You'll see three purple jerseys the Baby Gap Goat likes to wear. The jerseys are marketed as pet jerseys. They're about $25. Also, there's a gold chain, for when the Cats get 7 straight gaps. I got my Frankiezhou HomeFrankiezhou Home Goat Plush Toy on January 10, and the whole world is jealous of me now!

Finally, KU coach Brandon Schneider opened his postgame comments with, "First, I want to compliment the K-State student section. I've been a head coach for 26 years, and I thought that was the best road student section of a game that I've ever been a part of, so credit to their students, credit to all involved. I'm sure they worked really hard to make that happen."

I can tell you this: Some K-State students camped out for front-row seats the night before the game. They came equipped with signs, and went out of their way to make a difference. Attendance in the Octagon of Doom for today's contest was officially 9,602!

I know we all wish Yokie all the best as she recovers.

It's puzzling to figure out the state of affairs at TCU right now. Here's the box score vs. Houston, four days ago. As of today, TCU is 14-4 in their season, but with the forfeit, they've dropped to 1-5 Big 12. TCU played 10 players vs. Houston four days ago, and lost by only 11 points. Another piece to this story is that they have also canceled their game at Iowa State, three days from now. So... four days after 10 players took the court vs. Houston, they don't have enough to play a game? There may be more to this story than is being revealed. TCU's official Houston game recap mentions losing their point guard, Jaden Owens, in the first quarter. It also mentions that both teams scored equally in the 4th quarter.

We have learned that K-State will remain at 17-1 for the season, in keeping with NCAA policy, but the Big 12 has notched up the Cats' conference record to 6-0.

I didn't know that the WBB Cats held UT to 30 points under their season average. Various details from the big win are in the paragraphs below, and the Sports Extra linked here is a must-read document, so enjoy!

It took me a long time to get to sleep the night before, simply because of the significance of everything above, but what a fine time we K-State fans had! At tipoff time, it was –1°F, with a wind chill factor of –19°F. Apparently a bunch of fans were equally excited, as attendance was an impressive 7,062.

Yokie had 21 points, Serena Sundell had 12, Jaelyn Glenn had 10 and Zyanna Walker had 9. Yokie shot 66.6% on FG, Zyanna shot 50% and Serena shot 44%. Yokie went 5-5 on FTs, and Serena was 4-4. Serena led with 5 assists, and Yokie had 10 rebounds. The refs got a whole lot of negative feedback from the crowd, as Yokie was fouled numerous times, among other mishaps. Yokie and Zyanna provided the player postgame press comments

We had frisbee doggies, and with a handful of minutes to play, we got Sandstorm! Thanks, Cats! Up next at home, we play the Squawks, on Saturday, January 20 at 1:00 P.M. Hey! Here's a profile on Zyanna Walker, and a special story in the Manhattan Mercury on Yokie reaching 2,000 points.

Here's Facebook video of the last 6 seconds of the 3rd quarter, when Serena Sundell either had a block - or rebound - under the basket. With exactly 5 seconds left on the clock, Zyanna Walker saw an opportunity, and took off running. Serena distracted the Texas players by taking three dribbles. She then threw what Jeff Mittie called a "70-foot pass" to Zyanna. With exactly 1.0 second left on the clock, Zyanna - who was probably three steps behind the arc - caught the textbook-perfect pass from Serena, by reaching up high.

Zyanna took one step, and released her shot with 0.2 seconds left in the quarter. The result was a beautiful three-pointer, that will be remembered throughout her career, a score of 46-45 at the end of the quarter, and a crowd that was beside themselves with joy. To conclude, Texas never tied - or got past - K-State after that 3rd-quarter play, and the final score was Cats 61 - Texas 58.

Here's the box score, and the official game recap.

The Women's Basketball Media Guide for 2023-24 shows no prior 3FG attempts, and K-State's 2023-24 stats now show only one attempt for this season. As they say in show business, keep the hits coming!

Also, in our WBB Cats' 102-59 victory vs. ORU, Yokie set K-State Women's Basketball's double-double record, previously held by K-State Hall of Famer Kendra Wecker. (ORU game recap)

What a game! AP #13 K-State (now 9-1) won, 84-56. Coach Mittie subbed in all available players, before the game ended. (Unfortunately, Rebekah Dallinger had a boot on, and couldn't play.) Q3 started with a 23-6 run! The combined score of Q2+Q3 was 55-22, in favor of the Cats. (That's the Wildcats... not the Tiger cats.)

