BUHLER, Kan. – The Buhler girls put together four impressive quarters on Pink Night Friday, defeating McPherson 60-23 inside Jim Baker Fieldhouse. Defensively, the Crusaders tormented the Bullpups to the tune of 22 turnovers. Offensively, they shot 57% from the field and a season-high 69% from the three-point line.
“I thought we played with passion tonight,” Head Coach John Darrow said. “Just the effort; so proud of these kids.”
Gracie Oard and Lillian Horne found early success and helped Buhler jump out to a 23-6 lead after one quarter. Oard finished with a game-high 16 points, and Horne contributed a career-best 10 points.
The lead would balloon to 19 points at halftime and eventually to 40 points in the second half.
“We’ve got to be ready to go to finish the season,” Darrow said. “No question this was a momentum builder.
Earlier this season, Buhler won at McPherson for the first time since 1987, nearly 20 seasons prior to this year’s seniors being born. Friday’s result completes the season sweep and keeps Buhler unbeaten in AVCTL III play.
SCORING
Gracie Oard: 16 points
Natalya Krafels: 12 points
Lillian Horne: 10 points (career high)
Charlie Baxter: 9 points
Nyah Sewell: 6 points
Ella Voss: 2 points
Sammie Brooks: 2 points
Taylin Krafels: 2 points
Tori Tustian: 1 point
BOYS
Despite an 80-46 loss to McPherson Friday night, Buhler showed significant growth since the season’s first meeting in December. The Crusaders kept pace with the Bullpups for most of the first half and trailed by just 14 points at halftime.
As the final score indicates, the deficit did eventually get out of hand in the second half. Even still, Buhler managed 18 points in the third quarter against one of Class 4A’s best defensive teams.
“I was proud of how we played,” Head Coach Eric Tate said. “Our guys really worked their tales off.”
Ultimately, the night belonged to Gabe Pyle, who scored more than half of McPherson’s points. Double or tripled-teamed, Pyle could not miss. The senior finished with 44 points, tying a 63-year-old school record. His 11 threes surpassed a mark set by Brian Henson in 1990.
Mitchel McDaniel led Buhler’s effort with 13 points.
SCORING
Mitchel McDaniel: 13 points
Jacob Miller: 12 points
Isaiah Heredia: 5 points
Luke Holmberg: 5 points
McCade Zachary: 4 points
Jared Miller: 3 points
Asher Zachary: 2 points
Carter Jones: 2 points
