Senior Ty Hilsabeck threw nine strikeouts in a complete game and held Lafayette without a hit in a 2-1 victory for Savannah at Phil Welch Stadium on a breezy Tuesday afternoon.

The last time these MEC foes met, Lafayette ended Savannah's season with a 7-0 defeat in the district championship at Lathrop last May.

"It felt good," Hilsabeck said of the victory. "We owed Lafayette after kicking us out last year. So, it felt good to get 'em."

Lafayette's lone run came in the bottom of the second inning when senior Xavion Page got on with a leadoff walk. He stole second and made it home on groundout sacrifices from Brendon Bushong and Drake Losson, giving the Irish an early 1-0 lead.

Lafayette only had three baserunners in the game's final five innings - a walk, an error and a hit batter. Hilsabeck put the Irish down in order in the bottom of the seventh to seal the deal.

"He did a great job of keeping them off balance," Savannah coach Erich Bodenhausen said of Hilsabeck's performance. "He really pounded the strike zone and he's not even in midseason form yet. So, he's only going to get better as we go through this."

Offensively, Savannah notched seven hits and got on the board in the top of the fourth. Sophomore Wyatt Jackson led off the frame with a single up the middle. Junior Ethan Dudeck followed that up with a walk.

In the next at-bat, senior Ethan Dennis singled hard down the right field line, scoring both runners and putting Savannah up 2-1.

Savannah (7-1) notched a hit in five different innings, but stranded 10 total runners and left bases loaded in both the second and sixth innings.

"We didn't get any timely hits," Bodenhausen said. "We came out on Saturday (against Central) and scored a whole bunch of runs. Yesterday (against Plattsburg) and today, we came out and we had to scratch out everything we got. But, that's the way baseball is and that's why it's fun."

At the end of the day, Savannah has won five straight, and has played eight total games, while most teams in the area have only played 2-4 thus far.

"We're feeling good," Hilsabeck said. "We need to keep scoring runs to put pressure on people, because I'm sure they're going to be coming after us."

Savannah is home to Cameron Thursday, while Lafayette is at Maryville on the same day.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648600856083.jpeg" alt="Ty Hilsabeck. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Ty Hilsabeck. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostSenior Ty Hilsabeck threw nine strikeouts in a complete game and held Lafayette without a hit in a 2-1 victory for Savannah at Phil Welch Stadium on a breezy Tuesday afternoon.The last time these MEC foes met, Lafayette ended Savannah's season with a 7-0 defeat in the district championship at Lathrop last May."It felt good," Hilsabeck said of the victory. "We owed Lafayette after kicking us out last year. So, it felt good to get 'em."Lafayette's lone run came in the bottom of the second inning when senior Xavion Page got on with a leadoff walk. He stole second and made it home on groundout sacrifices from Brendon Bushong and Drake Losson, giving the Irish an early 1-0 lead.Lafayette only had three baserunners in the game's final five innings - a walk, an error and a hit batter. Hilsabeck put the Irish down in order in the bottom of the seventh to seal the deal."He did a great job of keeping them off balance," Savannah coach Erich Bodenhausen said of Hilsabeck's performance. "He really pounded the strike zone and he's not even in midseason form yet. So, he's only going to get better as we go through this."Offensively, Savannah notched seven hits and got on the board in the top of the fourth. Sophomore Wyatt Jackson led off the frame with a single up the middle. Junior Ethan Dudeck followed that up with a walk.In the next at-bat, senior Ethan Dennis singled hard down the right field line, scoring both runners and putting Savannah up 2-1.Savannah (7-1) notched a hit in five different innings, but stranded 10 total runners and left bases loaded in both the second and sixth innings."We didn't get any timely hits," Bodenhausen said. "We came out on Saturday (against Central) and scored a whole bunch of runs. Yesterday (against Plattsburg) and today, we came out and we had to scratch out everything we got. But, that's the way baseball is and that's why it's fun."At the end of the day, Savannah has won five straight, and has played eight total games, while most teams in the area have only played 2-4 thus far."We're feeling good," Hilsabeck said. "We need to keep scoring runs to put pressure on people, because I'm sure they're going to be coming after us."Savannah is home to Cameron Thursday, while Lafayette is at Maryville on the same day.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648600909998.jpeg" alt="Parker Brayley." />
 <figcaption>Parker Brayley.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648600932405.jpeg" alt="Drake Losson." />
 <figcaption>Drake Losson.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Hilsabeck throws no-hitter, Savannah edges Lafayette in defensive battle Tuesday

&nbsp;Nominations for the second annual St. Joseph Area Sports Hall of Fame induction class have been coming in steadily since the first class was enshrined last September.

Now, the St. Joseph Sports Commission is encouraging everyone to get their submissions in for this year's class by Thursday, March 31.

Brett Esely, director of the St. Joseph Sports Commission for the St. Joseph Convention and Visitors Bureau, says nominations will be taken all year round, even if submitted after the 31st.

He says there's about 50 combined individuals and teams who have already been nominated and are in the database.

"That submission window is open 365 days a year," Esely said. "So, if you submitted somebody in the middle of the summertime, that nomination would go right into our database and that person would be eligible for next year."

Anyone is eligible to nominate an individual or team, and those nominations are active for five years. A nomination form can be filled out <a href="https://stjomo.com/stjosephsportscommission/">online here</a>.

People can also pick up a nomination packet from the St. Joseph CVB's main office at 911 Frederick Avenue during regular business hours.

Nominees must either be born in Buchanan County, accomplish their sports feat in the county or be contributing to sports in the county at the present time.

Esely says starting the Hall of Fame induction process last year drew a lot of attention to sports achievements in the area that may have been forgotten about, or just not as well known.

"We wanted people to not only take note about our inaugural class," Esely pointed out, "but we were hoping people would say, 'Well, golly. I know an individual that's worthy of nomination, or I know a team.' In some cases, those inductions were folks or accomplishments that we knew about. But, in some cases they were folks or accomplishments that we didn't know about, and that's why it's so crucial."&nbsp;

Nominees will be considered but not limited to athletes, teams, coaches, administrators, officials and referees, media members, sports medicine, trainers, support staff and beyond.

The second Hall of Fame Class will consist of up to ten individuals and one team. The enshrinement ceremony is set for September at the Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center in St. Joseph.

Esely says the exact date is to be determined, but it'll be on a Sunday and it will depend on the Chiefs schedule, which will be announced along with the rest of the NFL schedule in either late April or early May.

"What Friday or Saturday evening at any time of year, let alone in the fall," Esely asked, "are you going to find a date that the schedule works for almost everyone involved? So, we found that Sunday worked very well last year."

Esely, who was integral in starting the St. Joseph Sports Hall of Fame in November 2020, says having this Hall of Fame and annual enshrinement ceremony are critical for preserving the history of sports achievements in the city and county.

"Our sports history in St. Joseph and Buchanan County stretches 150-200 years," Esely said. "There's a lot of that history that's obvious, but realistically, there's a lot more of that history that's not obvious."

The 2022 St. Joseph Sports Hall of Fame Class will be announced in early-mid June.

Last year's inaugural St. Joseph Sports Hall of Fame class included Lafayette graduate and legendary Kansas State football coach Bill Snyder, Benton graduate, Nebraska football legend and former Carolina Panther Mike Rucker, MLB veteran and Central alum Byron Browne, two-time Olympic team weightlifter and Benton alum Wes Barnett, and more.

