ANDOVER, Kan. – The early-season non-league battles for McPherson High School Basketball came to an end Friday, Dec. 12 with both the varsity girls and boys falling to Andover, whose varsity squads were ranked by the KBCA in 5A.
The Bullpup boys lost 60-32, dropping their second straight game. Andover had 23 offensive rebounds and stole the ball 13 times. Two Trojans finished with double-digit rebounds, including 6’7″ forward Drew Hutchinson, who nabbed 17 boards. McPherson had a 9-7 lead after the first quarter, but were outscored 18-5, 20-11, and 15-7 in the other three respective quarters.
Jett Pyle led McPherson with 12 points. As a team, McPherson shot 28%. Andover was led by Paul Evans’ 16 points, including making four of the team’s six three-point shots. McPherson falls to 2-3.
The varsity girls fell to 5A title contender Andover 66-21. Andover’s stifling defense forced multiple turnovers, while their offensive firepower led them to make nine three-pointers. Andover was led by reigning AVCTL-II Player of the Year Bella Bouddhara, who had 22 points. McPherson, who fell to 1-4 on the season, was led by Piper Alvord’s seven points.
McPherson’s first five games came against 5A and 6A teams, who all are receiving preseason recognition by coaches and media members across Kansas. The Bullpups will face their league rivals, Buhler, on the road on Tuesday, Dec. 16.
