Lady Bullpups Return Four Starters, Eye Tournament Run

McPherson High School's girls basketball team enters the 2025-26 season with championship aspirations built on continuity and experience. Head coach Clint Kinnamon, in his second year leading the Lady Bullpups, welcomes back four starters and 90 percent of last season's rebounding from a squad that finished 10-12 overall and reached the sub-state finals before falling to Wellington.

Senior forward Brooke Doile leads the returning group after earning second-team All-AVCTL honors while pacing McPherson in scoring (11 ppg), rebounding (7 rpg), field goal percentage, three-point percentage and blocked shots last season. She'll be joined by fellow senior starters Maryn Sandbo (6 ppg, 3.5 rpg) and returning juniors Piper Alvord (5 ppg) and Rylie Whitfield (6.1 ppg, 3.5 rpg), who earned honorable mention all-league recognition. The Lady Bullpups feature impressive depth with all ten players listed on the preseason roster having earned varsity letters and significant playing time last season.

Kinnamon, who brings an impressive 530-250 overall coaching record including four state championships at St. John High School, has scheduled one of the most challenging slates in Kansas. Before Christmas break alone, McPherson will face Derby (6A state runner-up), Andover (5A third place), Olathe North (6A fourth place) and Buhler (4A fourth place). The McPherson Tournament will feature powerhouse programs including Andover Central, Hutchinson, Manhattan and multiple Wichita-area schools. "We will play a VERY difficult schedule," Kinnamon said, ensuring his team will be tested against the state's elite competition.

While the Lady Bullpups lack significant height, Kinnamon believes his team's competitive nature, defensive intensity and balanced scoring will allow them to contend in the Ark Valley Chisholm Trail Division 3. McPherson's nine state championships in program history demonstrate the winning tradition, and with experienced players hungry to improve on last season's sub-state final appearance, the Lady Bullpups aim to return to the state tournament conversation.

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