<a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/174bd76a-6fa7-450f-aad6-afe6633e91d2">The full 2021 class can be seen here.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648580960759.jpeg" alt="Brett Esely, director of the St. Joseph Sports Commission, announces the first ever St. Joseph Sports Hall of Fame Class in June 2021. Stock photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Brett Esely, director of the St. Joseph Sports Commission, announces the first ever St. Joseph Sports Hall of Fame Class in June 2021. Stock photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph Post&nbsp;Nominations for the second annual St. Joseph Area Sports Hall of Fame induction class have been coming in steadily since the first class was enshrined last September.Now, the St. Joseph Sports Commission is encouraging everyone to get their submissions in for this year's class by Thursday, March 31.Brett Esely, director of the St. Joseph Sports Commission for the St. Joseph Convention and Visitors Bureau, says nominations will be taken all year round, even if submitted after the 31st.He says there's about 50 combined individuals and teams who have already been nominated and are in the database."That submission window is open 365 days a year," Esely said. "So, if you submitted somebody in the middle of the summertime, that nomination would go right into our database and that person would be eligible for next year."Anyone is eligible to nominate an individual or team, and those nominations are active for five years. A nomination form can be filled out <a href="https://stjomo.com/stjosephsportscommission/">online here</a>.People can also pick up a nomination packet from the St. Joseph CVB's main office at 911 Frederick Avenue during regular business hours.Nominees must either be born in Buchanan County, accomplish their sports feat in the county or be contributing to sports in the county at the present time.Esely says starting the Hall of Fame induction process last year drew a lot of attention to sports achievements in the area that may have been forgotten about, or just not as well known."We wanted people to not only take note about our inaugural class," Esely pointed out, "but we were hoping people would say, 'Well, golly. I know an individual that's worthy of nomination, or I know a team.' In some cases, those inductions were folks or accomplishments that we knew about. But, in some cases they were folks or accomplishments that we didn't know about, and that's why it's so crucial."&nbsp;Nominees will be considered but not limited to athletes, teams, coaches, administrators, officials and referees, media members, sports medicine, trainers, support staff and beyond.The second Hall of Fame Class will consist of up to ten individuals and one team. The enshrinement ceremony is set for September at the Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center in St. Joseph.Esely says the exact date is to be determined, but it'll be on a Sunday and it will depend on the Chiefs schedule, which will be announced along with the rest of the NFL schedule in either late April or early May."What Friday or Saturday evening at any time of year, let alone in the fall," Esely asked, "are you going to find a date that the schedule works for almost everyone involved? So, we found that Sunday worked very well last year."Esely, who was integral in starting the St. Joseph Sports Hall of Fame in November 2020, says having this Hall of Fame and annual enshrinement ceremony are critical for preserving the history of sports achievements in the city and county."Our sports history in St. Joseph and Buchanan County stretches 150-200 years," Esely said. "There's a lot of that history that's obvious, but realistically, there's a lot more of that history that's not obvious."The 2022 St. Joseph Sports Hall of Fame Class will be announced in early-mid June.Last year's inaugural St. Joseph Sports Hall of Fame class included Lafayette graduate and legendary Kansas State football coach Bill Snyder, Benton graduate, Nebraska football legend and former Carolina Panther Mike Rucker, MLB veteran and Central alum Byron Browne, two-time Olympic team weightlifter and Benton alum Wes Barnett, and more.<a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/174bd76a-6fa7-450f-aad6-afe6633e91d2">The full 2021 class can be seen here.</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648582771433.jpeg" alt="The Meierhoffer/St. Joseph Casino Fastpitch Softball Team from 1997-2003 was inducted into the inaugural St. Joseph Sports Hall of Fame Class last September. " />
 <figcaption>The Meierhoffer/St. Joseph Casino Fastpitch Softball Team from 1997-2003 was inducted into the inaugural St. Joseph Sports Hall of Fame Class last September. </figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Nominations for 2022 St. Joseph Sports Hall of Fame Class due Thursday

It was an all around busy day of spring sports across the area Monday.

Baseball St. Joseph Central 9 Truman 3 Maryville 4 Benton 3 Savannah 4 Plattsburg 3 St. Joseph Christian 13 Rock Port 2 South Harrison 15 North Andrew 5 East Buchanan 14 Pembroke Hill 0 East Atchison 5 South Holt 3 Stewartsville-Osborn 14 North Nodaway 4 Northeast Nodaway 19 DeKalb 3 Platte Valley 14 Nodaway Valley 4

Girls’ soccer Lafayette 2 Atchison, KS 1 - OT Platte County 2 St. Joseph Central 1 Savannah 2 Benton 1

Boys’ golf Lafayette took first in a triangular with Benton and East Buchanan at Fairview Golf Course with a team score of 179, winning by 48 strokes. Connor Zeit was the tournament medalist for Lafayette, shooting a 41.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648554151220.jpeg" alt="Stock photo." />
 <figcaption>Stock photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostIt was an all around busy day of spring sports across the area Monday.Baseball St. Joseph Central 9 Truman 3 Maryville 4 Benton 3 Savannah 4 Plattsburg 3 St. Joseph Christian 13 Rock Port 2 South Harrison 15 North Andrew 5 East Buchanan 14 Pembroke Hill 0 East Atchison 5 South Holt 3 Stewartsville-Osborn 14 North Nodaway 4 Northeast Nodaway 19 DeKalb 3 Platte Valley 14 Nodaway Valley 4Girls’ soccer Lafayette 2 Atchison, KS 1 - OT Platte County 2 St. Joseph Central 1 Savannah 2 Benton 1Boys’ golf Lafayette took first in a triangular with Benton and East Buchanan at Fairview Golf Course with a team score of 179, winning by 48 strokes. Connor Zeit was the tournament medalist for Lafayette, shooting a 41.

KFEQ/St. Joseph Post area high school scoreboard - March 28, 2022

The Northwest Missouri State men's basketball team made history Saturday, becoming the first program in NCAA Division II history to produce three consecutive national championships with a 67-58 victory over the Augusta (33-4) at the Ford Center in Evansville, Indiana. Junior guard Trevor&nbsp;Hudgins&nbsp;put the Bearcats on his back with a game-high 31 points in what was likely his final game in a Northwest uniform.

His 31 points also gives him 2,829 in his career - the new Division II career scoring record. His 168 made three-pointers this season are also a new DII record, as Hudgins is now 17-0 in NCAA tournament games.

The Bearcat bench also provided a spark on both ends of the floor Saturday, outscoring the Augusta bench 19-4.

Northwest (34-5), which won its last 11 games in a row to end the season, captured their third straight national championship, and fourth in five years. Augusta used the post play of their 7-1 center Tyshaun&nbsp;Crawford to build an 18-12 lead eight minutes into the contest. The Bearcats hit the Jaguars with an 11-2 run which included a pair of three-pointers from&nbsp;Hudgins&nbsp;that gave Northwest a 23-20 lead with 6:40 remaining in the half.

Hudgins&nbsp;tallied 22 first-half points, including four three-pointers. The Bearcats closed the first half on a 27-10 scoring run to take a 39-28 lead into the locker room. Northwest started the second half on fire, as Hudgins' fifth made three put the Bearcats up 52-34 with 13:47 remaining.

Augusta, which saw a 19-game winning streak snapped Saturday, answered with a 10-0 run, but Luke Waters had a critical bucket with 6:54 left to give Northwest a 54-44 lead. The Jaguars kept coming, however, and trimmed the Bearcat lead to 57-56 with 2:36 to play.&nbsp;Hudgins&nbsp;sank a pair of free throws with 2:24 left to put the Bearcats back up 59-56.

Eventually, Northwest got enough stops and made enough free throws to lead 64-56 with 45.6 remaining. Mitch Mascari produced 11 points and four rebounds, while Waters added 12 points and three steals.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648391001831.jpeg" alt="Courtesy Northwest Missouri State athletics." />
 <figcaption>Courtesy Northwest Missouri State athletics.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe Northwest Missouri State men's basketball team made history Saturday, becoming the first program in NCAA Division II history to produce three consecutive national championships with a 67-58 victory over the Augusta (33-4) at the Ford Center in Evansville, Indiana. Junior guard Trevor&nbsp;Hudgins&nbsp;put the Bearcats on his back with a game-high 31 points in what was likely his final game in a Northwest uniform.His 31 points also gives him 2,829 in his career - the new Division II career scoring record. His 168 made three-pointers this season are also a new DII record, as Hudgins is now 17-0 in NCAA tournament games.The Bearcat bench also provided a spark on both ends of the floor Saturday, outscoring the Augusta bench 19-4.Northwest (34-5), which won its last 11 games in a row to end the season, captured their third straight national championship, and fourth in five years. Augusta used the post play of their 7-1 center Tyshaun&nbsp;Crawford to build an 18-12 lead eight minutes into the contest. The Bearcats hit the Jaguars with an 11-2 run which included a pair of three-pointers from&nbsp;Hudgins&nbsp;that gave Northwest a 23-20 lead with 6:40 remaining in the half.Hudgins&nbsp;tallied 22 first-half points, including four three-pointers. The Bearcats closed the first half on a 27-10 scoring run to take a 39-28 lead into the locker room. Northwest started the second half on fire, as Hudgins' fifth made three put the Bearcats up 52-34 with 13:47 remaining.Augusta, which saw a 19-game winning streak snapped Saturday, answered with a 10-0 run, but Luke Waters had a critical bucket with 6:54 left to give Northwest a 54-44 lead. The Jaguars kept coming, however, and trimmed the Bearcat lead to 57-56 with 2:36 to play.&nbsp;Hudgins&nbsp;sank a pair of free throws with 2:24 left to put the Bearcats back up 59-56.Eventually, Northwest got enough stops and made enough free throws to lead 64-56 with 45.6 remaining. Mitch Mascari produced 11 points and four rebounds, while Waters added 12 points and three steals.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Northwest makes history, Bearcats claim third straight national title

The Northwest Missouri State men’s basketball team (33-5) will play for its third straight national title and its fourth in five years Saturday as the Bearcats get set to face Augusta for the Division II men’s basketball national championship at the Ford Center in Evansville, Indiana.

