Coffeyville Community College Softball will conclude its 2026 home schedule today, as they host Allen County for a doubleheader at 1 p.m.

The Lady Ravens are enjoying their best season in nearly a decade. Their 14 wins this season are the program's most in a single campaign since 2018.

The team split a doubleheader with Highland yesterday, a 12-11 defeat and a 14-7 win. In those two games, CCC logged a whopping 30 total hits.

Sophomore phenom Raya Eilert accounted for seven of those hits. She added three home runs, which doubles her season total to six.

Eilert is competing for a Jayhawk Conference batting title; her .453 average entering yesterday was third-best in the league.

She and fellow sophomore Kaylee Henderson, who hit her tenth home run of the spring yesterday, have made big strides with the help of head coach Ashton Friend.

Coach Friend is not far removed from her own prolific playing career. She was named Jayhawk Conference MVP in 2019 with Cowley. She then became one of the most prolific power hitters in Washburn University history, logging 54 extra-base hits over three seasons.

Friend says being a recent player herself has helped in connecting with her players as a coach.

Ravens softball will honor their three sophomores today during their home finale: Eilert, Henderson, and Katelynn Siess.

Photo Courtesy: Coffeyville Community College

Dewey Bulldogger baseball will host a regional to begin the 3A postseason this year after finishing in the top two in their district.

The Bulldoggers enter postseason week with an overall record of 25-7. They finished district play 12-2, tied with Metro Christian in overall record. Dewey lost the tiebreaker for the district title due to district run differential.

Joining Dewey's regional is Westville, Hugo and Beggs. Westville enters the postseason with a record of 0-22, Hugo is 6-27, Beggs is 16-11. Dewey will open regional action against Westville.

Head coach Riley Allen talks about some keys to Dewey's success on the pitching side, using a dominant doubleheader against Keys two weeks ago as an example.

Dewey is slated to open regional action at 11 a.m. on Thursday at home for Westville. Hugo will play Beggs at 1:30 p.m.

Bartlesville High baseball wrapped up fifth place in 6A-District 4 and has won five of its last six, as the Bruins won their senior night contest over Putnam City North on Tuesday night.

BHS outlasted the Panthers 11-3.

Offense early and often combined with timely pitching from Hudson Baker gave BHS the leg up and eventual District sweep.

After trailing 1-0 early Bartlesville took its first lead early off a big two-RBI base knock from Sam Hill.

Hill continued his hot streak with six hits in the series. He went 3-4 with three runs and a double on Tuesday.

Baker pitched well to earn his third win. The senior went seven innings and gave up 11 hits and three runs.

Later in the game this Kanin Romesburg clutch hit added to the Bruin advantage.

Bartlesville gets to three games above .500 at 18-15.

The win clenches fifth place and will likely send BHS to Edmond Deer Creek for its 6A Regional next week.

The following are reported scores from April 28:

Kansas HS Baseball

Independence: 7 - Labette County: 3 / Independence: 3 - Labette County: 2

Iola: 10 - Parsons: 0

Neodesha: 15 - Erie: 0 / Neodesha: 16 - Erie: 1

Oklahoma HS Baseball

Bartlesville: 11 - Putnam City North: 3

KJCCC Softball

Cowley: 11 - Neosho: 3

Cowley: 11 - Neosho: 3

Coffeyville is becoming a force in Tulsa's annual Smoke & Guns event. Police Sergeant Jarin Watkins and Firefighter Cory Turner each won their fights on Saturday in decisive technical knockouts.

It was Watkins' second victory in as many tries, while Turner reigned supreme in his debut. Coffeyville Fire Department engineer Robert Box trained and served as the cornerman for both of them.

Box previously fought in Smoke & Guns, and he talks about experiencing the bright lights of the BOK Center.

Turner needed just two rounds to defeat Trevor Fleming of the Craig County Sheriff's Office. Box says you wouldn't know that it was his debut fight.

Watkins' fight was even shorter, as he dispatched Wyatt Murphy from the Pryor Fire Department in the first round with a TKO. Box describes how Watkins dominated the heavyweight slugfest.

With a large Coffeyville contingent at the BOK Center, Saturday provided an opportunity for the police and fire departments to unite under a shared cause.

In a great story told by Box, Watkins and Turner's victories have captured the community's attention.

Photo Courtesy: Robert Box

Nowata Ironmen golf has qualified for the 2A state tournament.

The Ironmen finished second at their regional on Monday at Jimmie Austin Golf Course in Seminole. They finished four shots back of Okarche for the regional championship. Nowata qualified as a team for state along with Okarche and Fairland.

Individually, Nowata had all five golfers finish in the top-50 out of 75 total players. Two Ironmen placed in the top 10, four placed in the top 25.

Kason Summers led the way; he finished tied for second. Jackson Hurd finished eighth, Brett Malone finished 20th, Caleb Woolman finished 25th, and Ty Williams finished 46th.

Head coach Homer Johnston talks about his top three golfers.

The 2A state golf tournament takes place at KickingBird Golf Course in Edmond on May 11 and 12.

The following are reported scores from April 27:

Kansas HS Baseball

Independence: 15 - Parsons: 0

Pittsburg: 11 - Chanute: 10

Fort Scott: 11 - Labette County: 2

Oklahoma HS Baseball

Bartlesville: 11 - Putnam City North: 3

Wyandotte: 13 - Nowata: 0

Ketchum: 6 - Copan: 0

Vinitia: 15 - Quapaw: 3

The 2026 NFL Draft took place over the weekend, with 257 players hearing their names called, and many more signed as undrafted free agents afterward.

The Kansas City Chiefs placed an emphasis on defense with their seven selections. They traded up to the sixth overall pick to take LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane.

They used their other first-round pick on Clemson defensive tackle Peter Woods. The Chiefs second round pick went to Oklahoma Sooner defensive end R Mason Thomas.

Kansas City also invested in the quarterback position as Patrick Mahomes recovers from a knee injury, selecting LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier in the seventh round.

