Great Plains News Digest
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KANSAS
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US–Government Shutdown-Head Start
Some Head Start preschools shutter as government shutdown continues
SUMMARY: The government shutdown is triggering a wave of closures of Head Start centers, leaving many working parents scrambling for child care and shutting some of the nation’s neediest children out of preschool. Dozens of centers are missing out on federal grant payments that were due to arrive Nov. 1. Some have closed indefinitely, while others are staying afloat with emergency funding from local governments and school districts. The closures mean Head Start children — who come from low-income households, are homeless or are in foster care — are missing out on preschool. But they are missing the two meals a day they receive at school, plus therapy sessions vital to their development.
WORDS: 1078 – MOVED: 11/02/2025 11:02 p.m. CST
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MINNESOTA
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US–Election 2026-Minnesota-Governor
Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth seeks Trump’s endorsement in bid to unseat Gov. Tim Walz
SUMMARY: House Speaker Lisa Demuth, the top Republican in Minnesota, hopes to win Donald Trump’s endorsement in her bid to unseat Governor Tim Walz, the 2024 Democratic vice presidential candidate. Demuth launched her campaign at the State Capitol on Monday, highlighting her conservative values and ability to work with Democrats. She faces criticism from some Republicans for being too willing to compromise, while Democrats are tying her to Trump’s agenda. If elected, Demuth would be Minnesota’s first female and first Black governor. Other Republicans in the race include Rep. Kristin Robbins, Kendall Qualls, and Scott Jensen, with Mike Lindell considering a run.
WORDS: 626 – MOVED: 11/03/2025 12:42 p.m. CST
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MISSOURI
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US–Government Shutdown-Head Start
Some Head Start preschools shutter as government shutdown continues
SUMMARY: The government shutdown is triggering a wave of closures of Head Start centers, leaving many working parents scrambling for child care and shutting some of the nation’s neediest children out of preschool. Dozens of centers are missing out on federal grant payments that were due to arrive Nov. 1. Some have closed indefinitely, while others are staying afloat with emergency funding from local governments and school districts. The closures mean Head Start children — who come from low-income households, are homeless or are in foster care — are missing out on preschool. But they are missing the two meals a day they receive at school, plus therapy sessions vital to their development.
WORDS: 1078 – MOVED: 11/02/2025 11:02 p.m. CST
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NEBRASKA
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US–Obit-Cheney-ABRIDGED
Dick Cheney, one of the most powerful and polarizing vice presidents in US history, dies at 84
SUMMARY: Former Vice President Dick Cheney has died at age 84. Cheney’s family says he died Monday of complications of pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease. Former President George W. Bush said Tuesday that Cheney was a “decent, honorable man” whose death is “a loss to the nation.” The hard-charging conservative became one of the most powerful and polarizing vice presidents and a leading advocate for the invasion of Iraq. Cheney led the armed forces as defense chief during the Persian Gulf War under President George H.W. Bush before returning to public life as vice president under the younger Bush.
WORDS: 796 – MOVED: 11/04/2025 11:40 a.m. CST
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OKLAHOMA
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US–Government Shutdown-Head Start
Some Head Start preschools shutter as government shutdown continues
SUMMARY: The government shutdown is triggering a wave of closures of Head Start centers, leaving many working parents scrambling for child care and shutting some of the nation’s neediest children out of preschool. Dozens of centers are missing out on federal grant payments that were due to arrive Nov. 1. Some have closed indefinitely, while others are staying afloat with emergency funding from local governments and school districts. The closures mean Head Start children — who come from low-income households, are homeless or are in foster care — are missing out on preschool. But they are missing the two meals a day they receive at school, plus therapy sessions vital to their development.
WORDS: 1078 – MOVED: 11/02/2025 11:02 p.m. CST
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US–Government Shutdown-Food Aid
Trump administration says SNAP will be partially funded in November
SUMMARY: President Donald Trump’s administration says it will partially fund the SNAP food aid program in November after two federal judges required the payments to continue. That means grocery aid will resume for 1 in 8 Americans, though it has been delayed for millions already and the amount beneficiaries receive will be reduced. The U.S. Department of Agriculture earlier said it would not continue the funding in November due to the government shutdown. Two federal judges ruled last week that the government was required to keep the program running. But both gave the administration leeway to pay for it entirely or partially. It can take up to two weeks to load beneficiaries’ debit cards.
