By Cody Morris, Tailgate TV
Butler went on the road to battle the Appleton City Bulldogs. The Bulldogs opened up the contest by forcing 4 quick turnovers that led to a 4-0 opening run by Appleton. Chandler started the scoring for the Bears as he went 1 of 2 form the free throw line. The Butler defense locked in and forced some big stops on their way to a 5-2 run of their own. However, turnovers continued to plague the Bears, who found themselves on the wrong end of an 11-10 score after 8 minutes of play.
To open the second Jesse Carter would sink a floater and ignite a 7-2 Bears run. Carter would then burry another triple to gift the Bears a 20-15 lead. The Bulldogs continued to battle and work the painted area, but Carter was on fire as he drilled a 3rd long range shot, forcing an Appleton timeout as the Bears held a 23-19 advantage with 4 minutes remaining until half. Out of the timeout the Bulldogs continued to play bully-ball down low, but the Bears were content trading 2’s for 3’s as Lucas Davidson stepped up and sunk a three for Butler as well, after which Chandler converted a 3 point play, the old fashioned way and the Bears took a 31-23 lead. Both teams continued to exchange baskets for the remainder of the half, and the Bears took a 33-30 lead into the locker room.
To open the open the second half of play, Powell quickly drove to the rack and grabbed a bucket and a foul to tie the game back up at 33-33. Butler rattled off a pair of turnovers but their defense was able to hold and not allow Appleton to convert off the mistakes. After a few minutes of battle, Carter once again tickled the twine for 3, putting the Bears back in front. Carter stayed red hot, knocking down yet another three point basket. With a score of 41-40 the intensity amplified and forced a time-out while both teams struggled to regain composure. It felt as if whichever team could remain calm, cool, and collected would leave the gym victorious. Out of the time-out, Appleton did what they do best, worked the ball inside and retook a 42-41 lead. After 3 quarters of play the Bulldogs led 46-43.
The Bulldogs opened the fourth with a basket in the painted area, followed by a blocked Butler shot, and just as the momentum was shifting back to the Bulldogs, Jake Chandler came up with a steal that Grubb converted to points on the Bears end. With 6 minutes to go Chandler would drive the lane, and toss up a shot as he was falling down which would miraculously go in and tie the game at 48. Loney would immediately answer back with a three to retake a 51-48 Bulldog advantage. Out of a time-out, turnovers continued to be an issue for the black and red, as they gave the ball back to Appleton and let Harkrader hammer home a trifecta. Both schools fans were letting their team know they were in attendance, as the contest continued to intensify and go back and forth. After a plethora of whistles and free throw trips for each team, the Bears found themselves down 57-61 with two minutes remaining. Powell went 1/2 at the line, before the Bears would turn the ball back over into the hands of the Bulldogs. The Bulldogs closed out the contest with a multitude of trips to the charity stripe where they closed out a 68-57 victory over Butler.
Jesse Carter had the hot hand on the evening and led all scores with 24 points, going 6 of 14 from range. Carter was followed closely by Chandler who ended his night with 23 points, 10 of which he collected at the free throw line.
Smith led the Bulldogs with 18 points, trailed by Williams with 17.
The Bears showed tremendous heart as they were outsized from the start, but continued to apply pressure and attempt to overcome all odds. Butler battled back and gave themselves a chance multiple times in the game, turnovers just continued to be the largest blemish on the Bears night. Butler proved they are prepared to play intense ball this season, and will be a fun team to watch as the year unfolds. If the Bears can secure the ball, and continue their defensive efforts they should be a decent squad.
Photo by Erin Dubray