The Oklahoma Sooners were well represented in the draft, seeing seven players taken. R Mason Thomas was the first to come off the board in round two.

Three more Sooners heard their name called in the fourth round: Febechi Nwaiwu (Texans), Gracen Halton (49ers) and Kendal Daniels (Falcons).

Kansas and Kansas State each had two players chosen. The Jayhawks had Enrique Cruz Jr. selected by the 49ers in the fifth round, before Emmanuel Henderson Jr. was taken by the Seahawks in the sixth.

The Wildcats Sam Hecht was chosen in the fifth round by the Panthers, while VJ Payne was taken by the Jets in round seven.

It was an eventful and successful weekend in Coffeyville Community College Athletics.

Ravens baseball walloped Labette twice on Saturday, 11-2 and 16-3 to complete a four-game sweep of the Cardinals. Coffeyville outscored them by a 62-12 margin in the series.

CCC Softball managed a split with Fort Scott on Saturday, winning 9-0 and dropping 3-2. Kaylee Henderson was a force at the plate in the win, slugging a double and her ninth home run to drive in four runs.

Finally, Ravens Football held its spring game at Veterans Memorial Stadium on Friday night. The defense was dominant, not allowing a score until deep into the scrimmage.

It was also an opportunity for Coffeyville to get a look at their hometown star, Aaron Turnstall. The Field Kindley alum saw action at running back as he prepares for his redshirt freshman season.

Five weeks of high school baseball in Kansas are in the books. Here is where our area teams stand.

4A (Southeast Conference)

1) Independence (8-5)

2) Chanute (7-6)

3) Fort Scott (7-11)

4) Labette County (4-7)

5) Field Kindley (3-7)

6) Pittsburg (3-10)

7) Parsons (2-10)

3A (Tri-Valley Conference)

1) Caney Valley (11-6)

2) Humboldt (10-7)

3) Cherryvale (8-7)

4) Neodesha (7-5)

5) Bluestem (4-12)

6) Fredonia (3-11)

7) Eureka (3-11)

2A (Three Rivers Conference)

1) Cherokee Southeast (16-3)

2) Marmaton Valley (14-3)

3) Central Heights (13-1)

4) Uniontown (11-5)

5) Jayhawk Linn (8-6)

6) Crest (7-9)

7) Northeast (6-10)

8) Pleasonton (6-11)

9) Oswego (4-9)

10) Yates Center (4-12)

11) Erie (2-14)

12) St. Paul (0-16)

1A (South Central Standings)

1) Cedar Vale/Dexter (14-0)

2) South Sumner (11-1)

3) Flinthills (8-8)

4) Oxford (6-7)

5) Sedan (5-10)

6) Central (4-11)

7) Udall (3-10)

8) West Elk (3-12)

Nowata golf standout Brett Malone has signed to Coffeyville Community College to continue his golf career.

Malone has been instrumental in giving the Ironmen a chance to qualify for the state tournament. Malone says he's grown to really enjoy the sport.

The golf program at CCC is led by head coach William Wilson, a graduate of Nowata High School.

Nowata golf coach Homer Johnston says he thinks CCC is a great fit for Malone.

Malone's time with Nowata is not over yet, the Ironmen hit the course for 2A regionals on Monday in Seminole. The Ironmen will compete against other area teams such as Wesleyan Christian School, Caney Valley and Oklahoma Union.

Photo: From Left to Right: Nowata Golf Coach Homer Johnston, Brett Malone, CCC Golf Coach William Wilson

Coffeyville, Kan. - The Coffeyville Community College Red Raven football team takes the field for the first time in 2026, holding the annual Spring Game tonight at Veterans Memorial Stadium.

The Red Ravens are coming off back-to-back seasons with a Top 10 national ranking and a Top 2 finish in the Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference standings, including a co-conference title in 2024.

Head Coach Nick Dobler, who enters his third season leading the program, says the team has been able to utilize resources this spring.

Not many starters return for the Ravens, but the team will be led by several redshirts and rotation pieces who will take on larger roles in the fall. Dobler says the entire roster is also adjusting to new schemes during the offseason.

Dobler's tenure in Coffeyville has featured some of the best recruiting classes from both the high school ranks and the transfer portal. He says the team is already showing some impressive talent ahead of the new season.

The 2026 Spring Game kicks off at 7 p.m. tonight at Veterans Memorial Stadium. Admission is free for the community, and Raven fans are encouraged to attend.

The following are reported scores from April 23:

Kansas HS Baseball

Field Kindley: 13 - Parsons: 1

Independence: 9 - Galena: 2

Girard: 10 - Labette County: 5

Baxter Springs: 6 - Cherryvale: 5

Southeast: 19 - Erie: 0 / Southeast: 16 - Erie: 0

Oklahoma HS Baseball

Smithville: 13 - South Coffeyville: 1

Dewey: 14 - Cleveland: 1

Locust Grove: 15 - Nowata: 2

Miami: 8 - Vinita: 3

Oolagah: 13 - Caney Valley: 4

Ketchum: 6 - Adair: 1

KJCCC Baseball

Coffeyville: 7 - Labette: 0

Coffeyville: 29 - Labette: 7

KJCCC Softball

Fort Scott: 7 - Independence: 4

Fort Scott: 9 - Independence: 2

Neosho: 2 - Johnson County: 1

Johnson County: 6 - Neosho: 3

Coming up on Saturday night at the BOK Center in Tulsa, it’s the 11th installment of Smoke & Guns. The event is a series of exhibition boxing and mixed martial arts fights between firefighters and police officers for charity. For the first time ever, Coffeyville is represented on both sides of the rivalry.

Robert Box is an engineer with the Coffeyville Fire Department and has fought in the event three times. This year, he’s trading the gloves for a cornerman towel, training both Coffeyville fighters.

Representing the police department is Sergeant Jarin Watkins. This is his second time in the event, having won his debut fight. Box commends Watkins for training while also being a new father and having recently been promoted in the police force.

Box has similar praise for Cory Turner, a Coffeyville firefighter making his Smoke & Guns debut.

