFL titles and has all of the star power New England once claimed.

Fans filed in carrying posters shouting out to Swift; others lined up along the ramps and walkways hoping she would pass by on her way to the luxury boxes. Kelce himself walked past a Swift banner that was hanging under the seats commemorating top acts that have come to Gillette Stadium.

Swift, who is on a break from her Eras Tour, was shown on the scoreboard early in the second quarter, wearing a Chiefs knit cap and sweatshirt. The crowd shrieked; she stuck out her tongue playfully, waved and blew the fans a kiss.

The Chiefs (9-5) improved to 5-2 with Swift in attendance. The best the Patriots could offer was Belichick friend Jon Bon Jovi, who rang the lighthouse bell before the game and was greeted with tepid applause when he was shown on the scoreboard during the game.

Harrison Butker missed a 39-yard field goal on Kansas City’s opening drive, snapping a string of 61 straight made kicks that was one short of his own franchise record. New England’s Chad Ryland matched him, missing from 41 yards out on his first try.

On the next play, Mahomes connected with Clyde Edwards-Helaire for 48 yards to the New England 15. Two plays later, McKinnon took a direct snap and flipped it to Rashee Rice for the 4-yard touchdown pass.

Zappe completed a 16-yard touchdown to Hunter Henry, and New England capitalized on Mahomes' first interception for a field goal that made it 10-7 lead late in the second quarter. Mahomes hit McKinnon from 8 yards to give Kansas City the lead and converted from 29 yards to make it 17-10.

On the Patriots’ next play, Willie Gay intercepted Zappe and ran it back 24 yards to the New England 7. Two plays later, Mahomes lofted one to Edwards-Helaire in the back of the end zone to give the Chiefs a 24-10 lead.

Kansas City led 27-10 when Mahomes’ pass bounced off Kadarius Toney’s hands and was intercepted by Jahlani Tavai. Two plays later, Kevin Harris scampered 18 yards for the touchdown.

After the Chiefs were stopped, Ekow Boye-Doe downed Tommy Townsend's punt at the 1 inch-line. The Patriots could not make any progress, turning the ball over on downs at their 7 after Zappe's pass was incomplete on a fourth-and-4.

Chiefs host the Raiders on Christmas Day.&nbsp; Pregame is at 2pm and kickoff is scheduled for 3:25pm.&nbsp; The game will be aired on KFEQ (95.3FM/680AM) as well as Q Country 92.7

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702851920621.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice (4) enters the end zone for a touchdown as wide receiver Justin Watson (84) celebrates during the first half of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice (4) enters the end zone for a touchdown as wide receiver Justin Watson (84) celebrates during the first half of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)</figcaption>
 </figure>FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — Running back Jerick McKinnon threw for one touchdown and ran for another, and Patrick Mahomes passed for 305 yards and two scores to help Kansas City beat the New England Patriots 27-17 on Sunday in front of Chiefs superfan Taylor Swift.With the pop star — and a whole bunch of Swifties — in the crowd, the defending Super Bowl champions snapped a two-game losing streak and maintained control of the AFC West race. Kansas City tight end Travis Kelce, who is in a relationship with Swift, caught five passes for 28 yards, but also had a potential touchdown bounce off his hands.Bailey Zappe, making his third straight start in place of benched first-round draft pick Mac Jones, completed 23 of 31 passes for 180 yards for the Patriots. New England (3-11) lost for the sixth time in seven games and remains in contention for one of the top two picks in next year’s NFL draft.In what could be the penultimate home game of coach Bill Belichick’s tenure, the six-time Super Bowl champions took a 10-7 lead before allowing 20 straight points.Flexed out of “Monday Night Football” because of their ineptitude — an NFL first — the Patriots seemed to have third billing on the day, behind Swift and her beau’s team, which has won two of the past four NFL titles and has all of the star power New England once claimed.Fans filed in carrying posters shouting out to Swift; others lined up along the ramps and walkways hoping she would pass by on her way to the luxury boxes. Kelce himself walked past a Swift banner that was hanging under the seats commemorating top acts that have come to Gillette Stadium.Swift, who is on a break from her Eras Tour, was shown on the scoreboard early in the second quarter, wearing a Chiefs knit cap and sweatshirt. The crowd shrieked; she stuck out her tongue playfully, waved and blew the fans a kiss.The Chiefs (9-5) improved to 5-2 with Swift in attendance. The best the Patriots could offer was Belichick friend Jon Bon Jovi, who rang the lighthouse bell before the game and was greeted with tepid applause when he was shown on the scoreboard during the game.Harrison Butker missed a 39-yard field goal on Kansas City’s opening drive, snapping a string of 61 straight made kicks that was one short of his own franchise record. New England’s Chad Ryland matched him, missing from 41 yards out on his first try.On the next play, Mahomes connected with Clyde Edwards-Helaire for 48 yards to the New England 15. Two plays later, McKinnon took a direct snap and flipped it to Rashee Rice for the 4-yard touchdown pass.Zappe completed a 16-yard touchdown to Hunter Henry, and New England capitalized on Mahomes' first interception for a field goal that made it 10-7 lead late in the second quarter. Mahomes hit McKinnon from 8 yards to give Kansas City the lead and converted from 29 yards to make it 17-10.On the Patriots’ next play, Willie Gay intercepted Zappe and ran it back 24 yards to the New England 7. Two plays later, Mahomes lofted one to Edwards-Helaire in the back of the end zone to give the Chiefs a 24-10 lead.Kansas City led 27-10 when Mahomes’ pass bounced off Kadarius Toney’s hands and was intercepted by Jahlani Tavai. Two plays later, Kevin Harris scampered 18 yards for the touchdown.After the Chiefs were stopped, Ekow Boye-Doe downed Tommy Townsend's punt at the 1 inch-line. The Patriots could not make any progress, turning the ball over on downs at their 7 after Zappe's pass was incomplete on a fourth-and-4.UP NEXTChiefs host the Raiders on Christmas Day.&nbsp; Pregame is at 2pm and kickoff is scheduled for 3:25pm.&nbsp; The game will be aired on KFEQ (95.3FM/680AM) as well as Q Country 92.7

Chiefs snap losing streak, extend AFC West lead with 27-17 win over Patriots 

The Missouri Western women's basketball team turned a close game into a big win, as the Griffons wore out Washburn down the stretch in a 98-78 win over the Ichabods at Civic Arena Saturday.

The Griffons (8-3, 4-2 MIAA) shot 60.3% from the field, including 9-of-23 from three and were a sharp 19-of-23 from the foul line.

The first half was a back-and-forth affair with nine lead changes and eight ties, but Missouri Western outscored Washburn 54-37 in the second half.

With star players Brionna Budgets and Connie Clarke in early foul trouble, Missouri Western relied on its bench for help, and the Griffons got the help they needed.

Twelve Griffons scored as Western piled up 48 bench points. Jayme Jackson led the charge with a season-high 20 points on 7-of-11 shooting, including 3-of-6 from three.

Budgets and Tiani Ellison both scored 11 points. Mary Fultz and LaJahda Boyland finished with 10.

In only 13 minutes, Clarke scored seven points to put her over 1,000 in her Griffon career. She also had seven rebounds, two steals and a block.

The Griffons doled out 21 assists with only 10 turnovers.

Aubree Dewey led Washburn (7-3, 2-2 MIAA) with 18 points. Aniah Wayne finished with 15. The Ichabods missed nine free throws in the loss and were held to 38.3% shooting.

Offensive boards, turnovers lead Washburn to close win over MWSU

Saturday's men's basketball game between Missouri Western and Washburn featured 19 lead changes and 10 ties. It really could have gone either way.

Washburn, however, scored 13 second chance points on 16 offensive rebounds and 19 more points off of 14 Griffon turnovers.

That, paired with a late 9-0 run, was enough for the Ichabods to hold off Missouri Western, 83-77, at Civic Arena Saturday.

The Griffons (8-3, 3-3 MIAA) got down 62-47 with 12:31 to play. Western reeled off a spectacular 17-0 run in six minutes to reclaim the lead at 64-62 with 6:25 left in the game.

Missouri Western, though, never led by more than two points in the second half. Washburn led 72-71 with 3:56 to go, and reeled off a 9-0 run to go up 81-71 with 1:13 remaining.