WORDS: 1094 – MOVED: 11/02/2025 11:09 p.m. CST
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SPORTS
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IOWA
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BKC–T25-Fairleigh Dickinson-Iowa St
Momcilovic’s career-high 29 points lift No. 16 Cyclones past Fairleigh Dickinson 88-50
SUMMARY: Milan Momcilovic made seven 3-pointers and finished with a career-high 29 points as Iowa State beat Fairleigh Dickinson 88-50 for the Cyclones’ fourth consecutive home-opening win by at least 35 points. . They led 45-19 at half and extended their advantage to as many as 44 points late in the game. Point guard Tamin Lipsey, who suffered a knee injury in practice Sept. 23 and missed both of the Cyclones’ exhibitions, had 18 points, six rebounds, five assists and five steals in 25 minutes. David Jevtic led the Knights with 14 points and six rebounds.
WORDS: 282 – MOVED: 11/03/2025 9:29 p.m. CST
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KANSAS
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FBN–Chiefs Analysis
Chiefs’ struggles continue, with injuries and inconsistency contributing to 5-4 first half of season
SUMMARY: The Kansas City Chiefs have shown they can beat top teams when at their best, but they struggle when they’re not. Last season, they went 15-2, often winning games despite mistakes. This season, they are 5-4 after losing to the Buffalo Bills on Sunday. Health issues are a growing concern, especially on the offensive line. Absences and injuries to key players like Josh Simmons, Jawaan Taylor and Isiah Pacheco have left them vulnerable. The Chiefs have next week to regroup before visiting Denver on Nov. 16 for what is shaping up to be a critical game not only in the division but the race for a playoff spot.
WORDS: 808 – MOVED: 11/03/2025 12:03 p.m. CST
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SOC–NWSL Playoffs
The Seattle Reign will visit the Orlando Pride on Friday to kick off the NWSL playoffs
SUMMARY: The National Women’s Soccer League has announced its schedule for this weekend’s playoffs, kicking off with the Seattle Reign’s quarterfinal match at the Orlando Pride on Friday night. The second-seeded Washington Spirit will host No. 7 Racing Louisville at Audi Field in the lone quarterfinal match on Saturday. The top-seeded Kansas City Current will host No. 8 Gotham on Sunday at CPKC Stadium. In the second quarterfinal match on that day, the third-seeded Portland Thorns will host the No. 6 San Diego Wave.
WORDS: 186 – MOVED: 11/03/2025 12:25 p.m. CST
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GLF–Obit-Bell
Judy Bell, the first female president of the USGA, dies at 89
SUMMARY: The U.S. Golf Association says Judy Bell has died after a long illness at age 89. Bell was best known as the first woman to be elected president of the USGA. She held that role in 1996 and 1997. The Kansas native devoted her life to golf. She played on two Curtis Cup teams and was captain twice. She entered hospice care in August 2024. The USGA says she died at home in Colorado on Monday. Mike Whan is the CEO of the USGA. He says Bell helped open the doors in golf for countless women.
WORDS: 425 – MOVED: 11/03/2025 4:52 p.m. CST
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BBO–Free Agents
Michael King, Michael Lorenzen and Mitch Garver become free agents after mutual options are declined
SUMMARY: Pitchers Michael King and Michael Lorenzen and catcher Mitch Garver have become free agents after their mutual options for 2026 were declined. King had a one-year contract with San Diego, going 5-3 with a 3.44 ERA this year. Lorenzen signed with Kansas City last offseason and had a 7-11 record and a 4.64 ERA. Garver joined Seattle in December 2023 and hit .209 with nine homers this year. A total of 140 players have become free agents following the World Series, with nearly 60 more potentially joining them by Thursday, depending on option decisions.
WORDS: 545 – MOVED: 11/03/2025 10:46 a.m. CST
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BKC–T25-Green Bay-Kansas
Peterson scores 21 points in 22 minutes in debut to lead No. 19 Kansas past Green Bay 94-51
SUMMARY: Freshman Darryn Peterson scored 21 points in 22 minutes in his debut to lead No. 19 Kansas past Green Bay 94-51 in the season opener for both teams. Peterson shot 7 of 11 from the field, including 3 for 7 from 3-point range, before sitting most of the second half. Flory Bidunga led all scorers with 23 points on 9-of-11 shooting from the field and 5-of-6 sniping from the line. Melvin Council added 10 points for Kansas, which was 33 of 58 from the field (56.9%). Green Bay was led by Marcus Hall’s 17 points.
