Charles Chaney
Sports Editor
fr Head Coach Bryan Miller’s men’s basketball team to say they have dealt with adversity would be an understatement.
“It’s addition by subtraction,” Assistant Coach Daven Vo said.
With three players leaving the basketball team over the break, it left the Grizzlies with only nine players to suit up. It did not help for two games that two players were missing because of academic reasons as well.
“We are glad we were able to get those guys back,” Vo said.
The Grizzlies have fought through the adversity, beating Pratt 128-107 on Wednesday, Jan. 3. The Grizzlies welcomed back Karlon McSpadden. The point guard from Omaha, Nebraska, missed the previous seven games with a facial fracture.
Miller’s team went 3-3 over the break, with two road wins over Neosho County and Pratt. The Grizzlies also took No. 18 Coffeyville to the brink before the Red Ravens went bananas from beyond the three-point line, putting the game out of reach.
“Our entire team is playing better defense,” Vo said.
No one has blown out the Grizzlies and has shown in the Grizzlies’ pride. They have fought to the end as you could see in the loss to Garden City. Butler fought back and a Ketarrious Bouchum three-pointer cut the Broncbusters lead down to three. Butler had multiple opportunities to tie the game, but came up short.
Despite an improved Saints squad of Seward County, Butler gave all they could, but fell short, a 79-76 setback on Saturday, Jan. 20.
The lack of bench shows at times as it did in Butler’s 80-72 loss to Barton on Wednesday, Jan. 24. The minutes are high on the starters and rest comes at a premium when they can get it.
This squad has come a long way since blowing a 26-point lead against then No. 1 Hutchinson. In the face of adversity, this team is ready for the blow it provides. There is no backpedaling or complaining.
“We galvanize,” Vo said. “We’re hoping to peak at the right time.”
Butler (8-11, 5-11 KJCCC) has plenty of time to make up ground in the Jayhawk Conference. With rematches against Coffeyville, Cowley, Allen County and Independence, close games Butler dropped, the Grizzlies have a chance to end the season strong heading into the Region VI Tournament.
“We’re coming together,” Vo said. “We’re trimming the fat. We’re up to nine. These guys are coming together.”