The Griffons made a couple late threes to get back to within four points, but never got closer than that.

Sam Ungashick, a Benedictine transfer, led Washburn with a game-high 26 points on 6-of-9 shooting from three.

JaRon Thames led Missouri Western with 16 points on 7-of-10 shooting from the field. Reese Glover came off the bench for 14 points. Zion Swader chipped in 14. Taye Fields had eight points, 15 rebounds and a staggering six blocks.

Missouri Western shot 56.6% from the field, but were outrebounded on the offensive glass 16-3. The Griffons had 15 assists, but turned it over 14 times. Washburn had only four giveaways in the entire game.

The Ichabods shot 44.9% from the field, including 10-of-24 from three. Saturday marked the first true road win of the season for Washburn, while Missouri Western suffered its first home loss of the 2023-24 season.

Both Missouri Western teams are now off for two weeks. The Griffons stay home for a couple of non-conference games on December 30.

The Griffon women host Kansas Christian College. The men will host Avila. Those games start at 1:30 and 3:30 respectively. The games will be at the MWSU Fieldhouse and both will be carried on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3).

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702775128525.jpeg" alt="Photo by Derek Zimmerman-Guyer." />
 <figcaption>Photo by Derek Zimmerman-Guyer.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe Missouri Western women's basketball team turned a close game into a big win, as the Griffons wore out Washburn down the stretch in a 98-78 win over the Ichabods at Civic Arena Saturday.The Griffons (8-3, 4-2 MIAA) shot 60.3% from the field, including 9-of-23 from three and were a sharp 19-of-23 from the foul line.The first half was a back-and-forth affair with nine lead changes and eight ties, but Missouri Western outscored Washburn 54-37 in the second half.With star players Brionna Budgets and Connie Clarke in early foul trouble, Missouri Western relied on its bench for help, and the Griffons got the help they needed.Twelve Griffons scored as Western piled up 48 bench points. Jayme Jackson led the charge with a season-high 20 points on 7-of-11 shooting, including 3-of-6 from three.Budgets and Tiani Ellison both scored 11 points. Mary Fultz and LaJahda Boyland finished with 10.In only 13 minutes, Clarke scored seven points to put her over 1,000 in her Griffon career. She also had seven rebounds, two steals and a block.The Griffons doled out 21 assists with only 10 turnovers.Aubree Dewey led Washburn (7-3, 2-2 MIAA) with 18 points. Aniah Wayne finished with 15. The Ichabods missed nine free throws in the loss and were held to 38.3% shooting.Candi Whitaker interview<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/Candi-Whitaker---Washburn-postgame-e2dbehj/a-aaofrvg" 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--Washburn---121623-e2dbe29/a-aaofqav" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702776334372.jpeg" alt="Jayme Jackson. Photo by Derek Zimmerman-Guyer." />
 <figcaption>Jayme Jackson. Photo by Derek Zimmerman-Guyer.</figcaption>
 </figure>Offensive boards, turnovers lead Washburn to close win over MWSU<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702776377527.jpeg" alt="Reese Glover (3). Photo by Derek Zimmerman-Guyer." />
 <figcaption>Reese Glover (3). Photo by Derek Zimmerman-Guyer.</figcaption>
 </figure>Saturday's men's basketball game between Missouri Western and Washburn featured 19 lead changes and 10 ties. It really could have gone either way.Washburn, however, scored 13 second chance points on 16 offensive rebounds and 19 more points off of 14 Griffon turnovers.That, paired with a late 9-0 run, was enough for the Ichabods to hold off Missouri Western, 83-77, at Civic Arena Saturday.The Griffons (8-3, 3-3 MIAA) got down 62-47 with 12:31 to play. Western reeled off a spectacular 17-0 run in six minutes to reclaim the lead at 64-62 with 6:25 left in the game.Missouri Western, though, never led by more than two points in the second half. Washburn led 72-71 with 3:56 to go, and reeled off a 9-0 run to go up 81-71 with 1:13 remaining.The Griffons made a couple late threes to get back to within four points, but never got closer than that.Sam Ungashick, a Benedictine transfer, led Washburn with a game-high 26 points on 6-of-9 shooting from three.JaRon Thames led Missouri Western with 16 points on 7-of-10 shooting from the field. Reese Glover came off the bench for 14 points. Zion Swader chipped in 14. Taye Fields had eight points, 15 rebounds and a staggering six blocks.Missouri Western shot 56.6% from the field, but were outrebounded on the offensive glass 16-3. The Griffons had 15 assists, but turned it over 14 times. Washburn had only four giveaways in the entire game.The Ichabods shot 44.9% from the field, including 10-of-24 from three. Saturday marked the first true road win of the season for Washburn, while Missouri Western suffered its first home loss of the 2023-24 season.Both Missouri Western teams are now off for two weeks. The Griffons stay home for a couple of non-conference games on December 30.The Griffon women host Kansas Christian College. The men will host Avila. Those games start at 1:30 and 3:30 respectively. The games will be at the MWSU Fieldhouse and both will be carried on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3).Will Martin interview<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/Will-Martin---Washburn-postgame-e2dbeji/a-aaofs90" 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-vs--Washburn-MBB---121623-e2dbei8/a-aaofs72" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

MWSU WBB scores big win over Washburn, Griffon men lose tight battle with Ichabods

The Missouri Western women's basketball team overcame a three-point halftime deficit in a big way, outscoring Emporia State 44-22 in the second half and rolling to an 80-60 win over the Hornets at Civic Arena in St. Joseph Thursday.

Missouri Western (7-3, 3-2 MIAA) dominated on the glass 47-27, including 19-7 on offensive rebounds.

The Griffons got 35 bench points and sunk 10 three-pointers in the win. Connie Clarke led four Griffs in double figures with 17 points. She also had nine rebounds, five assists and five steals.

Tiani Ellison logged 12 points, while Mary Fultz and Alyssa Bonilla each had 10.

Missouri Western shared the ball very well, doling out 21 assists. The Griffons were a solid 12-of-14 at the free throw line. They also blocked seven total shots.

The loss snapped what was a four-game winning streak for Emporia, handing the Hornets their first conference loss of the season.

Faith Paramore led Emporia with 21 points - 20 of that came in the first half.

Griffon men use big second half run to pull away from #15 ESU

Following a couple of tough road losses to Nebraska-Kearney and Fort Hays State last week, and after seemingly disappointing defensive play to open the 2023-24 season, Missouri Western men's basketball coach Will Martin had an idea.

His team practiced for about two hours Monday. They did so without basketballs. Two grueling hours, where defense was the prime focus.

The Griffons (8-2, 3-2 MIAA) held No. 15 Emporia State to a season-low scoring output and dominated the second half in a 76-54 win over the Hornets at Civic Arena Thursday.

Missouri Western got up nine early and led 28-25 at the break. The Griffons trailed for only 1:57 of total game time. They used a 13-0 run to go up 54-41 with 7:42 to play.

Missouri Western led it by double figures from that point on, ending the game on a 13-3 run over the final 4:27.

JaRon Thames turned in a terrific effort with a season-high 25 points to go with nine rebounds. Julius Dixon added 19 points and eight boards, hitting 3-of-6 from downtown.

Taye Fields logged his second double-double of the season with 14 points and 12 rebounds. Reese Glover scored nine points - all on three-pointers - and that was enough to put him at 1,000 career points.

The Griffons dominated on the rebounds 41-25, including 32-16 on the defensive glass. Missouri Western held Emporia (9-2, 3-1 MIAA) to a season-low scoring output on a modest 32.9% shooting effort. The Hornets were just 3-of-19 from three as well.

Missouri Western shot 66.7% in the second half, outscoring Emporia 48-29 over the final 20 minutes. The Griffs were also solid at the free throw line, hitting 11-of-13.

Emporia saw a nine-game winning streak come to an end Thursday.

This now marks four straight wins over Emporia State for the Griffon men. It's also the 50th career win for Will Martin at Missouri Western.

Both Griffon teams stay at Civic Saturday to host Washburn. The women tip at 1:30, the men at 3:30. Both games will be on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3).