This was nice for K-State players, because Jaelyn and Brylee Glenn are from Raymore, Serena Sundell is from Maryville, and Eliza Maupin is from Webster Groves. Reportedly about 100 fans from Serena's native Maryville came to cheer for her, although in this Twitter video hosted by Rebekah Dallinger, Serena reported that 2,000 from Maryville would be in attendance. I'm sure it was at least 1,000. A fun fact is that Manhattan, Kansas is 101 miles from St. Joe, Missouri, while Columbia, Missouri is 146 miles from St. Joe.

Finally, K-State Basketball's new assistant coach, the Gap Goat, (who is held up above the bench each time the team attains 3 straight defensive stops) eventually got to put on the gold chain, which signifies 7 or more sets of 3 defensive stops. You'll see Coach Snyder (who needs no introduction) holding the Gap Goat in the picture.

Finally, Part 2: After watching videos of Gabby's introduction to the Gap Goat, we've learned that he's a boy.

Wait a minute! Have I mentioned Taryn Sides' awesome behind-the-back pass in the lane to Zyanna Walker, who got a layup? It came in Q3, after a steal by Imani Lester. Look for it at 01:37 in the highlights.

Look how the Cats prevailed in some stats categories (KSU/McNeese): FG%: 52-26, FTs: 14 of 17 to 4 of 8, rebounds: 58-27, assists: 29-6.

The point of this feature on Serena today is an added emphasis on scoring, in addition to her excellent ability to distribute the ball. Serena told D. Scott, regarding the recent games in Florida, "There were times prior to the tournament when I had open shots, and I wanted to pass, and wasn't even looking to score. Knowing I'm a threat to score more is going to make the team better, because the defense has to guard me."

D. Scott reports that Serena now has 926 career points and 390 assists, and writes, "It's been a steady climb for Sundell, who ranks second in school history in career assists per game (5.13) and fourth all-time in assist-to-turnover ratio (1.67)."

Check Serena's 2023-24 stats right here. To reinforce the points above, Serena's points totals in games this season are (in date order): 5, 4, 7, 3, 21, 16 and 18. We're very fortunate to have her at K-State!

I thought it was fun that the Cats held Lexi Donarski, who deserted Iowa State earlier this year, to a mere 9 points and a 25% FG performance (in 37 minutes of play). Lexi didn't have any objection to flopping a few times during the contest. It was also fun that our hero, the Gap Goat, made an appearance at least once.

For the third time in her K-State career, the great Ayoka Lee is the National Player of the Week, as designated by the United States Basketball Writers Association (USBWA).

In the games vs. #2 Iowa and Wisconsin, Yokie averaged 21 points on a .600 FG%, 8.5 rebounds, 2.5 blocks, 1.0 steals and 0.5 assists. This season, she's averaging 22.0 points on a .632 FG%, 8.5 rebounds and 2.5 blocks. (announcement)

Yokie had a quite a productive visit to Iowa City, to contribute to the W vs. #2 Iowa. She produced her 51st career double-double, with 22 points on 9-of-14 shooting. Add to that 12 rebounds and two blocked shots.

Then Wisconsin visited the Octagon, and Yokie had a team-high 20 points on 9-of-16 shooting, as well as 5 rebounds and 3 blocked shots.

Randy Peterson and staff report that Yokie is fifth on the K-State career points list, with 1,749, and she's fifth in career rebounds, with 921. She is third in career blocks, with 245. In 2023-24 so far, she's averaging 22.0 points on a 63% FGA, 8.5 rebounds and 2.5 blocks. Here's the stats site for K-State Women's Basketball.

Our pals in the Big 12 office took notice, and have announced that Yokie's the Big 12 Player of the Week! Also, here's the announcement from K-State Sports.

Hey! Are you voting every day for Yokie (center), Gabby (shooting guard) and Serena (point guard) in the hoophallawards.com? You can vote once per day. There are five categories, and you have to vote for someone in each category, so I just click on some random player for the other two awards. It only takes about a half minute to do, but after making your selections, you have to do the "I'm not a robot" steps.

Here are some links to fun Tweets, etc. This win is getting national attention!