WORDS: 368 – MOVED: 11/03/2025 9:21 p.m. CST
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BKC–T25-Kansas-Peterson’s Debut
Freshman Darryn Peterson impresses with 21 points in 22 minutes in win for No. 19 Kansas
SUMMARY: Kansas freshman Darryn Peterson made his presence felt in an abbreviated showing against Green Bay in the teams’ season opener on Monday night. Peterson, a potential No. 1 pick in next summer’s NBA draft, scored 21 points in 22 minutes in his debut for the No. 19 Jayhawks in a 94-51 win over Green Bay. Green Bay coach Doug Gottlieb called Peterson’s performance ‘literally the easiest 21 points.’
WORDS: 492 – MOVED: 11/03/2025 10:49 p.m. CST
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BKC–One-and-Dones
Peterson and Dybantsa lead a stacked freshman class as college basketball season begins
SUMMARY: Darryn Peterson of Kansas and A.J. Dybantsa of BYU have launched their freshmen seasons with wins. Many NBA analysts consider them the top two prospects for next year’s draft. But this season’s freshman class is loaded with potential one-and-done players, including Duke’s Boozer twins and Arizona’s Koa Peat, who scored 30 points to lead an upset of defending champion Florida in the opener. The NBA could soon be calling for many of these talented newcomers.
WORDS: 1037 – MOVED: 11/04/2025 11:48 a.m. CST
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MINNESOTA
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FBN–Vikings Analysis
Vikings’ defense might have saved their season after an early failure to support the in-flux offense
SUMMARY: The Minnesota Vikings were expecting some rough parts to the first half of their season with the development of quarterback J.J. McCarthy. That doesn’t mean they were fully prepared. Injuries to McCarthy and several offensive linemen exposed a lack of quality depth over the first seven games. The defense also failed to deliver the support the Vikings were counting on for their in-flux offense. But the defense came through with a winning performance at Detroit on Sunday that might have saved the season. The Vikings held the Lions to 65 rushing yards and won 27-24 to improve their record to 4-4.
WORDS: 1101 – MOVED: 11/03/2025 3:16 p.m. CST
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BKN–Timberwolves-Nets
Julius Randle has a triple-double to lead the Timberwolves past the winless Nets
SUMMARY: Julius Randle had 19 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists in his 15th career triple-double, and the Minnesota Timberwolves beat the winless Brooklyn Nets 125-109 on Monday night. Donte DiVincenzo scored 25 points, Jaden McDaniels finished with 22 and Rudy Gobert added 15 points and 12 rebounds for the Timberwolves, who won their two straight. Randle had his first triple-double with the Wolves. Cam Thomas had 25 points and Nic Claxton chipped in 19 for the Nets, who fell to 0-7. The Nets opened the 2009-10 campaign with 18 straight losses while playing in New Jersey, two seasons before their move to Brooklyn.
WORDS: 294 – MOVED: 11/03/2025 9:00 p.m. CST
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MISSOURI
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FBN–Chiefs Analysis
Chiefs’ struggles continue, with injuries and inconsistency contributing to 5-4 first half of season
SUMMARY: The Kansas City Chiefs have shown they can beat top teams when at their best, but they struggle when they’re not. Last season, they went 15-2, often winning games despite mistakes. This season, they are 5-4 after losing to the Buffalo Bills on Sunday. Health issues are a growing concern, especially on the offensive line. Absences and injuries to key players like Josh Simmons, Jawaan Taylor and Isiah Pacheco have left them vulnerable. The Chiefs have next week to regroup before visiting Denver on Nov. 16 for what is shaping up to be a critical game not only in the division but the race for a playoff spot.
WORDS: 808 – MOVED: 11/03/2025 12:03 p.m. CST
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SOC–NWSL Playoffs
The Seattle Reign will visit the Orlando Pride on Friday to kick off the NWSL playoffs
SUMMARY: The National Women’s Soccer League has announced its schedule for this weekend’s playoffs, kicking off with the Seattle Reign’s quarterfinal match at the Orlando Pride on Friday night. The second-seeded Washington Spirit will host No. 7 Racing Louisville at Audi Field in the lone quarterfinal match on Saturday. The top-seeded Kansas City Current will host No. 8 Gotham on Sunday at CPKC Stadium. In the second quarterfinal match on that day, the third-seeded Portland Thorns will host the No. 6 San Diego Wave.
WORDS: 186 – MOVED: 11/03/2025 12:25 p.m. CST
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BBO–Free Agents
Michael King, Michael Lorenzen and Mitch Garver become free agents after mutual options are declined
SUMMARY: Pitchers Michael King and Michael Lorenzen and catcher Mitch Garver have become free agents after their mutual options for 2026 were declined. King had a one-year contract with San Diego, going 5-3 with a 3.44 ERA this year. Lorenzen signed with Kansas City last offseason and had a 7-11 record and a 4.64 ERA. Garver joined Seattle in December 2023 and hit .209 with nine homers this year. A total of 140 players have become free agents following the World Series, with nearly 60 more potentially joining them by Thursday, depending on option decisions.