Will Martin, Reese Glover interview

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702615859777.jpeg" alt="Mackenzie Hart (22) drives the ball in an 80-60 win over Emporia State on Thursday at Civic Arena in St. Joseph. Photo by A.J. Robbins." />
 <figcaption>Mackenzie Hart (22) drives the ball in an 80-60 win over Emporia State on Thursday at Civic Arena in St. Joseph. Photo by A.J. Robbins.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe Missouri Western women's basketball team overcame a three-point halftime deficit in a big way, outscoring Emporia State 44-22 in the second half and rolling to an 80-60 win over the Hornets at Civic Arena in St. Joseph Thursday.Missouri Western (7-3, 3-2 MIAA) dominated on the glass 47-27, including 19-7 on offensive rebounds.The Griffons got 35 bench points and sunk 10 three-pointers in the win. Connie Clarke led four Griffs in double figures with 17 points. She also had nine rebounds, five assists and five steals.Tiani Ellison logged 12 points, while Mary Fultz and Alyssa Bonilla each had 10.Missouri Western shared the ball very well, doling out 21 assists. The Griffons were a solid 12-of-14 at the free throw line. They also blocked seven total shots.The loss snapped what was a four-game winning streak for Emporia, handing the Hornets their first conference loss of the season.Faith Paramore led Emporia with 21 points - 20 of that came in the first half.Candi Whitaker interview<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/Candi-Whitaker---ESU-postgame---121423-e2d99o1/a-aao9c0d" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>Tiani Ellison interview<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/Tiani-Ellison---MWSU-WBB---ESU-postgame-e2d99os/a-aao9c33" 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-vs--Emporia-State-WBB---121423-e2d99gl/a-aao9b9u" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>Griffon men use big second half run to pull away from #15 ESU<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702616855913.jpeg" alt="Reese Glover (3). Photo by Derek Zimmerman-Guyer." />
 <figcaption>Reese Glover (3). Photo by Derek Zimmerman-Guyer.</figcaption>
 </figure>Following a couple of tough road losses to Nebraska-Kearney and Fort Hays State last week, and after seemingly disappointing defensive play to open the 2023-24 season, Missouri Western men's basketball coach Will Martin had an idea.His team practiced for about two hours Monday. They did so without basketballs. Two grueling hours, where defense was the prime focus.Message received.The Griffons (8-2, 3-2 MIAA) held No. 15 Emporia State to a season-low scoring output and dominated the second half in a 76-54 win over the Hornets at Civic Arena Thursday.Missouri Western got up nine early and led 28-25 at the break. The Griffons trailed for only 1:57 of total game time. They used a 13-0 run to go up 54-41 with 7:42 to play.Missouri Western led it by double figures from that point on, ending the game on a 13-3 run over the final 4:27.JaRon Thames turned in a terrific effort with a season-high 25 points to go with nine rebounds. Julius Dixon added 19 points and eight boards, hitting 3-of-6 from downtown.Taye Fields logged his second double-double of the season with 14 points and 12 rebounds. Reese Glover scored nine points - all on three-pointers - and that was enough to put him at 1,000 career points.The Griffons dominated on the rebounds 41-25, including 32-16 on the defensive glass. Missouri Western held Emporia (9-2, 3-1 MIAA) to a season-low scoring output on a modest 32.9% shooting effort. The Hornets were just 3-of-19 from three as well.Missouri Western shot 66.7% in the second half, outscoring Emporia 48-29 over the final 20 minutes. The Griffs were also solid at the free throw line, hitting 11-of-13.Emporia saw a nine-game winning streak come to an end Thursday.This now marks four straight wins over Emporia State for the Griffon men. It's also the 50th career win for Will Martin at Missouri Western.Both Griffon teams stay at Civic Saturday to host Washburn. The women tip at 1:30, the men at 3:30. Both games will be on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3).<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702617161561.jpeg" alt="Photo by Derek Zimmerman-Guyer." />
 <figcaption>Photo by Derek Zimmerman-Guyer.</figcaption>
 </figure>Will Martin, Reese Glover interview<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/Will-Martin--Reese-Glover---ESU-postgame-e2d99st/a-aao9ckc" 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--15-ESU---121423-e2d99qk/a-aao9ccl" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

MWSU MBB, WBB score wins over Emporia State at Civic Arena Thursday

Central Missouri quarterback Zach Zebrowski, who passed for 5,157 yards, and five players from the Colorado School of Mines were selected to The Associated Press Division II All-America team announced Wednesday.

Southern Nazarene quarterback Gage Porter also made the first-team as an all-purpose player after leading the nation in rushing with 1,987 yards.

Mines is the top-seed in D-II playoffs and will play Harding in the national championship game Saturday in McKinney, Texas. The Orediggers led all teams with five All-Americans: offensive lineman Levi Johnson, receiver Max McLeod, linebacker Nolan Reeve, defensive back Jackson Zimmermann and punter Blake Doud.

Harding had two players selected to the first-team in offensive lineman Hunter Willis and defensive lineman Nathaniel Wallace.

Quarterback — Zach Zebrowski, third-year, Central Missouri

Running backs — Shen Butler-Lawson, fourth-year, Minnesota State; Jay Harris, second-year, Northwest Missouri State.

Linemen — Garrett Carroll, sixth-year, Grand Valley State; Ty Cobb, sixth-year, Bemidji State; Yuriy Hryckowian, fifth-year, Slippery Rock; Levi Johnson, fifth-year, Colorado School of Mines; Hunter Willis, sixth-year, Harding.

Tight end — Devon Garrison, fifth-year, Pittsburg State.

Wide receiver — Max McLeod, fifth-year, Colorado School of Mines; Kyle Sheets, fifth-year, Slippery Rock University; Arkell Smith, sixth-year, Central Missouri.

All-purpose player — Gage Porter, seventh-year, Southern Nazarene University.

Kicker — Eric Scarpino, sixth-year, Gannon University.

Linemen — Marquise Fleming, fourth-year, Wingate; Christian McCarroll, sixth-year, Grand Valley State; John McMullen, seventh-year, West Florida; Nathaniel Wallace, fifth-year, Harding.

Linebacker — Micah Cretsinger, third-year, Saginaw Valley State; Nolan Reeve, sixth-year, Colorado School of Mines; Abe Swanson, sixth-year, Grand Valley State.

Defensive backs — Peyton Buckley, fifth-year, Augustana; Wyryor Noil, sith-year, Central Missouri; Shon Stephens, fourth-year, Ferris State; Tanner Volk, third-year, Central Washington; Jackson Zimmermann, third-year, Colorado School of Mines.

Punter — Blake Doud, third-year, Colorado School of Mines.

Quarterback — John Matocha, fifth-year, Colorado School of Mines.

Running backs — Blake Delacruz, fourth-year, Harding; Jordan Terrell, fourth-year, Barton.

Linemen — Shane Bumgardner, fourth-year, Tiffin; Robert Dunham, fifth-year, Henderson State; Devin Hannan, seventh-year, Valdosta State; Trase Jeffries, fifth-year, Pittsburg State; Blake Larson, sixth-year, Augustana.

Tight end — Mike Rigerman, fifth-year, Findlay.

Wide receivers — John Jiles, sixth-year, West Florida; Tyler Kahmann, fourth-year, Emporia State; Ben Noland, fourth-year, South Dakota School of Mines.

All-purpose player — Michael Herzog, fifth-year, Hillsdale College.

Kicker — Logan Turner, third-year, Southwest Baptist.

Linemen — Loobert Denelus, fourth-year, Benedict College; Marcus Hansen, third-year, Bemidji State; Eddie Miller-Garrett, fourth-year, Ohio Dominican; Dakari Streeter, sixth-year, Missouri Western State.

Linebackers — Jack Barkley, fifth-year, Pittsburg State; Garrett Cox., fourth-year, Millersville; Hayden Kelly, fifth-year, Texas at Permian Basin.

Defensive backs — Willie Drew, fifth-year, Virginia State; Giye Jenkins, third-year, New Haven; Josiah Johnson, third-year, Ouachita Baptist; Malik Jones, fourth-year, Delta State; Josh Stokes, fourth-year, Slippery Rock.