• @Big12Conference: Down Goes #2
• @BrendaVanLengen: Close game on FS1. Iowa up 30-29 at halftime over K-State.
• @BrendaVanLengen: The K-State defense was impressive holding Iowa to just 58 points.
• @BrendaVanLengen: This is an upset, but @KStateWBB should have been ranked.
• @catfan28: Taryn 'I Gotch you' Sides!
• @CBBonFOX: Wildcats Get Away with the Win in Iowa City
• @ddydotcom: a year ago tomorrow that K-State beat #4 Iowa by 1 point
• @KStateWBB: Back to back wins over Iowa for @JeffMittie and the Cats
• @KStateWBB: Cats win!!
• @KStateWBB: Gabby's all smiles
• @KStateWBB: Gotta hydrate before the flight home
• @KStateWBB: Zyanna Walker's game-ending steal and layup
• @KStateWBB: Making core memories
• @KStateWBB: Serena seems happy
• @KStateWBB: We win, we dance
• @MarchMadnessWBB: Autumn Johnson chats with Yokie after K-State beat No. 2 Iowa
• @MarchMadnessWBB: K-State upsets No. 2 Iowa on the road and picks up a Top 25 win!
• @MarchMadnessWBB: Taryn Sides from the logo for 3
• @SportsCenter: It's tied for the Wildcats' highest-ranked win in program history.
• @sportsinkansas: Taryn Sides: eight points, six rebounds, three assists
• @WBBWorldWide: Ayoka Lee: 22 PTS | 12 REB | 2 BLK | 9-14 FG
• @YahooSports: Kansas State UPSETS Caitlin Clark and No. 2 Iowa on the road
• K-State Sports Extra: An Unforgettable Night in Iowa
• KStateWBB on Facebook: Post-Win Hydration

Here's the link to a story in the Manhattan Mercury that has her thoughts on leadership.

• Serena Sundell is up for the Nancy Lieberman Point Guard Award.
• Gabby Gregory is up for the Ann Meyers Drysdale Shooting Guard Award
• Ayoka Lee is up for the Lisa Leslie Center Award

K-State reported that, "This is the first time since the 2003-04 season in which K-State placed two players on the Preseason All-Big 12 team, when Kendra Wecker and Nicole Ohlde earned the distinction together." Be sure to have a look at all the extra information that Randy Peterson and staff have on K-State's honorees.

Gabby is the Big 12's top returning scorer, and she set personal career season highs in every statistical category (scoring, rebounding, assists and steals).

Yokie, prior to unavailability because of her injury, was a First or Second Team All-American by multiple sources. She's 9th in scoring in K-State history, 6th in rebounds, 3rd in blocks, 6th in field goals made, and sixth in free throws made! And... let's be sure to mention that Yokie holds the NCAA WBB record for most points in a game, at 61. (but you knew that)

Serena produced career season highs in scoring (501 points), FG (157), FG%, FT, RB, blocks and steals. Serena's season assists were 6th-most in KSU WBB history. Quoting WBB, "With her two-season total of 852 points and 360 assists, Sundell is the first Wildcat in program history to register 850 or more points, and 350 or more assists by the conclusion of the sophomore season."

Do you have your season tickets ordered?

Update: Randy Peterson tweeted on August 1 that after three games, Gisela is averaging 10 points and 4 rebounds for Spain. Her team will play Belgium on August 2, in the Round of 16.

High school star Taryn Sides (with her 2,166 points) joined the team in June. As one of the Cats' coaches told me, "She doesn't miss." Taryn is the #15 all-time HS scorer in Kansas. Then we have the trio of Serena Sundell, Brylee Glenn and Jaelyn Glenn, who usually started. In addition, there's the very promising Alexis Hess. This is a must-read story.

Brad, @catfan28, asks that if we know any of the 735 on the list, we retweet his post. I certainly appreciate the information and recognition that Brad provides!

It was also announced today that Katie Falco has joined the program, after many years of coaching. She will serve as Recruiting Coordinator. Here's KSU WBB's announcement.

Today, D. Scott Fritchen's latest K-State Sports Extra, Growing Together, is a look at their accomplishments, their academic achievements (both All-Big 12 honorees this semester), and what the next season may bring.

