ANDALE, Kan. – The McPherson High School Boys Basketball team battled back against Andale on the road on Thursday, Feb. 5, using a second-half surge to win 58-49.
Andale entered as the No. 5 team in 4A by the KBCA, which was evident in their physical and frustrating defense, while turning their athleticism into points. Hunter Grimes scored the first nine points for the Indians, ending the game with 13 total.
The Bullpups played without starter Cade Strathman, who is a key defender on the Bullpup lineup. McPherson’s offense had a great start, with Jett Pyle making three shots from behind the arc in the first quarter alone, ending the first half with 16 points. However, McPherson trailed by as many as six points in the first half, down 32-30 at halftime.
McPherson’s defense stepped up a notch in the first half, limiting open shots and intercepting passes. Led by disruptions by KJ Harrison, Ashton Malm, Dane Becker, Cole Cooper, and Jett Pyle to name a few, helping McPherson push past Andale to lead 43-40 at the end of the third, before pulling away to win 58-49.
Pyle led all scorers with 28 points, making five three-pointers. Eli Reasoner added 21 points for McPherson.
The Bullpups move to 9-8 on the season. They will host Hays on Tuesday, Feb. 10, for their final non-league game.
SCORING BREAKDOWN
McPherson: 17-13-13-15 — 58
Andale: 16-16-8-9 — 49
McPherson: Pyle – 28, Reasoner – 21, Malm – 4, Harrison – 2, Becker – 2, Cooper 1. Team: FG Made: 21. 3PT Made: 5. FT: 11/16.
Andale: Grimes – 13, Harp – 11, Fowler – 8, Kuepker – 6, Horsch – 5, Kaiser – 3, Staney – 3. Team: FG Made: 19. 3PT Made: 5. FT: 6/9.