Punter — Aaron Winn, fifth-year, Arkansas Tech.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695510220886.png" alt="Missouri Western's Dakari Streeter (40) sacked Fort Hays State quarterback Jack Dawson (5) three times in the Griffons' 28-7 victory over the Tigers on Saturday at Spratt Stadium. Photo courtesy of MWSU athletics." />
 <figcaption>Missouri Western's Dakari Streeter (40) sacked Fort Hays State quarterback Jack Dawson (5) three times in the Griffons' 28-7 victory over the Tigers on Saturday at Spratt Stadium. Photo courtesy of MWSU athletics.</figcaption>
 </figure>Central Missouri quarterback Zach Zebrowski, who passed for 5,157 yards, and five players from the Colorado School of Mines were selected to The Associated Press Division II All-America team announced Wednesday.Southern Nazarene quarterback Gage Porter also made the first-team as an all-purpose player after leading the nation in rushing with 1,987 yards.Mines is the top-seed in D-II playoffs and will play Harding in the national championship game Saturday in McKinney, Texas. The Orediggers led all teams with five All-Americans: offensive lineman Levi Johnson, receiver Max McLeod, linebacker Nolan Reeve, defensive back Jackson Zimmermann and punter Blake Doud.Harding had two players selected to the first-team in offensive lineman Hunter Willis and defensive lineman Nathaniel Wallace.FIRST TEAM (Offense)Quarterback — Zach Zebrowski, third-year, Central MissouriRunning backs — Shen Butler-Lawson, fourth-year, Minnesota State; Jay Harris, second-year, Northwest Missouri State.Linemen — Garrett Carroll, sixth-year, Grand Valley State; Ty Cobb, sixth-year, Bemidji State; Yuriy Hryckowian, fifth-year, Slippery Rock; Levi Johnson, fifth-year, Colorado School of Mines; Hunter Willis, sixth-year, Harding.Tight end — Devon Garrison, fifth-year, Pittsburg State.Wide receiver — Max McLeod, fifth-year, Colorado School of Mines; Kyle Sheets, fifth-year, Slippery Rock University; Arkell Smith, sixth-year, Central Missouri.All-purpose player — Gage Porter, seventh-year, Southern Nazarene University.Kicker — Eric Scarpino, sixth-year, Gannon University.FIRST TEAM (Defense)Linemen — Marquise Fleming, fourth-year, Wingate; Christian McCarroll, sixth-year, Grand Valley State; John McMullen, seventh-year, West Florida; Nathaniel Wallace, fifth-year, Harding.Linebacker — Micah Cretsinger, third-year, Saginaw Valley State; Nolan Reeve, sixth-year, Colorado School of Mines; Abe Swanson, sixth-year, Grand Valley State.Defensive backs — Peyton Buckley, fifth-year, Augustana; Wyryor Noil, sith-year, Central Missouri; Shon Stephens, fourth-year, Ferris State; Tanner Volk, third-year, Central Washington; Jackson Zimmermann, third-year, Colorado School of Mines.Punter — Blake Doud, third-year, Colorado School of Mines.SECOND TEAM (Offense)Quarterback — John Matocha, fifth-year, Colorado School of Mines.Running backs — Blake Delacruz, fourth-year, Harding; Jordan Terrell, fourth-year, Barton.Linemen — Shane Bumgardner, fourth-year, Tiffin; Robert Dunham, fifth-year, Henderson State; Devin Hannan, seventh-year, Valdosta State; Trase Jeffries, fifth-year, Pittsburg State; Blake Larson, sixth-year, Augustana.Tight end — Mike Rigerman, fifth-year, Findlay.Wide receivers — John Jiles, sixth-year, West Florida; Tyler Kahmann, fourth-year, Emporia State; Ben Noland, fourth-year, South Dakota School of Mines.All-purpose player — Michael Herzog, fifth-year, Hillsdale College.Kicker — Logan Turner, third-year, Southwest Baptist.SECOND TEAM (Defense)Linemen — Loobert Denelus, fourth-year, Benedict College; Marcus Hansen, third-year, Bemidji State; Eddie Miller-Garrett, fourth-year, Ohio Dominican; Dakari Streeter, sixth-year, Missouri Western State.Linebackers — Jack Barkley, fifth-year, Pittsburg State; Garrett Cox., fourth-year, Millersville; Hayden Kelly, fifth-year, Texas at Permian Basin.Defensive backs — Willie Drew, fifth-year, Virginia State; Giye Jenkins, third-year, New Haven; Josiah Johnson, third-year, Ouachita Baptist; Malik Jones, fourth-year, Delta State; Josh Stokes, fourth-year, Slippery Rock.Punter — Aaron Winn, fifth-year, Arkansas Tech.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702490876484.jpeg" alt="Jay Harris/ Photo courtesy of Northwest Missouri State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Jay Harris/ Photo courtesy of Northwest Missouri State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>

MWSU's Streeter, NWMSU's Harris make AP Division II All-America Team

The inagural Bill Snyder Classic, a Division I women's basketball game between Mizzou and Kansas State played at St. Joseph's Civic Arena, came and went this past Saturday with a terrific reception.

Over 3,500 fans packed into a sold out Civic Arena to watch the Tigers and Wildcats do battle in the first known Division I game of any kind played in St. Joseph's city limits.

Brett Esely, director of the St. Joseph Sports Commission, says both the teams' and fans' experiences were an overall positive.

"Everything had to be perfect for this event," Esely told KFEQ Radio. "There was a lot that went into it. But, once the clock hit 0:00 at the end, I think the folks who were there, the teams, even though there's only one winner, I think it was a really, really good positive experience."

<a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/1d3ae8d3-526f-4c9e-b4a6-91700e3ea88f?utm_source=dlvr.it&amp;utm_medium=facebook">The game saw 13th-ranked Kansas State pull away from Mizzou in an 84-56 victory</a> for the Wildcats - head coached by former Missouri Western <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/e547b736-a825-4fcb-9e1a-c8703c2cca32">women's basketball coach Jeff Mittie</a>. Maryville native Serena Sundell scored 11 points in the win for K-State as well.

This game, which was a regular season matchup, felt like a major event in and of itself, and was named the Bill Snyder Classic.&nbsp;Coach Snyder, a St. Joseph native, was at the arena and honored on the court during Saturday's contest.

Esely says the whole event served as a key opportunity to make a strong impression for the fans, the city and the teams participating.

"You only get one shot to do it the first time," he said. "If we want this to be an annual, we had to knock the first time out of the park. I think fan experience is one thing, but the experience of the teams is another. By all accounts, even hearing what the coaches said on the record in the postgame press conference, we did that."

Esely went onto say that&nbsp;hosting the game was a huge point of pride for not only the city, but for the teams and all of the personnel who participated and helped run it.

"I think it's really neat that St. Joseph was able to serve as a backdrop and those teams were able to go about their business and I think they thought it was a big deal to come here," Esely said. "But, it's only a big deal if you make it a big deal."

"And I think everyone involved in the game, no matter what your role was, treated it that way and that showed to both travel parties."

Esely says he's confident that more Division I games in St. Joseph will be announced in the not-so-distant future. But until such time, he hopes the community can be proud of what it pulled off on Saturday.