The cost for this experience is a mere $125.00, and... you get to visit the home town of superstar Volleycat Loren Hinkle (DETAILS)

"With guard Gabby Gregory and her 18.5 PPG returning for her bonus year, and personnel losses for Duke and Oregon, the Wildcats move into the rankings. Gregory leads a deep and talented backcourt, along with Serena Sundell, Jaelyn Glenn and Brylee Glenn. If 6-6 center Ayoka Lee, who missed this season following knee surgery, is healthy and returns to her 2022 form, in which she averaged a double-double, the Wildcats could even challenge for a Big 12 Title. Previous rank: NR"

It was announced today that Associate Head Coach Brian Ostermann has accepted the head coach position at Emporia, for his 35th season as a college coach. He has been at Missouri Western and TCU with Jeff Mittie. Coach O. recruited Ayoka Lee!

Over his nine years at K-State, I have considered him a very valuable asset for our program. He has been well-respected, is approachable, has a wealth of experience, and obviously the Emporia A.D. agrees. As a fan, I'm thankful for his years with us, and wish him a great experience down south.

Iowa State finished 3rd in the Big 12 standings, and had a solid 22-10 overall record. Here are some thoughts about what's going on up there.
  • Des Moines Register: Why are players leaving Iowa State?
  • Iowa State Daily: The tides are shifting for Iowa State
  • ESPN: Lexi Donarski enters portal
  • Heartland College Sports: Iowa State's Instability

On the Academic All-Big 12 Second Team are: sophomore Jaelyn Glenn (business management) and redshirt sophomore Heavenly Greer (human development and family science). (K-State announcement)

"Gabby Gregory (648 points), Serena Sundell (501 points) & Jaelyn Glenn (406 points) recorded the 5^th season in program history that a trio scored 1,500+ points. The total (1,555) was the 3^rd-highest in school history for a trio, and the most since 2002-03."

Anyway, the back story is connected to K-State WBB beating #4 Iowa WBB on the Bramlage court, 84-83, way back on November 17. Gabby made 24 points, and Caitlin made 27. Gabby shot 42%, and Caitlin shot 35%. Gabby hit 12 of 14 FTs, and Cailin hit 13 of 16. By the way, neither team got a T in the game! (I don't know if you'll be able to read this story. I'm a subscriber of the Mercury, and I'm logged in, and I still can't get more than the first two paragraphs.

Regarding the previous paragraph and linked story: I noticed at the bottom that there are links to other stories that mention specific players: Yokie, Brylee, Gabby, Jaelyn and Serena.

Check out the postgame press conference, audio replay, postgame highlights and box score.

Having helped her Phillipsburg team to 3rd place in the Kansas Girls 3A championship five days ago, our star signee, Taryn Sides, got to come to tonight's game. She was in the row in front of me, and I got to congratulate her on 2,166 career points... 15^th all-time in Kansas Girls Basketball history.

Gabby recorded career season highs in scoring (561), FGs made (174), 3FGs made (71), FTs made (142), rebounds (162) and assists (60). She is second in the Big 12 in scoring (18.7 ppg). She's third in FT %. She led the Big 12 with 17 games of 20 points or more. She's third in K-State history in FTs made in a season. Gabby is third in the Big 12 in scoring (16.94).

Serena had career season highs in scoring (427; 13.8 ppg), field goals made (132), field goal percentage (.482), free throws made and attempted (144-of-183), rebounds (145; 4.7 rpg), blocks (24; 0.8 per game) and steals (56; 1.80 per game). Her 158 assists this season ranks third in school history in a sophomore season. With her two-season totals of 778 points and 334 assists, Sundell is the first Wildcat in program history to register 775 or more points and 325 or more assists by the conclusion of their sophomore season. The Silent Assassin ranks second in school history for free throws made in a season, with 144.

K-State is certainly fortunate to have both of these players, and we get 'em both back for 2023-24!

In 2021-22, Serena was Big 12 Freshman of the Week five times (one more than the player who got Freshman of the Year). Let's also remember Feb. 22, when Serena laid that epic block on a KU player who had just crashed into her while attempting a layup. (Twitter video)

She's played in 112 games with 60 starts. She's averaged 21.0 minutes per game over her career. She has scored 530 points, grabbed 303 rebounds, dished out 227 assists, and has recorded 62 steals and 36 blocks. She has made 160 field goals, including 50 3-pointers, and has made 160 free throws.

