Matthew Will
Student Sports Media
The Grizzlies began their season on fire, shooting over 50 percent from the field, and rebounding far better than opponents. Their next test would be the No. 8 Seward County Saints on Wednesday, Nov. 15. After a long trip to Liberal, the Lady Grizzlies were prepared for the challenge.
Seward started the game hot and never slowed down. The Lady Saints never trailed and went on to win the game, 72-58. Sophomore Mollie Mounsey of the Lady Saints led all scorers with 21, shooting eight of 15 from the field. Sophomore Vilma Covane had 13 points, shooting six of eight.
Although a tough game for the Grizzlies, sophomore Ericka Mattingly and freshman Taylor Birch both ended in double figures, scoring 12 and 11 respectively. The Grizzlies turned the ball over 26 times, allowing 23 points off those turnovers. With a rebounding line of just plus 2, the Grizzlies did not control the ball well enough.
The Grizzlies shot 11 of 32 from the field and 43 percent from three-point range. On the opposition, Seward shot 16 of 29 from the field and 37 percent from three-point range.
The loss moves the Grizzlies to 4-1 on the year, their first loss of the season. Butler remains on the road Saturday, Nov. 18 when they take on Barton Community College at 5:30 p.m.
Butler’s men were also off to a stellar start, scoring an average of 88 points per game, their three wins all ending with triple digits. The Grizzlies started their road season Wednesday, Nov. 15, with a 81-67 win over Seward County.
Sophomore Ketarrious Bouchum led all scorers with 27 points on nine of 18 shooting. His 27 points were aside six rebounds, part of the team’s 36. Sophomore Russell Smith had 16 points and eight rebounds, and eight of 12 from the free throw line. Sophomore Karlon McSpadden was also in double figures, scoring 11 points.
For Seward County, sophomore Ke’Sean Davis scored 13 points along with seven rebounds, the only Saint in double figures. Sophomores Hegal Augustin, Isiah Small and Anthony Thomas all had nine points apiece for the Saints.
Butler (4-1) returned to the road Saturday, Nov. 18, when they travel to Barton for an 8 p.m. Jayhawk Conference matchup.