"I think it's really cool to have the opportunity to do that here and we can never underestimate that opportunity we were able to provide our community on Saturday evening in downtown."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702417741068.jpeg" alt="Hall of Fame Kansas State football coach and St. Joseph native Bill Snyder (left) with director of the St. Joseph Sports Commission Brett Esely (right) during Saturday's Bill Snyder Classic between Kansas State and Mizzou women's basketball. Photo by Brent Martin." />
 <figcaption>Hall of Fame Kansas State football coach and St. Joseph native Bill Snyder (left) with director of the St. Joseph Sports Commission Brett Esely (right) during Saturday's Bill Snyder Classic between Kansas State and Mizzou women's basketball. Photo by Brent Martin.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe inagural Bill Snyder Classic, a Division I women's basketball game between Mizzou and Kansas State played at St. Joseph's Civic Arena, came and went this past Saturday with a terrific reception.Over 3,500 fans packed into a sold out Civic Arena to watch the Tigers and Wildcats do battle in the first known Division I game of any kind played in St. Joseph's city limits.Brett Esely, director of the St. Joseph Sports Commission, says both the teams' and fans' experiences were an overall positive."Everything had to be perfect for this event," Esely told KFEQ Radio. "There was a lot that went into it. But, once the clock hit 0:00 at the end, I think the folks who were there, the teams, even though there's only one winner, I think it was a really, really good positive experience."<a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/1d3ae8d3-526f-4c9e-b4a6-91700e3ea88f?utm_source=dlvr.it&amp;utm_medium=facebook">The game saw 13th-ranked Kansas State pull away from Mizzou in an 84-56 victory</a> for the Wildcats - head coached by former Missouri Western <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/e547b736-a825-4fcb-9e1a-c8703c2cca32">women's basketball coach Jeff Mittie</a>. Maryville native Serena Sundell scored 11 points in the win for K-State as well.This game, which was a regular season matchup, felt like a major event in and of itself, and was named the Bill Snyder Classic.&nbsp;Coach Snyder, a St. Joseph native, was at the arena and honored on the court during Saturday's contest.Esely says the whole event served as a key opportunity to make a strong impression for the fans, the city and the teams participating."You only get one shot to do it the first time," he said. "If we want this to be an annual, we had to knock the first time out of the park. I think fan experience is one thing, but the experience of the teams is another. By all accounts, even hearing what the coaches said on the record in the postgame press conference, we did that."Esely went onto say that&nbsp;hosting the game was a huge point of pride for not only the city, but for the teams and all of the personnel who participated and helped run it."I think it's really neat that St. Joseph was able to serve as a backdrop and those teams were able to go about their business and I think they thought it was a big deal to come here," Esely said. "But, it's only a big deal if you make it a big deal.""And I think everyone involved in the game, no matter what your role was, treated it that way and that showed to both travel parties."Esely says he's confident that more Division I games in St. Joseph will be announced in the not-so-distant future. But until such time, he hopes the community can be proud of what it pulled off on Saturday."I think it's really cool to have the opportunity to do that here and we can never underestimate that opportunity we were able to provide our community on Saturday evening in downtown."<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/Brett-Esely---121223-e2d4f0e" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702418244655.jpeg" alt="Photo by Brent Martin." />
 <figcaption>Photo by Brent Martin.</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fstjoepost%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02Yw9MreVz7QkT2AaHP6PEnEfnfayWCV4tNe3MVfwnweSt37JvxnWpNZV9hGdPt86hl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="664" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Esely: inaugural Bill Snyder Classic at Civic Arena 'had to be perfect'

A former Royal that has won World Series in each of the last three years is making his return to Kansas City to help stabilize a bullpen that struggled mightily in 2023.&nbsp;

Left hander Will Smith has signed a one year deal with the Kansas City Royals.&nbsp; Though the club has not confirmed financials, a source says the contract is worth $5 million, along with some performance bonuses.&nbsp;

Now 34 years old, Smith made his major league debut with the Royals in 2012, starting 16 games, before being moved to the bullpen in 2013.&nbsp; The following offseason Smith was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers, the move bringing Nori Aoki to Kansas City.&nbsp;

Over the next 11 years of his career, Smith went on to play for five other teams, the last three seasons however were historic for Smith.&nbsp; The lefty won World Series titles with the Atlanta Braves in 2021, Houston Astros in 2022, and most recently the Texas Rangers last season.&nbsp;

Smith became the first player in MLB history to be on the World Series roster with three different teams in three consecutive years.&nbsp;

The Royals hope that experience will help the back end of their bullpen and rubs off on some of their young relievers, Kansas City coming off having the second worst bullpen ERA last season at 5.23.

Smith is viewed by the Royals as one option at the back end of the bullpen, along with Nick Anderson who was acquired earlier this offseason from the Braves.&nbsp; They could also look younger right handers James McArthur and Carlos Hernandez to close out games.&nbsp;

In a corresponding move, the Royals designated right-handed pitcher Collin Snider for assignment.

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostA former Royal that has won World Series in each of the last three years is making his return to Kansas City to help stabilize a bullpen that struggled mightily in 2023.&nbsp;Left hander Will Smith has signed a one year deal with the Kansas City Royals.&nbsp; Though the club has not confirmed financials, a source says the contract is worth $5 million, along with some performance bonuses.&nbsp;Now 34 years old, Smith made his major league debut with the Royals in 2012, starting 16 games, before being moved to the bullpen in 2013.&nbsp; The following offseason Smith was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers, the move bringing Nori Aoki to Kansas City.&nbsp;Over the next 11 years of his career, Smith went on to play for five other teams, the last three seasons however were historic for Smith.&nbsp; The lefty won World Series titles with the Atlanta Braves in 2021, Houston Astros in 2022, and most recently the Texas Rangers last season.&nbsp;Smith became the first player in MLB history to be on the World Series roster with three different teams in three consecutive years.&nbsp;The Royals hope that experience will help the back end of their bullpen and rubs off on some of their young relievers, Kansas City coming off having the second worst bullpen ERA last season at 5.23.Smith is viewed by the Royals as one option at the back end of the bullpen, along with Nick Anderson who was acquired earlier this offseason from the Braves.&nbsp; They could also look younger right handers James McArthur and Carlos Hernandez to close out games.&nbsp;In a corresponding move, the Royals designated right-handed pitcher Collin Snider for assignment.

Royals reunite with left handed reliever Will Smith on one year contract

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs thought they had beaten the Buffalo Bills with one of the most unexpected and audacious of plays Sunday.

Then, the roar inside Arrowhead Stadium was silenced - replaced instead by a cascade of boos.

The Bills (7-6) had just taken the lead on Tyler Bass's field goal with 1:54 to go when Patrick Mahomes marched the Chiefs across midfield.

He dropped back, spotted favorite target Travis Kelce across the middle, hit him between the numbers — then watched the ex-high school quarterback throw across the field to Kadarius Toney, who finished off the 49-yard touchdown catch.

Except, there was a flag on the play. Toney had lined up offside. The play came back, Mahomes proceeded to throw incomplete on three straight plays and the Bills, in desperate need of a win, escaped with a 20-17 victory.

Meanwhile, it was another brutal loss for the Chiefs (8-5), who have lost four of their past six.

An especially tough way for Toney to end his night. He also dropped an easy pass earlier in the game when Kansas City was driving for points.

The loss didn't rest entirely upon Toney's shoulders, though.

The Chiefs have been beating themselves with penalties and turnovers most of the season, and that was the case again on Sunday

 They were flagged seven times for 45 yards — that 5-yarder on Toney the one that everyone will remember — while Mahomes was picked off on a batted ball and Rashee Rice fumbled the ball away late in the third quarter.

Mahomes finished with 271 yards passing and a touchdown with an interception Sunday, though he was pressured all day by a healthy Buffalo pass rush. Rice had seven catches for 72 yards and the score.

Kelce finished with six catches for 83 yards.

Though, there were too many mistakes for a team with too many deficiencies to overcome.

In years past, the Chiefs seemed as if they could win no matter what. And proof often came at the expense of the Bills. There was that 38-24 victory in the AFC championship game a few years ago, and the 42-36 overtime win in the divisional round the following year, when the Chiefs needed a mere 13 seconds to get within range for the tying field goal in regulation.

It looked as if there would be more of that magic Sunday until 80,000 fans in Arrowhead Stadium spotted a flag on the field.

Then, the game looked like so many have this season for the Chiefs.

Kansas City, who's now only one game ahead of Denver in the AFC West, and now the No. 3 seed in the AFC, go to New England Sunday for a noon central time kickoff.

