KANSAS CITY (AP) — The Chiefs were going nowhere on offense against Pittsburgh early Sunday night, so coach Andy Reid had wide receiver Mecole Hardman take a shotgun snap and hand off to running back Darrel Williams on a trick play.

Their exchange hit the ground, T.J. Watt picked it up and returned the fumble for a touchdown.

It was precisely the kind of play that should have energized the heavy underdogs, playing in a tough environment on the road, but it wound up doing something else entirely. It ticked off Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

He proceeded to throw for 404 yards and five scores, leading Kansas City to the end zone on six straight possessions after the turnover, and the Chiefs cruised through the second half for a 42-21 wild-card victory at Arrowhead Stadium Sunday night.

“We were all pissed at ourselves,” Mahomes said. “We weren't playing with enough energy. We weren't playing at a high enough level. We all motivated ourselves. Everyone was talking to each other, and we came out with a different urgency.”

Byron Pringle caught touchdown passes from both Mahomes and Kelce, and Jerick McKinnon and Tyreek Hill also had scoring catches, while the Chiefs (13-5) shut down the retiring Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers offense.

The performance not only sent Kansas City into the divisional round of the playoffs, it also turned next Sunday night's game against Buffalo — a rematch of last year's AFC title game — into appointment viewing. The Bills had a similarly easy time with their 47-17 victory over New England on Saturday.

“When you’ve been to the Super Bowl the last two years and you walk off that field with a loss last year, you want to go back and get that revenge, get that win,” Mahomes said. "We have the Bills coming here this next week and we’re going to have to play our best football.”

Roethlisberger, who acknowledged the Steelers (9-8-1) were “not a very good football team” this week, wasn't very good in his own right. The 39-year-old quarterback was 29 of 44 for 215 yards with two meaningless TD passes late in the game, providing the coda to a career that includes six Pro Bowl trips and two Super Bowl wins.

The Chiefs welcome Buffalo next Sunday night in the AFC divisional round. The Bills won in Arrowhead 38-20 in October. Mahomes threw three TD passes in a 38-24 victory for the AFC crown last January.

Kickoff in Sunday's game is set for 5:30 central. The game will be carried on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3) and Q Country 92.7 FM in St. Joseph.

St. Joseph PostKANSAS CITY (AP) — The Chiefs were going nowhere on offense against Pittsburgh early Sunday night, so coach Andy Reid had wide receiver Mecole Hardman take a shotgun snap and hand off to running back Darrel Williams on a trick play.Their exchange hit the ground, T.J. Watt picked it up and returned the fumble for a touchdown.It was precisely the kind of play that should have energized the heavy underdogs, playing in a tough environment on the road, but it wound up doing something else entirely. It ticked off Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.He proceeded to throw for 404 yards and five scores, leading Kansas City to the end zone on six straight possessions after the turnover, and the Chiefs cruised through the second half for a 42-21 wild-card victory at Arrowhead Stadium Sunday night.“We were all pissed at ourselves,” Mahomes said. “We weren't playing with enough energy. We weren't playing at a high enough level. We all motivated ourselves. Everyone was talking to each other, and we came out with a different urgency.”Byron Pringle caught touchdown passes from both Mahomes and Kelce, and Jerick McKinnon and Tyreek Hill also had scoring catches, while the Chiefs (13-5) shut down the retiring Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers offense.The performance not only sent Kansas City into the divisional round of the playoffs, it also turned next Sunday night's game against Buffalo — a rematch of last year's AFC title game — into appointment viewing. The Bills had a similarly easy time with their 47-17 victory over New England on Saturday.“When you’ve been to the Super Bowl the last two years and you walk off that field with a loss last year, you want to go back and get that revenge, get that win,” Mahomes said. "We have the Bills coming here this next week and we’re going to have to play our best football.”Roethlisberger, who acknowledged the Steelers (9-8-1) were “not a very good football team” this week, wasn't very good in his own right. The 39-year-old quarterback was 29 of 44 for 215 yards with two meaningless TD passes late in the game, providing the coda to a career that includes six Pro Bowl trips and two Super Bowl wins.The Chiefs welcome Buffalo next Sunday night in the AFC divisional round. The Bills won in Arrowhead 38-20 in October. Mahomes threw three TD passes in a 38-24 victory for the AFC crown last January.Kickoff in Sunday's game is set for 5:30 central. The game will be carried on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3) and Q Country 92.7 FM in St. Joseph.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck">VICTORY MOOOOOD 😎 <a href="https://t.co/JwUKZ4rsRj">pic.twitter.com/JwUKZ4rsRj</a>&mdash; Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) <a href="https://twitter.com/Chiefs/status/1482943011033997314?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Chiefs overcome slow start, blow out Steelers to advance to divisional round

It was high-level basketball on both ends of the floor Saturday between No. 2 Fort Hays State and No. 22 Missouri Western in the first half.

The teams went blow-for-blow and the Griffons gave the Tigers all they could handle in the first two quarters.

Missouri Western (12-3, 6-3 MIAA) trailed by just one point at halftime after six ties and four lead changes, but a 16-2 run to open the second half lifted Fort Hays State to a 74-61 win on Saturday at the MWSU Fieldhouse.

"Super disappointed in the third quarter start," Missouri Western coach Candi Whitaker said. "On defense, absolute zero communication, which is controllable. The difference is, they don't have me in their ear. They have to do it themselves in the third quarter, and they didn't."

The Griffons regathered themselves somewhat, scoring 13 points over the final 5:41 of the third quarter after just two points in the first 4:19 after halftime.

Still, Fort Hays State (15-1, 9-1 MIAA) led 55-43 entering the fourth, behind a 10-of-13 shooting effort in the third, and the Tigers eventually led 67-47 with 5:19 to go.

The Griffons did not quit, reeling off a 14-3 run to get to within 70-61 with 49 seconds left. Missouri Western, however, missed a number of free throws, and ran out of time down the stretch.

The Griffons were just 6-of-13 at the free throw line in the second half and 12-of-21 for the game. Missouri Western was also just 6-of-24 on two-point field goals in the second half.

"There's so much opportunity there," Whitaker said. "You have to make layups and you have to make free throws. You hope you shoot it better from the arc, but those two things have to be there consistently."

Freshman Josie Weishaar led the way for Western, tying her career-high with 16 points to go with five rebounds and two steals.

Connie Clarke and Brionna Budgets each had nine points for the Griffons. Jaelyn Haggard made a pair of second half threes and finished with seven points. Clarke and Corbyn Cunningham, two starters and two of the top scorers, spent a lot of time on the bench Saturday, as they each picked up a couple of early fouls.

Mound City native Kameron Freemyer played a season-high 20 minutes, scoring two points and collecting two rebounds.

"(Josie and Kameron), I thought, were just fantastic today," Whitaker said. "It speaks to their character. They haven't had that much opportunity this year and they just took advantage of it. Played with such heart and determination."

Hays was led by freshman Katie Wagner, who logged her sixth double-double of the season with 19 points and 11 rebounds. Whitney Randall scored 15 points to go with four steals, while Olivia Hollenbeck scored 14.