Both Watkins and Turner are fighting in the MMA portion of the event, with Watkins in the heavyweight division and Turner in the 175-pound class. Box says they each have backgrounds in combat sports.

The event, which has grown considerably during its first ten years, has raised over $500,000 for charity. The police raise money for Special Olympics Oklahoma, while the firefighters send donations to Oklahoma Firefighters Burn Camp.

Not only is it for a great cause, but the event creates an opportunity for Coffeyville to be represented in the larger community. With this being the first time Coffeyville is sending both a fireman and a policeman, Box expects the town to show out at the BOK Center.

The Coffeyville contingent in Tulsa will also include prominent figures, which Box says is greatly appreciated.

Smoke & Guns 11 will begin at 7 p.m on Saturday night. All proceeds from ticket sales go to charity, and the fights will also be streamed on the Smoke & Guns Facebook page.

Cory Turner will face Trevor Fleming from the Craig County Sheriff's Office in bout 4. Jarin Watkins is set to take on Wyatt Murphy.

Photo Courtesy: SMOKE & GUNS Facebook

Bartlesville High School's all-time leader scorer has a new college home. 

Former Bruin basketball standout David Castillo has signed with Santa Clara. 

Castillo spent his first two collegiate seasons at Kansas State. He announced his intentions to transfer following the Wildcat's 2025 season that saw them finish toward the bottom of the Big 12. 

Castillo's sophomore season saw him take major steps forward. DC averaged 10.3 points-per-game on 40-percent shooting. He was a starter at the end of the sesaon for the Cats, who parted ways with former head coach Jerome Tang in February. 

Santa Clara plays basketball in the West Coast Conference. The Broncos qualified for the NCAA Tournament last year for the first time since 1996. They are coached by Herb Sendek. 

An Oklahoma connection - Jalen Williams from the Oklahoma City Thunder went to Santa Clara from 2019-2022. 

Photo Courtesy: Bruin Activities

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Royals and Hallmark Cards announced today they are teaming up to bring Royals baseball and billions in private investment and economic development to Crown Center through a historic project that will enhance tourism and lift Kansas City’s profile nationally and beyond.

A world-class ballpark, surrounding mixed-use development and reimagined headquarters for both iconic institutions at Crown Center would create more than 20,000 jobs in the construction phase alone. The 85-acre development surrounding a park-like central square with fountains has little if any precedent worldwide for a professional sports project, and the expected private investment of $2 billion or more would be the largest in Kansas City history.

“Our founder Ewing Kauffman wanted the Royals to be Kansas City’s forever, and he wanted the team to benefit his hometown as much as possible,” Royals CEO and Chairman John Sherman said. “Joining Hallmark with this project achieves both and extends the Hall family’s critical legacy of helping Kansas City grow.”

“When the new Royals stadium opens at Crown Center, something proud will come full circle,” Hallmark Cards Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors Don Hall Jr. said. “The iconic Royals crown that Hallmark created will return to the very neighborhood where it was conceived. Every time a fan walks through the stadium doors, they’ll be standing in a place shaped by Kansas City and Hallmark’s creative spirit.”

Sherman and Hall have known and worked together for decades, including through each family’s civic and philanthropic efforts that have touched all corners of their shared hometown. That trust and mutual respect proved critical in creating a possibility that nobody would have imagined even a year ago.

The total project would be funded primarily by the Royals and other private investors and supplemented by public funding from the City of Kansas City and Missouri’s Show-Me Sports Investment Act.

“Today’s announcement reinforces that the State of Missouri is not just where the Kansas City Royals play but where they belong,” said Governor Mike Kehoe. “This decision by the Royals to invest in our state is more than just a commitment to Kansas City, it is a commitment to communities and fans across Missouri. I appreciate the partnership of the Royals organization, Hallmark and state and local leaders in working together to make this project a reality.”

This first-of-its-kind development is backed by diverse leadership groups across the region and would enhance previous investments including the Streetcar and optimize ample parking within a 10-minute walk.

Royals baseball would push from the bottom into the top 10 in walkability among Major League Baseball teams, lowering the cost and growing the accessibility for Kansas Citians to enjoy and connect with their team.

“For over 50 years, Crown Center and the Kansas City Royals have created memories that last a lifetime for the people of our region,” said Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas. “The public-private partnership between Hallmark, the Royals, Kansas City and our state ensures we connect our neighborhoods, keeps our downtown vibrant and maintains big league baseball in our city for generations to come. I look forward to decades of new, treasured experiences, thousands of jobs and vibrant small business growth and millions of visitors building the beating heart of our region—our downtown—while cheering on our Royals. Play ball!”

The following are reported scores from April 21:

Kansas HS Baseball

Field Kindley: 12 - Pittsburg: 11 / Pittsburg: 17 - Field Kindley: 2

Forst Scott: 10 - Independence: 9 / Fort Scott: 1 - Independence:0

Humboldt: 3 - Caney Valley: 2 / Humboldt: 8 - Caney Valley: 1

Cherryvale: 9 - Fredonia: 1 / Cherryvale: 15 - Fredonia: 0

Chanute: 11 - Parsons: 0

Oklahoma HS Baseball

Chelsea: 12 - Oklahoma Union: 4

Bixby: 1 - Bartlesville: 0

Dewey: 14 - Sperry: 11

Wagoner: 12 - Vinita: 0

NJCAA Baseball

Neosho County: 18 - Butler: 5

NJCAA Softball

Johnson County: 12 - Coffeyville: 1

Johnson County: 12 - Coffeyville: 0

Yesterday at Byers Field, Coffeyville Community College Softball swept a doubleheader with Independence to extend its winning streak over its Montgomery County rival to five games.

Game 1: 9-6 Ravens

The Lady Ravens jumped out in game one with a five-run third inning. Katelynn Siess broke the game open with a bases-loaded triple.

Raya Eilert collected two hits and two stolen bases, while Gabrielle Simmons pitched six innings, while tallying two hits at the plate.