Finally, here's an awesome farewell video that K-State Sports produced for Emilee. Thanks much, and best wishes, Emilee!

Next up for the Panthers in sub-state competion is Gypsum-Southeast of Saline HS, on Saturday, March 4 at 5:30 p.m. (latest bracket)

Randy Peterson, for K-State Sports Information, wrote,

"Last week, Sundell led the Big 12 with 22.5 points per game on 73.9 percent shooting, 90.9 percent from the foul line and added a diverse line of 5.5 assists, 4.5 rebounds, 3.5 steals and 1.5 blocks in 37 minutes per game. Her field goal percentage and assists per game were the second-highest in the league last week. She also ranked fourth in steals per game, fifth in free throw percentage and eighth in blocks per game." (K-State's announcement)

The Big 12 said,

"Sundell averaged 22.5 points, 5.5 assists and 3.5 steals while shooting 73.9% from the field. Against Kansas, the sophomore guard scored 24 points, making 8 of her 10 field goals, adding seven assists, five rebounds, four steals and a block as the Wildcats defeated their Sunflower State rival 63-45. In the game against West Virginia, the Maryville, Missouri native had 21 points, four rebounds, four assists, three steals and two blocks. It is her first career Player of the Week honor, after being selected as Freshman of the Week five times a season ago." (Big 12 announcement)

When you go to the KSHSAA web site,

1. You'll have to click the down arrow in a very small (1/4") box near the top.
2. Select 3A.
3. Scroll down to the bottom of the page to see the teams playing in the Russell Sub-State.
4. To see the actual bracket, notice the white text on the gray title bar (right side). Click on [Sub-State Bracket].

Taryn's Panthers will play Russell first. How Russell got to host all but the first games is a mystery, because they're 2-18! Guess what! The Phillipsburg / Russell game will be played in top-ranked Phillipsburg's gym. When Phillipsburg has defeated Russell, then competition moves to Russell. If everything goes as expected, the Panthers will play on Feb. 27, March 2 and March 4, which with all Ws will make them the Sub-State Champions.

Also, here's Twitter video of the historic shot, as posted by Rick Peterson, Jr. of the KSHSAA!

Along with this, Serena's career assist-to-turnover ratio at this moment (according to my arithmetic) appears to be 304-167, or 1.82. That's Top 3 all-time, and .01 away from Shalee, who's in 2nd place.

Hey! Are you making your daily visit to www.hoophallawards.com to vote for Gabby as the nation's best shooting guard!

Gabby has 432 points so far this season. Randy Peterson, with Sports Information, says, "Only 3 players in the nation this season have registered 400+ points, 100+ free throws made & 50+ 3-pt FGs made, one of them is Gabby Gregory." We can vote for Gabby at hoophallawards.com. She is a Top 10 candidate for the 2022-23 Ann Meyers Drysdale Award, which goes to the top female shooting guard in the nation.

Recently, Gabby laid 16 points on TTU, 27 points on ISU and 25 points on KU. In December, she reached 1,000 career points.

I've been hoping that she's been happy with her transfer here, and it was awesome to hear her post-Iowa State comments last night:

"It's been a lot of fun. I mean, going into the portal, I was looking for a fresh start, and I knew coming to K-State I could have that. And I mean my teammates have been incredible ever since I got here. I'm back to having fun playing basketball, and I guess you can see it on the floor, like I'm just having a blast, and my teammates are incredible, and we just played together so well. It's just been a lot of fun."

Gabby laid 25 points on KU two days ago. A 2023 All-Big 12 candidate, Gabby ranks second in the Big 12 in scoring average (19.3 ppg). She is pacing the Big 12 in games with 20 or more points (13), and is tied for the league-lead for games with 30 or more points (2).

• Gabby leads the Big 12 in averaging 20.8 points per game, eighth in shooting 43.0% from the floor, and fifth in shooting 33.1% on 3-pointers. She is also tied for second in sinking 2.8 3-pointers per game, and 14th with 5.8 rebounds per contest. Gabby is one of three players in the nation averaging at least 20 points, five rebounds and two made 3-pointers per game.
• Serena averages 11.5 points, 5.5 rebounds and 5.4 assists and also averages 1.0 blocks per outing, ranking in the top 10 in the league in each category. A preseason All-Big 12 selection, she entered the week as one of five players in the nation, and is the only player in the Big 12 to average at least 11 points, five rebounds and five assists.

