Perfect season continues for Atchison boys, next stop: 4A Semifinals

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (KQTV) -- Atchison Phoenix boys basketball Coach Patrick Battle stayed humble Wednesday after his club's 26th straight win Wednesday.

"If you told me in November we were going to be 26 and 0, I would have told you that maybe you need to go see -- seek higher help," said Battle. "I never saw this coming. But you know what? That's what makes it special. It's the surprises you get in this business that, that make it special."

Atchison beat the McPherson Bullpups, a program Battle referred to as a "blue blood" in the state of Kansas, 73-53 to advance to the Kansas State High School Activities Association 4A semifinals.

That's not to say there wasn't any suspense, though -- McPherson held a one-point edge heading into the break; however, Atchison responded down the stretch. Showcasing strong defense and a willingness to run in transition.

Phoenix junior Jeremiah Thompson scored 29 points to lead both sides. Making a number of those buckets to help power his team's strong second half.

Battle reflected on his team's performance in the final 16 minutes.

"Our kids did such a great job...Was getting to the basket and scoring," he said, "Especially in the second half. We didn't do that so much in the first."

Atchison shot almost 60% from the field on the day, and a remarkable 83% in the third quarter.

Next for the Phoenix, a date with either Pratt or Baldwin in the 4A semifinals.

Those two squads square off at 6 p.m. on Wednesday. The semifinal, at Hutchinson Sports Arena, is slated for 7:30 p.m. Friday.