Game 2: 7-6(12) Ravens

Coffeyville trailed by two runs in the bottom of the seventh inning. Kaydence Pawnee, who pitched the entire game as well, drove in the tying run in the seventh with a sacrifice fly.

In the eighth, Emma Lara drove in Eilert with a single to walk it off. Both Lara and Eilert had three hits in the game.

This is the second straight year that Coffeyville swept the season series with Independence. The Lady Ravens have not lost to the Pirates since 2024.

CCC is back at it today, hosting a doubleheader with the #14 team in the country, Johnson County. First pitch is at 2 p.m. with the Cavaliers looking to extend their 14-game win streak.

Photo Courtesy: Coffeyville Community College

The following are reported scores from April 20:

Kansas HS Baseball

Chanute: 8 - Labette County: 2

Marmaton Valley: 21 - Oswego: 0 / Marmaton Valley: 20 - Oswego: 3

Oxford: 17 - Sedan: 2 / Oxford: 14 - Sedan: 9

Cedar Vale/Dexter: 13 - Udall: 0 / CVD: 10 - Udall: 1

Central: 4 - West Elk: 1 / Central: 15 - West Elk: 14

Jayhawk Linn: 14 - Erie: 4 / Jayhawk Linn: 13 - Erie: 4

Pleasonton: 18 - St. Paul: 3 / Pleasonton: 16 - St. Paul: 9

Oklahoma HS Baseball

Copan: 11 - Oklahoma Union: 0

Nowata: 16 - South Coffeyville: 4

Bartlesville: 2 - Bixby: 1

Dewey: 19 - Sperry: 3

Vinita: 8 - Wagoner: 4

NJCAA Softball

Coffeyville: 9 - Independence: 6

Coffeyville: 7 - Independence: 6 (8 innings)

There will be a special celebration at tomorrow's Independence High School baseball and softball games as part of Celebrate Independence - America 250.

In addition to a first-pitch ceremony honoring baseball history in Independence, there will also be free hot dogs and apple pie provided as supplies last.

The games and festivities are at the Central Park Sports Complex in Independence. At 4:15, three local baseball legends, Jerry Webster, George “Rusty” Burns, and Toby Cook, will be honored before the game.

Webster, as Craig Nulls describes, was a National Baseball Congress champion and father of a major leaguer.

Burns was a Texas League hall of famer, but his hopes of the major leagues were dashed by World War II and, later, a back injury, as Nulls describes.

Finally, Cook was an IHS graduate who would go on to work for the Kansas City Royals for 15 years, Nulls says.

Each of the three men will either be there or have a family member represent them to throw the first pitch.

Photo Courtesy: Independence Chamber of Commerce

We are now one month into the Kansas High School Baseball season. Here is where our area teams stand.

4A (Southeast Conference)

1) Independence (6-3)

2) Fort Scott (5-9)

3) Chanute (4-6)

4) Labette County (3-5)

5) Parsons (2-7)

6) Pittsburg (2-9)

7) Field Kindley (1-5)

3A (Tri-Valley Conference)

1) Caney Valley (9-4)

2) Neodesha (7-2)

3) Humboldt (7-6)

4) Cherryvale (6-6)

5) Fredonia (3-9)

6) Bluestem (2-10)

7) Eureka (1-9)

2A (Three Rivers Conference)

1) Cherokee Southeast (12-3)

2) Central Heights (10-0)

3) Marmaton Valley (10-3)

4) Uniontown (8-4)

5) Crest (7-5)

6) Oswego (4-6)

7) Jayhawk Linn (4-6)

8) Yates Center (4-8)

9) Northeast (4-8)

10) Pleasonton (3-10)

11) Erie (2-10)

12) St. Paul (0-12)

1A (South Central Standings)

1) Cedar Vale/Dexter (12-0)

2) South Sumner (9-1)

3) Flinthills (8-5)

4) Sedan (5-8)

5) Oxford (4-7)

6) Udall (3-8)

7) West Elk (3-10)

8) Central (2-9)

The following are reported scores from April 16:

Kansas HS Baseball

Frontenac: 6 - Independence: 3

Cherryvale: 15 - Parsons: 3

Cedar Vale/Dexter: 12 - Central: 2 / CVD: 10 - Central: 0

Fredonia: 8 - Bluestem: 5 / Bluestem: 14 - Fredonia: 6

West Elk: 15 - Udall: 5 / West Elk: 2 - Udall: 0

Chanute: 6 - Labette County: 4

Oklahoma HS Baseball

Fairland: 12 - Oklahoma Union: 0

Bartlesville: 15 - Booker T. Washington: 1

Dewey: 5 - Muskogee: 2

Copan: 14 - Barnsdall: 2

KJCCC Baseball

Neosho: 20 - Fort Scott: 18

Fort Scott: 21 - Neosho: 5

Highland: 8 - Labette: 4

Highland: 14 - Labette: 1

KJCCC Softball

Neosho: 10 - Allen: 9

Allen: 9 - Neosho: 5

Independence and Field Kindley High School girls’ swimming competed in the Campus High School event this week. The Lady Bulldogs finished 11th, while the Nado’s managed 14th.

Both schools had high placers in the 50-yard freestyle. Indy’s Esme McAfee got the bronze with a sub-28-second time. Field Kindley’s Makenna Meek came sixth in 28 and a half seconds.

Independence also placed 8th in the 400-yard Freestyle Relay with McAfee, along with Kaylie Flenar, Morgan McLenon, and Katelyn Spencer.

Field Kindley’s Leighton Tatman was 13th in the 100-yard freestyle, and was 14th in the 200-yard medley relay with Tatman, Chloe Mund, Makenna Meek, and Wrenn Lunt.

Independence also had multiple PR’s during Tuesday’s meet. Their Athletic Director, Marcus Lanning, talks about the prospects of qualifying for state.

According to online schedules, Field Kindley girls swim competes next on Tuesday at KC Turner, while Independence is at the Labette County Invitational tomorrow.

