By CONOR NICHOLL

cnicholl@dailynews.net

McPHERSON -- The Hays High School girls' basketball team had just three seniors this season, including two that saw consistent playing time. First-year HHS coach Kirk Maska, the Indians' third girls' basketball coach in four years and a longtime coach in the Hays area, came to restore stability and build a program. In Maska's eyes, this season produced the start of a turnaround.

"There are a lot of bright spots," Maska said. "Hopefully the foundation is there and maybe even we laid a few bricks, so next year we will keep building on it. The ability is there. I think it is just a matter if they are ready to go to work or not."

Hays High would eventually like to become a state power, similar to McPherson, which has won five state championships in the last 13 years. On Thursday night, the Indians had trouble with the Bullpups and fell, 67-27, in the first round of the Class 5A McPherson sub-state. Hays High finished the season 5-16 and lost its final four games. McPherson, ranked No. 5 in the state, improved to 19-2 and moved into the sub-state championship game against Salina Central, which defeated Salina South 48-37. Game time is 7 p.m. Saturday.

"They are obviously where we want to be in the near future," Maska said. "They are a state contender. There is no doubt about it. They are quick and they are great shooters and we knew that we had a big challenge ahead of us. We played hard. We are just not there yet."

McPherson, which has one healthy senior, starts three juniors, a sophomore and 6-foot freshman Katelyn Loecker, who finished with a game-high 17 points, four above her season average. Loecker, who is already receiving NCAA Division I looks, has drawn comparisons to several Bullpup alum that have played at Kansas State University, including current Wildcat standout Ashley Sweat.

"We have to have her play at a high level as a freshman," McPherson coach Chris Strathman said. "When they were freshmen, they were just kind of bit players. That's the main difference, but she is awfully good."

The Indians trailed 6-4 after starting the game 2-of-9 from the field -- all seven misses came from within six feet of the basket, including a missed layup off the opening tip.

Hays High didn't sink a field goal for nearly 14 minutes as McPherson went on a 32-8 run to finish the first half. The Indians shot 16 percent from the field in the first half and 25 percent (8-of-32) for the game. The Indians also committed 27 turnovers en route to their lowest point total and biggest margin of defeat all season.

"I think we were kind of frustrated because we weren't making moves to get open," Maska said. "We were just kind of turning and shooting into their arms a lot. Obviously we were frustrated at times. We had some silly turnovers to go along with the ones that they created."

McPherson had three players in double figures, including Loecker, 16 points by junior Casyn Buchman and 12 by junior guard Andrea Nowak. Strathman told Nowak and sophomore point guard Tanner Hein they could drive often against HHS' defense. The dribble penetration allowed McPherson to shoot 27 free throws, 14 more than the Indians.

"Hays has been playing a really soft man (defense) and we said Tanner and Andrea (Nowak), you are going to get one wide-open looks tonight. Maybe turn down a couple and when it is there the second time, knock it down," Strathman said.

"That is kind of what she did tonight. I thought she did a good job."

Junior center Lindsey Schmeidler scored 13 points and grabbed 10 rebounds for her eighth double-double of the season. Schmeidler paced HHS with 11.1 points and 9.4 rebounds per game this season. Sophomore forward Paige Lunsford, who averaged 11 points and seven rebounds, also returns, along with junior guard Emily Pfeifer, sophomore guard Hanna Pfannenstiel and freshman point guard Janae Gagnon. HHS, which will lose seniors Jessie Steffen, Carissa Wickham and Erica Deines, will return more than 80 percent of its scoring next season.

"We have got a good foundation back," Maska said.