Butler Locks Down Fort Hays Tech in 56‑Point Road Win

GOODLAND, Kan. – The No. 4 Butler Grizzlies completed the season sweep of the Fort Hays Tech Northwest Tigers with a 97–41 rout on Saturday afternoon.

The opening quarter between Butler (21–1, 15–1) and Fort Hays Tech (1–20, 1–14) was competitive, with the Grizzlies leading 23–16 after one. The Tigers were fueled early by Vitória Fernandes, who knocked down four of five three‑pointers and scored 12 of Fort Hays Tech's 16 first‑quarter points.

From there, Butler took full control. The Grizzlies outscored the Tigers 23–5 in the second quarter to take a 46–21 halftime lead, then delivered an even more dominant third quarter, outscoring Fort Hays Tech 27–5. Butler's defense suffocated Fort Hays Tech, holding the Tigers to 2‑for‑12 shooting in the third and 0‑for‑8 from beyond the arc.

The Grizzlies closed strong with a 24–15 fourth quarter to secure the 56‑point victory.

Butler shot 49.3 percent from the field while holding Fort Hays Tech to 30.8 percent. The Grizzlies attacked the rim consistently, converting 21 of 33 free‑throw attempts. They also dominated the glass 49–27 and assisted on 18 of their 36 made baskets. Defensively, Butler forced 25 turnovers and turned them into 43 points.

Six Grizzlies scored in double figures. Sophomore Kenzie Galliart led the way with 17 points on 8‑of‑14 shooting and seven rebounds. Keegan Yarick and Ashley Singhateh each added 16 points, with Yarick recording a double‑double with 11 rebounds. Mya Mayberry and Elina Syniakova each scored 11, while Jalyiah Manuel contributed 10 points, nine rebounds, four assists, and three steals.

No. 4 Butler remains atop the KJCCC standings at 21–1 overall and 15–1 in conference play. No. 3 Dodge City sits one game back at 19–1 overall and 14–1 in conference play—their lone loss coming against the Grizzlies. Butler has won their last two games against Pratt and Fort Hays Tech by a combined 116 points. 

Next up: Butler returns to the Power Plant on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. to face Garden City, looking to avenge their only loss of the season—a 71–67 overtime defeat on Dec. 3.