It’s probably good that McPherson High’s boys have had a long rest.
In the Bullpups’ last game, they survived a brutally physical skirmish with Hutchinson for a 67-61 victory. They endured 35 Salthawk hacks, resulting in a 39-of-51 effort from the foul line.
Now that they’ve had time to heal, they must gear up for another game better suited for an octagon when they have a rematch here Friday with Maize.
The teams recently met in the third-place game of the McPherson Invitational, with the Bullpups again being battered and bruised, but emerging with a 60-55 victory.
MHS takes a 12-1 record into the 7:45 p.m. game.
“They are probably the most well-rounded team that we have faced,” MHS coach Kurt Kinnamon said. “They have a great combination of guards and bigs. I am sure they are going to be hungry considering we beat them in our tournament.”
Kinnamon said the Eagles are one of the toughest teams for the Bullpups to prepare for.
“Maize will be one of a handful of the very best teams that we have played or even will play,” he said. “They always run many sets and change defenses. They are one of a few teams that tries to press us and that is something that it is good for us to see. I fully expect to see them in the 6A state tournament with a chance to do very well.”
The 6 p.m. girls’ game figures to be excellent as well, as it matches the Division I leader against the Division II leader. The Bullpups, 11-2, are coming off a second-place effort in the Mid America Classic.
“Maize has been playing well, as they are a game up on Salina South in the Division I standings,” MHS coach Chris Strathman said. “They also just beat a very good Seaman team in the Topeka tournament this past weekend. Maize plays 10 girls and has been subbing five-for-five at times, which allows them to stay fresh and pressure. We will have to handle that pressure and then get good shots each possession.”
The Eagles have no stars, but rely on teamwork.
“They don't have anyone averaging double figures, yet average almost 50 points a game, so they do have very good balance and we won't be able to key on just one player,” Strathman said.
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It’s probably good that McPherson High’s boys have had a long rest.
In the Bullpups’ last game, they survived a brutally physical skirmish with Hutchinson for a 67-61 victory. They endured 35 Salthawk hacks, resulting in a 39-of-51 effort from the foul line.
Now that they’ve had time to heal, they must gear up for another game better suited for an octagon when they have a rematch here Friday with Maize.
The teams recently met in the third-place game of the McPherson Invitational, with the Bullpups again being battered and bruised, but emerging with a 60-55 victory.
MHS takes a 12-1 record into the 7:45 p.m. game.
“They are probably the most well-rounded team that we have faced,” MHS coach Kurt Kinnamon said. “They have a great combination of guards and bigs. I am sure they are going to be hungry considering we beat them in our tournament.”
Kinnamon said the Eagles are one of the toughest teams for the Bullpups to prepare for.
“Maize will be one of a handful of the very best teams that we have played or even will play,” he said. “They always run many sets and change defenses. They are one of a few teams that tries to press us and that is something that it is good for us to see. I fully expect to see them in the 6A state tournament with a chance to do very well.”
The 6 p.m. girls’ game figures to be excellent as well, as it matches the Division I leader against the Division II leader. The Bullpups, 11-2, are coming off a second-place effort in the Mid America Classic.
“Maize has been playing well, as they are a game up on Salina South in the Division I standings,” MHS coach Chris Strathman said. “They also just beat a very good Seaman team in the Topeka tournament this past weekend. Maize plays 10 girls and has been subbing five-for-five at times, which allows them to stay fresh and pressure. We will have to handle that pressure and then get good shots each possession.”
The Eagles have no stars, but rely on teamwork.
“They don't have anyone averaging double figures, yet average almost 50 points a game, so they do have very good balance and we won't be able to key on just one player,” Strathman said.