Tip-off is set for 2 p.m. and the game will be televised nationally on CBS. The Bearcats are back in the title game after a 70-57 win over Black Hills State in Thursday’s Final Four game.

Northwest is 33-5 - the most losses they’ve taken in six years and they also lost back-to-back games in the regular season this year for the first time since 2015. Northwest head coach Ben McCollum says despite some doubts, he felt like this group was capable of doing something special.

"I don't think anything was ever wrong with us," McCollum said after Thursday's game. "I've said it before, we're not the 2021 Bearcats. There's a whole new story, and there's only one of us. It's our story and we're writing it and it's a special story."

Sophomore Luke Waters, who scored a team-high 17 points on Thursday, says getting back to this point speaks volumes to the work ethic and tradition of their program.

"It's amazing," Waters remarked. "It speaks to Mac (McCollum), it speaks to this group and our resiliency. We were challenged this year. It hasn't been easy one bit. The fact that we have the opportunity to compete for a national championship and a title game, it speaks to our team and our program honestly."

Northwest faces an Augusta team that’s 33-3 overall and winners of 19 straight games. This will mark the first ever meeting between the two programs.

Northwest has won 16 straight NCAA tournament games going in, meaning Diego Bernard and Trevor Hudgins have never lost in the NCAA tournament in their college careers.

Northwest will try and be the first men's basketball program in DII history to win three straight national titles.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648241267499.jpeg" alt="The Northwest Missouri State men's basketball team celebrates after winning a national championship over West Texas A&amp;M in 2021. Stock photo." />
 <figcaption>The Northwest Missouri State men's basketball team celebrates after winning a national championship over West Texas A&amp;M in 2021. Stock photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe Northwest Missouri State men’s basketball team (33-5) will play for its third straight national title and its fourth in five years Saturday as the Bearcats get set to face Augusta for the Division II men’s basketball national championship at the Ford Center in Evansville, Indiana.Tip-off is set for 2 p.m. and the game will be televised nationally on CBS. The Bearcats are back in the title game after a 70-57 win over Black Hills State in Thursday’s Final Four game.Northwest is 33-5 - the most losses they’ve taken in six years and they also lost back-to-back games in the regular season this year for the first time since 2015. Northwest head coach Ben McCollum says despite some doubts, he felt like this group was capable of doing something special."I don't think anything was ever wrong with us," McCollum said after Thursday's game. "I've said it before, we're not the 2021 Bearcats. There's a whole new story, and there's only one of us. It's our story and we're writing it and it's a special story."Sophomore Luke Waters, who scored a team-high 17 points on Thursday, says getting back to this point speaks volumes to the work ethic and tradition of their program."It's amazing," Waters remarked. "It speaks to Mac (McCollum), it speaks to this group and our resiliency. We were challenged this year. It hasn't been easy one bit. The fact that we have the opportunity to compete for a national championship and a title game, it speaks to our team and our program honestly."Northwest faces an Augusta team that’s 33-3 overall and winners of 19 straight games. This will mark the first ever meeting between the two programs.Northwest has won 16 straight NCAA tournament games going in, meaning Diego Bernard and Trevor Hudgins have never lost in the NCAA tournament in their college careers.Northwest will try and be the first men's basketball program in DII history to win three straight national titles.You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Northwest seeks third straight national title against Augusta Saturday

After contract negotiations on an extension fell through, the Kansas City Chiefs have parted ways with wide receiver Tyreek Hill.&nbsp;

Several reports surfaced through the day on Wednesday, stemming all the way from Hill's agents being given permission to seek a trade, to teams being interested, and finally to the packages being offered, until ultimately Hill was traded.&nbsp;&nbsp;

While the New York Jets and Miami Dolphins were the teams that emerged as the top suitors for the Pro Bowl wide receiver, it was the Dolphins that came out on top.

Miami sent a first round pick (Pick 29), a second round pick (Pick 50), and a fourth round pick in the 2022 Draft, as well as a fourth and sixth round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft to Kansas City for Hill.

Hill was instantly greeted in Miami with the contract extension he was seeking, signing a four year deal worth $120 Million with $72.2 Million guaranteed.&nbsp; The deal averages the $30 Million that reports earlier in the day said Hill was seeking.

The departure of Hill leaves a noticeable gap in the Chiefs offense, even with the signing earlier this week of receiver Juju Smith-Schuster.&nbsp; Kansas City's wide receivers now include Smith-Schuster, Mecole Hardman, Josh Gordon, Justin Watson, Cornell Powell, Gehrig Dieter, and Corey Coleman.

Now former teammates of Hill's reacted to the trade, including Hardman and running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire.

The Chiefs will now seek to replace Hill, whether that be through free agency or the draft that begins on April 28th.&nbsp; Reports surfaced prior to the Hill trade that former Green Bay Packers receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling was visiting Kansas City on Wednesday, no contract was imminent for Valdes-Scantling.

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostAfter contract negotiations on an extension fell through, the Kansas City Chiefs have parted ways with wide receiver Tyreek Hill.&nbsp;Several reports surfaced through the day on Wednesday, stemming all the way from Hill's agents being given permission to seek a trade, to teams being interested, and finally to the packages being offered, until ultimately Hill was traded.&nbsp;&nbsp;While the New York Jets and Miami Dolphins were the teams that emerged as the top suitors for the Pro Bowl wide receiver, it was the Dolphins that came out on top.Miami sent a first round pick (Pick 29), a second round pick (Pick 50), and a fourth round pick in the 2022 Draft, as well as a fourth and sixth round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft to Kansas City for Hill.Hill was instantly greeted in Miami with the contract extension he was seeking, signing a four year deal worth $120 Million with $72.2 Million guaranteed.&nbsp; The deal averages the $30 Million that reports earlier in the day said Hill was seeking.The departure of Hill leaves a noticeable gap in the Chiefs offense, even with the signing earlier this week of receiver Juju Smith-Schuster.&nbsp; Kansas City's wide receivers now include Smith-Schuster, Mecole Hardman, Josh Gordon, Justin Watson, Cornell Powell, Gehrig Dieter, and Corey Coleman.Now former teammates of Hill's reacted to the trade, including Hardman and running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">10 imma just go grab dat jersey u said I can have .. I aint lying boy! It was privilege to be able to play alongside yu big bro! Not only that having real convos with you, helped me thru alot! Godspeed…literally 🤞🏾🖤 <a href="https://twitter.com/cheetah?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@cheetah</a>&mdash; GLYDE (@Clydro_22) <a href="https://twitter.com/Clydro_22/status/1506676237284089862?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Damn …&mdash; Mecole Hardman Jr. (@MecoleHardman4) <a href="https://twitter.com/MecoleHardman4/status/1506690481958408206?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The Chiefs will now seek to replace Hill, whether that be through free agency or the draft that begins on April 28th.&nbsp; Reports surfaced prior to the Hill trade that former Green Bay Packers receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling was visiting Kansas City on Wednesday, no contract was imminent for Valdes-Scantling.

Tyreek Hill's time in Kansas City done for now, receiver traded to Miami

The Northwest Missouri State University Bearcats are Final Four bound once again. 

The Bearcats marched into Evansville, Indiana as the number-five seed matching up with number- four seed Bentley, coming out on top 61- 43.

Northwest got off to a fast start taking a 5-0 lead early in the first half and never looked back, holding the lead for the entire game. 

