McPHERSON, Kan. – The McPherson High School Bullpups basketball teams faced off against Circle at home Friday, Feb. 16 in what was likely the biggest games for both teams, but both the girls and boys earned big wins over the Thunderbirds, clinching at least a share of the AVCTL D3 title.
GIRLS – McPherson 66, Circle 39
After a back-and-forth first quarter, the Thunderbirds took a 19-18 lead halfway through the 2nd quarter. Since that score, the Bullpups outscored the T-Birds 13-4 to end the first half, and 48-20 through the final buzzer.
All five starters scored in double-figures, with Jayla McLeod leading with 15, shooting a perfect 5-5 FG. Madi Moors had 12 points, Jaela Thompson & Karter Alvord each had 11, and Reanna Eilrich had 10.
The Bullpup girls are now 14-4 (8-0 AVCTL D3) on the season.
BOYS – McPherson 76, Circle 53
With both teams entering with a combined record of 33-1 (McPherson 17-0, Circle 16-1), everybody attending the nearly-packed Roundhouse anticipated a close final score. Nobody told that to what some organizations are calling the “Globetrotters of the Midwest”, as the Bullpup boys led 21-3 after one quarter.
The Bullpups shot 58% on the game and forced 20 turnovers to win by 23 points. Kyden Thompson was hot from start to finish, finishing with 32 points, the most scored by any Bullpup this season. Gabe Pyle was close behind with 19 points. Cory Muehler also added 11.
McPherson is now 18-0 (8-0 AVCTL D3) this year.
The Bullpups have two regular-season games remaining, starting with a road trip to Augusta on Tuesday, Feb. 20, as we reach closer to postseason play. The girls will play at 6 p.m., the boys at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Both games can be heard on 98.9/1540 KMCP
The 4A sub-state seeds will be announced Sat., Feb. 24.
