MCPHERSON ? Despite getting off to what coach Chuck Law described as a slow start, the Free State High boys basketball team eventually found its footing at the charity stripe to get a 74-66 win over Blue Valley Northwest in the opening round of the McPherson Invitational.

BVNW threw FSHS a curveball by opening up with a box-and-one defense, which the Firebirds had not yet played against this season, designed to stymie senior guard Kris Wilson. Once Wilson got used to the gimmick defense, he started penetrating, got some scores in transition and hit 11-of-12 free throws on his way to a game-high 25 points.

“He plays really well out here,” Law said of Wilson at the McPherson Invitational.

As a team, the Firebirds went 18-of-19 at the charity stripe, and Law said his team’s fourth quarter execution, especially at the line, was the difference.

The Firebirds (8-2) trailed early, 14-5.

“We weren’t very sharp. Our defensive awareness was poor,” Law said, pointing to a lack of concentration and a failure to contest shooters as the biggest problems. “I was not real happy with our defensive effort.”

FSHS regrouped near the end of the first quarter and had the game tied at the half.

Forward Weston Wiebe registered a double-double with 23 points and 11 rebounds. Craig Rosenstengle scored 18, and Conner Monarez hit two threes for six points.

The Firebirds will face the undefeated host team, McPherson, at 8:15 tonight.

“Needless to say it’s a significant challenge,” Law said of the prospects of knocking off a tough team on the road.