Western will begin a three-game road trip on Thursday when they go to Wichita to play Newman (2-14, 0-10 MIAA). Tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m. The game 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/2022/1/1642289691240.jpeg" alt="Photo by Arianne Boma." />
 <figcaption>Photo by Arianne Boma.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostIt was high-level basketball on both ends of the floor Saturday between No. 2 Fort Hays State and No. 22 Missouri Western in the first half.The teams went blow-for-blow and the Griffons gave the Tigers all they could handle in the first two quarters.Missouri Western (12-3, 6-3 MIAA) trailed by just one point at halftime after six ties and four lead changes, but a 16-2 run to open the second half lifted Fort Hays State to a 74-61 win on Saturday at the MWSU Fieldhouse."Super disappointed in the third quarter start," Missouri Western coach Candi Whitaker said. "On defense, absolute zero communication, which is controllable. The difference is, they don't have me in their ear. They have to do it themselves in the third quarter, and they didn't."The Griffons regathered themselves somewhat, scoring 13 points over the final 5:41 of the third quarter after just two points in the first 4:19 after halftime.Still, Fort Hays State (15-1, 9-1 MIAA) led 55-43 entering the fourth, behind a 10-of-13 shooting effort in the third, and the Tigers eventually led 67-47 with 5:19 to go.The Griffons did not quit, reeling off a 14-3 run to get to within 70-61 with 49 seconds left. Missouri Western, however, missed a number of free throws, and ran out of time down the stretch.The Griffons were just 6-of-13 at the free throw line in the second half and 12-of-21 for the game. Missouri Western was also just 6-of-24 on two-point field goals in the second half."There's so much opportunity there," Whitaker said. "You have to make layups and you have to make free throws. You hope you shoot it better from the arc, but those two things have to be there consistently."Freshman Josie Weishaar led the way for Western, tying her career-high with 16 points to go with five rebounds and two steals.Connie Clarke and Brionna Budgets each had nine points for the Griffons. Jaelyn Haggard made a pair of second half threes and finished with seven points. Clarke and Corbyn Cunningham, two starters and two of the top scorers, spent a lot of time on the bench Saturday, as they each picked up a couple of early fouls.Mound City native Kameron Freemyer played a season-high 20 minutes, scoring two points and collecting two rebounds."(Josie and Kameron), I thought, were just fantastic today," Whitaker said. "It speaks to their character. They haven't had that much opportunity this year and they just took advantage of it. Played with such heart and determination."Hays was led by freshman Katie Wagner, who logged her sixth double-double of the season with 19 points and 11 rebounds. Whitney Randall scored 15 points to go with four steals, while Olivia Hollenbeck scored 14.Western will begin a three-game road trip on Thursday when they go to Wichita to play Newman (2-14, 0-10 MIAA). Tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m. The game will be carried on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3).You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Missouri Western starts slow in the second half, falls short to No. 2 Fort Hays State

The Missouri Western women's basketball team went toe-to-toe with No. 16 Nebraska-Kearney for awhile, but the Lopers (13-2, 8-1 MIAA) grabbed a double-digit lead in the fourth quarter and hung on for a 60-48 win at the MWSU Fieldhouse Thursday night.

In a battle of top 25 teams, No. 22 Missouri Western (12-2, 7-2 MIAA) started strong and hung with the Lopers early, leading 15-14 at the end of the first and only trailing 25-22 at the break.

But after seven ties and six lead changes in the first half, Nebraska-Kearney never lost the lead in the second half and led 44-36 entering the final quarter.

The Griffons, who lost at home for the first time this season Thursday, got to within 44-40 with 8:07 to go in the fourth, but that's as close as it would get for the rest of the game.

A three-pointer by Haley Simental put the Lopers ahead 56-44 with 3:35 remaining, and the Lopers led it by 10 or more the rest of the way.

Missouri Western shot just 8-of-23 in the second half, including 3-of-11 in the final quarter.

"I thought we had some opportunities that we left on the table," Missouri Western coach Candi Whitaker said. "Missed some layups. We had some wide open looks from the arc. They just didn't go. We just didn't make some shots. I thought you could tell we were a young team late compared to (Kearney's) experience."

Simental and Elisa Backes led Nebraska-Kearney with 16 points each. Brook Carlson had 12 points to go with 11 rebounds.

Connie Clarke carried the load for Western, scoring a game-high 23 points to go with nine rebounds, but no other Griffon finished in double figures. Brionna Budgets finished with nine points. Trinity Knapp had five off the bench.

Missouri Western shot just 32.1 percent (17-of-53) from the field, including just 1-of-11 from three. UNK shot 42.3 percent (22-of-52), including 6-of-19 from three.

Western men erase 23-point deficit, come up just shy at the end

It was tough sledding for the Missouri Western men before Thursday's game even started. The Griffons were without Alex John, Anthony Peacock, Q Mays and Caleb Bennett due to COVID protocol. Three starters, including two of the top three scorers.

Nebraska-Kearney pounced early, leading 30-7 with 8:25 to go in the first half. Will Martin had to call timeout. Suddenly, things changed.

"I felt like our emotions and our attitudes were, 'Oh we're down our three best players,'" Martin said of his team's start. "I said, 'Listen, I'm rocking with all you cats. We're not dodging from any smoke. There's a lot of teams that want to play this game.' And I said, 'I believe in you.'"

The Griffons ended the first half on a 28-11 run, willed themselves back into the game and hung in for the entire second half, but the Lopers (6-9, 2-7 MIAA) hung on late for an 81-79 win in St. Joseph Thursday.

Western used a 13-2 run to get back to within 32-20 with 5:41 left in the first half, prompting a UNK timeout. A Zion Swader three-pointer with just 10 seconds left in the half made it a 41-36 game at the break.

Nebraska-Kearney started the second half on a 9-3 run, and eventually went up 56-43 with 14:14 to go, thanks to a three-pointer from Sean Evans. Evans led the Lopers with a game-high 22 points.

Still trailing 70-63 with 6:27 to play, the Griffons really started to close the gap after several layups by JaRon Thames and Taye Fields made it a 74-71 game with 3:20 left.

Western finally grabbed the lead when Reese Glover hit an open floater in the lane to put the Griffons ahead 77-76 with just over a minute to go.

Nebraska-Kearney responded on the next possession, as Matt Brien hit a corner three with 42 seconds remaining to put the Lopers back up 79-77.

Thames tied it at 79 with a layup of his own with just 25 seconds left. He also got fouled and had a chance at a three-point play, but missed the ensuing free throw. Fields rebounded that miss, and had a chance at a go-ahead put back, but that too was off the mark.

With 15 seconds left, Nebraska-Kearney called timeout and eventually got the ball to Darrian Nebecker, who hit a go-ahead, long range jumper from the left side to put the Lopers back up 81-79. Nebecker finished with 16 points on 7-of-8 shooting. He also had 11 rebounds.

With 4.1 seconds still to go, Western called a full timeout. Will Eames chucked the ball inbounds, halfway across the court to Thames, who dribbled in the lane and had a decent look at a tying shot from just a few feet away, but the shot missed off the iron and the Lopers held on.

"I thought he was right there," Martin said. "It's a good shot that I'll take. He had been hitting those all night. I'm so proud of this team. I don't care about the five-game losing streak. I am so proud of this team."

Heartbreak, perhaps. But, a gutsy effort by a team that was down four total players and three starters, and that got behind by 23 in the early going.

"I've never in my life been more proud of a team," Martin beamed. "Ever. We're down three starters, two seniors. We're out our leading scorer, our best defensive player. We came out and we fought, man. We fought. We fought and we battled."

Zion Swader broke out for a career-high 20 points to go with four steals. Taye Fields had his first career double-double with 15 points and 15 rebounds. JaRon Thames scored 17 points, tying his season-high. Will Eames chipped in 13 points, six rebounds and three steals.

Both Missouri Western teams are back home Saturday to host Fort Hays State. The women tip at 1:30, the men at 3:30. Both games will be carried on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3).