The game will be carried on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3) and Q Country 92.7 FM in St. Joseph.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702259420245.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Kadarius Toney runs to the end zone after catching a lateral by teammate Travis Kelce during the second half of an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. The play was nullified after Toney was called for being offside on the play. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)." />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Kadarius Toney runs to the end zone after catching a lateral by teammate Travis Kelce during the second half of an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. The play was nullified after Toney was called for being offside on the play. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga).</figcaption>
 </figure>St. Joseph PostKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs thought they had beaten the Buffalo Bills with one of the most unexpected and audacious of plays Sunday.Then, the roar inside Arrowhead Stadium was silenced - replaced instead by a cascade of boos.The Bills (7-6) had just taken the lead on Tyler Bass's field goal with 1:54 to go when Patrick Mahomes marched the Chiefs across midfield.He dropped back, spotted favorite target Travis Kelce across the middle, hit him between the numbers — then watched the ex-high school quarterback throw across the field to Kadarius Toney, who finished off the 49-yard touchdown catch.Except, there was a flag on the play. Toney had lined up offside. The play came back, Mahomes proceeded to throw incomplete on three straight plays and the Bills, in desperate need of a win, escaped with a 20-17 victory.Meanwhile, it was another brutal loss for the Chiefs (8-5), who have lost four of their past six.An especially tough way for Toney to end his night. He also dropped an easy pass earlier in the game when Kansas City was driving for points.The loss didn't rest entirely upon Toney's shoulders, though.The Chiefs have been beating themselves with penalties and turnovers most of the season, and that was the case again on Sunday They were flagged seven times for 45 yards — that 5-yarder on Toney the one that everyone will remember — while Mahomes was picked off on a batted ball and Rashee Rice fumbled the ball away late in the third quarter.Mahomes finished with 271 yards passing and a touchdown with an interception Sunday, though he was pressured all day by a healthy Buffalo pass rush. Rice had seven catches for 72 yards and the score.Kelce finished with six catches for 83 yards.Though, there were too many mistakes for a team with too many deficiencies to overcome.In years past, the Chiefs seemed as if they could win no matter what. And proof often came at the expense of the Bills. There was that 38-24 victory in the AFC championship game a few years ago, and the 42-36 overtime win in the divisional round the following year, when the Chiefs needed a mere 13 seconds to get within range for the tying field goal in regulation.It looked as if there would be more of that magic Sunday until 80,000 fans in Arrowhead Stadium spotted a flag on the field.Then, the game looked like so many have this season for the Chiefs.Kansas City, who's now only one game ahead of Denver in the AFC West, and now the No. 3 seed in the AFC, go to New England Sunday for a noon central time kickoff.The game will be carried on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3) and Q Country 92.7 FM in St. Joseph.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702259537122.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) laterals to teammate Kadarius Toney, not seen, as Buffalo Bills cornerback Cam Lewis (39) defends during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. Toney ran the ball into the end zone, but the play was nullified by an offside penalty by Toney. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)." />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) laterals to teammate Kadarius Toney, not seen, as Buffalo Bills cornerback Cam Lewis (39) defends during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. Toney ran the ball into the end zone, but the play was nullified by an offside penalty by Toney. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga).</figcaption>
 </figure>

Chiefs have go-ahead TD called back by penalty, fall 20-17 to Buffalo Sunday

HAYS, KS - The Missouri Western women's basketball team overcame what was once an 11-point deficit in the first half and made big plays down the stretch in a 61-58 win over No. 18 Fort Hays State in Hays, Kansas on Saturday.

The Griffons (6-3, 2-2 MIAA) made 9-of-21 attempts from three and outscored the Tigers (7-1, 3-1 MIAA) 37-27 in the second half.

Connie Clarke led Missouri Western with 18 points, seven rebounds and four steals.

Johnni Gonzalez turned in a season-high 11 points to go with seven boards and four steals. Brionna Budgets and Mackenzie Hart both added 10 points.

Missouri Western withstood a stellar performance from Hays' first-team all-conference guard Katie Wagner, who put up 28 points and 14 rebounds.

Hays' Olivia Hollenbeck also had a double-double, scoring 10 points and grabbing 11 rebounds.

Missouri Western scored 16 points off of 14 Hays turnovers. They also held the Tigers to just 33.9% shooting, including 3-of-16 from three.

The Missouri Western women have now won each of their last three games played at Hays' Gross Memorial Coliseum. Griffons' head coach Candi Whitaker has now beaten a ranked Hays team four times since her first season in 2019-20.

Griffon men get stifled early, fall big at Fort Hays State

It seemed like it'd be a manageable fight for the Missouri Western men at first.

Fort Hays State essentially clawed their way to a 15-7 lead with 10:15 left in the first half.

Suddenly, the Griffons looked up, and were down 30-8 with 4:29 remaining before halftime.

Missouri Western (7-2, 2-2 MIAA) was unable to really make a dent from that point, as Hays rolled to a 73-49 win on Saturday afternoon at Gross Memorial Coliseum.

Hays is ranked No. 1 in NCAA Division II in scoring defense, holding teams to 56.6 points per contest. They held Western to a season-low scoring output, and the Griffs shot only 32% from the field.

Missouri Western also committed 19 turnovers, while Hays had only seven. The Tigers also dominated points in the paint 34-16.

JaRon Thames was the lone Griffon in double figures with 11 points. Zion Swader had eight and Taye Fields had seven.

Elijah Nnanabu led Hays with 17 points, seven rebounds and seven steals. Shaun Riley scored 15 off the bench for the Tigers.

The Missouri Western men have lost each of their last three games played at Hays. Each of those times, they've been held to 49 points or less.

The Griffon men and women are back in St. Joseph to face Emporia State Thursday. The women play at 5:30, the men at 7:30. The games will be at Civic Arena and will be carried live on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702185347447.jpeg" alt="Stock photo by Derek Zimmerman-Guyer." />
 <figcaption>Stock photo by Derek Zimmerman-Guyer.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostHAYS, KS - The Missouri Western women's basketball team overcame what was once an 11-point deficit in the first half and made big plays down the stretch in a 61-58 win over No. 18 Fort Hays State in Hays, Kansas on Saturday.The Griffons (6-3, 2-2 MIAA) made 9-of-21 attempts from three and outscored the Tigers (7-1, 3-1 MIAA) 37-27 in the second half.Connie Clarke led Missouri Western with 18 points, seven rebounds and four steals.Johnni Gonzalez turned in a season-high 11 points to go with seven boards and four steals. Brionna Budgets and Mackenzie Hart both added 10 points.Missouri Western withstood a stellar performance from Hays' first-team all-conference guard Katie Wagner, who put up 28 points and 14 rebounds.Hays' Olivia Hollenbeck also had a double-double, scoring 10 points and grabbing 11 rebounds.Missouri Western scored 16 points off of 14 Hays turnovers. They also held the Tigers to just 33.9% shooting, including 3-of-16 from three.The Missouri Western women have now won each of their last three games played at Hays' Gross Memorial Coliseum. Griffons' head coach Candi Whitaker has now beaten a ranked Hays team four times since her first season in 2019-20.Candi Whitaker postgame<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/Candi-Whitaker---FHSU-postgame---12923-e2d24s7/a-aanih9g" 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--Fort-Hays-State---12923-e2d24sq/a-aanihcu" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>Griffon men get stifled early, fall big at Fort Hays StateIt seemed like it'd be a manageable fight for the Missouri Western men at first.Fort Hays State essentially clawed their way to a 15-7 lead with 10:15 left in the first half.Suddenly, the Griffons looked up, and were down 30-8 with 4:29 remaining before halftime.Missouri Western (7-2, 2-2 MIAA) was unable to really make a dent from that point, as Hays rolled to a 73-49 win on Saturday afternoon at Gross Memorial Coliseum.Hays is ranked No. 1 in NCAA Division II in scoring defense, holding teams to 56.6 points per contest. They held Western to a season-low scoring output, and the Griffs shot only 32% from the field.Missouri Western also committed 19 turnovers, while Hays had only seven. The Tigers also dominated points in the paint 34-16.JaRon Thames was the lone Griffon in double figures with 11 points. Zion Swader had eight and Taye Fields had seven.Elijah Nnanabu led Hays with 17 points, seven rebounds and seven steals. Shaun Riley scored 15 off the bench for the Tigers.The Missouri Western men have lost each of their last three games played at Hays. Each of those times, they've been held to 49 points or less.The Griffon men and women are back in St. Joseph to face Emporia State Thursday. The women play at 5:30, the men at 7:30. The games will be at Civic Arena and will be carried live on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3).<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/Will-Martin---FHSU-postgame---12923-e2d24v3/a-aanihkb" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

MWSU women's basketball knocks off Hays, Griffon men struggle against Tigers

Kansas State broke a close game wide open in the third quarter
of the inaugural Bill Snyder Classic at the Civic Arena, defeating Missouri
84-56.

