Basketball is a high-pace game that requires a lot of conditioning.
It helps to have players on the bench that can be substituted in every now and again.
McPherson’s junior varsity had only five players on Tuesday night at Kirkman Activity Center, and the No. 15-ranked Barton Community College men ran them down in a 98-62 victory.
“I thought I liked our effort,” Barton head coach Craig Fletchall said. “I applaud McPherson. They were short-handed. They had some injuries, and they came in here and shot the ball well against us.
“I thought our guys caused them some problems in the first half, and we both kind of played pick-up basketball in the second half.”
The Cougars caused 24 turnovers, including 21 steals. John Goodson led Barton with five steals in the game.
McPherson’s JV hung around for all of seven minutes before Barton’s pace and the Bulldogs’ lack of subs became a factor.
“Obviously, they were undermanned,” Fletchall said. “Our length bothered them. They did a better job getting back in the second half. We didn’t get as many fast breaks, but I was generally pleased with how everyone played.”
A 12-3 run opened the margin up, leaving it 23-12 with nine minutes remaining.
Al Key bookended the run, scoring two points to start things off.
Andell Cumberbatch hit a long shot for two points, and Turon Parker dropped in a 3-ball on the next possession.
Mason Turner sank a 3-pointer for McPherson, but Trey Unrau drained a 3 of his own for the Cougars.
Key cut to the basket for a quick layup to end the run.
At halftime, Barton found itself ahead 50-29.
Key ended the game with 20 points and seven rebounds.
“I was pleased with Algie,” Fletchall said. “His focus has been better. I know against McPherson last year, he only took two shots. We told him to be more aggressive and set the tone. I think he did that real well.”
Raheem Johnson led the Cougars with nine boards.
Derek Bevan, a Macksville High School product, who was part of their Class 1A Division-I state championship team two years ago, finished with a double-double for McPherson. He scored 20 points and grabbed 14 rebounds.
Barton hosts Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference Eastern Division foe Neosho County at 7:30 on Friday night during the Best Western/Cougars Booster Club Classic at Kirkman Activity Center.

JUNIOR COLLEGE BASKETBALL

MEN

Tuesday

At Great Bend
Kirkman Activity Center

Barton Community College 98,
McPherson JV 62
McPHERSON JV
    Kaven Denno 3-7 1-2 10, Mason Turner 5-14 0-0 15, Austin Prescott 2-6 3-4 7, Taylor Roop 3-12 3-4 10, Derek Bevan 9-19 2-4 20. Totals 22-58 9-14 62.
BARTON (8-0)
    Turon Parker 5-9 2-4 13, Andell Cumberbatch 7-10 1-2 15, Algie Key 7-13 6-8 20, Raheem Johnson 7-9 0-0 14, Raphael Stephens 4-5 1-3 9, Shaka Thomas 2-6 0-0 5, Andy Wiechman 0-1 0-0 0, Trey Unrau 3-6 0-0 8, John Goodson 1-1 0-2 2, Kevin Kuteyi 3-11 1-3 8. Totals 41-75 11-21 98.
    Halftime — Barton 50, McPherson JV 29. Three-point goals — Barton 5-17 (Unrau 2-5, Kuteyi 1-6, Parker 1-3, Thomas 1-2, Robinson 0-1); McPherson JV 9-26 (Turner 5-12, Denno 3-6, Roop 1-7, Bevan 0-1). Rebounds — Barton 43 (Johnson 9); McPherson JV 28 (Bevan 14). Assists — Barton 15 (Parker 5); McPherson JV 9 (Roop 6). Steals — Barton 21 (Goodson 5); McPherson JV 5 (Bevan 2, Roop 2). Total fouls — Barton 16; McPherson 14.