By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe Missouri Western women's basketball team went toe-to-toe with No. 16 Nebraska-Kearney for awhile, but the Lopers (13-2, 8-1 MIAA) grabbed a double-digit lead in the fourth quarter and hung on for a 60-48 win at the MWSU Fieldhouse Thursday night.In a battle of top 25 teams, No. 22 Missouri Western (12-2, 7-2 MIAA) started strong and hung with the Lopers early, leading 15-14 at the end of the first and only trailing 25-22 at the break.But after seven ties and six lead changes in the first half, Nebraska-Kearney never lost the lead in the second half and led 44-36 entering the final quarter.The Griffons, who lost at home for the first time this season Thursday, got to within 44-40 with 8:07 to go in the fourth, but that's as close as it would get for the rest of the game.A three-pointer by Haley Simental put the Lopers ahead 56-44 with 3:35 remaining, and the Lopers led it by 10 or more the rest of the way.Missouri Western shot just 8-of-23 in the second half, including 3-of-11 in the final quarter."I thought we had some opportunities that we left on the table," Missouri Western coach Candi Whitaker said. "Missed some layups. We had some wide open looks from the arc. They just didn't go. We just didn't make some shots. I thought you could tell we were a young team late compared to (Kearney's) experience."Simental and Elisa Backes led Nebraska-Kearney with 16 points each. Brook Carlson had 12 points to go with 11 rebounds.Connie Clarke carried the load for Western, scoring a game-high 23 points to go with nine rebounds, but no other Griffon finished in double figures. Brionna Budgets finished with nine points. Trinity Knapp had five off the bench.Missouri Western shot just 32.1 percent (17-of-53) from the field, including just 1-of-11 from three. UNK shot 42.3 percent (22-of-52), including 6-of-19 from three.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642137659413.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo." />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>Western men erase 23-point deficit, come up just shy at the endIt was tough sledding for the Missouri Western men before Thursday's game even started. The Griffons were without Alex John, Anthony Peacock, Q Mays and Caleb Bennett due to COVID protocol. Three starters, including two of the top three scorers.Nebraska-Kearney pounced early, leading 30-7 with 8:25 to go in the first half. Will Martin had to call timeout. Suddenly, things changed."I felt like our emotions and our attitudes were, 'Oh we're down our three best players,'" Martin said of his team's start. "I said, 'Listen, I'm rocking with all you cats. We're not dodging from any smoke. There's a lot of teams that want to play this game.' And I said, 'I believe in you.'"The Griffons ended the first half on a 28-11 run, willed themselves back into the game and hung in for the entire second half, but the Lopers (6-9, 2-7 MIAA) hung on late for an 81-79 win in St. Joseph Thursday.Western used a 13-2 run to get back to within 32-20 with 5:41 left in the first half, prompting a UNK timeout. A Zion Swader three-pointer with just 10 seconds left in the half made it a 41-36 game at the break.Nebraska-Kearney started the second half on a 9-3 run, and eventually went up 56-43 with 14:14 to go, thanks to a three-pointer from Sean Evans. Evans led the Lopers with a game-high 22 points.Still trailing 70-63 with 6:27 to play, the Griffons really started to close the gap after several layups by JaRon Thames and Taye Fields made it a 74-71 game with 3:20 left.Western finally grabbed the lead when Reese Glover hit an open floater in the lane to put the Griffons ahead 77-76 with just over a minute to go.Nebraska-Kearney responded on the next possession, as Matt Brien hit a corner three with 42 seconds remaining to put the Lopers back up 79-77.Thames tied it at 79 with a layup of his own with just 25 seconds left. He also got fouled and had a chance at a three-point play, but missed the ensuing free throw. Fields rebounded that miss, and had a chance at a go-ahead put back, but that too was off the mark.With 15 seconds left, Nebraska-Kearney called timeout and eventually got the ball to Darrian Nebecker, who hit a go-ahead, long range jumper from the left side to put the Lopers back up 81-79. Nebecker finished with 16 points on 7-of-8 shooting. He also had 11 rebounds.With 4.1 seconds still to go, Western called a full timeout. Will Eames chucked the ball inbounds, halfway across the court to Thames, who dribbled in the lane and had a decent look at a tying shot from just a few feet away, but the shot missed off the iron and the Lopers held on."I thought he was right there," Martin said. "It's a good shot that I'll take. He had been hitting those all night. I'm so proud of this team. I don't care about the five-game losing streak. I am so proud of this team."Heartbreak, perhaps. But, a gutsy effort by a team that was down four total players and three starters, and that got behind by 23 in the early going."I've never in my life been more proud of a team," Martin beamed. "Ever. We're down three starters, two seniors. We're out our leading scorer, our best defensive player. We came out and we fought, man. We fought. We fought and we battled."Zion Swader broke out for a career-high 20 points to go with four steals. Taye Fields had his first career double-double with 15 points and 15 rebounds. JaRon Thames scored 17 points, tying his season-high. Will Eames chipped in 13 points, six rebounds and three steals.Both Missouri Western teams are back home Saturday to host Fort Hays State. The women tip at 1:30, the men at 3:30. Both games will be carried on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3).<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642135761146.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo." />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Nebraska-Kearney women top MWSU, Griffon men's comeback falls short

The St. Joseph Central girls' basketball team is no stranger to playing tough competition in the 2021-22 season.

Raytown (10-2), No. 1 ranked Bishop Meige from Kansas (7-0) and then No. 2 Rock Bridge (10-0) just two days ago were among the toughest tests so far. So, when St. Pius X, a team that's receiving votes in the Class 4 Missouri Basketball Coaches' Association came to the Coliseum Wednesday, Central didn't flinch.

The Indians (8-4) got off to an 8-0 start and never looked back in a 66-47 win over the Warriors on Wednesday night.

The game was a late edition to the schedule for Central after their game at Lee's Summit scheduled for this Thursday got rescheduled to February 1st. The matchup against Pius was announced on Monday afternoon.

"We've played a tough schedule so far this year," Central coach Roger Smith said. "We wanted that for this year. We said in the very beginning that we wanted a tough schedule, because we wanted to be prepared. We've held our own. I'm happy with the way we're playing. I like the intensity we're playing with."

The Indians started quick Wednesday, going up 8-0 in the first 2:46 of the game, and leading 18-6 at the end of the first quarter.

Pius (7-3) made a bit of a charge in the third quarter, getting to within 41-31 with 3:20 left in the third and then 43-34 just a few moments later.

Central ended the third quarter on a 7-1 run, thanks to a flurry of steals and led 50-35 entering the fourth.

Pius made a couple of three-pointers in the final quarter, but 16 points over the final eight minutes was enough for Central to put the game away.

"I liked the way we executed," Smith said. "I thought in the third quarter we finally got into a rhythm again. When we get going offensively, it's going to be fun, because our defense is usually pretty darn good.

"I like the intensity we're playing with. I like my team. They're a lot of fun right now. When kids play that hard, it's fun to coach."

The Indians were led in scoring by senior and Northwest Missouri State basketball commit Ella Moody, who scored a game-high 17 points. Junior Breanna Dudley came off the bench to score 16, while fellow junior Avery Barber also came off the bench and tallied 15 points, including three made three-pointers.

"We made really good open shots to open girls," Barber said. "We just played tough and kept playing good defense and ended up with the win."

Junior Lauren Wells had nine, while junior Charlize Broaden scored eight. Senior Adanna Anikwe led Pius with 15 points. Sophomore Ava Coons finished with 10.

Central will be in action next week at the Basehor-Linwood tournament, which runs Jan. 18-22.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642046196504.jpeg" alt="Avery Barber shoots for three in the first half against St. Pius X Wednesday. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Avery Barber shoots for three in the first half against St. Pius X Wednesday. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe St. Joseph Central girls' basketball team is no stranger to playing tough competition in the 2021-22 season.Raytown (10-2), No. 1 ranked Bishop Meige from Kansas (7-0) and then No. 2 Rock Bridge (10-0) just two days ago were among the toughest tests so far. So, when St. Pius X, a team that's receiving votes in the Class 4 Missouri Basketball Coaches' Association came to the Coliseum Wednesday, Central didn't flinch.The Indians (8-4) got off to an 8-0 start and never looked back in a 66-47 win over the Warriors on Wednesday night.The game was a late edition to the schedule for Central after their game at Lee's Summit scheduled for this Thursday got rescheduled to February 1st. The matchup against Pius was announced on Monday afternoon."We've played a tough schedule so far this year," Central coach Roger Smith said. "We wanted that for this year. We said in the very beginning that we wanted a tough schedule, because we wanted to be prepared. We've held our own. I'm happy with the way we're playing. I like the intensity we're playing with."The Indians started quick Wednesday, going up 8-0 in the first 2:46 of the game, and leading 18-6 at the end of the first quarter.Pius (7-3) made a bit of a charge in the third quarter, getting to within 41-31 with 3:20 left in the third and then 43-34 just a few moments later.Central ended the third quarter on a 7-1 run, thanks to a flurry of steals and led 50-35 entering the fourth.Pius made a couple of three-pointers in the final quarter, but 16 points over the final eight minutes was enough for Central to put the game away."I liked the way we executed," Smith said. "I thought in the third quarter we finally got into a rhythm again. When we get going offensively, it's going to be fun, because our defense is usually pretty darn good."I like the intensity we're playing with. I like my team. They're a lot of fun right now. When kids play that hard, it's fun to coach."The Indians were led in scoring by senior and Northwest Missouri State basketball commit Ella Moody, who scored a game-high 17 points. Junior Breanna Dudley came off the bench to score 16, while fellow junior Avery Barber also came off the bench and tallied 15 points, including three made three-pointers."We made really good open shots to open girls," Barber said. "We just played tough and kept playing good defense and ended up with the win." Junior Lauren Wells had nine, while junior Charlize Broaden scored eight. Senior Adanna Anikwe led Pius with 15 points. Sophomore Ava Coons finished with 10.Central will be in action next week at the Basehor-Linwood tournament, which runs Jan. 18-22.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642045818073.jpeg" alt="Ella Moody." />
 <figcaption>Ella Moody.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642046256071.jpeg" alt="Lauren Wells." />
 <figcaption>Lauren Wells.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Central girls get off to quick start, pull away late against St. Pius X Wednesday

Fairfax tournament South Holt 49 Nodaway Valley 34 Bill Burns Classic at Lathrop Lathrop 53 Savannah 46

Lawson tournament North Platte 62 Richmond 26 West Platte 49 Gallatin 16

Osborn tournament DeKalb 52 Pattonsburg 40. The Tigers are onto the championship. They'll play Polo on Friday night at 6:30. The Panthers beat Benton JV, 50-28.

