McPHERSON, Kan. (CCCTigers.com) – The 2024 Men’s Mayors Cup will be contested for the 20th time in this historical rivalry. McPherson leads the series 13-6, and has won the last 2 meetings. Central last won in 2019 at the McPherson High School Roundhouse.
Coaches:
Central-Tony Romero: 16th season (243-234 Overall). 6-7 in Mayors Cup
McPherson-TJ Eskildsen: 6th season (86-57 Overall). 2-1 in Mayors Cup
Players:
Central Probable Starters
#1 Chris Whitten-24ppg, 8rpg, 0.5apg, 0.5spg
#2 Omari Maulana-12.5, 3.5, 3apg, 2spg
#4 Malachi Farr-8.5ppg, 3.0rpg, 0.5apg, 1.5spg
#15 Jevarrick Butler-19ppg, 4rpg, 4apg, 2spg
#23 Andre Shelby-5.5ppg, 7rpg, 0.5apg, 0spg
McPherson Probable Starters
#0 Antonio Watson-11ppg, 8rpg, 3apg, 0spg
#1 Jamil Hardaway-9.8ppg, 3.4rpg, 0.4apg, 0.9spg (23-24 Season)
#3 Aaron Williams Jr.-19ppg, 8rpg, 3apg, 0spg
#5 Curtis Rose-12ppg, 3rpg, 1apg, 3spg
#35 Charles Snyder-13ppg, 8rpg, 0apg, 1spg
Team Stats
Central Stats McPherson
85.5 PPG 80
69 PPGA 77
40 RPG 37
12.5 APG 7.0
43.9 FG% 40.9
42.9 3pt% 31.6
Game Day:
Location: Central Christian College-Alexander Arena
TV: SAC Sports Network
Radio: Ad Astra Radio
Time 8pm
Last Meeting:
The Bulldogs came out with the win 79-65. It was a slow start for the tigers as the bulldogs held the Tigers scoreless for the 1st 8 minutes of the game to jump out to a 12-0 lead. Once the Bulldogs never gave up. Omari Maulana led the Tigers with 20 points, and Collin Storr led the Bulldogs with 18. This was the 2nd straight win for the Bulldogs in the rivalry.
This Year:
Both teams come into the season with high expectations, and have started the season well, both winning their games to this point. Two extremely athletic and deep teams will go to battle. Expect to see a little of everything as both teams can share the ball well and defend. The Bulldogs (1-0) depth came into play already this year, as last year’s leading scorer, Collin Storr came off the bench in the Bulldogs 80-77 win over Oklahoma Panhandle State. Look for Storr to fill the middle and give the Tigers frontline issues. Antonio Watson is a solid scorer, who once hot, is hard to cool down, so the Tiger backcourt will have their hands full to keep him at bay. Curtis Rose is an outstanding athlete with an endless motor, look for him to get to the basket. The Bulldogs added newcomer Aaron Williams Jr. who hit the game winner against Panhandle in the season opener on his way to 19 points. The Tigers (2-0) return all 5 starters from last year’s team. They are led by Chris Whitten, who just came off a 32 point night against Sterling. Whitten can do a little of everything from outside to inside. Jevarrick Butler scored 19 points in the season opener at Tabor. Look to see the ball in his hands a lot. The Tigers as a team seem to be able to find the hot hand well, so look for the tigers to create opportunities for that hot hand. The Tigers are not afraid to pull the trigger as they are shooting 43% from outside the arc. Both teams are deep, with talented bench players, look to see about 10 players getting significant minutes throughout. Jaden Whitten had his 1st start of the season Friday night and is averaging 11.5 points per game, including a highlight reel dunk against Sterling. Expect to see a great back and forth game with endless intensity, and substitutions throughout. Both teams are well coached. Expect to see a great early season match-up, where one team will have to get their 1st loss of the season.