Trevor Hudgins led the Bearcats with 24 points, while Diego Bernard recorded a double-double with 12 points and 13 rebounds.  

The Bearcats will face the winner of number-one seed Nova Southern and number-eight seed Black Hills State on Thursday, time is to be determined.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647975396209.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy of Northwest Missouri State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Northwest Missouri State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe Northwest Missouri State University Bearcats are Final Four bound once again. The Bearcats marched into Evansville, Indiana as the number-five seed matching up with number- four seed Bentley, coming out on top 61- 43.Northwest got off to a fast start taking a 5-0 lead early in the first half and never looked back, holding the lead for the entire game. Trevor Hudgins led the Bearcats with 24 points, while Diego Bernard recorded a double-double with 12 points and 13 rebounds. The Bearcats will face the winner of number-one seed Nova Southern and number-eight seed Black Hills State on Thursday, time is to be determined.

Northwest Missouri State shuts down Bentley, advances to Final Four

BIRMINGHAM, AL - A historic and memorable season for Missouri Western women's basketball ends in just the program's third ever Elite Eight appearance.

The No. 7 seed Griffons (24-10) got down by 11 in the first half, trailed by 20 entering the fourth and fell to No. 2 seed Grand Valley State 67-44 on Monday afternoon at Bill Harris Arena in Birmingham.

Coming off of a Central Region title last Monday and a full week's rest, Missouri Western was unable to recreate their March magic against the Lakers.

Grand Valley (31-2) got off to a 9-2 start in the opening minutes. Western hit back, though, and only trailed 18-13 at the end of one.

The Lakers then led 32-17 with 2:54 left in the first half before the Griffons answered with a 6-0 run and only trailed 34-23 at the break.

For the first five minutes of the third quarter, each team only put up five points and Western was still in it, trailing 39-28 with 4:44 left in the third.

Grad transfer Jaelyn Haggard then made a pair of free throws to cut it to 39-30, but Grand Valley then reeled off a 12-0 run late in the third to eventually lead 54-34 entering the fourth.

"We felt like we were in the game, even though we weren't shooting it well," Missouri Western assistant coach Emily Wacker said. "Just needed to be able to start knocking some down and getting scores in a row. Stringing them together, and we couldn't do it and you see that."

The Griffons struggled to make baskets throughout, shooting just 15-of-51 on the day, including 3-of-14 in the final quarter and a 2-of-14 effort from beyond the arc.

Grand Valley State held Western to a season-low 44 points - just the third time all year the Griffons were held under 50 points.

"We were getting stops," Wacker said. "But ultimately, we couldn't put the ball in the hole all night and that made it tough. We didn't execute to the level we'd like to and that came back to bite us."

Senior Corbyn Cunningham led Western in her final game with 16 points on 8-of-10 shooting. Sophomore Brionna Budgets had nine, freshman Alyssa Bonilla scored eight and Haggard had seven.

Grand Valley shot 25-of-58 on the day, and finished with four players in double figures. Junior Emily Spitzley scored a game-high 20 points on 3-of-7 shooting from three. Hadley Miller, Hannah Kulas and Ellie Droste each scored 10.

Both teams committed 20 turnovers, but Western was outscored in the paint 34-20 and the Lakers outrebounded the Griffons 41-31.

The final game stings, but big picture, the 2021-22 season was a program changer for Missouri Western women's basketball.

Most wins and the first NCAA tournament berth in six years. First Sweet 16 in 25 years. First Elite Eight in 27 years. All after just six wins a season ago.

Three seniors - Cunningham, Haggard and Mychaell Gray depart, but four starters and 13 total players on the current roster are set to come back next year.

Needless to say, the future is bright for Missouri Western women's basketball.

"This should be nothing but fuel to keep getting better," Wacker said of the season. "The expectation has been set. The bar has been set. This is is the level we want to compete at. So, I'm excited. We need some rest, but excited for a great offseason and to continue to get better.

"Especially when you think about where we were a year ago. Really, really proud of this team and the individuals who put in so much work."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647900818198.jpeg" alt="MWWU's Alyssa Bonilla (4) dribbles around the key in the first half of the Griffons' Elite Eight matchup with Grand Valley State Monday at Bill Harris Arena in Birmingham. Photo by Arianne Boma." />
 <figcaption>MWWU's Alyssa Bonilla (4) dribbles around the key in the first half of the Griffons' Elite Eight matchup with Grand Valley State Monday at Bill Harris Arena in Birmingham. Photo by Arianne Boma.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostBIRMINGHAM, AL - A historic and memorable season for Missouri Western women's basketball ends in just the program's third ever Elite Eight appearance.The No. 7 seed Griffons (24-10) got down by 11 in the first half, trailed by 20 entering the fourth and fell to No. 2 seed Grand Valley State 67-44 on Monday afternoon at Bill Harris Arena in Birmingham.Coming off of a Central Region title last Monday and a full week's rest, Missouri Western was unable to recreate their March magic against the Lakers.Grand Valley (31-2) got off to a 9-2 start in the opening minutes. Western hit back, though, and only trailed 18-13 at the end of one.The Lakers then led 32-17 with 2:54 left in the first half before the Griffons answered with a 6-0 run and only trailed 34-23 at the break.For the first five minutes of the third quarter, each team only put up five points and Western was still in it, trailing 39-28 with 4:44 left in the third.Grad transfer Jaelyn Haggard then made a pair of free throws to cut it to 39-30, but Grand Valley then reeled off a 12-0 run late in the third to eventually lead 54-34 entering the fourth."We felt like we were in the game, even though we weren't shooting it well," Missouri Western assistant coach Emily Wacker said. "Just needed to be able to start knocking some down and getting scores in a row. Stringing them together, and we couldn't do it and you see that."The Griffons struggled to make baskets throughout, shooting just 15-of-51 on the day, including 3-of-14 in the final quarter and a 2-of-14 effort from beyond the arc.Grand Valley State held Western to a season-low 44 points - just the third time all year the Griffons were held under 50 points."We were getting stops," Wacker said. "But ultimately, we couldn't put the ball in the hole all night and that made it tough. We didn't execute to the level we'd like to and that came back to bite us."Senior Corbyn Cunningham led Western in her final game with 16 points on 8-of-10 shooting. Sophomore Brionna Budgets had nine, freshman Alyssa Bonilla scored eight and Haggard had seven.Grand Valley shot 25-of-58 on the day, and finished with four players in double figures. Junior Emily Spitzley scored a game-high 20 points on 3-of-7 shooting from three. Hadley Miller, Hannah Kulas and Ellie Droste each scored 10.Both teams committed 20 turnovers, but Western was outscored in the paint 34-20 and the Lakers outrebounded the Griffons 41-31.The final game stings, but big picture, the 2021-22 season was a program changer for Missouri Western women's basketball.Most wins and the first NCAA tournament berth in six years. First Sweet 16 in 25 years. First Elite Eight in 27 years. All after just six wins a season ago.Three seniors - Cunningham, Haggard and Mychaell Gray depart, but four starters and 13 total players on the current roster are set to come back next year.Needless to say, the future is bright for Missouri Western women's basketball."This should be nothing but fuel to keep getting better," Wacker said of the season. "The expectation has been set. The bar has been set. This is is the level we want to compete at. So, I'm excited. We need some rest, but excited for a great offseason and to continue to get better."Especially when you think about where we were a year ago. Really, really proud of this team and the individuals who put in so much work."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647901878618.jpeg" alt="Corbyn Cunningham (30) controls the opening tip in Monday's Elite Eight game against Grand Valley State. Photo by Arianne Boma." />
 <figcaption>Corbyn Cunningham (30) controls the opening tip in Monday's Elite Eight game against Grand Valley State. Photo by Arianne Boma.</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe src="https://anchor.fm/tommy-rezac/embed/episodes/Missouri-Western-vs--Grand-Valley-State-postgame---MWSU-assistant-coach-Emily-Wacker-e1g2540" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Grand Valley limits MWSU offensively, Griffons season ends at Elite Eight

BIRMINGHAM, AL - It's been 27 years since the Missouri Western women's basketball team has been here.

Elite Eight. Big stage. National championship game in site. This 2021-22 team is in pretty 'elite' company.

This is just the third time in Missouri Western's history that the women's basketball team has played in the Elite Eight - the last two trips being in 1994 and again in '95.

