MEET THE TEAM
When you think of Kansas high school basketball, what school do you think of that represents how the state plays the game? How can it not be McPherson, which has the most state titles in the state with 11.The program has had three coaches in the last 55 years. There are some programs that have a new coach on the sidelines nearly every season. Let that sink in for a minute and you can appreciate what Kurt Kinnamon and the Bullpups have accomplished.
McPherson has won four state championships under Kinnamon and it seems like every year they're at least in the conversation for the state title. This season could be another showcase of how the Bullpups reload, as they must replace virtually all five starters but are optimistic with the players coming up whose roles will be expanded this season.
The building blocks will be senior post Keaton Sorenson, who started twice last year, and sophomore point guard Kyler Kinnamon, who started once. As the primary scorer, Sorenson should be able to showcase his athleticism in his 6-4 frame. He has a nice touch around the basket and has enough range to create a lot of mismatches. Kinnamon showed what he can do leading a team when he quarterbacked the football team deep into the playoffs. That should translate to the basketball court, as Kinnamon, the coach's son, has tremendous vision and the knack to create plays for himself and others.
McPherson is known for playing a high-tempo game and possessing several offensive weapons. It's a difficult system to shut down and the Bullpups are always one of the most fundamentally sound teams around. This season has Kinnamon excited about the potential of the defense with the length of Sorenson (6-4), Peter Horton (6-5) and Ryan Horton (6-4) presenting a formidable defense.
Typically when you lose all five starters from a 18-win state playoff team, you suffer a drop-off. But this is McPherson and you can expect the Bullpups to be just as tough this season and possibly even better depending on how good Sorenson and Kinnamon are.
MEET THE CAST
#04 | KEATON SORENSON | POST | 6'4" | SENIOR
Started two games last season and Kinnamon is excited about his potential after a monster season as a receiver in football. He has the athleticism to get around most posts and the frame to be a force down low for the Bullpups.
#22 | KYLER KINNAMON | POINT | 5'10" | SOPHOMORE
Plays like you would expect from a coach's son. High on basketball IQ, Kinnamon is mature beyond his years and his skill set will be on full display this season as he will be unleashed to run the offense full time.
#01 | MARCUS HOUGHTON | WING | 6'1" | SENIOR
Every year McPherson has a player like Houghton: a great athlete capable of scoring, defending, rebounding, taking charges and doing a little bit of everything to help the team win.
#05 | ALEX BAHR | POST | 6'1" | SENIOR
A bit under-sized for a post player, but can also play out on the wing. He's not flashy, but is another glue guy that will do most of his scoring on putbacks and loose balls he has the tendency to grab.
#30 | PETER HORTON | WING | 6'5" | JUNIOR
The upside here is through the roof, but he's still learning how he can use his length to his advantage. He'll get his shot playing major minutes this season and his development could determine how good McPherson can be this year.
#02 | DYLAN STOS | POINT | 5'7" | JUNIOR
Whenever Kinnamon needs a breather, Stos will be there to provide a reliable backup point guard. Will also play a lot off ball and has a steady outside shot to make defenses pay.
#24 | RYAN HORTON | WING | 6'4" | JUNIOR
Just like his brother, Ryan has tremendous upside and could be a huge factor this season. They're both fairly skinny, but their length will help negate that. Ryan has developed a nice shot from the outside to make him an offensive threat.
#43 | KESHAWN SEWELL | POST | 6'2" | JUNIOR
A standout jumper during track season, Sewell will be a spark off the bench for the Bullpups this season. He's still a bit raw, but his energy leads him to lots of rebounds and a few putbacks every now and then.
Started two games last season and Kinnamon is excited about his potential after a monster season as a receiver in football. He has the athleticism to get around most posts and the frame to be a force down low for the Bullpups.
#22 | KYLER KINNAMON | POINT | 5'10" | SOPHOMORE
Plays like you would expect from a coach's son. High on basketball IQ, Kinnamon is mature beyond his years and his skill set will be on full display this season as he will be unleashed to run the offense full time.
#01 | MARCUS HOUGHTON | WING | 6'1" | SENIOR
Every year McPherson has a player like Houghton: a great athlete capable of scoring, defending, rebounding, taking charges and doing a little bit of everything to help the team win.
#05 | ALEX BAHR | POST | 6'1" | SENIOR
A bit under-sized for a post player, but can also play out on the wing. He's not flashy, but is another glue guy that will do most of his scoring on putbacks and loose balls he has the tendency to grab.
#30 | PETER HORTON | WING | 6'5" | JUNIOR
The upside here is through the roof, but he's still learning how he can use his length to his advantage. He'll get his shot playing major minutes this season and his development could determine how good McPherson can be this year.
#02 | DYLAN STOS | POINT | 5'7" | JUNIOR
Whenever Kinnamon needs a breather, Stos will be there to provide a reliable backup point guard. Will also play a lot off ball and has a steady outside shot to make defenses pay.
#24 | RYAN HORTON | WING | 6'4" | JUNIOR
Just like his brother, Ryan has tremendous upside and could be a huge factor this season. They're both fairly skinny, but their length will help negate that. Ryan has developed a nice shot from the outside to make him an offensive threat.
#43 | KESHAWN SEWELL | POST | 6'2" | JUNIOR
A standout jumper during track season, Sewell will be a spark off the bench for the Bullpups this season. He's still a bit raw, but his energy leads him to lots of rebounds and a few putbacks every now and then.
FROM COACH KINNAMON
"Our bench is going to be the X-Factor. We have a number of guys who are vying for those 7, 8, 9 positions on the team. When you play as fast as we want to play, the bench is going to have to develop for us to have a real shot at things."
THE PREDICTION
It's a safe bet to assume McPherson has reloaded and is not rebuilding. But a challenging December schedule will be difficult to navigate with so much turnover. Expect the Bullpups to be playing their best in February and March though, as they are the favorites in their division and to return to Salina this season and be in the conversation for Banner No. 12.
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