WORDS: 545 – MOVED: 11/03/2025 10:46 a.m. CST
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BKC–Missouri-Howard
Phillips posts double-double as Missouri rolls past Howard in opener
SUMMARY: Missouri opened the season with an 88–67 win over Howard, led by Shawn Phillips Jr.’s 16 points and 11 rebounds. The Tigers dominated inside, shooting 56% overall and 53% from deep while out-rebounding Howard 47–28. Mark Mitchell added nine points and six boards, and freshman Jayden Stone contributed 13 off the bench. Jevon Porter and Luke Northweather combined for 16 points and 11 rebounds, while Anthony Robinson II steadied the backcourt with eight points, four assists, and three steals. Missouri built a 42–26 halftime lead with efficient ball movement and balanced scoring. Howard stayed in range behind Bryce Harris’ 27 points and Alex Cotton’s six 3-pointers, but Missouri’s depth and control in the paint sealed the win.
WORDS: 200 – MOVED: 11/03/2025 8:17 p.m. CST
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HKN–Oilers-Blues
Dvorsky scores his 1st NHL goal as the Blues stop a 7-game slide by edging the Oilers 3-2
SUMMARY: Dalibor Dvorsky scored his first NHL goal to start a St. Louis rally, and Pius Suter provided the game-winner with 1:23 to play as the Blues snapped a seven-game losing streak by beating the Edmonton Oilers 3-2. Suter stuffed home a rebound of Colton Parayko’s shot, capping the Blues’ comeback from an early 2-0 deficit. Robert Thomas had a goal and an assist for St. Louis in its first win since a 3-1 victory over Dallas on Oct. 18. Jordan Binnington stopped 24 shots. Jack Roslovic and Andrew Mangiapane scored for Edmonton
WORDS: 297 – MOVED: 11/03/2025 10:19 p.m. CST
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FBN–Steelers-Valdes-Scantling
Steelers sign two-time Super Bowl champion wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling to practice squad
SUMMARY: The Pittsburgh Steelers have signed wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling to their practice squad, reuniting him with former teammate Aaron Rodgers. Valdes-Scantling played with Rodgers in Green Bay from 2018 to 2021. The 31-year-old receiver won two Super Bowls with Kansas City in 2022 and 2023. He was most recently with the San Francisco 49ers, catching four passes for 40 yards before being released last month. The Steelers lead the AFC North at 5-3 but have struggled with consistent production from their wide receivers outside of star DK Metcalf.
WORDS: 138 – MOVED: 11/04/2025 10:35 a.m. CST
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BKC–One-and-Dones
Peterson and Dybantsa lead a stacked freshman class as college basketball season begins
SUMMARY: Darryn Peterson of Kansas and A.J. Dybantsa of BYU have launched their freshmen seasons with wins. Many NBA analysts consider them the top two prospects for next year’s draft. But this season’s freshman class is loaded with potential one-and-done players, including Duke’s Boozer twins and Arizona’s Koa Peat, who scored 30 points to lead an upset of defending champion Florida in the opener. The NBA could soon be calling for many of these talented newcomers.
WORDS: 1037 – MOVED: 11/04/2025 11:48 a.m. CST
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NEBRASKA
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BKC–West Georgia-Nebraska
Nebraska rolls in second half for Fred Hoiberg’s 200th career coaching victory
SUMMARY: Braden Frager scored 22 points and Nebraska dominated the second half, defeating West Georgia 86-53 for Cornhuskers coach Fred Hoiberg’s 200th career victory. Hoiberg is 200-164 as he begins his 12th season as a college coach. He also coached at Iowa State, his alma mater. The Cornhuskers shot 63% in the second half and scored 56 points after leading just 30-25 at halftime. The Cornhuskers led 52-33 with 11 minutes remaining before a 25-6 run put the game well in hand. Shelton Williams-Dryden scored all six points for the Wolves in that stretch of nearly six minutes. He led West Georgia with 14 points.