The '94 team lost to eventual national champion North Dakota State, 91-74, in the national quarterfinals. A year later, the Griffons beat Florida Southern 79-77 to reach the Final Four for the first time ever.

After losing to NDSU again in the semifinals, 74-67, Western beat Stonehill out of Massachusetts 76-66 to claim third place in the national tournament.

Since then, Missouri Western made the NCAA tournament nine more times between 1997-2016. Never in that span did they get back to the Elite Eight. In fact, the Griffons got beat in the first round of the NCAA tournament six times from 1998-2016.

Suddenly, this 2021-22 team finds themselves in a unique position. In the Elite Eight after just six total wins the season prior.

Ryan Menley, who's covered the Griffons for 20 years through the lens of his video camera for KQTV and then Griffon athletics, says something special is going on this year.

"I do think it's the greatest comeback story in Missouri Western history," Menley said. "Just from where that program was one year ago. You'd thought they'd get better. You thought they'd take some steps and strides in the right direction, but I don't think anybody saw this."

Missouri Western returned nine players from last year's 6-16 squad. They also added four true freshmen and three transfers in the offseason. One of those three was Northwest transfer, grad student and St. Joseph Central alum Jaelyn Haggard, who leads the team with 59 made three-pointers this season.

A key piece in Western's runs in 1994-95 was Central alum and guard Dana Obersteadt, who came off the bench and provided a spark.

Then voice of the Griffons Bob Orf, who covered Western on KFEQ from 1989-2015, sees the similarities from then to now.

"A hometown product shows up and plays a big role," Orf said of the Obersteadt/Haggard similarity. "Haggard is a great player, there's no question about that. You only wish she played for Western for those four years she had been up north. But, yeah she's had a great fifth year and they've been amazing."

Jeff Mittie, who head coached the Missouri Western women from 1992-95, and is currently leading the Kansas State women's team on their own NCAA tournament run, described those '94 and '95 teams as 'unselfish.'

Missouri Western, this season, has scored 20 or more bench points in 23 total games. Unselfish would be a great way to describe this team as well.

"There are similarities to 1994, '95 and this year," Orf said. "It is a little bit eerie when you look at it."

There's certainly a few parallels. Mittie took the '93 team from 16 wins to 29 in '94. Current head coach Candi Whitaker went from six wins last year to 24 and counting this season.

On this current roster of 16 players, 13 of them are underclassmen. Whitaker has achieved two, 20-plus win seasons in her three years at the helm.

With the Division II women's basketball Elite Eight set to be in St. Joseph in 2023 and '24, one has to wonder if this program can build on this season's success and get back to the biggest stage in their home city.

"Who knows?" Orf remarked. "Maybe Coach Whitaker will get some great recruits and add to this team and maybe we'll be back again."

"There's always been this underlying attention with Missouri Western women's basketball," Menley added. "I think what this group has done has brought that back to the forefront."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647823897159.jpeg" alt="The 1994-95 Missouri Western women's basketball team. Photo courtesy of Missouri Western athletics." />
 <figcaption>The 1994-95 Missouri Western women's basketball team. Photo courtesy of Missouri Western athletics.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostBIRMINGHAM, AL - It's been 27 years since the Missouri Western women's basketball team has been here.Elite Eight. Big stage. National championship game in site. This 2021-22 team is in pretty 'elite' company.This is just the third time in Missouri Western's history that the women's basketball team has played in the Elite Eight - the last two trips being in 1994 and again in '95.The '94 team lost to eventual national champion North Dakota State, 91-74, in the national quarterfinals. A year later, the Griffons beat Florida Southern 79-77 to reach the Final Four for the first time ever.After losing to NDSU again in the semifinals, 74-67, Western beat Stonehill out of Massachusetts 76-66 to claim third place in the national tournament.Since then, Missouri Western made the NCAA tournament nine more times between 1997-2016. Never in that span did they get back to the Elite Eight. In fact, the Griffons got beat in the first round of the NCAA tournament six times from 1998-2016.Suddenly, this 2021-22 team finds themselves in a unique position. In the Elite Eight after just six total wins the season prior.Ryan Menley, who's covered the Griffons for 20 years through the lens of his video camera for KQTV and then Griffon athletics, says something special is going on this year."I do think it's the greatest comeback story in Missouri Western history," Menley said. "Just from where that program was one year ago. You'd thought they'd get better. You thought they'd take some steps and strides in the right direction, but I don't think anybody saw this."Missouri Western returned nine players from last year's 6-16 squad. They also added four true freshmen and three transfers in the offseason. One of those three was Northwest transfer, grad student and St. Joseph Central alum Jaelyn Haggard, who leads the team with 59 made three-pointers this season.A key piece in Western's runs in 1994-95 was Central alum and guard Dana Obersteadt, who came off the bench and provided a spark.Then voice of the Griffons Bob Orf, who covered Western on KFEQ from 1989-2015, sees the similarities from then to now."A hometown product shows up and plays a big role," Orf said of the Obersteadt/Haggard similarity. "Haggard is a great player, there's no question about that. You only wish she played for Western for those four years she had been up north. But, yeah she's had a great fifth year and they've been amazing."Jeff Mittie, who head coached the Missouri Western women from 1992-95, and is currently leading the Kansas State women's team on their own NCAA tournament run, described those '94 and '95 teams as 'unselfish.'Missouri Western, this season, has scored 20 or more bench points in 23 total games. Unselfish would be a great way to describe this team as well."There are similarities to 1994, '95 and this year," Orf said. "It is a little bit eerie when you look at it."There's certainly a few parallels. Mittie took the '93 team from 16 wins to 29 in '94. Current head coach Candi Whitaker went from six wins last year to 24 and counting this season.On this current roster of 16 players, 13 of them are underclassmen. Whitaker has achieved two, 20-plus win seasons in her three years at the helm.With the Division II women's basketball Elite Eight set to be in St. Joseph in 2023 and '24, one has to wonder if this program can build on this season's success and get back to the biggest stage in their home city."Who knows?" Orf remarked. "Maybe Coach Whitaker will get some great recruits and add to this team and maybe we'll be back again.""There's always been this underlying attention with Missouri Western women's basketball," Menley added. "I think what this group has done has brought that back to the forefront."<div><iframe src="https://anchor.fm/tommy-rezac/embed/episodes/Missouri-Western-womens-basketball-adds-to-prolific-history-with-2022-Elite-Eight-run-e1g0lmg" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647135657338.jpeg" alt="Missouri Western celebrates after a Central Region semifinal win over Nebraska-Kearney in Hays, Kansas on March 12. Photo by Brandon Zenner." />
 <figcaption>Missouri Western celebrates after a Central Region semifinal win over Nebraska-Kearney in Hays, Kansas on March 12. Photo by Brandon Zenner.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

MWSU women's basketball adds to prolific history with 2022 Elite Eight run

SPRINGFIELD - The game was fun. Until it wasn't.

At least, that's how Benton girls' basketball coach Chris Michaels described it.

Benton (25-6) led at the end of the first and second quarter and throughout much of the third. However, a buzzer beater three by John Burroughs' Monet Witherspoon put the Bombers up 33-31 entering the fourth.

Burroughs (22-4) never trailed the rest of the way, and the Bombers went onto win 54-46 in the Class 4 girls' state basketball championship at JQH Arena in Springfield Saturday.

John Burroughs, winning their program's first state title in their fifth Final Four appearance, sunk 12-of-16 free throws in the final quarter to help seal the victory. Their 1-3-1 zone defense also created problems for Benton offensively.

"That was a heck of a game," Michaels said. "It was fun. Until it wasn't. You have to give congratulations to Burroughs. They did some things to us that we did not expect. That's a heck of a job by their staff."

The game started out for Benton much like Friday's semifinal did against Helias Catholic. Low scoring, and the Cardinals jumped to an early, slim lead.

Behind a couple of early three-pointers by senior Jaida Cox, and another by junior Peyton Anderson, the Cardinals led 11-8 at the end of one. Leading by as many as four in the first half, Benton took a 21-19 lead into the locker room.

The third quarter was back and forth for awhile, but Benton built a 30-25 advantage with 2:21 after a successful and-one by Cox.

John Burroughs ended the third quarter on an 8-1 run, which was capped off by the three-pointer by Witherspoon, who finished with 16 points.

