Beech Tree News Network

Butler County Middle School boys’ basketball team opened their season Thursday night at McLean County Middle School.  Both 7th and 8th  grade teams gave a valiant effort, but both came up short.   The 7th grade took the floor first.  Starting for the 7th grade team was Justin Elms, Colton Bratcher, Wyatt Dean, Trevor Dockery and Jaden Hurt.  The Bears got off to a slow start against a big McLean County team and were unable to score the first quarter.  The Bears went on to put 5 points on the scoreboard by halftime.  The Bears did pick up the tempo and the scoring in the second half scoring 10 points for a total of 15, but it just wasn’t enough.  The seventh grade team fell with a score of 41-15.  Wyatt Dean was able to score 4 points.  Justin Elms and Colton Bratcher had 3 each, and Zack Smith scored 2.
The “much improved from last year” 8th grade team faced off against McLean County’s 8th grade team next after losing to them by 14 points in last year’s season opener.  Highlights from the first half included the hot hands of Skyler Moore, Brennan Grubb and Will Moore all making 3’s.  Caleb Beasley was perfect from the free throw line, making all 6 free throws he shot in the first half.  At halftime, the Bears led by a slim margin of 28-24.  The Bears continued their lead in the second half before the Cougars took control with three minutes left in the game.  The Bears fought hard but came up a little short with a score of 54-48.  Two key factors contributing to the Bear’s loss were 14 missed free throws and foul trouble.  Scoring for the Bears was Brennan Grubb 15, Will Moore 14, Caleb Beasley 8, Brendan Shanklin 7 and Skyler Moore 4.

Coach Donaldson was very positive about Thursday’s game and said the real game experience gave the team some areas to work on.  The Bears will be on the road again next week facing some tough competition.  On Monday they play Grayson County, Tuesday Edmonson County, and Thursday Muhlenberg North.

Story by Kim Grubb, Beech Tree News/WLBQ 1570