Stanberry tournament North Andrew 34 Mound City 16 North Nodaway 33 King City 24. North Nodaway meets Platte Valley in the semifinal on Thursday at 4:30.

Benton Cardinal Classic Benton 62 Hogan Prep 41 No final reported, but Oak Park was leading Savannah 48-17 at half.

Kearney Invitational Lafayette 63 Kearney 53 OT. The Irish will next play North Kansas City on Thursday at 8.

Fairfax tournament South Holt 57 Nodaway Valley 53

Lawson tournament West Platte 80 Cristo Rey 18

Stanberry tournament Mound City 74 North Nodaway 25. The Panthers are 11-0 and will play Platte Valley in semis on Thursday at 6. Stanberry 74 King City 41. The Bulldogs play Worth County in semis on Thursday night at 9.&nbsp;

Non-tournament play Lee’s Summit 72 St. Joseph Central 48

By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostGirls' basketballFairfax tournament South Holt 49 Nodaway Valley 34 Bill Burns Classic at Lathrop Lathrop 53 Savannah 46Lawson tournament North Platte 62 Richmond 26 West Platte 49 Gallatin 16Osborn tournament DeKalb 52 Pattonsburg 40. The Tigers are onto the championship. They'll play Polo on Friday night at 6:30. The Panthers beat Benton JV, 50-28.Stanberry tournament North Andrew 34 Mound City 16 North Nodaway 33 King City 24. North Nodaway meets Platte Valley in the semifinal on Thursday at 4:30.Boys’ basketballBenton Cardinal Classic Benton 62 Hogan Prep 41 No final reported, but Oak Park was leading Savannah 48-17 at half.Kearney Invitational Lafayette 63 Kearney 53 OT. The Irish will next play North Kansas City on Thursday at 8.Fairfax tournament South Holt 57 Nodaway Valley 53Lawson tournament West Platte 80 Cristo Rey 18Stanberry tournament Mound City 74 North Nodaway 25. The Panthers are 11-0 and will play Platte Valley in semis on Thursday at 6. Stanberry 74 King City 41. The Bulldogs play Worth County in semis on Thursday night at 9.&nbsp;Non-tournament play Lee’s Summit 72 St. Joseph Central 48

KFEQ/St. Joseph Post area high school scoreboard - January 11, 2022

A former Northwest Missouri State head football coach was honored recently during the AFCA Convention in San Antonio, TX.&nbsp;

Mel Tjeerdsma, who led the Bearcats from 1994 to 2010, was awarded the 2022 Amos Alonzo Stagg Award.&nbsp; The award is given to an individual “whose services have been outstanding in the advancement of the best interests of football.”

The award is named in honor of a man who was instrumental in founding the AFCA in the 1920s. Amos Alonzo Stagg is considered one of the great innovators and motivating forces in the early development of the game of football. 

The plaque given to each recipient is a replica of the one given to Stagg at the 1939 AFCA Convention in tribute to his 50 years of service to football.

Tjeerdsma was a head coach for 27 years, with a stint at Austin from 1984 to 1993 before coming to Maryville, earning 242 career wins, 183 coming with the Bearcats, which ranks 10th all-time among among Division II head coaches.&nbsp; Tjeerdsma also boasts a 74.4 winning percentage. Just three seasons after being hired on at Northwest, Tjeerdsma turned the program around, going from 0-11 to 11-2 and leading Northwest to its first playoff appearance since 1984.&nbsp; in 1998, Tjeerdsma would lead Northwest to an undefeated 15-0 season, culminating in their first ever NCAA Division II national title.

Northwest would go on to win a second straight title in 1999 under Tjeerdsma, playing in five more national championship games, winning a third in 2009.&nbsp; Those 183 wins with Northwest would make Tjeerdsma the all-time wins leader for the program.&nbsp; He was also an AFCA Division II Coach of the year four times in his career (1998, 1999, 2008, 2009) and a seven time AFCA Regional Coach of the Year winner.

Before retiring in 2010 from coaching, the Bearcats would name the field at Bearcat Stadium in his honor in 2007.&nbsp; In 2013, after returning to Austin College working in the Institutional Advancement Division, Tjeerdsma returned as Northwest's Athletic Director, a post he held until 2018.

&nbsp;In 2018, he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641933440247.jpeg" alt="Stock Photo" />
 <figcaption>Stock Photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostA former Northwest Missouri State head football coach was honored recently during the AFCA Convention in San Antonio, TX.&nbsp;Mel Tjeerdsma, who led the Bearcats from 1994 to 2010, was awarded the 2022 Amos Alonzo Stagg Award.&nbsp; The award is given to an individual “whose services have been outstanding in the advancement of the best interests of football.”The award is named in honor of a man who was instrumental in founding the AFCA in the 1920s. Amos Alonzo Stagg is considered one of the great innovators and motivating forces in the early development of the game of football. The plaque given to each recipient is a replica of the one given to Stagg at the 1939 AFCA Convention in tribute to his 50 years of service to football.Tjeerdsma was a head coach for 27 years, with a stint at Austin from 1984 to 1993 before coming to Maryville, earning 242 career wins, 183 coming with the Bearcats, which ranks 10th all-time among among Division II head coaches.&nbsp; Tjeerdsma also boasts a 74.4 winning percentage. Just three seasons after being hired on at Northwest, Tjeerdsma turned the program around, going from 0-11 to 11-2 and leading Northwest to its first playoff appearance since 1984.&nbsp; in 1998, Tjeerdsma would lead Northwest to an undefeated 15-0 season, culminating in their first ever NCAA Division II national title.Northwest would go on to win a second straight title in 1999 under Tjeerdsma, playing in five more national championship games, winning a third in 2009.&nbsp; Those 183 wins with Northwest would make Tjeerdsma the all-time wins leader for the program.&nbsp; He was also an AFCA Division II Coach of the year four times in his career (1998, 1999, 2008, 2009) and a seven time AFCA Regional Coach of the Year winner.Before retiring in 2010 from coaching, the Bearcats would name the field at Bearcat Stadium in his honor in 2007.&nbsp; In 2013, after returning to Austin College working in the Institutional Advancement Division, Tjeerdsma returned as Northwest's Athletic Director, a post he held until 2018.&nbsp;In 2018, he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. <div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Congratulations to former <a href="https://twitter.com/NWBearcat_FB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NWBearcat_FB</a> head coach Mel Tjeerdsma on receiving the 2022 Amos Alonzo Stagg Award at the <a href="https://twitter.com/WeAreAFCA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WeAreAFCA</a> convention in San Antonio. It is given to those whose services have been outstanding in the advancement of the best interests in football. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OABAAB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OABAAB</a> <a href="https://t.co/Ou20QpkZ6V">pic.twitter.com/Ou20QpkZ6V</a>&mdash; Northwest Athletics (@bearcatsports) <a href="https://twitter.com/bearcatsports/status/1480916772509388801?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

Former Northwest Head Coach Mel Tjeerdsma wins Amos Alonzo Stagg Award

SAVANNAH - Online voting has started for a new school mascot at Savannah.

