Beech Tree News Network

LEITCHFIELD - Returning to the top, Butler County defeated longtime rival Grayson County 63-51 in the 12th District Boys' Basketball Tournament title game on Friday night. 

Butler County improved to 21-9 with the win. 

With the loss, tournament host Grayson County dropped to 10-21.

Both Butler County and Grayson County advance to the 3rd Region Boys' Basketball Tournament. 

Butler County doubled up Grayson County 12-6 in the opening quarter. The Bears led 21-14 at halftime and remained out in front after the break.

Butler County added to its lead after the intermission period. The Bears led 39-25 at the conclusion of the third quarter. 

Butler County shot 47.8 percent (22-of-46) from the field. The Bears were 3-of-11 from 3-point range. 

Butler County shot 57.1 percent (16-of-28) from the free throw line. 

Parker Rice, who has emerged as one of the top boys' high school basketball players in the state, paced Butler County with a team-high 20 points. Accompanying Rice in double figures in scoring for the Bears, Brody Hunt netted 14 points and Simon Flener added 12 points.

Narrowly missing a double-double for the Bears, Flener grabbed nine rebounds. 

The additional scorers for Butler County in the district championship-clinching victory were Hayden Hodge (eight points), Jagger Henderson (five points) and Leevi McMillin (four points).

Nolan Shartzer led Grayson County with a game-high 24 points. Accompanying Shartzer in double figures in scoring for the Cougars, Chandler McCrady added 12 points.

The additional scorers for Grayson County were Brayden Childress (six points), Dillon Horn (four points), River Blanton (three points) and Chase Johnson (two points).