WORDS: 233 – MOVED: 11/03/2025 10:52 p.m. CST
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NORTH DAKOTA
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BKC–T25-North Dakota-Alabama
Labaron Philon scores 22 as No. 15 Alabama beats North Dakota 91-62 in season opener
SUMMARY: Labaron Philon Jr. had 22 points and eight assists, Houston Mallette added 15 points and No. 15 Alabama opened the season with a 91-62 victory against North Dakota. Philon scored or assisted on 32 of Alabama’s 48 first-half points, more than making up for the Crimson Tide’s short-handed bench. Alabama played without the injured Aden Holloway, Latrell Wrightsell and Keitenn Bristow. Transfer guard Jalil Bethea, who injured his foot in September, remained sidelined. Those absences allowed true freshman Amari Allen and transfer Taylor Bol Bowen to start. Garrett Anderson led North Dakota with 13 points. and Eli King had 11.
WORDS: 289 – MOVED: 11/03/2025 9:11 p.m. CST
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OKLAHOMA
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BKW–T25-Belmont-Oklahoma
Raegan Beers scores 29 points as No. 6 Oklahoma beats Belmont 84-67
SUMMARY: Raegan Beers had 29 points and 10 rebounds as No. 6 Oklahoma defeated Belmont 84-67 in the season opener for both teams. Beers, who switched to her old number 15, made 13 of 17 shots, just one point shy of her career high. Oklahoma freshman Aaliyah Chavez, a five-star recruit, scored 16 points in her debut. Jailyn Banks scored 16 points, Sanaa Tripp scored 13 and Hilary Fuller added 12 for Belmont. The preseason favorite in the Missouri Valley Conference struggled early, missing its first seven shots. Oklahoma held the Bruins to 4-for-18 shooting in the fourth quarter.
WORDS: 380 – MOVED: 11/03/2025 6:50 p.m. CST
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BKC–St. Francis-Oklahoma
Atak scores 18 in debut, Oklahoma rolls past St. Francis (Pa.) 102-66
SUMMARY: Kuol Atak led with 18 points on 7-of-11 shooting off the bench, three Sooners scored 16 points, and Oklahoma opened its campaign with a 102-66 rout over St. Francis (Pa.) on Monday night. Xzayvier Brown, Nijel Pack, and Mohamed Wague each scored their 16 points on 50 percent or better shooting marks. Tae Davis was just behind with 14 points. Wague added 10 rebounds, and Jeff Nwankwo hauled in nine. Oklahoma was an efficient 55.7 percent from the field and 36.7 percent from beyond the arc, and held St. Francis to 40.9 percent and 29.4 percent marks, respectively. The Sooners lost all five starters from last year’s squad that made the NCAA Tournament, and brought back just two players who got on the stat sheet in Wague and Dayton Forsythe (6 points).
WORDS: 238 – MOVED: 11/03/2025 9:53 p.m. CST
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BKC–Oklahoma Christian-Tulsa
Riley’s 15 helps Tulsa defeat Oklahoma Christian 100-57
SUMMARY: Led by Tylen Riley’s 15 points, the Tulsa Golden Hurricane defeated the Oklahoma Christian Eagles 100-57 on Monday. The Golden Hurricane are now 1-0 on the season.
WORDS: 120 – MOVED: 11/03/2025 10:29 p.m. CST
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BKN–Around The NBA
There was no championship hangover for the Thunder. They’re rolling along, again
SUMMARY: The Oklahoma City Thunder have started the NBA season strong, undefeated at 7-0. Despite injuries to key players like Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren, the team has shown resilience. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the reigning NBA MVP, credits their success to a strong team identity and ability to win in big moments. Last season, the Thunder dominated with a 68-14 record and won the Western Conference by 16 games. Coach Mark Daigneault acknowledges the challenges but emphasizes the team’s depth and adaptability. The Thunder face a tough schedule ahead, but they remain confident in their improved roster.
WORDS: 784 – MOVED: 11/03/2025 10:42 p.m. CST
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SOUTH DAKOTA
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BKC–Northern State-Wyoming
Meyer scores 19 as Wyoming defeats Northern State 99-75
SUMMARY: Nasir Meyer scored 19 points off the bench to lead the Wyoming Cowboys over the Northern State Wolves 99-75 on Monday.
WORDS: 147 – MOVED: 11/03/2025 10:34 p.m. CST
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BKC–Merrimack-South Dakota State
Jackson scores 23, South Dakota State beats Merrimack 75-66 to open season
SUMMARY: Led by Jaden Jackson’s 23 points, the South Dakota State Jackrabbits defeated the Merrimack Warriors 75-66 in a season opener. The Warriors were led by Tye Dorset, who recorded 19 points.
WORDS: 90 – MOVED: 11/03/2025 11:29 p.m. CST
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