Butler Improves to 12–1 With Commanding Win Over Seward County

LIBERAL, Kan. – The No. 14 Butler Grizzlies rolled into winter break on a high note, dominating the Seward County Saints 77–51 to improve to 12–1 on the season.

The Grizzlies (12–1, 6–1) continued their strong start with a convincing road win over the Saints (10–4, 5–3) inside the Greenhouse in Liberal, Kan.

Both teams traded baskets early, but Butler began to separate after stringing together key defensive stops. The Grizzlies led 21–12 before Seward's RaMya Kennedy buried a three with three seconds left, trimming the deficit to 21–15 heading into the second quarter.

The second quarter belonged to Destiny Smith, who poured in 11 points and knocked down three of her four attempts from beyond the arc. Butler led 24–15 before Seward responded with back‑to‑back threes to stay within reach. Each time the Saints threatened, Smith answered—drilling two more threes as Butler stretched the lead. The Grizzlies closed the half strong and took a 44–27 advantage into the break.

In the second half, Butler stayed aggressive and forced Seward into foul trouble. The Grizzlies attempted 25 free throws after halftime compared to just two for the Saints. Seward never found a rhythm offensively, and Butler continued to control the game on both ends.

For the afternoon, Butler shot 45.3 percent from the field and went 8-for-16 from three—all eight makes coming in the first half. Seward shot 36.4 percent overall and 8-for-26 from deep. The Grizzlies attacked the rim consistently in the second half, finishing 21-for-32 at the free‑throw line, while Seward went just 3-for-4. Butler also won the rebounding battle 39–27 and forced 18 Saints turnovers.

Smith led the way with a season‑high 22 points off the bench, including four threes—her second straight game with four makes from long range. Keegan Yarick added 16 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and three steals. Mya Mayberry scored all 14 of her points in the first half and added five rebounds, three assists, three steals, and a block.

The Grizzlies enter the second semester sitting in second place in the Jayhawk Conference, one game behind No. 1 Dodge City (12–0, 7–0). Butler returns to action in 2026, traveling to Great Bend to face Barton on Saturday, January 3 at 5:30 p.m.