MCPHERSON, Kan. -The McPherson Bullpups held their home opener Tuesday at the Roundhouse against Derby, with both varsity matchups ending in instant classics.
GIRLS: McPherson 56, Derby 53
McPherson started off cold on the floor despite getting open looks, but the Bullpups were still in the game thanks to early foul trouble by Derby, sending the McPherson to the line multiple times in the first quarter. Once the lid was taken off of the rim, McPherson started to pull away, leading by as much as 10 in the third quarter.
However, a late push by Derby kept them in the game, contributed by 6’1″ sophomore Macayla Askew, who finished with 25 points (13 of those points in the 4th quarter) and 11 rebounds. Foul troubles carried over, forcing McPherson to shoot 32 free throws, hitting 21 of them. Two late missed free throws gave Derby a chance to tie the game, but the half-court heave at the buzzer missed wide left, giving McPherson the 56-53 victory.
Karter Alvord followed up her stellar performance vs. Dodge City with another 20+ point performance, leading the team with 22 points. Reanna Eilrich had 12 points, Madi Moors had 11 and Jaela Thompson had 6.
BOYS: McPherson 58, Derby 57
Both teams went back and forth in the first quarter with the score sitting at a one-point game after 8 minutes of play, but Derby started to take control in the second quarter, leading 29-20 with around 2:30 left in the 2nd. However, a 10-0 push by McPherson ended the half on a strong note, giving them a 30-29 lead at the halftime break.
After Derby 6’7″ senior Kaden Franklin caught fire in the first half, the Bullpup interior kept him under wraps, but that also paved the way for Dallas Metzger and Mason Anderson to take over. However, Cory Muehler’s hot hand helped push McPherson over the edge.
Eight ties and 13 lead changes later, Derby had the chance down 58-57 to drive down the court and hit a game-winning shot after a McPherson miss, but Anderson’s shot was blocked out of bounds with 0.5 seconds left. Two tipped inbounds later, the horn sounded, giving McPherson the win and moving them to 2-0 on the early season.
Muehler led with a 22 point and 10 rebound double-double, shooting 5-7 FG, 3-5 3PT, and 5-6 FT. Gabe Pyle finished with 17 points. Owen Pyle and Ian Razak each had 7 pts., and Kyden Thompson finished with 5.
Both varsity teams will travel to face Andover Friday, Dec. 8. Both games can be heard on 98.9/1540 KMCP. Pregame coverage will begin at 5:40 p.m., tip-off for the varsity girls will be at 6 p.m., and tip-off for the varsity boys will be at 7:30 p.m.
