COLBY, Kan. – The KJCCC preseason coaches' poll was released on Tuesday afternoon and the Grizzlies found themselves on top of the predicted order of finish ahead of the 2023-24 season.
Butler men's basketball was picked to finish first in the 13-team league, ahead of Barton in second and Garden City in third. Both Butler men's and women's programs were picked to finish first in the KJCCC by the leagues coaches.
This comes after the Grizzlies claimed the Region VI title last season for the first time since 2010. They advanced to the national tournament for the first time since 2015 and won their opening round game over Roane State before bowing out in the second round.
Head coach Kyle Fisher will begin his fifth year at the helm of the Grizzlies, holding a 90-33 overall record. He is rejoined by assistants Marques Townsend (4th season at Butler) and Davon Usher (2nd season at Butler).
They return three student-athletes from last year's squad in forward Christian Richardson, forward Charles McClennahan Jr. and forward Dre Kemp. McClennahan played in 23 games, Kemp in 22 and Richardson in 18. Richardson, a 7'0 forward, paced the returners with 3.7 points per game and 2.5 rebounds per game a season ago. Fisher welcomes 12 newcomers to this year's team including six transfers (two NCAA D1 transfers) and six freshmen.
The Grizzlies open the season on Friday, Nov. 3 and Saturday, Nov. 4 at the Moberly Classic. They are slated to take on Henry Ford College on Friday and Moberly Area on Saturday. The first home game of the regular season is on Tuesday, Nov. 7 vs. Labette at 7:30 p.m., part of a doubleheader with the women's basketball team as they play Tabor JV at 5:30 p.m.
Butler hosts Baker College JV this Thursday, Oct. 19, at 4 p.m. at the Power Plant for a preseason scrimmage.
KJCCC DIVISION I MEN'S BASKETBALL PRESEASON COACHES' POLL
1. Butler
2. Barton
3. Garden City
4. Dodge City
5. Coffeyville
6. Hutchinson
7. Cloud County
8. Cowley
9. Seward County
10. Pratt
11. Northwest Tech
12. Colby
13. Independence