Photo Courtesy: Independence High School Facebook

The Coffeyville Red Ravens Women’s Basketball team continued its run of success this past season under 7th-year head coach Tony Turner. They won 23 games, including a 16-8 fourth-place finish in the Jayhawk Conference.

Coach Turner talks about this past season.

The Lady Ravens graduated four players who are moving on to play at four-year schools, including All-American Aubrey Hishaw, who’s headed to Oral Roberts.

Fortunately for Coffeyville, its roster is looking good for next year as well. Six players are returning for the 2026-27 season, including their leading scorer, Esme Smith.

Smith averaged 15 points and 9 rebounds per game as a freshman, which earned her second-team All-Jayhawk honors.

She leads a returning group that includes Londyn Barrett, Mahogany Butler, Taylor Caron, and their two tallest players, 6'2 Carly Dameron and 6'3 Serena Smith.

This upcoming winter, Lady Ravens basketball will be in search of their first regular-season title since 2015 and its first Jayhawk tournament championship since 1998.

Photo Courtesy: Coffeyville Community College

Coffeyville Community College has named a new head volleyball coach. Yesterday, they announced Blair Wyrick as the new leader of the program.

This will be Wyrick’s first stop as a college coach; she previously worked at the high school level. She explains that college coaching wasn’t even on her radar.

While Wyrick competed as a volleyball player in her high school days, it was actually her basketball prowess that sent her to play at the next level.

She played basketball at NCAA Division-1 Belmont University. That means she’s new to the junior college level as well. This is how she sees JUCO's and the Lady Ravens program.

Wyrick is taking over a volleyball program that has gone dormant lately. They were just 13-24 last year and have not had a winning season since 2024.

Photo and Audio Courtesy: Coffeyville Community College

The following are reported scores from April 14:

Kansas HS Baseball

Cherryvale: 7 - Caney Valley: 5 / Cherryvale: 10 - Caney Valley: 3

Fort Scott: 20 - Parsons: 1

Oklahoma HS Baseball

Vinita: 6 - Locust Grove: 3

Dewey: 13 - Keys: 0

Ketchum: 9 - Afton: 0

Copan: 12 - Welch: 0

Bluejacket: 16 - Oaks Mission: 1

KJCCC Baseball

Neosho: 17 - Metropolitan: 6

KJCCC Softball

Labette: 10 - Highland: 2

Labette: 8 - Highland: 0

Independence High School Baseball is off to a dominant 6-2 start this season. The Bulldogs have been led by a steady veteran presence on the field, including future Red Ravens Kamen Sprague and Spencer Crain. Another aspect of their success might be the field itself on which IHS is playing.

This is the first season Independence is playing at the new Central Park Sports Complex. IHS Athletic Director Marcus Lanning says the development was long in the making.

It was a timely outcome, as Lanning explains the situation with the Bulldogs previous baseball field.

The new facility uses artificial turf for the entirety of the infield, including the pitching mound and home plate area.

There are several benefits to this modern setup, mainly the frequency with which the field can be used. IHS Head Coach Paul Marquez mentions the team has been able to practice more consistently.

This means, of course, fewer games have been rained out. Lanning talks about how well the new field holds water.

Rain or not, the new playing surface is also much easier to prepare before each game. For Lanning, that has helped free him up for the rest of his duties as athletic director.

A new baseball home also means new dimensions. Coach Marquez believes his roster is well-suited for their new digs.

The Bulldogs have played well at their new field, winning four of their first five home games. They host two more times this month, both later this week.

IHS hosts Frontenac on Thursday and Labbette County on Friday. Both games start at 4:30 p.m.

The following are reported scores from April 13:

Kansas HS Baseball

Independence: 7 - Field Kindley: 2

Neodesha: 17 - Bluestem: 3 / Neodesha: 21 - Bluestem: 5

Cedar Vale/Dexter: 14 - Oxford: 3 / CVD: 12 - Oxford: 2

Sedan: 11 - Udall: 10 - Sedan: 11 - Udall: 1

South Sumner: 11 - West Elk: 8

Oklahoma HS Baseball

Bartlesville: 4 - Muskogee: 3

Vinita: 8 - Locust Grove: 0

Chelsea: 6 - Nowata: 5

Ketchum: 16 - Oklahoma Union: 0

Coffeyville Community College baseball completed a four-game sweep of Highland over the weekend. After blowout wins on Thursday, they came home to Walter Johnson Field on Saturday for the annual Conner Taylor Suicide Awareness Game.

The Ravens swept the twin bill Saturday, 6-to-4 and 12-2. It improves their conference record to 8-16, 6th best in the Jayhawks' eastern division.

Sophomore second baseman Ethan Foley was named this year's Conner Taylor Memorial Award winner. Foley is a reigning NJCAA Academic All-American with a 3.75 GPA and is batting .286 with 12 RBI this season.

Coffeyville has 10 regular season games remaining, starting with a doubleheader in Emporia against Cloud County on Wednesday. Head coach Jake Martin talks about what his team needs to do the rest of the way.

Nicholas Westendorp has also recently been used as a starting pitcher, tossing a complete-game victory on Thursday with 9 strikeouts.

As the Kansas High School Baseball season enters week four, let's take a look at where our area teams stand.

4A (Southeast Conference)

1) Independence (5-2)

2) Labette County (3-3)

3) Chanute (3-5)

4) Pittsburg (2-7)

5) Fort Scott (2-9)

6) Parsons (1-5)

7) Field Kindley (1-5)

3A (Tri-Valley Conference)

1) Caney Valley (9-1)

2) Humboldt (5-4)

3) Neodesha (3-2)

4) Cherryvale (3-6)

5) Fredonia (2-8)

6) Eureka (1-5)

7) Bluestem (1-7)

2A (Three Rivers Conference)

1) Cherokee Southeast (10-2)

2) Central Heights (8-0)

3) Marmaton Valley (7-3)

4) Uniontown (6-4)

5) Crest (6-4)

6) Jayhawk Linn (4-4)

7) Oswego (4-6)

8) Northeast (4-8)

9) Yates Center (3-7)

10) Pleasanton (3-7)

11) Erie (2-8)

12) St. Paul (0-10)

1A (South Central Standings)

1) Cedar Vale/Dexter (8-0)

2) South Sumner (5-1)

3) Flinthills (5-4)

4) Udall (3-4)

5) Oxford (3-4)

6) Sedan (3-6)

7) Central (2-5)

8) West Elk (1-8)

The Coffeyville Community College Red Raven baseball team will be holding the annual Conner Taylor game this weekend, raising awareness for suicide prevention and mental health.

