Butler wins two at Iowa Western Classic to finish first semseter

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa – The Butler women finished off the first semester with a pair of wins at the Iowa Western Classic this weekend, improving their record to 11-3 on the season.

On Friday, Butler played Jayhawk East Conference opponent Neosho County. Playing a stifling defense, the Grizzlies led 27-14 at halftime. The Grizzlies would force 23 turnovers on their way to a 54-44 victory.

Freshman Jamillah Bonner led the way with 15 points and eight rebounds. Sophomore Asia Watson didn't miss a shot, making all four shots from the field and both free throws she attempted on her way to scoring 10 points. Samantha Satterlee had eight points, Kiara O'Neal and Mia Wesley each had six points, Takoya Thompson had three points and Imari Lyons, Christy Couey and April Miller each had two points in the victory.

Butler again turned up the defensive pressure on Saturday in a 68-40 win over Northeast Nebraska. Butler forced another 23 turnovers and held Northeast to just 24 percent shooting (9-23) from the floor. The Grizzlies held the Hawks to just 12 points in the first half.

Leading the way again was freshman Jamillah Bonner who had a double-double with game-high 15 points and 15 rebounds from her guard spot. Also marking the scoring column was April Miller with 10 points, Takoya Thompson with eight, Destiny Whitehead and Jordyn Tolefree each with seven, Asia Watson with five, Samantha Satterlee and Kiara O'Neal with four points apiece and Imari Lyons, Mia Wesley, Tysia Manuel and Tonya Elliott-Salas each had two points.

The Grizzlies now have a month off from games before play resume on Wednesday, Jan. 4 against Garden City Community College in the Power Plant. This game marks the beginning of Jayhawk Conference West action and the tip time is slated for 5:30 p.m.