Benton tied it twice early in the fourth, but Burroughs took the lead for good with 5:08 to go after a pair of Allie Turner free throws but the Bombers up 41-37.

Cox was called on an offensive charge on Benton's ensuing possession with 4:29 remaining, and Burroughs continued to get stops and get free throws.

Turner, who led Burroughs with 19 points, went 12-for-14 at the foul line Saturday, including 10-for-12 in the final period.

"We tried to take her away," Michaels said of Turner. "She won't go away. Like, she keeps catching the ball. We put two girls on her, and she caught the ball. So, that's a good player."

Cox led her team in her final varsity game with 20 points. Junior Kelsey Johnson had 12 points and a game-high eight rebounds.

Benton now says an emotional goodbye to three varsity seniors - Cox, Olivia Walters and Lauren Burright. Walters had six rebounds, while Burright had five points and three boards.

"It was a great time," Cox said as she reflected on her final game in her final season. "Especially being out on that floor with those girls for the last time. I just knew I had to put everything in for those girls who were going to do the same thing for me in the end."

It's not the ending Benton wanted, but the Cardinals finish with 10 more wins than what they had last year, and they improve off of their fourth place finish at state last season, taking the program to back-to-back state semi appearances for the first time ever.

The work to come back to Springfield for a third straight year, Michaels says, begins right away.

"This is a special group," Michaels said proudly. "They've done something that's never been done before in Benton history and Benton is pretty storied. These girls have changed the culture of Benton girls' basketball in the sense of how much they love each other, and how much they're willing to work for us."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647739113869.jpeg" alt="Jaida Cox (4) drives against John Burroughs' Allie Turner (11) in the first half of the Class 4 girls' state basketball championship game in Springfield Saturday. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Jaida Cox (4) drives against John Burroughs' Allie Turner (11) in the first half of the Class 4 girls' state basketball championship game in Springfield Saturday. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostSPRINGFIELD - The game was fun. Until it wasn't.At least, that's how Benton girls' basketball coach Chris Michaels described it.Benton (25-6) led at the end of the first and second quarter and throughout much of the third. However, a buzzer beater three by John Burroughs' Monet Witherspoon put the Bombers up 33-31 entering the fourth.Burroughs (22-4) never trailed the rest of the way, and the Bombers went onto win 54-46 in the Class 4 girls' state basketball championship at JQH Arena in Springfield Saturday.John Burroughs, winning their program's first state title in their fifth Final Four appearance, sunk 12-of-16 free throws in the final quarter to help seal the victory. Their 1-3-1 zone defense also created problems for Benton offensively."That was a heck of a game," Michaels said. "It was fun. Until it wasn't. You have to give congratulations to Burroughs. They did some things to us that we did not expect. That's a heck of a job by their staff."The game started out for Benton much like Friday's semifinal did against Helias Catholic. Low scoring, and the Cardinals jumped to an early, slim lead.Behind a couple of early three-pointers by senior Jaida Cox, and another by junior Peyton Anderson, the Cardinals led 11-8 at the end of one. Leading by as many as four in the first half, Benton took a 21-19 lead into the locker room.The third quarter was back and forth for awhile, but Benton built a 30-25 advantage with 2:21 after a successful and-one by Cox.John Burroughs ended the third quarter on an 8-1 run, which was capped off by the three-pointer by Witherspoon, who finished with 16 points.Benton tied it twice early in the fourth, but Burroughs took the lead for good with 5:08 to go after a pair of Allie Turner free throws but the Bombers up 41-37.Cox was called on an offensive charge on Benton's ensuing possession with 4:29 remaining, and Burroughs continued to get stops and get free throws.Turner, who led Burroughs with 19 points, went 12-for-14 at the foul line Saturday, including 10-for-12 in the final period."We tried to take her away," Michaels said of Turner. "She won't go away. Like, she keeps catching the ball. We put two girls on her, and she caught the ball. So, that's a good player."Cox led her team in her final varsity game with 20 points. Junior Kelsey Johnson had 12 points and a game-high eight rebounds.Benton now says an emotional goodbye to three varsity seniors - Cox, Olivia Walters and Lauren Burright. Walters had six rebounds, while Burright had five points and three boards."It was a great time," Cox said as she reflected on her final game in her final season. "Especially being out on that floor with those girls for the last time. I just knew I had to put everything in for those girls who were going to do the same thing for me in the end."It's not the ending Benton wanted, but the Cardinals finish with 10 more wins than what they had last year, and they improve off of their fourth place finish at state last season, taking the program to back-to-back state semi appearances for the first time ever.The work to come back to Springfield for a third straight year, Michaels says, begins right away."This is a special group," Michaels said proudly. "They've done something that's never been done before in Benton history and Benton is pretty storied. These girls have changed the culture of Benton girls' basketball in the sense of how much they love each other, and how much they're willing to work for us."<div><iframe src="https://anchor.fm/tommy-rezac/embed/episodes/Benton-postgame-31922---Chris-Michaels--Jaida-Cox--Lauren-Burright--Olivia-Walters-e1fvdlf" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647741614801.jpeg" alt="Kelsey Johnson (right) dribbles the ball in the first half." />
 <figcaption>Kelsey Johnson (right) dribbles the ball in the first half.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647741657700.jpeg" alt="Peyton Anderson (12) brings the ball up the floor." />
 <figcaption>Peyton Anderson (12) brings the ball up the floor.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647741686043.jpeg" alt="Olivia Walters (24) tries to pull the ball away from a defender." />
 <figcaption>Olivia Walters (24) tries to pull the ball away from a defender.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647741759828.jpeg" alt="Avery Morlock (left) and Jaida Cox (right) share a moment after the trophy and medal presentations Saturday." />
 <figcaption>Avery Morlock (left) and Jaida Cox (right) share a moment after the trophy and medal presentations Saturday.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Benton battles hard, falls to John Burroughs in state title game Saturday

SPRINGFIELD - It was unclear for about the first three quarters of Friday's Class 4 state semifinal between Benton and Helias Catholic whether any team could pull away.

With the game knotted at 23-23 with 2:44 left in the third, neither team had led by more than three and there had been seven ties up to that point.

Then, Benton (25-5) did something late in the third that neither team could seem to do. Score on back-to-back possessions.

Sparked by back-to-back layups by senior Lauren Burright and sophomore Avery Morlock to end the third quarter, Benton&nbsp;opened up an 8-0 run into the fourth, and held on for a 47-42 win over Helias Catholic Friday, putting Benton girls' basketball back into the state title for the first time since 2016 and the third time in history.

"We knew we had left some things on the table," Benton head coach Chris Michaels said coming off of a 4th place finish at state last season. "We knew that when we got back here, because we knew we were coming back, we wanted to do better than we did last year."

The game got off to a slow start, with Helias (23-8) leading 6-4 with less than three minutes left in the first quarter. Morlock hit a big three late in the first, which helped the Cardinals take an 11-10 lead entering the second.

The first half featured six lead changes, but Benton went into the locker room up 18-17.

"We went into halftime, what, up one?" Michaels recalled. "Then to come out and kind of stick your nose in the grind and do what we need to do to seal a game - that's big time. We told them, 'Experience being here already last year was going to help them out,' so we kind of leaned on that."&nbsp;

Benton would take its largest lead of the game at 33-25 with 4:25 to go. Helias had a scoring drought of 5:08 that stretched between the third and fourth quarter, helping the Cardinals to control the clock and momentum.

The Crusaders were held to just 32.5 percent shooting on the ay (13-of-40), and were limited to seven second quarter points and only eight in the third.

"We had gotten into some things Helias had not seen us run," Michaels said. "We put some things in specifically for this tournament. So, there's new things out there that they were not used to. So, I do think that frustrated them a tad bit."

Helias fought hard in the closing minutes, getting back to within 40-37 with 56 seconds remaining. On the ensuing possession, senior Jaida Cox threw in a quick layup in transition and was fouled.

Cox's free throw gave Benton a 42-37 advantage with 41 seconds left. Cox and Morlock each scored seven points.

 The Cardinals shot it a bit better in the second half, going 9-of-20 from the field compared to the 6-of-21 effort in the first half.

"Back-to-back baskets, we feed off of them so much," said junior Peyton Anderson, who finished with four points and five rebounds. "Obviously, our parents are going crazy when we get back-to-back baskets. It just really hypes us up."