The Red Ravens host the Highland Scotties on Saturday, April 11th, at Walter Johnson Park. The game will serve as a platform to spotlight the importance of mental health and to remember the life and legacy of Red Raven athlete Conner Taylor. Head Coach Jake Martin says Taylor's impact goes far beyond the baseball field.

Immediately following the 1 p.m. game, the Ravens and Taylor's family will recognize the 2026 recipient of the Conner Taylor Memorial Award. Martin says this applies to a current baseball player who embodies Taylor's qualities and work ethic.

Red Raven Athletics, along with the Change4Conner Foundation, will have a table set up at the park with brochures, t-shirts, and other materials to help share Conner's story and continue raising awareness. Martin says there are ways to support the foundation and the cause year-round.

Sunflower Soda Fountain will also be providing their Homecookin' on Wheels food truck on site during the games.

Story and Photo Courtesy: Coffeyville Community College

Last night at Leclere Park, Independence High School Baseball drilled Field Kindley 19-3. Kamen Sprague, Brett Carroll and Bryor Botts each recorded three hits. Spencer Crain struck out nine batters in 5.2 innings pitched.

Bulldogs head coach Paul Marquez is in his sixth season, and he believes this 2026 squad might be the best team he's led.

Independence is 5-2 this spring, which is sixth-best in their division, 4A-East. Most of their wins have been lopsided, and their two losses came by one run, 4-3 to Caney Valley and 11-10  to Baxter Springs.

Coach Marquez touts the Bulldogs' experience and says the team has done a good job of gelling with the younger players, too.

Independence is back on the field Monday, at home against Field Kindley.

The following are reported scores from April 9:

Kansas HS Baseball

Independence: 19 - Field Kindley: 3

Caney Valley: 7 - Parsons: 0

Columbus: 12 - Cherryvale: 9 / Columbus: 1 - Cherryvale: 0

Oswego: 16 - Northeast: 6 / Northeast: 15 - Oswego: 3

Cedar Vale/Dexter: 12 - Udall: 0

Mickey Mantle Classic

Welch: 8 - Commerce: 7

Bluejacket: 8 - Welch: 3

Vinita: 9 - Labette County: 8

Rose Hill: 6 - Vinita: 5

Oklahoma HS Baseball

Copan: 10 - Pawhuska: 2

Nowata: 11 - Colcord: 10

KJCCC Baseball

Coffeyville: 8 - Highland: 2

Coffeyville: 12 - Highland: 0

Fort Scott: 10 - Labette: 0

Fort Scott: 10 - Labette: 6

Cowley: 17 - Neosho: 6

Cowley: 11 - Neosho: 8

KJCCC Softball

Labette: 5 - Coffeyville: 1

Labette: 8 - Coffeyville: 7

Cowley: 14 - Independence: 1

Cowley: 10 - Independence: 9

Coffeyville Community College Women's Basketball has its first NJCAA All-American since 2022, as sophomore forward Aubrey Hishaw was named a division-1 Honorable Mention.

Hishaw was second on the team in scoring with 14 points per game, and added 7.6 rebounds and 1.6 assists per contest. Her 185 made field goals and 106 offensive rebounds each ranked third in the KJCCC.

She also ranked in the top 10 in the conference in rebounds (242, fourth), rebounds per game (fifth) and points per game (eighth).

Hishaw becomes the first Lady Raven to achieve the honor since Faith Simpson. She has signed to play for NCAA Division I Oral Roberts University next season.

Photo Courtesy: Coffeyville Community College

As part of Celebrate Independence – America 250, there will be a special celebration at the April 21 Independence High School baseball and softball games against Fort Scott.

In addition to a first-pitch ceremony honoring baseball history in Independence, there will also be free hot dogs and apple pie provided as supplies last.

It will be held at the Central Park Sports Complex in Independence. At 4:15, three local baseball legends, Jerry Webster, George “Rusty” Burns, and Toby Cook, will be honored before the game.

Webster, as Craig Nulls describes, was a National Baseball Congress champion and father of a major leaguer.

Burns was a Texas League hall of famer, but his hopes of the major leagues were dashed by World War II and, later, a back injury, as Nulls describes.

Finally, Cook was an IHS graduate who would go on to work for the Kansas City Royals for 15 years, Nulls says.

Each of the three men will either be there or have a family member represent them to throw the first pitch.

Photo Courtesy: Independence Chamber of Commerce

Coffeyville Community College hosts the annual Conner Taylor Suicide Awareness Baseball Game this weekend at Walter Johnson Park.

The Red Ravens take on Highland Community College this Saturday at 1:00pm and will honor the life of former CCC baseball player Conner Taylor, who died in 2016. The game serves as a reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and suicide prevention. With support from Conner’s family and the Change4Conner Foundation, CCC became the first community college in Kansas to establish a campus organization with the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

Following the first game, the 2026 Conner Taylor Memorial Award will be presented to a sophomore student-athlete who reflects Taylor’s work ethic, academic success and compassion. Information and awareness materials will also be available at the park throughout the event.