Savannah parents, community members and alumni are invited to choose from five mascot designs in an online survey. The five choices were narrowed down by the school board in December after a total of 83 submissions.

New mascot designs were submitted by students, community members and alumni.

"We really truly had submissions from all of those areas," Savannah district spokesperson Jess Gillett said. "It was really kind of fun to see. We have several alumni who are now graphic artists and we got things on that end of the spectrum all the way to submissions from young elementary students. So, that was fun to see."

Any submissions with copyrighted imagery, or anything that had negative connotations, were thrown out. Students eventually narrowed it down to their favorite 10 submissions with a vote. That 10 was then narrowed down further to five. The final five were presented to the board in December.

"Students voted on the top 10," Gillett said. "Taking the top 10 to their favorite five. That's what went to the board last month, and the board was in agreement that those top five were good and we could move forward and that's where we are now."

Voting on the mascot opened Monday and will close on Friday, January 14.&nbsp;Students and staff members are voting on campus.&nbsp;

The five new mascot choices&nbsp;<a href="https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1MesOUpFZxwr-I1P2QZpmM13J2ND84Pt9GdjhgHg-UQQ/edit#slide=id.g10764e4012a_0_20">can be viewed here</a>. Savannah parents, alums and community members&nbsp;<a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PXRQS9B">can vote online here</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The school colors and the name "Savages" will be retained. The Savannah school board voted <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/db776f1c-5c82-46d3-9192-5fb6a33525ca">in April of last year</a>&nbsp;to retain the Savage name, but phase out&nbsp;the Native American imagery and symbolism associated with the mascot.

A final decision on the new mascot imagery will be announced after the next board meeting on Thursday, January 20.

Once the new mascot is chosen, Gillett says the final and biggest step will be replacing the equipment and uniforms that bear the original mascot.

Gillett reiterated, just as the school board did at the time of their vote, not one cent of the school district's budget is going toward the mascot change.&nbsp;Instead, as it becomes necessary to replace items, the updated imagery will be used.

"Uniforms are on a five-year rotation," Gillett said. "So, when it's time for those uniforms to be replaced, we'll simply put the new mascot on the new uniform and move forward. And that's true of everything in the district. Gym floors, things like that. They'll just be replaced as they were already scheduled to be updated or replaced."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618368461365.jpeg" alt="Newly appointed Savannah Board of Education president Joseph Barbosa addresses the room after being appointed president and after a vote to change the Savannah mascot imagery last April. Stock photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Newly appointed Savannah Board of Education president Joseph Barbosa addresses the room after being appointed president and after a vote to change the Savannah mascot imagery last April. Stock photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph Post&nbsp;SAVANNAH - Online voting has started for a new school mascot at Savannah.Savannah parents, community members and alumni are invited to choose from five mascot designs in an online survey. The five choices were narrowed down by the school board in December after a total of 83 submissions.New mascot designs were submitted by students, community members and alumni."We really truly had submissions from all of those areas," Savannah district spokesperson Jess Gillett said. "It was really kind of fun to see. We have several alumni who are now graphic artists and we got things on that end of the spectrum all the way to submissions from young elementary students. So, that was fun to see."Any submissions with copyrighted imagery, or anything that had negative connotations, were thrown out. Students eventually narrowed it down to their favorite 10 submissions with a vote. That 10 was then narrowed down further to five. The final five were presented to the board in December."Students voted on the top 10," Gillett said. "Taking the top 10 to their favorite five. That's what went to the board last month, and the board was in agreement that those top five were good and we could move forward and that's where we are now."Voting on the mascot opened Monday and will close on Friday, January 14.&nbsp;Students and staff members are voting on campus.&nbsp;

The five new mascot choices&nbsp;<a href="https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1MesOUpFZxwr-I1P2QZpmM13J2ND84Pt9GdjhgHg-UQQ/edit#slide=id.g10764e4012a_0_20">can be viewed here</a>. Savannah parents, alums and community members&nbsp;<a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PXRQS9B">can vote online here</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;The school colors and the name "Savages" will be retained. The Savannah school board voted <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/db776f1c-5c82-46d3-9192-5fb6a33525ca">in April of last year</a>&nbsp;to retain the Savage name, but phase out&nbsp;the Native American imagery and symbolism associated with the mascot.A final decision on the new mascot imagery will be announced after the next board meeting on Thursday, January 20.Once the new mascot is chosen, Gillett says the final and biggest step will be replacing the equipment and uniforms that bear the original mascot.Gillett reiterated, just as the school board did at the time of their vote, not one cent of the school district's budget is going toward the mascot change.&nbsp;Instead, as it becomes necessary to replace items, the updated imagery will be used."Uniforms are on a five-year rotation," Gillett said. "So, when it's time for those uniforms to be replaced, we'll simply put the new mascot on the new uniform and move forward. And that's true of everything in the district. Gym floors, things like that. They'll just be replaced as they were already scheduled to be updated or replaced."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618430580582.png" alt="Stock photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Stock photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Voting underway for new Savannah mascot, five finalists selected

DENVER (AP) — Nearly stumbling heading into the playoffs, Nick Bolton and the Kansas City Chiefs gathered themselves just in time to thunder into the postseason with an AFC-leading 12 wins.

They'll learn Sunday if that's enough to get them a first-round bye.

“We're ready to go wherever and against whomever,” Patrick Mahomes said after the Chiefs rallied for a 28-24 win Saturday over the Denver Broncos, a victory powered by Bolton's&nbsp;86-yard fumble return&nbsp;midway through the fourth quarter.

To secure the pole position in the AFC playoffs, the Chiefs (12-5) need Houston to upset the Tennessee Titans on Sunday. If not, Kansas City hosts a wild-card game next weekend in its quest to reach a third consecutive Super Bowl.

The Broncos were ahead 21-20 and driving for another score when Melvin Ingram III blitzed, speeding past tight end Noah Fant untouched and blowing up the play just as Drew Lock handed the ball to Melvin Gordon on second-and-2 from the 9.

Bolton, a rookie linebacker who checks in at 237 pounds, scooped up the loose ball and rumbled down the Chiefs' euphoric sideline, nearly falling down at midfield before regaining his balance and outracing Lock, whom he played with at Missouri, to the end zone.

“I was hoping that he wouldn't stumble," Chiefs coach Andy Reid said after his 250th NFL coaching victory, including playoffs. "Those guys don't get much of a chance to run that far that fast very often and he ran like a stallion. He took off and looked like a running back there.”

Like many of the other victories in the Chiefs' 13-game winning streak against Denver, this one was no cakewalk. The Broncos (7-10) led for much of the afternoon despite having nothing to play for but pride.

“I love the way our defense buckled down," Reid said. “All in all, a good win and an important win for the Kansas City Chiefs and we’ll see what we have by tomorrow night, who we’re playing. We sure look forward to bringing back a playoff game back to Arrowhead in front of our fans.”

Wide receiver Tyreek Hill could surely use the week off that goes to the top seed in each conference. He injured a heel in pregame warmups and was held to one catch for 2 yards. With Hill hurting, Mecole Hardman stepped up with eight catches for 103 yards.

“No one is Tyreek. He's a special player that has never been seen in this league,” Mahomes said. “But Mecole is pretty close. ... He was prepared for this moment."

After Mahomes scored a two-point conversion following Bolton's touchdown to give the Chiefs a seven-point lead, the Broncos quickly drove downfield again but settled for Brandon McManus' chip shot field goal rather than going for it on fourth-and-9 from the 13.

The Chiefs chewed up the final 4:37 and lined up in victory formation after the two-minute warning as the crowd&nbsp; streamed for the exits, a fifth straight losing season in the books and the Broncos' playoff drought now stretched to six years.

The Chiefs now await their playoff matchup, and will cheer on the Texans when they face the Titans on Sunday at noon central in Houston.

