FSHS boys basketball falls in McPherson

McPherson ? The Free State boys basketball team lost to Wichita Heights, 78-59, on Thursday in the first round of the McPherson Invitational.

Georgi Funtarov led the Firebirds with 18 points. Eric Watson added eight.

Kansas University recruit Perry Ellis led Wichita Heights (9-0) with 21 points, seven rebounds and two blocks.

The Firebirds led, 11-8 after the first quarter, but the Falcons took charge after that.

Free State (5-4) will now play fellow-Sunflower-Leaguer Shawnee Mission East at 3 p.m. today.

Box score

Free State 11 17 21 10 — 59

Wichita Heights 8 23 24 23 — 78

Free State — Georgi Funtarov 8 0-0 18, Brett Frantz 3 0-0 8, Eric Watson 3 2-4 8, Alec Heline 1 0-0 3, Evan Manning 2 0-0 6, Austin Hoag 2 3-4 7, Tyler Self 2 0-0 5, Shawn Knighton 0 2-2 2, Cameron Dabney 1 0-0 2, Wilson Hack 0 0-0 0, Logan Bannister 0 0-0 0. Totals 22 (8) 7-10 59.

Wichita Heights — Dobbins 4 2-2 10, Wessel 10 2-4 22, Smith 4 1-2 10, Moore 6 1-2 13, Ellis 8 5-9 21, Degraffenread 1 0-0 2, Countee 0 0-0 0, Owens 0 0-0 0, Jefferson 0 0-0 0, Cross 0 0-0 0. Totals 33 (1) 11-19 78.