If eight was great, then nine has to be considered mighty fine.

McPherson High's girls continued their domination of the Mid America Classic Saturday night, ending Little River's Cinderella run by tightening up the slipper, 40-22.

MHS captured its ninth Classic title in a row and ran its tournament winning streak to 27, while Little River was making its last appearance after 12 glorious years, which included two championships, a runner-up finish and five thirds.

When Little River's Lynae Wright scored the first basket of the game, there was some anxiousness and hope that maybe it could give the Bullpups a game.

But the magic quickly ran out, as MHS rattled off the next 13 points, and played tremendous defense throughout the first half to lead 19-6 at the break.

Unlike last year's finals when Hesston made a spirited second-half charge, Little River simply couldn't put together a run to get back into it.

"It was a lot of fun, and our kids were fired up and ready to play," said MHS coach Chris Strathman, whose team is now 11-2 despite being junior-dominated. "Defensive intensity was the key. We were only 2 of 17 from 3-point after shooting so well the first two games, but we still won by 18. That's because of the defense."

Little River's defense bothered the Bullpups, who shot only 34 percent and were battled to a 34-34 standoff in rebounding. But Little River took 19 less shots, made 10 less baskets and was harassed into 19 turnovers.

"As the third quarter progressed, I thought we figured out how to break their press," Little River coach Shane Cordell said. "If we could have done that earlier in the game, it might have made a big difference. I got to give them credit for their defensive pressure because I think it flustered our girls a little bit and we lost our poise early."

All-tourney pick Jordi James led the Bullpups with 15 points and finished as the Classic scoring leader with 49. Kelsie Sorenson and Jill Nowak pulled down 7 rebounds apiece.

All-tourney Callie Cordell and Lynae Wright scored 7 apiece for Little River, and Wright also pulled down a team-high 6 rebounds.

The Bullpups get some much-needed rest as they are off until Friday when they travel to Maize for a non-league game.

"I think this should definitely continue to boost us," Strathman said. "Winning our home tournament is so special to the girls and builds even more confidence."

Cordell said the 12-year association with the tournment is something he'll never forget.

"I'm just so happy and the Optimists have been so great," Cordell said. "I've met a lot of people I didn't know before this started and the people over here at the Roundhouse have been great. It's been a wonderful experience and we'll never forget this place. I know I won't."

Little River, now 8-6, jumps right back into action Tuesday hosting Inman.