Burright led Benton with 12 points, including six in the fourth quarter. Junior Kelsey Johnson had 11 points and seven boards.&nbsp;

Senior Gabrielle Bax led Helias with 11 points. Senior Adalyn Keolling, a Missouri State commit, had nine points and seven boards.

Benton will now face John Burroughs (21-4) out of St. Louis for the Class 4 state title on Saturday evening at 6. The Bombers have won 16 straight, including a 51-37 win over St. James in the other Class 4 semi Friday.

The Cards, however, own a 13-game winning streak themselves and are now 19-1 in their last 20. In fact, Benton hasn't lost to a Missouri team in the year 2022. Their lone loss since Jan. 1 was to Kansas Class 6A state runner-up Olathe North (23-2).

Benton has achieved their first goal this weekend - finish higher at state than they did last year. One goal down. One more to go.

"We've done better than we did last year and now there's the icing on the cake is up there and the cherry on top is up there for us to eat that."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647644857371.jpeg" alt="Kelsey Johnson (left) dribbles in the first half of Benton's 47-42 win over Helias Catholic in the Class 4 state semifinal at the Hammond Student Center on Friday. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Kelsey Johnson (left) dribbles in the first half of Benton's 47-42 win over Helias Catholic in the Class 4 state semifinal at the Hammond Student Center on Friday. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostSPRINGFIELD - It was unclear for about the first three quarters of Friday's Class 4 state semifinal between Benton and Helias Catholic whether any team could pull away.With the game knotted at 23-23 with 2:44 left in the third, neither team had led by more than three and there had been seven ties up to that point.Then, Benton (25-5) did something late in the third that neither team could seem to do. Score on back-to-back possessions.Sparked by back-to-back layups by senior Lauren Burright and sophomore Avery Morlock to end the third quarter, Benton&nbsp;opened up an 8-0 run into the fourth, and held on for a 47-42 win over Helias Catholic Friday, putting Benton girls' basketball back into the state title for the first time since 2016 and the third time in history."We knew we had left some things on the table," Benton head coach Chris Michaels said coming off of a 4th place finish at state last season. "We knew that when we got back here, because we knew we were coming back, we wanted to do better than we did last year."The game got off to a slow start, with Helias (23-8) leading 6-4 with less than three minutes left in the first quarter. Morlock hit a big three late in the first, which helped the Cardinals take an 11-10 lead entering the second.The first half featured six lead changes, but Benton went into the locker room up 18-17."We went into halftime, what, up one?" Michaels recalled. "Then to come out and kind of stick your nose in the grind and do what we need to do to seal a game - that's big time. We told them, 'Experience being here already last year was going to help them out,' so we kind of leaned on that."&nbsp;Benton would take its largest lead of the game at 33-25 with 4:25 to go. Helias had a scoring drought of 5:08 that stretched between the third and fourth quarter, helping the Cardinals to control the clock and momentum.The Crusaders were held to just 32.5 percent shooting on the ay (13-of-40), and were limited to seven second quarter points and only eight in the third."We had gotten into some things Helias had not seen us run," Michaels said. "We put some things in specifically for this tournament. So, there's new things out there that they were not used to. So, I do think that frustrated them a tad bit."Helias fought hard in the closing minutes, getting back to within 40-37 with 56 seconds remaining. On the ensuing possession, senior Jaida Cox threw in a quick layup in transition and was fouled.Cox's free throw gave Benton a 42-37 advantage with 41 seconds left. Cox and Morlock each scored seven points. The Cardinals shot it a bit better in the second half, going 9-of-20 from the field compared to the 6-of-21 effort in the first half."Back-to-back baskets, we feed off of them so much," said junior Peyton Anderson, who finished with four points and five rebounds. "Obviously, our parents are going crazy when we get back-to-back baskets. It just really hypes us up."Burright led Benton with 12 points, including six in the fourth quarter. Junior Kelsey Johnson had 11 points and seven boards.&nbsp;Senior Gabrielle Bax led Helias with 11 points. Senior Adalyn Keolling, a Missouri State commit, had nine points and seven boards.Benton will now face John Burroughs (21-4) out of St. Louis for the Class 4 state title on Saturday evening at 6. The Bombers have won 16 straight, including a 51-37 win over St. James in the other Class 4 semi Friday.The Cards, however, own a 13-game winning streak themselves and are now 19-1 in their last 20. In fact, Benton hasn't lost to a Missouri team in the year 2022. Their lone loss since Jan. 1 was to Kansas Class 6A state runner-up Olathe North (23-2).Benton has achieved their first goal this weekend - finish higher at state than they did last year. One goal down. One more to go."We've done better than we did last year and now there's the icing on the cake is up there and the cherry on top is up there for us to eat that."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647644401642.jpeg" alt="Benton celebrates after Friday's win." />
 <figcaption>Benton celebrates after Friday's win.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647648567237.jpeg" alt="Benton's Andrea Simmons drives the lane." />
 <figcaption>Benton's Andrea Simmons drives the lane.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647648654411.jpeg" alt="Avery Morlock (3) attempts a shot in the first half." />
 <figcaption>Avery Morlock (3) attempts a shot in the first half.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647648688470.jpeg" alt="Lauren Burright (30) throws up a contested shot." />
 <figcaption>Lauren Burright (30) throws up a contested shot.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647649137445.jpeg" alt="Peyton Anderson puts up a three-point attempt in the second half." />
 <figcaption>Peyton Anderson puts up a three-point attempt in the second half.</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe src="https://anchor.fm/tommy-rezac/embed/episodes/Benton-postgame-31822---Chris-Michaels--Avery-Morlock--Kelsey-Johnson--Andrea-Simmons--Peyton-Anderson-e1fu4pr" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Benton holds off Helias Catholic in state semis Friday, will play for state title Saturday

&nbsp;Chris Michaels has become pretty well known in St. Joseph.

In his first two years as the head girls' basketball coach at his alma mater Benton, he's taken the Cardinals to two Final Fours. He was nominated as St. Joseph Sports, Inc. Coach of the Year just this week.&nbsp;

But, that may not be the top thing he's known for. Anyone who's attended a Benton girls' basketball game over the last two seasons has probably heard Michaels' voice above the fullest of gyms.

Rest assured, his shouting is purely motivational. And it works.

"His intensity motivates all of us and pushes us even harder," junior Kelsey Johnson said. "And it makes the game a lot more fun. He makes practices and games super enjoyable."

Practice, Michaels says, is a whole different approach than a game.

"I'm not out here screaming and hollering at practice," Michaels chuckled. "If I raise my voice, it's usually because we're laughing so hard and we have to get our focus again."

It's clear Michaels has a passion for the game, and his team. He's also fond of caffeine. He had a good amount of it before Benton's state quarterfinal win over St. Pius X last Saturday.

"He had three Monsters and three cups of coffee," Johnson laughed. "So, it was worse."

Michaels, who downgraded to a more tame can of Pepsi at Wednesday's practice, cites a lack of sleep the night before.

"Any coach that tells you they can sleep the night before a quarterfinal game that decides their fate on whether or not they go to the Final Four is lying," Michaels joked.

Take the caffeine out of it, and Michaels will tell you - that fire, that intensity, that shouting from the bench will always be there. And that's by design.

"In the game, I want to give the same energy and effort that they've given me all week," Michaels explained. "That's my goal. My goal is to pay them back. All of that effort they gave us, we use in the game. They respond pretty well."

Benton (24-5) has responded well the last two years. The Cardinals, winners of 12 straight games, are back in the Final Four a second straight year and a fifth time since 2007.

They come into this Final Four with nine more wins than what they had at this time a year ago. Senior Lauren Burright has a theory on why that might be.

"This year, we focused on taking care of each other more," she said. "When we're on the floor, that brings a different kind of intensity when you're there for everyone else. When you're there for everyone else, it just amps up the energy and that kind of stuff."

Benton faces Helias Catholic (23-7) in the semifinal on Friday at 4 p.m. at JQH Arena in Springfield. The Cardinals and Crusaders met once this season already in the Jefferson City Invitational in late December.

Helias, who's in the Final Four for just the second time in their history and for the first time since 1995, got off to an 11-0 start in that game against Benton and overcame an eight-point fourth quarter deficit to beat the Cardinals 41-39 on Dec. 27.