K-State dominated after halftime, outscoring Mizzou 36-12 in
the third quarter, cruising the rest of the way for the win.

It was a homecoming for K-State Head Coach Jeff Mittie, who
began his coaching career at Missouri Western State University.

“It goes without saying that St. Joe means a lot to me,
because I went to school here and I coached here and there are a lot of friends
and family and ex-players here,” Mittie tells reporters during the media
availability after the game. “So, that was fun as well. But, if the event’s run
poorly those things don’t matter. This has been run very well, so I appreciate
that.”

Mittie says he tried to keep the weekend as normal as
possible, but says he saw a lot of old friends and former players.

The Civic Arena was packed for the game with 3,500 in attendance
for the Saturday night match.

“A lot of K-State fans. A lot of Mizzou fans. I think it was a
good atmosphere,” Mittie says. “You look up and see very few open seats. I
mean, that’s what you want to play in front of. I think the venue’s really,
really good for basketball.”

Missouri Head Coach Robin Pingeton also praised the classic.

“I think it was a very well-run organization,” Pingeton says. “Very
impressed with everything that they’ve done. It was first class from top to
bottom.”

Pingeton says the classic was attractive to her program, because
it gave it a chance to play a good basketball team near the greater Kansas City
area, which is a natural recruiting hotbed for both teams.

Mittie wasn’t the only member of the K-State squad that had a
homecoming.

Junior Serena Sundell is from Maryville and says it was thrill
to hear the crowd when she was introduced.

“It’s special to come back to this town and just have so many
people from Maryville and St. Joe; there’s girls that I was seeing that were
from East Buch and Benton, just young girls that are looking up to me and this
team and women’s college basketball,” Sundell tells reporters. “So, just to be
able to come back to St. Joe and play for them is really special and I’ll never
forget this game.”

K-State Center Ayoka Lee led all scorers with 28. MU was led
by Abby Feit and Heyley Frank, who had 13 each.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702181326420.jpeg" alt="Kansas State Coach Jeff Mittie gestures at the sideline during the Bill Snyder Classic at the Civic Arena in St. Joseph/Photo by Brent Martin " />
 <figcaption>Kansas State Coach Jeff Mittie gestures at the sideline during the Bill Snyder Classic at the Civic Arena in St. Joseph/Photo by Brent Martin </figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostKansas State broke a close game wide open in the third quarter
of the inaugural Bill Snyder Classic at the Civic Arena, defeating Missouri
84-56.K-State dominated after halftime, outscoring Mizzou 36-12 in
the third quarter, cruising the rest of the way for the win.It was a homecoming for K-State Head Coach Jeff Mittie, who
began his coaching career at Missouri Western State University.“It goes without saying that St. Joe means a lot to me,
because I went to school here and I coached here and there are a lot of friends
and family and ex-players here,” Mittie tells reporters during the media
availability after the game. “So, that was fun as well. But, if the event’s run
poorly those things don’t matter. This has been run very well, so I appreciate
that.”Mittie says he tried to keep the weekend as normal as
possible, but says he saw a lot of old friends and former players.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702181460139.jpeg" alt="Former K-State Football Coach Bill Snyder prepares to bring out the game ball, waiting with St. Joseph Sports Commission Dir. Brett Esely./Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Former K-State Football Coach Bill Snyder prepares to bring out the game ball, waiting with St. Joseph Sports Commission Dir. Brett Esely./Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>The Civic Arena was packed for the game with 3,500 in attendance
for the Saturday night match.Mittie says it was a fun event.“A lot of K-State fans. A lot of Mizzou fans. I think it was a
good atmosphere,” Mittie says. “You look up and see very few open seats. I
mean, that’s what you want to play in front of. I think the venue’s really,
really good for basketball.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702181587960.jpeg" alt="MU Coach Robin Pingeton directs from the sidelines./Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>MU Coach Robin Pingeton directs from the sidelines./Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>Missouri Head Coach Robin Pingeton also praised the classic.“I think it was a very well-run organization,” Pingeton says. “Very
impressed with everything that they’ve done. It was first class from top to
bottom.”Pingeton says the classic was attractive to her program, because
it gave it a chance to play a good basketball team near the greater Kansas City
area, which is a natural recruiting hotbed for both teams.Mittie wasn’t the only member of the K-State squad that had a
homecoming.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702181752666.jpeg" alt="K-State Guard, Maryville native, Serena Sundell/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>K-State Guard, Maryville native, Serena Sundell/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>Junior Serena Sundell is from Maryville and says it was thrill
to hear the crowd when she was introduced.“It’s special to come back to this town and just have so many
people from Maryville and St. Joe; there’s girls that I was seeing that were
from East Buch and Benton, just young girls that are looking up to me and this
team and women’s college basketball,” Sundell tells reporters. “So, just to be
able to come back to St. Joe and play for them is really special and I’ll never
forget this game.”Sundell scored 11 on 4-for-8 shooting.K-State Center Ayoka Lee led all scorers with 28. MU was led
by Abby Feit and Heyley Frank, who had 13 each.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702181882510.jpeg" alt="Sundell directs traffic./Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Sundell directs traffic./Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>

K-State dominates MU in 3rd quarter, cruises to win in Bill Snyder Classic

The last time Jeff Mittie was the head coach in a college basketball game played in St. Joseph, Missouri, it was March 4, 1995. Some 10,506 days ago.

The Missouri Western women’s basketball team hosted Washburn for the MIAA tournament championship. The Griffons beat the Ichabods, 76-62.

After leading MWSU to a third place finish in the NCAA tournament that year, Mittie was the head coach at Division I Arkansas State by the following season.

He went to TCU in 1999 and since 2014, Mittie has been the head coach of Kansas State women's basketball.

Nearly 29 years after that MIAA championship run with the Griffons, Mittie returns to the sideline in St. Joseph - to Civic Arena, where his 13th-ranked and 8-1 Wildcats will play 7-3 Mizzou in a regular season, non-conference matchup on Saturday.

Mittie, a Blue Springs native, looks forward to this homecoming of sorts.

"It's definitely unique," Mittie told KFEQ Radio. "Yeah, excited to be a part of it. Been a long time since I coached a game in St. Joe. That'll be fun. We'll get to see some friends, family, ex-players, all of the above."

Mittie was Missouri Western’s head women’s basketball coach from 1992-95. He amassed 76 wins, two MIAA regular season titles, an MIAA tournament title and two NCAA Elite Eight appearances.

Mittie was inducted into the Missouri Western Athletics Hall of Fame in 2011 and he received the Distinguished Alumni Award from the University in 2016. Mittie got his undergrad degree from MWSU in 1989.

"It's always kind of cool to go back to where you went to school," Mittie remarked. "I think my players will probably be tired of me telling them, 'Hey, I used to do this. Hey, over here is this.' They may not even know. Shoot, they're so young, they may not be paying attention."

"But, I'll be excited to get back and see some familiar faces I haven't seen in awhile."

This game between K-State and Mizzou was announced back in May, and was dubbed as the inaugural “Bill Snyder Classic.”

It’s the brainchild of Brett Esely - director of the St. Joseph Sports Commission and former MWSU associate A.D. from 2007-2021.

Mittie says the connection with Esely made scheduling this game that much better.

"We've known Brett for a long time through the Missouri Western connection," he said. "Having said that, it still has to be the right fit, the right game, the right time. Everything kind of came together and it was."

The game is set for Saturday at 5 p.m. There’s a lot Mittie is looking forward to this weekend.

A chance for his Wildcats to play Mizzou for the first time in six years. A chance to see old friends and former players. A trip down memory lane.

Also, the chance to see <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/ac66de1b-f3d1-4fdd-a59e-8bb444e95a97">a revamped Civic Arena</a>, which got a much needed facelift over the last year or so - specifically to draw events like this.

