SALINA, Kan. – A come-from-behind effort by the McPherson High Girls Basketball team in the fourth quarter against the #1 Wellington Crusaders sent the State Semifinals game into overtime, but the Bullpups ultimately fell 65-56, forcing them into the third place game Saturday.
The Bullpups had a strong start to the game, leading by double-figures in the first quarter before Wellington found a spark to only trail at halftime 21-19. A quick run in the second half by the Crusaders found them up in a hurry.
McPherson trailed by 11 points with 6 minutes left, but they mounted a comeback to tie the game, highlighted by Jayla McLeod hitting a game-tying layup with 18 seconds. Momentum seemed to shift McPherson’s way, only one made shot found the basket for the Bullpups, which was made by a Wellington player who mistakingly shot it in the wrong basket (no, that is not a joke nor a typo).
Karter Alvord led all Bullpups with 21 points on 6-13 shooting. Jayla McLeod finished with 13 points and Reanna Eilrich had 9.
The Bullpups will face #2. Fort Scott in the 3rd place game Saturday at noon. Fort Scott fell to Bishop Miege in the semi-final 61-32. Coverage of the game will be broadcast on 98.9/1540 KMCP.