St. Joseph PostDENVER (AP) — Nearly stumbling heading into the playoffs, Nick Bolton and the Kansas City Chiefs gathered themselves just in time to thunder into the postseason with an AFC-leading 12 wins.They'll learn Sunday if that's enough to get them a first-round bye.“We're ready to go wherever and against whomever,” Patrick Mahomes said after the Chiefs rallied for a 28-24 win Saturday over the Denver Broncos, a victory powered by Bolton's&nbsp;86-yard fumble return&nbsp;midway through the fourth quarter.To secure the pole position in the AFC playoffs, the Chiefs (12-5) need Houston to upset the Tennessee Titans on Sunday. If not, Kansas City hosts a wild-card game next weekend in its quest to reach a third consecutive Super Bowl.The Broncos were ahead 21-20 and driving for another score when Melvin Ingram III blitzed, speeding past tight end Noah Fant untouched and blowing up the play just as Drew Lock handed the ball to Melvin Gordon on second-and-2 from the 9.Bolton, a rookie linebacker who checks in at 237 pounds, scooped up the loose ball and rumbled down the Chiefs' euphoric sideline, nearly falling down at midfield before regaining his balance and outracing Lock, whom he played with at Missouri, to the end zone.“I was hoping that he wouldn't stumble," Chiefs coach Andy Reid said after his 250th NFL coaching victory, including playoffs. "Those guys don't get much of a chance to run that far that fast very often and he ran like a stallion. He took off and looked like a running back there.”Like many of the other victories in the Chiefs' 13-game winning streak against Denver, this one was no cakewalk. The Broncos (7-10) led for much of the afternoon despite having nothing to play for but pride.“I love the way our defense buckled down," Reid said. “All in all, a good win and an important win for the Kansas City Chiefs and we’ll see what we have by tomorrow night, who we’re playing. We sure look forward to bringing back a playoff game back to Arrowhead in front of our fans.”Wide receiver Tyreek Hill could surely use the week off that goes to the top seed in each conference. He injured a heel in pregame warmups and was held to one catch for 2 yards. With Hill hurting, Mecole Hardman stepped up with eight catches for 103 yards.“No one is Tyreek. He's a special player that has never been seen in this league,” Mahomes said. “But Mecole is pretty close. ... He was prepared for this moment."After Mahomes scored a two-point conversion following Bolton's touchdown to give the Chiefs a seven-point lead, the Broncos quickly drove downfield again but settled for Brandon McManus' chip shot field goal rather than going for it on fourth-and-9 from the 13.The Chiefs chewed up the final 4:37 and lined up in victory formation after the two-minute warning as the crowd&nbsp; streamed for the exits, a fifth straight losing season in the books and the Broncos' playoff drought now stretched to six years.The Chiefs now await their playoff matchup, and will cheer on the Texans when they face the Titans on Sunday at noon central in Houston.

Nick Bolton's scoop-n-score lifts Chiefs to tough win over Denver Saturday

TOPEKA, KS -&nbsp;

The Missouri Western men's basketball team got behind early in the first half, and never recovered in a 76-64 loss at Washburn Saturday.

The Griffons (8-8, 4-4 MIAA) got off to a quick 5-0 start, but Washburn responded with a 14-2 run and eventually went up 25-14 with 7:19 to go in the first half.

The lead only grew for the Ichabods, as they went up 40-25 at halftime, thanks to a three-pointer by Jalen Lewis with just two seconds left before the buzzer.

Lewis had 20 of his game-high 25 points in the first half, and shot a blistering 6-of-12 from three.

"They did a really good job of penetrating and beating us one-on-one," Missouri Western coach Will Martin said. "Getting to the paint and making good reads. Jalen Lewis had a really good game. He only had five points in the second half, but we have to have that same type of intentionality the entire game."

The Griffons got down by as many as 19 within the first five minutes of the second half, but played better offensively down the stretch.

Western shot 48.4 in the second half and outscored the Ichabods 39-36 in the final 20 minutes, but were never really able to get back into it.

A three-pointer by Will Eames within the final two minutes made it a 73-64 ballgame with 1:22 remaining, but that's as close as the Griffons got.

"We have to execute," Martin said. "That's what I told the guys at the end. We talk so much about connectivity and staying together and this team has and they showed fortitude in that second half and didn't give up. But, now there comes a time where you just have to execute, man."

Western, which has now lost four in a row, was led in scoring by Q Mays, who had 23 points - the most points he's had in a game since Nov. 20 against Missouri-St. Louis. Mays also had eight rebounds.

Eames finished with 15 points and eight boards. Caleb Bennett had nine points to go with seven rebounds.

Turnovers were a problem for Missouri Western Saturday. The Griffons had 19 turnovers to just seven assists. The Ichabods, who have now won four of their last five games overall, finished with just seven turnovers to 17 assists.

"If you ask me, we haven't created an identity defensively," Martin said. "We've had games where we've shown up. We've had too many games where we haven't. I think is team is capable of being a really, really solid defensive team when you look at our roster and our length and our athleticism."

Missouri Western returns home Thursday to begin a three-game homestand. The Griffons will host Nebraska-Kearney in a men's and women's doubleheader. The women's game will tip at 5:30 and the men will follow at 7:30.

Both games will be carried on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641696671596.jpeg" alt="Missouri Western's Justin Bubak (15) goes for three in the second half. Courtesy photo." />
 <figcaption>Missouri Western's Justin Bubak (15) goes for three in the second half. Courtesy photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostTOPEKA, KS -&nbsp;

The Missouri Western men's basketball team got behind early in the first half, and never recovered in a 76-64 loss at Washburn Saturday.The Griffons (8-8, 4-4 MIAA) got off to a quick 5-0 start, but Washburn responded with a 14-2 run and eventually went up 25-14 with 7:19 to go in the first half.The lead only grew for the Ichabods, as they went up 40-25 at halftime, thanks to a three-pointer by Jalen Lewis with just two seconds left before the buzzer.Lewis had 20 of his game-high 25 points in the first half, and shot a blistering 6-of-12 from three."They did a really good job of penetrating and beating us one-on-one," Missouri Western coach Will Martin said. "Getting to the paint and making good reads. Jalen Lewis had a really good game. He only had five points in the second half, but we have to have that same type of intentionality the entire game."The Griffons got down by as many as 19 within the first five minutes of the second half, but played better offensively down the stretch.Western shot 48.4 in the second half and outscored the Ichabods 39-36 in the final 20 minutes, but were never really able to get back into it.A three-pointer by Will Eames within the final two minutes made it a 73-64 ballgame with 1:22 remaining, but that's as close as the Griffons got."We have to execute," Martin said. "That's what I told the guys at the end. We talk so much about connectivity and staying together and this team has and they showed fortitude in that second half and didn't give up. But, now there comes a time where you just have to execute, man."Western, which has now lost four in a row, was led in scoring by Q Mays, who had 23 points - the most points he's had in a game since Nov. 20 against Missouri-St. Louis. Mays also had eight rebounds.Eames finished with 15 points and eight boards. Caleb Bennett had nine points to go with seven rebounds.Turnovers were a problem for Missouri Western Saturday. The Griffons had 19 turnovers to just seven assists. The Ichabods, who have now won four of their last five games overall, finished with just seven turnovers to 17 assists."If you ask me, we haven't created an identity defensively," Martin said. "We've had games where we've shown up. We've had too many games where we haven't. I think is team is capable of being a really, really solid defensive team when you look at our roster and our length and our athleticism."Missouri Western returns home Thursday to begin a three-game homestand. The Griffons will host Nebraska-Kearney in a men's and women's doubleheader. The women's game will tip at 5:30 and the men will follow at 7:30.Both games will be carried on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3).You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Missouri Western men fall behind early, take fourth straight loss at Washburn Saturday

The Stanberry girls' basketball team (9-2) overcame a nine-point deficit twice to force overtime and eventually top St. Joseph Christian, 55-52, on Friday night at St. Joseph Christian High School.

The Bulldogs, ranked No. 7 in Class 1, were down 9-0 to start the game and didn't score their first basket until 3:26 to go in the first quarter.

Stanberry then started the second quarter on a 9-2 run and hit a pair of threes to take a 24-18 lead at the break.

The Bulldogs came out of the locker room still on a roll, going up 31-22 midway through the third before St. Joseph Christian reeled off an 18-0 scoring run, which carried over into the 4th quarter and allowed the Lions (9-3) to go ahead, 40-31.

Still down 42-35 midway through the fourth, Stanberry reeled off an 8-0 run of their own to go up 43-42 with 45.9 seconds left in regulation.

