McPHERSON, Kan. – McPherson High School basketball hosted Circle High School Monday, Feb. 24 in a make-up game to kick off a busy final week of the regular season. The Bullpup girls defeated the Thunderbirds 52-36 to sweep the season series but the boys fell to Circle 66-51.
GIRLS
McPherson – 52
Circle – 36
The Bullpup girls came into the week looking to snap a 4-game losing streak after falling in comeback fashion against Augusta Friday.
Both teams struggled to shoot the ball in the first half as McPherson led 20-14 going into the locker room while only hitting 7 FG. The 3rd quarter for McPherson was possibly the best quarter they had all season, outscoring Circle 24-10, hitting 8 FG (after only hitting 7 in the first half), and only committing one turnover after having 9 in the first half.
McPherson had their second straight terrific game from behind the arc, as 11 of their 17 made shots were three-pointers. The team also finished with an even assist-turnover ratio with 13 assists and 13 turnovers. Circle had a stronger 4th quarter, but they were not able to push the deficit in time, giving McPherson the season sweep of the Thunderbirds.
MHS shot 17/44 (38.6%) on the game, 11/23 (47.8%) from three, and shot 7/14 on free throws. Their lone blemish were that they were outrebounded 33-30 (15-12 on offensive rebounds).
The win for McPherson improves them to 7-11 on the year, 3-5 in league play.
Scoring:
MHS: 6 – 14 – 24 – 8
CHS: 5 – 9 – 10 – 12
Individual Scoring:
MHS: Alvord – 13, M. Sandbo – 13, Doile – 10, Whitfield – 7, Bower – 3, Littlejohn – 3, Jen. Alexander – 2, Paulsen – 1
CHS: Johnson – 11, Patty – 10, Vogts – 8, Swilley – 3, Coble – 2
BOYS
Circle – 66
McPherson – 51
The Bullpup boys looked to clinch the outright AVCTL Div. 3 title Monday night, but an offensive struggle by McPherson and a Thunderbird offensive masterpiece gave Circle their first ever win at McPherson High School, their 3rd win in series history, and snapped a 30 league-game win streak by McPherson.
Circle had a strong start to the contest, leading 19-8 through one quarter and making McPherson uncomfortable on the offensive end with their defense. The Bullpups tried to drive into the lane more often and draw fouls, but they struggled to convert at the free throw line, making only two of their first 10 attempts and finishing 7/17 on the game. McPherson trailed by as much as 20 points in the third quarter, but pushed the deficit to within seven points early in the 4th quarter. However, the Bullpups went cold on the floor again late and Circle’s clutch free throw shooting gave them the upset victory.
McPherson finished shooting 21/57 (36.8%) on the game, 2/20 (10%) on three-point shots, and 7/17 (41.2%) at the free throw line. Circle shot 21/49 (42.9%), 6/12 (50%) on three-pointers, and 18-20 (90%) at the free throw line.
Circle’s 35 points in the second half were only by three different players (Landon Boldra, Hunter Cowman, and Keaton Koenigsman), who all finished in double-figures on the game. CHS Senior Landon Boldra followed up a clutch performance at home vs. Buhler Friday with a double-double Monday, finishing with 28 points and 11 rebounds. The two McPherson point guards Jett Pyle and Ashton Malm finished in double-figures, with Jett scoring 18 points (15 in the second half), and Malm finishing with 10. Senior Gabe Pyle, who had a historic last three games for the Bullpups.
The loss for McPherson falls them to 14-4 on the year, 7-1 in league play.
Scoring:
MHS: 8 – 9 – 12 – 22
CHS: 19 – 12 – 14 – 21
Individual Scoring:
MHS: J. Pyle – 18, Malm – 10, Razak – 9, Strathman – 6, G. Pyle – 6, Seidl – 2.
CHS: L. Boldra – 28, Cowman – 18, Koenigsman – 13, Smith – 5, Jordan – 2.
The Bullpups will have a quick turnaround on the road against Mulvane Tuesday, Feb. 25. The girls tip off at 6 p.m. and the boys will follow. The games can be heard on 98.9/1540 KMCP and will be streamed on video on our TV page.
