HUTCHINSON, Kan. – Buhler boys basketball led from start to finish en route to a 63-35 victory Friday night over Winfield at Prairie Hills Middle School. The Crusaders dominated the game around the rim, outscoring the Vikings 32-12 in the paint and winning the battle on the boards 46-26.
A Jackson Marks jumper gave Buhler a nine-point lead at the end of the first quarter. Marks, in 16 minutes off the bench, finished with a career-best 11 points and eight rebounds.
Buhler stretched the lead to 21 at halftime and eventually to 35 in the second half.
Matthew Eddy added eight points and 12 rebounds.
Buhler girls 43, Winfield 39 – The free throw line proved to be the deciding factor in Friday night’s girls’ contest, as the two teams combined for 40 charity attempts. Buhler finished 14-21 from the line, including six of eight from Emmie Stallman.
Stallman led her team with a career-best 14 points and nine rebounds.
The game was tied, 35-35, with five minutes left in the fourth quarter. The Crusaders got a late bucket from Sammie Brooks and two Gracie Oard free throws to hold on for the win.
Brooks finished with seven points and eight rebounds. Buhler has now won six of eight games.
