Smith Pours in 10 Threes as Butler Blows Out Independence

EL DORADO, Kan. – Freshman guard Destiny Smith turned in a career performance helping Butler to a 106-55 win over Independence on Saturday at the Power Plant.

Butler (19-5, 14-5 KJCCC) completed the regular season sweep of the Pirates (2-23, 1-18) as the Grizzlies win preceded the 2025 Butler Athletics Hall of Fame Induction ceremony.

Smith had an improbable first half, shooting 9-10 from three-point range with 31 first half points. The Derby native finished with a career-high 36 points shooting 10-12 from distance also adding five rebounds and three assists.

Butler shot a season-high 60.6% (40-66) from the field and 61.5% (16-26) from three. The Grizzlies assisted on 29 of their made shots and forced 22 Indy turnovers scoring 34 points off the takeaways. The defense held Indy to 42% shooting (21-50).

Smith led Butler with 36 points followed by Ashley Singhateh's 20 points and team-high tying six assists. Keegan Yarick contributed 15 points, eight rebounds, six steals and four assists. Mya Mayberry had 16 points and six assists off the bench. Indy was led by Allison Reese's 19 points and five rebounds.

Independence got out to a 6-2 lead in the first quarter and led until midway through the quarter as Smith connected on her first three to put Butler ahead 9-7. The Grizzlies did not trail again in the game as Butler outscored Independence 29-15 in the first quarter and took a 52-25 lead to halftime. Their largest lead swelled to 51 at the end of the game.

Butler travels to Coffeyville on Wednesday for a road matchup at Nellis Hall between the third place Red Ravens and fourth place Grizzlies. Butler won the first meeting between the two, 52-48 at the Power Plant, on Jan. 4th. Tipoff is set for 5:30 p.m.