For the first time in program history, the Butler women's basketball team has completed the three-peat winning the Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference East Division regular season championship after their 100-54 victory over Neosho Wednesday night.
"I am just so excited right now," said head coach Mike Helmer after finding out they had locked up the conference. "This team has been through a lot and have overcome so much to be in this position I am just so happy and proud of them. To even get a chance to play has been amazing. I am so appreciative of my team and my amazing assistants."
The Grizzlies entered the game needing a win over the Panthers and a Coffeyville loss to Barton to claim the title for a third straight year. Barton handled the Red Ravens and Butler picked up their 17th win of the season with the win over Neosho, their 27th straight victory over the Panthers.
Butler led the entire way and had a big second quarter that opened it up for the Grizzlies as they led 44-28 at the break.
A thirty-three-point third quarter offensively followed by another twenty-three points in the fourth for the Grizzlies put the game away as Butler held the Panthers to just 26 second half points winning 100-54.
Butler hit the 100-point mark for just the second time this season both times against the Panthers. Butler shot 47% from the floor and 82% from the charity stipe while keeping the Panthers held to 30% from the floor. Butler forced 32 turnovers with 14 steals and also kept possessions alive grabbing 17 offensive rebounds.
Kaylee Nero had one of her best games of the season scoring a team high 25 points with six rebounds. Tamara Nard added in 16 while Skyla Knight finished with 14 points. Mekayla Furman scored eight points to go along with her nine rebounds and five assists.
NEXT UP: Butler (17-1, 16-1) will host the Allen Red Devils on Saturday, March 27 in the Power Plant at 5:30pm.
NOTES: Grizzlies win third straight KJCCC East title for the first time in program history… 27th consecutive win over Neosho… Second 100+ point game of the season, both coming against the Panthers.