Benton's record since that day is 18-1. Their only loss in 2022 is to Kansas' Class 6A runner-up Olathe North (23-2) on Jan. 21 at the Basehor-Linwood tournament.

That game may have also been a turning point. Michaels had a shoe break during that game, and had to get some backups.

"We've been hot since," he said. "It wasn't a choice. My shoes broke, so we put the new ones on and they've stayed heavy since then. They're just old dress shoes, right? I've had them for 15 years, right? So, we'll see what happens. Hopefully they can stay hot and heavy."

Benton's record with Michaels' 'old dress shoes' is 12-0. Superstitions exist for a reason.

"But superstition is only there if you believe it," he added.

Benton has a lot working in their favor. A young, passionate and successful head coach. A core group of starters back from last season. A 12-game winning streak. Lucky shoes. The whole smash.

They also have belief, which in the month of March, is the most important thing to have on a basketball team.

"We got fourth last year," Johnson said. "I think we have a lot more motivation to make it even farther this year and that's our goal."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647597807544.jpeg" alt="Benton girls' basketball coach Chris Michaels walks down the baseline during a practice Wednesday at Springer Gymnasium. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Benton girls' basketball coach Chris Michaels walks down the baseline during a practice Wednesday at Springer Gymnasium. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph Post&nbsp;Chris Michaels has become pretty well known in St. Joseph.In his first two years as the head girls' basketball coach at his alma mater Benton, he's taken the Cardinals to two Final Fours. He was nominated as St. Joseph Sports, Inc. Coach of the Year just this week.&nbsp;But, that may not be the top thing he's known for. Anyone who's attended a Benton girls' basketball game over the last two seasons has probably heard Michaels' voice above the fullest of gyms.Rest assured, his shouting is purely motivational. And it works."His intensity motivates all of us and pushes us even harder," junior Kelsey Johnson said. "And it makes the game a lot more fun. He makes practices and games super enjoyable."Practice, Michaels says, is a whole different approach than a game."I'm not out here screaming and hollering at practice," Michaels chuckled. "If I raise my voice, it's usually because we're laughing so hard and we have to get our focus again."It's clear Michaels has a passion for the game, and his team. He's also fond of caffeine. He had a good amount of it before Benton's state quarterfinal win over St. Pius X last Saturday."He had three Monsters and three cups of coffee," Johnson laughed. "So, it was worse."Michaels, who downgraded to a more tame can of Pepsi at Wednesday's practice, cites a lack of sleep the night before."Any coach that tells you they can sleep the night before a quarterfinal game that decides their fate on whether or not they go to the Final Four is lying," Michaels joked.Take the caffeine out of it, and Michaels will tell you - that fire, that intensity, that shouting from the bench will always be there. And that's by design."In the game, I want to give the same energy and effort that they've given me all week," Michaels explained. "That's my goal. My goal is to pay them back. All of that effort they gave us, we use in the game. They respond pretty well."Benton (24-5) has responded well the last two years. The Cardinals, winners of 12 straight games, are back in the Final Four a second straight year and a fifth time since 2007.They come into this Final Four with nine more wins than what they had at this time a year ago. Senior Lauren Burright has a theory on why that might be."This year, we focused on taking care of each other more," she said. "When we're on the floor, that brings a different kind of intensity when you're there for everyone else. When you're there for everyone else, it just amps up the energy and that kind of stuff."Benton faces Helias Catholic (23-7) in the semifinal on Friday at 4 p.m. at JQH Arena in Springfield. The Cardinals and Crusaders met once this season already in the Jefferson City Invitational in late December.Helias, who's in the Final Four for just the second time in their history and for the first time since 1995, got off to an 11-0 start in that game against Benton and overcame an eight-point fourth quarter deficit to beat the Cardinals 41-39 on Dec. 27.Benton's record since that day is 18-1. Their only loss in 2022 is to Kansas' Class 6A runner-up Olathe North (23-2) on Jan. 21 at the Basehor-Linwood tournament.That game may have also been a turning point. Michaels had a shoe break during that game, and had to get some backups."We've been hot since," he said. "It wasn't a choice. My shoes broke, so we put the new ones on and they've stayed heavy since then. They're just old dress shoes, right? I've had them for 15 years, right? So, we'll see what happens. Hopefully they can stay hot and heavy."Benton's record with Michaels' 'old dress shoes' is 12-0. Superstitions exist for a reason."But superstition is only there if you believe it," he added.Benton has a lot working in their favor. A young, passionate and successful head coach. A core group of starters back from last season. A 12-game winning streak. Lucky shoes. The whole smash.They also have belief, which in the month of March, is the most important thing to have on a basketball team."We got fourth last year," Johnson said. "I think we have a lot more motivation to make it even farther this year and that's our goal."<div><iframe src="https://anchor.fm/tommy-rezac/embed/episodes/Chris-Michaels-fiery--unique-coaching-style-leads-Benton-back-to-Final-Four-e1ft56v" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646365077344.jpeg" alt="Kelsey Johnson (right) drives the lane in the first half of Benton's 47-39 win over Chillicothe in the C4D16 championship. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Kelsey Johnson (right) drives the lane in the first half of Benton's 47-39 win over Chillicothe in the C4D16 championship. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646365160265.jpeg" alt="Senior Lauren Burright cuts out a piece of the net following the Cardinals' district championship win." />
 <figcaption>Senior Lauren Burright cuts out a piece of the net following the Cardinals' district championship win.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646806312195.jpeg" alt="Jaida Cox (4) during a state sectional win over Odessa." />
 <figcaption>Jaida Cox (4) during a state sectional win over Odessa.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1646102195368.jpeg" alt="Peyton Anderson (12) tries to dribble around a defender in district semifinals against Maryville." />
 <figcaption>Peyton Anderson (12) tries to dribble around a defender in district semifinals against Maryville.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Michaels' unique, fiery style helps guide Benton back to the Final Four

Katie Koelzer had experienced a rewarding high school basketball career at Lafayette, helping take the program from two wins in 2019, four in 2020, nine in 2021 and then 16 wins this past season.

She's known for awhile that she'd to go to school at Kansas State. Never did she think she'd go there with an athletic scholarship.

Koelzer signed her national letter of intent Thursday to continue her athletic career on the K-State rowing team next year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647543390828.jpeg" alt="Katie Koelzer signs her national letter of intent for Kansas State rowing at the Lafayette High School library Thursday. Photo by Corey Gilpin." />
 <figcaption>Katie Koelzer signs her national letter of intent for Kansas State rowing at the Lafayette High School library Thursday. Photo by Corey Gilpin.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostKatie Koelzer had experienced a rewarding high school basketball career at Lafayette, helping take the program from two wins in 2019, four in 2020, nine in 2021 and then 16 wins this past season.She's known for awhile that she'd to go to school at Kansas State. Never did she think she'd go there with an athletic scholarship.Koelzer signed her national letter of intent Thursday to continue her athletic career on the K-State rowing team next year."Last year, I'd have never guessed I'd be a Division I athlete," Koelzer said. "Especially in rowing. I kind of just got a letter one day and I was kind of interested. So, I looked more into it and I went on a visit and I just saw all that the program could offer me for the next four years. Not just athletically, but academically."Koelzer becomes the first ever Lafayette athlete to sign as a DI rower. It's a path she didn't expect to go down, considering her first time in a kayak was this past summer.There's not many basketball drills that translate to rowing, either."Conditioning and all of the summer workouts," she said, "but that's about as much experience I'll have going into this."Koelzer was the lone senior on Lafayette's varsity basketball team this year, becoming the first outgoing senior since coach Brad Spinner took over."It taught me a lot," she said of her basketball career. "Going from my freshman year to winning two games. It was a struggle and now, we're a pretty decent team, winning 16 games. It really taught me a lot about sticking with stuff and hard work. It was a lot of hard work over the last four years. But, getting to where are now, I'm really proud of the team."Koelzer will study finance at Kansas State. Going to Manhattan on a rowing scholarship is really an added bonus for Koelzer, as she had fallen in love with the campus long before this opportunity came up."Everyone kind of seems close," she said. "Everyone was really nice. Kind of reminded me of Lafayette."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647544167418.jpeg" alt="Katie Koelzer (right) in a game earlier this season against Mid-Buchanan. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Katie Koelzer (right) in a game earlier this season against Mid-Buchanan. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.