The following are reported scores from April 7:

Kansas HS Baseball

Labette County: 5 - Field Kindley: 0

Independence: 12 - Baxter Springs: 2 / Baxter: 11 - Independence: 10

Caney Valley: 18 - Eureka: 3 / Canvey Valley: 17 - Eureka: 2

Neodesha: 21 - Fredonia: 7 / Neodesha: 12 - Fredonia: 2

Chanute: 11 - Parsons: 0

Oklahoma HS Baseball

Deer Creek: 9 - Bartlesville: 5

Dewey: 5 - Victory Christian: 3

Copan: 8 - Chouteau-Mazie: 0

Jay: 12 - Vinita: 9

Fairland: 6 - Ketchum: 2

Colcord: 4 - Bluejacket: 3

KJCCC Baseball

Crowder: 13 - Neosho: 1

KJCCC Softball

Connors State: 12 - Coffeyville: 10

Connors State: 5 - Coffeyville: 3

Cloud County: 15 - Neosho: 0

Cloud County: 13 - Neosho: 3

Butler: 10 - Labette: 9

Yesterday afternoon at Byers Field, Coffeyville Community College Softball a doubleheader with Connors State. With 16 games left in the regular season, the Lady Red Ravens already have their most wins in a season since 2018.

Behind this resurgence is one of the most dynamic offenses in the Jayhawk Conference. In just her second season, head coach Ashton Friend has the Ravens logging the fifth-best batting average and third-best slugging percentage in the eleven-team league.

Coach Friend says the key is getting the hitters to understand they get to control each at-bat.

One of Coffeyville's hitters who has exemplified that the best is sophomore third baseman Kaylee Henderson. She mentions the importance of making adjustments.

Henderson has hit eight home runs, the third most in the conference. She has already surpassed her home run total from last season, six, in half the at-bats.

The Ravens have begun conference play with a 2-2 record. They will play a Jayhawk opponent for the first time in nearly two weeks tomorrow, when they host Labette Community College at 1 p.m.

Photo and Audio Courtesy: Coffeyville Community College

The following are reported scores from April 6:

Kansas HS Baseball

Uniontown: 10 - Oswego: 0 / Unionton: 13 - Oswego: 7

Cedar Vale/Dexter: 16 - Sedan: 0 / CVD: 19 - Sedan: 0

West Elk: 7 - Flinthills: 2 / Flinthills: 14 - West Elk: 0

Erie: 10 - Pleasanton: 8 / Pleasanton: 15 - Erie: 0

Jayhawk Linn: 15 - St. Paul: 5 / Jawhawk Linn: 18 - St. Paul: 4

Oklahoma HS Baseball

Barnsdall: 16 - Oklahoma Union: 4

Victory Christian: 6 - Dewey: 4

Wyandotte: 10 - Caney Valley: 0

Nowata: 14 - South Coffeyville: 2 / Nowata: 13 - South Coffeyville: 5

Deer Creek: 7 - Bartlesville: 2

Vinita: 9 -  Jay: 3

KJCCC Softball

Metropolitan: 10 - Independence: 5

Metropolitan: 9 - Independence: 0

A fourth player from the 2025-26 Coffeyville Community College Women's Basketball team has made a commitment to a four-year school. Recently, the school announced sophomore guard Hallie Kitchen has committed to play at Southern Arkansas University next season.

This season in Coffeyville, Kitchen played in 32 games and recorded the seventh most assists in the Jayhawk Conference with 113. According to her coach, Tony Turner, staying focused on the task at hand was the key to her recruitment.

The Broken Arrow native started 52 of the 63 games she played during her two years as a Red Raven. Coach Turner says her basketball IQ is perhaps her strongest trait.

Kitchen joins teammates Aubrey Hishaw (Oral Roberts), Isabella Pehrson (Emporia State) and Karliey Parker (Rogers State) as Lady Ravens moving on to four-year programs from this year's team.

As the Kansas High School Baseball season enters week three, let's take a look at where our area teams stand.

4A (Southeast Conference)

1) Independence (3-1)

2) Pittsburg (2-2)

3) Labette County (1-1)

4) Parsons (1-2)

5) Chanute (1-5)

6) Fort Scott (1-6)

3A (Tri-Valley Conference)

1) Caney Valley (5-1)

2) Cherryvale (3-4)

3) Fredonia (2-4)

4) Neodesha (1-2)

5) Eureka (1-2)

6) Bluestem (1-3)

7) Humboldt (1-3)

2A (Three Rivers Conference)

1) Crest (6-0)

2) Central Heights (6-0)

3) Cherokee Southeast (6-2)

4) Uniontown (4-2)

5) Marmaton Valley (4-2)

6) Oswego (3-3)

7) Jayhawk Linn (2-4)

8) Yates Center (2-4)

9) Northeast (2-6)

10) Pleasanton (1-5)

11) Erie (1-7)

12) St. Paul (0-6)

1A (South Central Standings)

1) Cedar Vale/Dexter (4-0)

2) South Sumner (4-0)

3) Flinthills (3-3)

4) Sedan (3-3)

5) Udall (2-2)

6) Central (1-3)

7) Oxford (1-3)

8) West Elk (0-7)

The University of Tulsa’s men's basketball team fell to Auburn in last night’s National Invitational Tournament Final, 92-86. The Golden Hurricane trailed by as many as 21 points in the first half, but stormed back with a 24-to-2 run in the second half. 

Tulsa led by five with a minute to go, but a couple of Auburn three’s and a Tulsa turnover on a five-second violation sent the game to overtime.

Auburn took that momentum at the end of regulation into the extra period and won its first NIT Championship. Tulsa was previously 2-0 in the NIT’s final game.

It concludes just the second 30-win season ever for Tulsa. This was their head coach, Eric Konkol, after the game.

The last time Tulsa basketball won this many games, Bill Self was the head coach back in 1999-2000.

An Independence High School pitcher passes a career milestone in a 14-6 win over Caney.

Senior Pitcher Kamen Sprague passed 100 career strikeouts in his second win of the season. The Bulldogs beat the Bullpups 14-6 with Sprague striking out five. On the season, Sprague has nine strikeouts and is 2-0 with a 3.39 ERA.

Sprague didn't just make an impact on the mound in the win against Caney he helped himself out offensively as well. He went 2-2 and had three RBIs. Independence is 3-1 to start the season.