Christian did not give up. With starters Lexi McDaniel and Chloe Burnham fouled out, sophomore Danika Wattenbarger stepped up and got a layup, got fouled and made the ensuing free throw to put the Lions ahead, 47-45, with 6.1 seconds remaining.

With just 4.5 left in regulation, Stanberry's Tarynn Mattson was fouled. With the Bulldogs already in the double bonus, Mattson stepped to the charity stripe and made both of her shots to knot the game at 47 and send it to overtime.

The Bulldogs started the extra period on a 4-0 run, and never trailed again, winning their fifth straight game. Stanberry did a masterful job of getting to the foul line Friday, making 25-of-34 free throws in the game.

Christian did a decent job forcing fouls also, making 15-of-19 free throw attempts themselves.

Senior and Mizzou track and field commit Lexi Craig led Stanberry in victory with 16 points, making 11-of-14 free throws herself, including a perfect 6-for-6 in the fourth quarter and overtime combined.

"I kept telling the girls on the court that this is fun," Craig said. "I love those kind of games. Way better than what we'd been having in the season. It was pretty slow to start out with, but we finally found our groove in the second quarter."&nbsp;

Junior Kiley Mattson scored 12 for Stanberry - four of that coming in overtime.&nbsp;Sophomore Amelia Wallace fouled out in overtime, but scored 11 points.

"I kept telling my teammates to keep our mindset correct and keep our emotion down," Craig said. "Don't show the refs what you like or don't like, because you're not going to get that call. Just trying to keep our head in the game the entire time."

Sophomore Chloe Burnham led her team with 15 points, scoring 11 in the third quarter alone. Junior Ella Bowman and sophomore Maya Freudenthal each scored 11.

Stanberry boys get off to quick start, trounce St. Joseph Christian

Senior Austin Schwebach scored 14 points in the first quarter, sparking the Bulldogs to a 28-8 start and leading Stanberry to a 66-31 win at St. Joseph Christian Friday.

Schwebach led the No. 5 Bulldogs (10-1) with a game-high 20 points.

"We came out with the intensity we needed to get a big lead," Schwebach said. "Then, we never backed down. Always taking good shots and moving the ball and playing hard on defense as well."

Leading 37-15 at halftime, Stanberry kept its foot on the gas, scoring 17 fourth quarter points and getting a few slam dunks in for good measure. 

Stanberry has now won 10 straight since dropping its season-opener to top-ranked and unbeaten Mound City.

"We just want to keep it rolling through the rest of the season," Schwebach said. "Hopefully, keep it rolling on into districts and then hopefully further."

Senior Landon Marticke made four threes in the game and contributed 16 points to Stanberry's win. Sophomore Colby McQuinn had 11.

Christian, which had a six-game winning streak snapped Friday, were without senior starter Camden Lutz in the game. Fellow senior Carson Bowman carried the load for the Lions (9-3), scoring 16 points. Senior Caleb Carlson had five.

Both the Stanberry and St. Joseph Christian boys' and girls' teams go into tournament play next week. The Bulldogs host the annual Stanberry tournament in their home gym.

The Stanberry girls, seeded No. 2, faces No. 7 seed Worth County on Monday at 4:30. The No. 2 seed Stanberry boys open against No. 7 seed King City on Tuesday at 9 p.m.

St. Joseph Christian will take part in the Fairfax tournament. The Christian girls are the top seed and will face No. 5 seed South Holt in pool play on Monday at 4:30.

The Christian boys are also the top seed at Fairfax, and will face No. 5 seed South Holt Monday at 5:45.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641618297575.jpeg" alt="Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe Stanberry girls' basketball team (9-2) overcame a nine-point deficit twice to force overtime and eventually top St. Joseph Christian, 55-52, on Friday night at St. Joseph Christian High School.The Bulldogs, ranked No. 7 in Class 1, were down 9-0 to start the game and didn't score their first basket until 3:26 to go in the first quarter.Stanberry then started the second quarter on a 9-2 run and hit a pair of threes to take a 24-18 lead at the break.The Bulldogs came out of the locker room still on a roll, going up 31-22 midway through the third before St. Joseph Christian reeled off an 18-0 scoring run, which carried over into the 4th quarter and allowed the Lions (9-3) to go ahead, 40-31.Still down 42-35 midway through the fourth, Stanberry reeled off an 8-0 run of their own to go up 43-42 with 45.9 seconds left in regulation.Christian did not give up. With starters Lexi McDaniel and Chloe Burnham fouled out, sophomore Danika Wattenbarger stepped up and got a layup, got fouled and made the ensuing free throw to put the Lions ahead, 47-45, with 6.1 seconds remaining.With just 4.5 left in regulation, Stanberry's Tarynn Mattson was fouled. With the Bulldogs already in the double bonus, Mattson stepped to the charity stripe and made both of her shots to knot the game at 47 and send it to overtime.The Bulldogs started the extra period on a 4-0 run, and never trailed again, winning their fifth straight game. Stanberry did a masterful job of getting to the foul line Friday, making 25-of-34 free throws in the game.Christian did a decent job forcing fouls also, making 15-of-19 free throw attempts themselves.Senior and Mizzou track and field commit Lexi Craig led Stanberry in victory with 16 points, making 11-of-14 free throws herself, including a perfect 6-for-6 in the fourth quarter and overtime combined."I kept telling the girls on the court that this is fun," Craig said. "I love those kind of games. Way better than what we'd been having in the season. It was pretty slow to start out with, but we finally found our groove in the second quarter."&nbsp;Junior Kiley Mattson scored 12 for Stanberry - four of that coming in overtime.&nbsp;Sophomore Amelia Wallace fouled out in overtime, but scored 11 points."I kept telling my teammates to keep our mindset correct and keep our emotion down," Craig said. "Don't show the refs what you like or don't like, because you're not going to get that call. Just trying to keep our head in the game the entire time."Sophomore Chloe Burnham led her team with 15 points, scoring 11 in the third quarter alone. Junior Ella Bowman and sophomore Maya Freudenthal each scored 11.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641618332039.jpeg" alt="Lexi McDaniel (22)." />
 <figcaption>Lexi McDaniel (22).</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641618380205.jpeg" alt="Amelia Wallace (12) and Jaci Jorgensen (23). " />
 <figcaption>Amelia Wallace (12) and Jaci Jorgensen (23). </figcaption>
 </figure>Stanberry boys get off to quick start, trounce St. Joseph ChristianSenior Austin Schwebach scored 14 points in the first quarter, sparking the Bulldogs to a 28-8 start and leading Stanberry to a 66-31 win at St. Joseph Christian Friday.Schwebach led the No. 5 Bulldogs (10-1) with a game-high 20 points."We came out with the intensity we needed to get a big lead," Schwebach said. "Then, we never backed down. Always taking good shots and moving the ball and playing hard on defense as well."Leading 37-15 at halftime, Stanberry kept its foot on the gas, scoring 17 fourth quarter points and getting a few slam dunks in for good measure. Stanberry has now won 10 straight since dropping its season-opener to top-ranked and unbeaten Mound City."We just want to keep it rolling through the rest of the season," Schwebach said. "Hopefully, keep it rolling on into districts and then hopefully further."Senior Landon Marticke made four threes in the game and contributed 16 points to Stanberry's win. Sophomore Colby McQuinn had 11.Christian, which had a six-game winning streak snapped Friday, were without senior starter Camden Lutz in the game. Fellow senior Carson Bowman carried the load for the Lions (9-3), scoring 16 points. Senior Caleb Carlson had five.Both the Stanberry and St. Joseph Christian boys' and girls' teams go into tournament play next week. The Bulldogs host the annual Stanberry tournament in their home gym.The Stanberry girls, seeded No. 2, faces No. 7 seed Worth County on Monday at 4:30. The No. 2 seed Stanberry boys open against No. 7 seed King City on Tuesday at 9 p.m.St. Joseph Christian will take part in the Fairfax tournament. The Christian girls are the top seed and will face No. 5 seed South Holt in pool play on Monday at 4:30.The Christian boys are also the top seed at Fairfax, and will face No. 5 seed South Holt Monday at 5:45.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641618270625.jpeg" alt="Austin Schwebach (3)." />
 <figcaption>Austin Schwebach (3).</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641618446859.jpeg" alt="Tyler Schwebach dribbles past Christian's Caleb Carlson (10)." />
 <figcaption>Tyler Schwebach dribbles past Christian's Caleb Carlson (10).</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Stanberry girls win OT thriller, Stanberry boys breeze past St. Joseph Christian Friday

St. Joseph Central senior and softball star Jaylee Wilson made it official Friday, signing her national letter of intent to continue her softball career at Division I South Dakota State.

