By Grant Barrett, Ad Astra Radio
McPHERSON, Kan. – The McPherson Bullpup Girls made a statement to open the sub-state semifinals. Scoring the first 26 points against El Dorado after the first quarter, on their way to a 71-12 win.
It was a special night for the MHS Girls, as they were joined alongside Brailee Green for pregame warmups, and was an honorary captain. Green has looked up to the team, and had a seat on the bench for Thursday’s game, but as a third grader, she was diagnosed with a brain tumor, which was confirmed to be Pilocytic Astrocytoma. She has begun chemo where she will have weekly infusions, where it is expected to be a two year process. More on Brailee’s story can be found HERE.
“If she can get some encouragement from being with us tonight, I think that’s great, because I think our kids got some energy from her too.” said Head Coach Chris Strathman, in honoring Green.
The Bullpups’ unselfishness was on display before the game started, and it carried through for all four quarters. McPherson would take a 42-5 lead at the half, collecting 13 assists, while forcing 13 turnovers. “Our mindset was just to come out and make sure we came out with a really sharp focus.” said Head Coach Chris Strathman following the game.
Karter Alvord topped her two first quarter threes, with three in the third quarter, finishing 5/7 from beyond the arc, ending the night with a game-high 17 points, and leading with 6 assists. “She’s had several games that she hasn’t shot the ball as well as she’s capable of, and she definitely had it going tonight. It looked good every time out of her hands, ran a couple sets for her to get some more looks, and she knocked most of those down too.”
Strathman mentioned good contributions from up and down the lineup, and looking ahead at Rock Creek, he said, “Watching them on film already, they’re a good team,” he talked about the depth and size that they bring, saying. “They’re going to present some challenges for us, even though they’ve struggled down the stretch, they’re not going to be an easy team to overlook at all, obviously it’s the sub-state final, and you’re never going to overlook anybody, but Rock Creek is going to definitely pose some challenges for us.”
The Bullpups will host Rock Creek at the Roundhouse on Saturday, for the Sub-State Championship. Tipoff is set for 6 p.m.
Notable Stats:
J. McLeod 9 pts, 3 reb, 3 ast
K. Alvord 17 pts, 6 ast, 2 reb, 1 stl
C. Clevenger 14 pts, 3 ast, 2 stl, 1 reb
J. Sears 12 pts, 4 ast, 3 stl
A. Dukes 5 reb, 2 pts, 1 ast, 1 stl
E. Bower 2 pts, 1 stl
M. Moors 4 pts, 1 ast, 1 stl
K. Lowery 2 reb
Al. Romero 2 pts 1 ast, 1 stl
Av. Romero 3 pts, 2 ast, 1 blk, 1 stl
R. Eilrich 6 pts, 3 reb