"I have not been in the revamped convention center, so I'm kind of excited to see what they did with that and how that looks as well."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702065082411.jpeg" alt="Jeff Mittie's first year at Missouri Western was 1992-93. This is a photo of that team from that year's MWSU yearbook." />
 <figcaption>Jeff Mittie's first year at Missouri Western was 1992-93. This is a photo of that team from that year's MWSU yearbook.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe last time Jeff Mittie was the head coach in a college basketball game played in St. Joseph, Missouri, it was March 4, 1995. Some 10,506 days ago.The Missouri Western women’s basketball team hosted Washburn for the MIAA tournament championship. The Griffons beat the Ichabods, 76-62.After leading MWSU to a third place finish in the NCAA tournament that year, Mittie was the head coach at Division I Arkansas State by the following season.He went to TCU in 1999 and since 2014, Mittie has been the head coach of Kansas State women's basketball.Nearly 29 years after that MIAA championship run with the Griffons, Mittie returns to the sideline in St. Joseph - to Civic Arena, where his 13th-ranked and 8-1 Wildcats will play 7-3 Mizzou in a regular season, non-conference matchup on Saturday.Mittie, a Blue Springs native, looks forward to this homecoming of sorts."It's definitely unique," Mittie told KFEQ Radio. "Yeah, excited to be a part of it. Been a long time since I coached a game in St. Joe. That'll be fun. We'll get to see some friends, family, ex-players, all of the above."Mittie was Missouri Western’s head women’s basketball coach from 1992-95. He amassed 76 wins, two MIAA regular season titles, an MIAA tournament title and two NCAA Elite Eight appearances.Mittie was inducted into the Missouri Western Athletics Hall of Fame in 2011 and he received the Distinguished Alumni Award from the University in 2016. Mittie got his undergrad degree from MWSU in 1989."It's always kind of cool to go back to where you went to school," Mittie remarked. "I think my players will probably be tired of me telling them, 'Hey, I used to do this. Hey, over here is this.' They may not even know. Shoot, they're so young, they may not be paying attention.""But, I'll be excited to get back and see some familiar faces I haven't seen in awhile."This game between K-State and Mizzou was announced back in May, and was dubbed as the inaugural “Bill Snyder Classic.”It’s the brainchild of Brett Esely - director of the St. Joseph Sports Commission and former MWSU associate A.D. from 2007-2021.Mittie says the connection with Esely made scheduling this game that much better."We've known Brett for a long time through the Missouri Western connection," he said. "Having said that, it still has to be the right fit, the right game, the right time. Everything kind of came together and it was."The game is set for Saturday at 5 p.m. There’s a lot Mittie is looking forward to this weekend.A chance for his Wildcats to play Mizzou for the first time in six years. A chance to see old friends and former players. A trip down memory lane. Also, the chance to see <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/ac66de1b-f3d1-4fdd-a59e-8bb444e95a97">a revamped Civic Arena</a>, which got a much needed facelift over the last year or so - specifically to draw events like this."I have not been in the revamped convention center, so I'm kind of excited to see what they did with that and how that looks as well."<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/Jeff-Mittie---Kansas-State-WBB-coach-e2ctlq2/a-aan4h90" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702065148753.jpeg" alt="Jeff Mittie's 1994-95 Elite Eight team that finished third in the nation was inducted into the Missouri Western Athletics Hall of Fame in 2014." />
 <figcaption>Jeff Mittie's 1994-95 Elite Eight team that finished third in the nation was inducted into the Missouri Western Athletics Hall of Fame in 2014.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702065224232.jpeg" alt="Jeff Mittie picked up his 600th career win as a head coach last November after a season-opening win against Central Arkansas. Courtesy photo via K-State athletics." />
 <figcaption>Jeff Mittie picked up his 600th career win as a head coach last November after a season-opening win against Central Arkansas. Courtesy photo via K-State athletics.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Mittie excited for his return to St. Joseph as K-State WBB faces Mizzou at Civic

KEARNEY, NE - The Missouri Western women's basketball team held a lead for about five minutes of the first half and only trailed 28-24 at halftime.

However, Nebraska-Kearney (8-1, 2-1 MIAA) outscored the Griffons 48-30 in the second half and the Lopers rolled to a 76-54 win at the Health and Fitness Center in Kearney, Nebraska on Thursday night.

It all came undone for Missouri Western (5-3, 1-2 MIAA) in the third quarter, when UNK made five three-pointers and outscored the Griffs 28-15 in that period.

Kearney made seven threes in the second half after making just one in the first. Bailee Sobczak led four Lopers in double figures with 18 points. Jillian Aschoff dropped a double-double for UNK with 16 points and 12 rebounds.

Jayme Jackson led Missouri Western with 15 points. Connie Clarke had eight. The Griffons were outrebounded 44-34.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702013083850.jpeg" alt="Jayme Jackson (left) drives the ball in Thursday's game at Nebraska-Kearney. Photo by Derek Zimmerman-Guyer." />
 <figcaption>Jayme Jackson (left) drives the ball in Thursday's game at Nebraska-Kearney. Photo by Derek Zimmerman-Guyer.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostKEARNEY, NE - The Missouri Western women's basketball team held a lead for about five minutes of the first half and only trailed 28-24 at halftime.However, Nebraska-Kearney (8-1, 2-1 MIAA) outscored the Griffons 48-30 in the second half and the Lopers rolled to a 76-54 win at the Health and Fitness Center in Kearney, Nebraska on Thursday night.It all came undone for Missouri Western (5-3, 1-2 MIAA) in the third quarter, when UNK made five three-pointers and outscored the Griffs 28-15 in that period.Kearney made seven threes in the second half after making just one in the first. Bailee Sobczak led four Lopers in double figures with 18 points. Jillian Aschoff dropped a double-double for UNK with 16 points and 12 rebounds.Jayme Jackson led Missouri Western with 15 points. Connie Clarke had eight. The Griffons were outrebounded 44-34.UNK made 20-of-29 free throws Thursday. Missouri Western was just 2-of-5 at the stripe.The Griffon women have dropped each of their last seven regular season meetings played at Nebraska-Kearney.<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/Candi-Whitaker---UNK-postgame-12723-e2cvtvo" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>Griffon men fall on buzzer beater at Nebraska-Kearney Thursday<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702014634062.jpeg" alt="Taye Fields (13) tries to pass the ball to Julius Dixon during Thursday's game at Nebraska-Kearney. Photo by Derek Zimmerman-Guyer." />
 <figcaption>Taye Fields (13) tries to pass the ball to Julius Dixon during Thursday's game at Nebraska-Kearney. Photo by Derek Zimmerman-Guyer.</figcaption>
 </figure>The Missouri Western men kept pace with Nebraska-Kearney's hot shooting all night Thursday, knocking down 13 threes and tying the game nine times.Down eight with 1:52 to play, the Griffons rallied and tied it at 90-90, thanks to a left wing three by Zion Swader.But with 2.7 seconds still on the clock, Nebraska-Kearney's Damiri Lindo heaved a ball from midcourt at the buzzer, and knocked down the shot, lifting the Lopers to a stunning 93-90 win over the Griffons at the Health and Fitness Center.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://twitter.com/UNKMBB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UNKMBB</a> give Missouri Western their first loss of the year! Damiri Lindo from halfcourt at the buzzer! Lopers win 93-90! <a href="https://t.co/MhohF6S0Xv">pic.twitter.com/MhohF6S0Xv</a>&mdash; NCAA D2 Buzzer Beaters (@D2BuzzerBeaters) <a href="https://twitter.com/D2BuzzerBeaters/status/1732969186882695351?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Kearney (4-3, 2-1 MIAA) was a threat from long range all game, making 12 triples themselves. Lindo led the Lopers with 21 points. Taden King had 20.Julius Dixon led Missouri Western (7-1, 2-1 MIAA) with 28 points and 11 rebounds - a new career-high in scoring and his first career double-double. Swader turned in a career-high 27 points on four made three-pointers.Taye Fields turned in 16 points, nine rebounds, three assists and three blocks. JaRon Thames dropped 11 points and two steals.The game featured nine ties and five lead changes, but Missouri Western led for only 2:38 total and only 12 seconds of the second half.Kearney benefitted from 17 bench points. Missouri Western's points all came from the starting five.&nbsp;Both Griffon teams are on the road Saturday to face Fort Hays State. The women's game is at 2, the men's game follows at 4. Both will be on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3).The Hays women (7-0) beat Northwest Missouri State 62-48 Thursday. The Hays men (6-2) beat the 17th-ranked Bearcat men, 57-49, on Thursday as well.<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/Will-Martin---UNK-postgame-12723-e2cvtmp/a-aanbe9i" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.