By Cooper Chadwick
This offseason has been difficult for McPherson senior Gabe Pyle, who has been struggling with bad tendonitis in both knees.
Pyle made the decision to rest this offseason, missing out on AAU basketball and other summer basketball activities.
“What I am doing right now is going to work out and I am focusing on getting bigger and stronger. I am still always getting shots up, but I have not played hardly at all. But I am feeling stronger and healthier by the day and I am super excited to get back after it,” Pyle said.
Pyle averaged 17 points per game, 5.2 rebounds and 2.1 steals, which earned him Co Class 4A Player of the Year and first team Class 4A. Pyle was also the McPherson Invitational MVP and Co-MVP in AVCTL D3. Head coach Kurtis Kinnamon attributes Pyle’s success to his basketball IQ and work ethic on and off the court.
This season Pyle has big goals and expectations for his team, who last year won the 4A state title.
“Goals for the season for our team have not changed since I was a freshman. GO WIN STATE. Every year we look to get back to the State Tournament and take advantage of our opportunities and go and win it all,” Pyle said.
Kinnamon who calls Pyle a “tremendous leader” has asked Pyle to step into a bigger leadership role for his team this year and Pyle believes he is ready for the challenge.
“I have to be a vocal leader on top of every other thing I do. I have to get people motivated and ready to play and to play the right way. I will have to be a leader on both the offense and defense, but I am very excited to step into the leadership role this year,” Pyle said.