The Kansas City Royals lost their series finale to the Twins yesterday, 5-1. Making headlines around the sports world was the Royals' rookie catcher and top prospect, Carter Jensen, who was a late scratch from the lineup.

After the game, Royals manager Matt Quatraro revealed it was because Jensen overslept for the afternoon game.

Salvador Perez had caught the night before and was supposed to serve as the designated hitter yesterday afternoon, but the 35-year-old was forced back into the field.

Perez committed an error in the second inning that allowed the Twins' first run to score. Jensen did not enter the game until the ninth inning as a defensive replacement.

After the game, the 22-year-old Jensen answered for his rookie mistake.

The Royals continue their opening homestand tonight, beginning a series with the Milwaukee Brewers. Pregame coverage starts at 6 p.m. on the Mighty 690.

The University of Tulsa Basketball is headed to the NIT Championship game. 

They defeated New Mexico last night in the semifinal 74-69. Four of the five Golden Hurricane starters scored in double figures. 

They were strong defensively too, notching seven steals and blocking seven shots.

It was Tulsa’s 30th win this season, and they’ll advance to play Auburn in Sunday night’s championship game.

Tipoff is at 7 on Sunday, the Golden Hurricane is looking for its third NIT Championship win in as many tries, having captured titles in 1981 and 2001.

The 2026-27 Coffeyville Red Ravens Basketball team gets a boost, as forward Jeremiah Ibeziako has signed a letter of intent to return for his sophomore season.

The 6'8 Nigerian native played in 31 games for the Ravens last season. All of his appearances were off the bench, and he averaged nearly 9 points and 5 rebounds per game.

His best performance as a freshman came against Independence, where he logged 29 points and eight rebounds in the November 22 win.

Ibeziako played some of his best basketball down the stretch as well, scoring 21 points on a perfect 10-of-10 shooting in the regular season finale against Fort Hays Tech.

He is expected to be one of the top contributors on next year's team.

Photo Courtesy: Coffeyville Community College

Last night's rain has affected several baseball and softball games in our area.

Kansas HS Baseball

Field Kindley's game with Columbus has been rained out.

Neodesha's games with Fredonia have been rained out.

NJCAA

Coffeyville Baseball moved its doubleheader to Fort Scott, starting at 4 p.m.

Coffeyville Softball rescheduled today's doubleheader with Highland for April 28.

Coffeyville Community College Baseball hopes April is kinder to them than March.

The Red Ravens were 5-14 last month and have begun conference play 3-13.

The Jawhawk league is perhaps the most competitive in the country. This week's NJCAA poll has three teams in the conference ranked in the national top 12.

As coach Jake Martin explains, there are no soft spots on the schedule.

Nationally top-ranked Johnson County swept them in a four-game series in March. The Ravens held their own with #12 Hutchinson in February, going 2-2 in that series. On April 15, #4 Cloud County awaits for two games in Emporia.

The Ravens will play a doubleheader at Fort Scott today at 4 p.m.

The Field Kindley High School baseball team drop both games of a doubleheader to Cherryvale, falling 8-4 in game one and 15-5 in game two.

In the opener, Cherryvale struck first in the bottom of the first and broke a 2-2 tie in the fourth with a two-run single, followed by a fielder’s choice to extend the lead. The Nado tied the game earlier in the third on a groundout, but couldn't regain momentum.

Game two saw Cherryvale break out with nine runs in the second inning to take control. The Nado scored three in the first, helped by two hit batters and a fielder’s choice, but couldn't keep pace. The Chargers add five more runs in the third to seal the win. Cherryvale finishes with nine hits in game two and capitalizes on multiple walks and errors.

Field Kindley returns to action tomorrow against Columbus.

The following are reported scores from March 31:

Kansas HS Baseball

Cherryvale: 8 - Field Kindley: 4 / Cherryvale: 15 - Field Kindley: 5

Chanute: 16 - Pittsburg: 9

Oklahoma HS Baseball

Hominy: 11 - Caney Valley: 10

Oologah: 9 - Vinita: 3

Tulsa NOAH HomeSchool: 7 - Ketchum: 3

Dewey: 10 - Rejoice Christian: 5

NJCAA Softball

Eastern Oklahoma State: 6 - Coffeyville: 3

Eastern Oklahoma State: 12 - Coffeyville: 7

Labette: 6 - Hutchinson: 4

Labette: 6 - Hutchinson: 5

Oswego's domination of the 2026 Kansas State Archery Championships last weekend in Hutchinson saw them win their third straight middle school and fourth straight elementary team championship.

To learn more about their program, we sat down with their head coach, Neal Cruse. He began shortly after the program's inception in 2011, with the help of Ray Huff and Theresa Farris at Service Valley Charter Academy.

They began with the middle school team, then expanded to the elementary and later the high school teams, all part of the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP).

The NASP has guidelines, which include 10 hours of instruction during the school year. Neal and his coaches typically begin in November, and the season can go as late as June.

Oswego archers also practice outside of school hours, including on weekends.

As in any sport, skill is built on good foundations. The NASP includes specific instructional steps that come in handy when teaching kids as young as elementary school age.

Some kids are interested in archery because they like hunting, but Coach Cruse explains that there is a strong appeal for those who do not compete in other traditional sports.

Oswego's success in local tournaments frequently qualifies them for national tournaments. This year, the NASP holds Eastern Nationals in Louisville, Kentucky, May 7-9.

There is no school funding to supply these trips, which leaves fundraising and difficult decisions to each family.

Cruse has a vision for what the program can achieve beyond state competitions.

Cruse, who is also the P.E. Teacher at Service Valley Charter Academy and Neosho Heights, and the cross country coach at Oswego High School, credits the team's other five coaches, four of whom are unpaid.

Over the years, Cruse has also coached football, basketball, and track. But he talks about what makes coaching archery special.

It takes a village, and Cruse also thanks the school's administration and the community for their support.

Finally, he encourages other schools to consider adding archery programs. They can do so by reaching out to the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, who offer the necessary training and grant funding.