McPHERSON, Kan. – The Hutchinson Salthawk boys saw up close why the McPherson Bullpups have won the McPherson Invitational championship for the 25th time in its 60-year history, as Hutchinson was stormed over by the ‘Pups, 78-42 at the Roundhouse on Saturday. It was the 12th championship for head coach Kurt Kinnamon.
The Bullpups came out of the gate swinging from the start jumping on the Salthawks early with a barrage of 3-point baskets to take a 25-6 first quarter lead.
By the time the dust settled in the old historic roundhouse, McPherson had built a 51 to 14 lead at half-time and the 60th MIT Championship game result had been decided. McPherson had not won this tournament since 2019 and the Bullpups were hungry for a win.
Hutchinson fought back in the 3rd quarter to outscore the Bullpups 18 to 9, but the game was well in control with McPherson at the the throttle.
McPherson was led with four players in double figures with junior Gabe Pyle scoring 27 points on the afternoon, Pyle was name to the all-tournament team and was the MVP of the tournament. Owen Pyle added 14 going four for six from the arc. Cory Muehler had 10 and senior guard Kyden Thompson scored 12 adding 6 assists.
Hutch High was led in scoring with Julian Smith and Terrell King scoring 13 and 12 points respectively. Both Smith and King were named to the all-tournament team. Jax Heneha had 8, Tai Clark 7 and Devon Spiller added 2. The Salthawks were 2 of 17 from the arc and shot 31.3% from the field for the game.
Ironically, Hutchinson had averaged giving up 51 points per contest this season. McPherson eclipsed that number early in the 2nd half.
McPherson just had everything working for them on this Saturday afternoon in January.
Hutchinson (8-2) returns home on Tuesday to host the Derby Panthers at the SAC with a 7:15pm tip. Freshman and JV games will start at 4:15pm on Tuesday. Derby took 3rd place in the MIT winning over Blue Valley 63-46 in the 3rd place game prior to the Championship.
McPherson Invitational results:
7th Place
(8) Wichita-Bishop Carroll – 61
(7) St. James Academy – 51
5th Place:
(5) Lawrence Free State – 59
(6) Topeka-Seaman – 53
3rd Place:
(4) Derby – 63
(3) Blue Valley – 46
Championship:
(1) McPherson – 78
(2) Hutchinson – 42
McPherson Invitational Most Valuable Player:
Gabe Pyle (McPherson)
All-Tournament Team:
(In order by school)
- Kyden Thompson (McPherson)
- Cory Muehler (McPherson)
- Julian Smith (Hutchinson)
- Terrell King (Hutchinson)
- Dallas Metzger (Derby)
- Kaden Franklin (Derby)
- Mason Anderson (Derby)
- Enoch Rodriguez (Blue Valley)
- Dean Markes (Blue Valley)
- Holden Finley (Topeka-Seaman)