McPHERSON, Kan. – The McPherson High School Bullpups varsity teams started their season strong against Dodge City at home, but fell against Derby on the road.
The Bullpup girls defeated the Dodge City Red Demons 60-41 at the McPherson Roundhouse Thursday, Dec. 5. McPherson led from start to finish, outscoring DCHS in all four quarters. The biggest issue for both teams, however, were turnovers. McPherson had 29 turnovers, but Dodge City finished with 41. The Pups shot 41% on the floor, led by Brooke Doile’s 17 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 steals. Piper Alvord added 15 points, shooting 8/10 at the free throw line.
The McPherson boys started off following their undefeated state title year defeating Dodge City 69-56, but it came closer than they would have liked. McPherson trailed at the end of the first 21-17 and the game was tied at 47 at the end of the 3rd quarter, but the Bullpups outscored Dodge City 22-9 in the 4th. McPherson shot 53% on the floor, but 3/15 from three. 42 of the team’s 69 points were in the paint. Gabe Pyle led with 27 points and Jett Pyle finished with 20.
The games on the road against Derby went the exact opposite way. The McPherson girls struggled with turnovers in the second half, falling in blowout fashion 72-32. The team finished with 38 turnovers while only putting up 18 shots. All seven made shots out of the 18 attempts were in the paint. Brynn Littlejohn led all Bullpups with 12 points and 5 rebounds. Brooke Doile had 11 points and 7 boards.
Meanwhile, the Bullpup boys fell in a close battle 72-71, which snapped their 26-game winning streak. Both teams traded blows in the second half following McPherson’s 32-28 lead at halftime. McPherson tied the game in the 4th quarter at 71-71 in the closing seconds, but the Bullpups fouled Jack Ulwelling, who made one of two free throws with four seconds left. McPherson had a last chance to score, but were unable to put a shot up. Both Jett and Gabe Pyle tied with 24 points, which both led the team. Ian Razak had a career day, finishing with 16 points.
Both teams are now 1-1 on the season, and will look to turn it around Friday, Dec. 13 against Andover at home. They will also host Wall of Fame night and unveil the 2023-24 boys basketball state championship banner.