When Emilee stepped to the line in the Morgan State game, she would have broken the Consecutive Free Throws Made record. She missed, but came in a 4-of-5 on free throws in that game. All else aside, Emilee is 2nd in Division I in free thro percentage. Be sure to read her Sports Extra!

"Gabby Gregory tallied her 51st career game in double figures for points, and her 10th at K-State. She secured her seventh game with 20 or more points this season, and the 15th in her career. With a layup at 4:51 of the second quarter, Gregory reached the 1,000-point mark in her collegiate career."

Jaelyn had a fine first season, and was named Big 12 Freshman of the Week three times. She certainly is being noticed this season, as well, and it's especially fun to see her frequent steals! Here we see #3 Jaelyn with her teammate of several years, Serena Sundell. Congrats to Jaelyn for this well-deserved recognition.

M. A. Voepel of ESPN wrote,

"The Wildcats don't have star center Ayoka Lee, who is out this season after knee surgery. But they have started 5-0, including an 84-83 upset over then-No. 4 Iowa on Thursday. Gabby Gregory, a transfer senior guard from Oklahoma, is averaging a team-best 21.4 PPG. Sophomore guard Serena Sundell is second in scoring (14.6 PPG) and leads in rebounds (7.0) and assists (5.0)." (link)

The legendary sign-off of Keith Jackson (after Football's 1998 40-30 victory over NU) applies well tonight. Here are the recap and box score.

There's an audio replay that's a fun look back at today's festivities. Oops. "Look" wasn't the best choice of words, was it? Also, here we have the highlights! This just in... D. Scott Fritchen has posted a K-State Sports Extra, focused on the big victory.

The Big 12 Conference announced today the selection of K-State's own Gabby Gregory as Player of the Week. (link) The release said, "Gregory completed her first week with the Wildcats with a pair of starts, and 31 minutes per game played. She averaged 22.0 points per contest on a 50% field goal percentage, including a 40% effort from 3-point range, a 90.9% effort from the foul line, 8.0 rebounds and 2.5 assists. Her 44 points in the first two games are the most by a Wildcat in their first two games in purple and white."

Kansas State 77, Wisconsin 63 was the outcome in Milwaukee, in a memorable game played on the Brewers' baseball field. (OK... somebody put down a basketball court on the field.) Our WBB program became the 19th in Division I to achieve the 1 kilowin landmark.

The two teams were fairly even on FGs (24 and 23), rebounds (39 and 38), 3 FGs (10 and 6), assists (14 and 16) and technical fouls (0 and 0). The Cats prevailed in FTs (19-11), led in steals (14-7), and came in lower on turnovers (KSU 12, Wisconsin 20). Ultimately, the Cats outscored Wisconsin in three of four quarters, with the fourth quarter the strongest, at 31-17. Gabby Gregory led with 25 points, Serena Sundell had 17 and Jaelyn Glenn had 16. Serena had 7 assists. Jaelyn's 5 steals came in handy, and Brylee Glenn had 4. Serena and Gabby had 9 rebounds, and Jaelyn had 8.

Emilee Ebert's passenger is #12 Mikayla Parks, as they tour the East Stadium lot. K-State sneaked Mikayla right out of Norman, Oklahoma (along with Gabby Gregory). Here's your Twitter link.

There will no doubt be more coverage of this, but here's the game recap on the occasion of Coach Mittie's milestone victory. Yes... that's Yokie providing the rabbit ears for Coach. Also... posted on Nov. 8, is a K-State Sports Extra in honor of Coach Mittie.

One thing is certain. Yokie will approach her recovery with the same determination she has shown us throughout her time at K-State. She plans to play again next season. Best wishes, Yokie!

"Under Coach Mittie's leadership, we have achieved sustained success with six postseason berths while seeing the excitement level and support for K-State women's basketball continue to grow," Taylor said. "He has done a tremendous job as head coach while being a great mentor for our student-athletes, and we look forward to continued success with him leading our women's basketball program."

His K-State record is 145-110. Kansas State returns seven letter winners including all five starters from last season. The Wildcats will be led by All-American center Ayoka Lee and the sophomore trio of Brylee Glenn, Jaelyn Glenn and Serena Sundell.