Bullpups Face Unique Challenges in Quest for Three-Peat
McPherson Boys Basketball Opens Season Without Home Court
McPherson High School's boys basketball team will chase a third consecutive state championship under circumstances unlike any in the program's storied history. The Bullpups may not play a home game until late December or January after flooding damaged the iconic Roundhouse court twice in June, forcing the defending Class 4A champions to become road warriors in the season's opening month.
Head coach Kurt Kinnamon, entering his 31st season at McPherson with an impressive 595-122 record, faces additional obstacles beyond the displaced venue. The Bullpups lost three starters from last year's championship squad, including first-team All-State selection Gabe Pyle and first-team All-League performer Ian Razak. Senior starter Cade Strathman, who appeared in every game last season, will miss significant time after suffering a dislocated ankle during summer baseball. Despite graduating key contributors, McPherson returns senior guard Jett Pyle, who averaged 13.5 points, 3.8 assists and 1.8 steals per game last season. Junior Ashton Malm (5.6 ppg) provides additional backcourt experience as the Bullpups look to reload rather than rebuild.
Kinnamon believes his team's strengths lie in backcourt quickness and perimeter shooting, with Pyle, Malm and junior Cole Cooper forming a dynamic trio. However, the Bullpups lack interior size without a rim-protecting presence. McPherson will play an exceptionally difficult schedule, including what Kinnamon calls the best McPherson Invitational field in recent memory, to prepare for tournament play. The Bullpups are picked to win the Ark Valley Chisholm Trail Division 3 title and face expected state competition from Baldwin, Pratt, Augusta, Bishop Miege and Ottawa.
"This is going to be an interesting season," Kinnamon said. "We will be battle tested and should be a team to contend with by the end of the year." With eight state championships and 21 state tournament appearances in Kinnamon's tenure, the Bullpups have built a dynasty that continues despite unprecedented challenges this season.
Greg Loving
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