Wilson is officially a Jackrabbit after verbally committing to the University of Iowa in the fall of 2020. But after making a recent visit to Brookings, Wilson found her college destination.

She verbally committed to SDSU this past December, where she'll major in exercise science and play middle infield.

"It felt like home when I went up there," Wilson said. "The coaching staff is amazing, the coaching staff is amazing and the program is amazing. Academically, I'm going to do well up there and I'm just excited to be a Jackrabbit."

Wilson concluded a storied, four-year softball career with Central this past fall, helping the Indians to a school-record 26 wins and a district runner-up finish.

A four-year starter, Wilson led Central in 2021 with a .552 batting average, while hitting nine home runs and tallying 51 RBIs. Her 23 singles and 24 doubles this past fall are a single season school record.

She's also second in the MSHSAA career record books in career doubles. Wilson was named a first-team all-conference and city player, while also being named second-team all Region.

"We definitely put Central on the map," Wilson said of her team's run this past fall. "I think it has to do with practicing, being around each other for a long time and having that great coaching overall. And just cheering everyone on."

Coach Kendra Hodgin, who just wrapped up her fourth season with Central, has seen three of her seniors sign to play college softball over the last few months.

Myah Dwyer to Lincoln University, Chloe Bell to North Central Missouri College and now Wilson to SDSU.

"They were part of my first class as my first year here at Central," Hodgin pointed out. "They've been with me for all four years. It's just been awesome and we're going to miss them tremendously."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641590047721.jpeg" alt="Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph Central senior and softball star Jaylee Wilson made it official Friday, signing her national letter of intent to continue her softball career at Division I South Dakota State.Wilson is officially a Jackrabbit after verbally committing to the University of Iowa in the fall of 2020. But after making a recent visit to Brookings, Wilson found her college destination.She verbally committed to SDSU this past December, where she'll major in exercise science and play middle infield."It felt like home when I went up there," Wilson said. "The coaching staff is amazing, the coaching staff is amazing and the program is amazing. Academically, I'm going to do well up there and I'm just excited to be a Jackrabbit."Wilson concluded a storied, four-year softball career with Central this past fall, helping the Indians to a school-record 26 wins and a district runner-up finish.A four-year starter, Wilson led Central in 2021 with a .552 batting average, while hitting nine home runs and tallying 51 RBIs. Her 23 singles and 24 doubles this past fall are a single season school record.She's also second in the MSHSAA career record books in career doubles. Wilson was named a first-team all-conference and city player, while also being named second-team all Region."We definitely put Central on the map," Wilson said of her team's run this past fall. "I think it has to do with practicing, being around each other for a long time and having that great coaching overall. And just cheering everyone on."Coach Kendra Hodgin, who just wrapped up her fourth season with Central, has seen three of her seniors sign to play college softball over the last few months.Myah Dwyer to Lincoln University, Chloe Bell to North Central Missouri College and now Wilson to SDSU."They were part of my first class as my first year here at Central," Hodgin pointed out. "They've been with me for all four years. It's just been awesome and we're going to miss them tremendously."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641591094428.jpeg" alt="Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641591129178.jpeg" alt="Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

St. Joseph Central's Jaylee Wilson signs for South Dakota State softball Friday

EMPORIA, KS -&nbsp;The Missouri Western men’s basketball team played a solid first half, but came out flat to start the second in a 76-64 loss at Emporia State Thursday night.

The Griffons (8-7, 4-3 MIAA) shot 53.3 percent in the first half and only trailed 43-40 at the break after 10 lead changes and six ties, but Emporia (12-3, 7-2 MIAA) started the second half on a 17-5 run and never looked back.

Missouri Western shot just 23.1 percent (6-of-26) in the second half and trailed 69-50 with just over eight minutes left. Head coach Will Martin saw a better effort from his team, but he knows further improvement is needed.

"I thought that our effort was there," he said. "They did a better job of taking us out of it, though. So, all credit to (Emporia). They're long, they're athletic and they're very principled. They had a great scouting report on us in terms of our personnel."

Will Eames led Missouri Western in scoring with 20 points. Q Mays nearly had a triple-double with 17 points, eight rebounds and nine assists.

Tray Buchanan led Emporia State with 33 points, including a 5-of-10 shooting night from three. The Hornets, who won their fifth straight overall and have now won four of the last five meetings with Missouri Western, made 11 total threes Thursday.

"In the second half, it was not enough," Martin said. "Tray Buchanan is a phenomenal player. We've taken steps forward, but (Emporia) is a very competitive team and losing is never satisfying. It's never enough. We'll take the small victories, but then we have to look at what we did that caused this loss and we have to change it quick."

Missouri Western is back on the road Saturday to face Washburn. Tip-off is set for 3 p.m.

Both of the Missouri Western women's games this week, at Emporia Thursday and the Washburn game scheduled for Saturday, were postponed due to COVID protocol outside of the Griffon program.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641561233339.jpeg" alt="Stock photo." />
 <figcaption>Stock photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostEMPORIA, KS -&nbsp;The Missouri Western men’s basketball team played a solid first half, but came out flat to start the second in a 76-64 loss at Emporia State Thursday night.The Griffons (8-7, 4-3 MIAA) shot 53.3 percent in the first half and only trailed 43-40 at the break after 10 lead changes and six ties, but Emporia (12-3, 7-2 MIAA) started the second half on a 17-5 run and never looked back.Missouri Western shot just 23.1 percent (6-of-26) in the second half and trailed 69-50 with just over eight minutes left. Head coach Will Martin saw a better effort from his team, but he knows further improvement is needed."I thought that our effort was there," he said. "They did a better job of taking us out of it, though. So, all credit to (Emporia). They're long, they're athletic and they're very principled. They had a great scouting report on us in terms of our personnel."Will Eames led Missouri Western in scoring with 20 points. Q Mays nearly had a triple-double with 17 points, eight rebounds and nine assists.Tray Buchanan led Emporia State with 33 points, including a 5-of-10 shooting night from three. The Hornets, who won their fifth straight overall and have now won four of the last five meetings with Missouri Western, made 11 total threes Thursday."In the second half, it was not enough," Martin said. "Tray Buchanan is a phenomenal player. We've taken steps forward, but (Emporia) is a very competitive team and losing is never satisfying. It's never enough. We'll take the small victories, but then we have to look at what we did that caused this loss and we have to change it quick."Missouri Western is back on the road Saturday to face Washburn. Tip-off is set for 3 p.m.Both of the Missouri Western women's games this week, at Emporia Thursday and the Washburn game scheduled for Saturday, were postponed due to COVID protocol outside of the Griffon program.You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Missouri Western plays strong first half, slow start in second costs Griffons at Emporia

The 2021 MINK League Champion St. Joseph Mustangs will return to Phil Welch Stadium for their 13th season this summer. 

By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe 2021 MINK League Champion St. Joseph Mustangs will return to Phil Welch Stadium for their 13th season this summer. The Mustangs announced today that Fan Fest will take place at Phil Welch on Tuesday, May 31st. It's free and open to the public. The team will conduct batting practice, on-field interviews, sign autographs and more. The Mustangs will then officially kick off the season on Wednesday, June 1st at home against Clarinda. The Mustangs will play 26 total home games in 2022. The Chillicothe Mudcats will return for its annual matchup on July 3rd, as well as the Sedalia Bombers on July 4th. The Mustangs welcome the MINK League's newest team, the Carroll Merchants, to St. Joseph on June 24th. The MINK League playoffs will take place the final week of July, as the Mustangs will try to win a third straight MINK League Championship and their 8th in 13 seasons.<a href="https://www.stjoemustangs.com/game-schedule">The full schedule can be viewed here.</a>

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