BUHLER, Kan. – Buhler girls basketball used a fast start on Friday Night to defeat Circle, 50-34 in Jim Baker Fieldhouse.
Natalya Krafels scored six of her 12 points in the first quarter as the Crusaders jumped out to a 22-5 lead. Circle was never able to recover.
“That was a huge emphasis,” Head Coach John Darrow said. “I though we executed very well, the defensive energy was where we needed it to be.”
Circle’s 26 turnovers were largely credited to Buhler’s defensive pressure. No surprise, Ella Voss, who has become a difficult matchup for opposing guards, led the team with six steals.
“She’s running gaps really well,” Darrow said of Voss. “Flying around doing a lot of great things.”
Charley Baxter was one rebound shy of a double-double for the Crusaders. She finished with a season best 12 points and nine boards.
“Charley is a fantastic leader.” Everything she gets, she has earned,” Darrow said.
With six games remaining in the regular season, Buhler is now 11-3 overall and 5-0 in AVCTL III play.
SCORING
Buhler: 22, 11, 9, 8 (50)
Natalya Krafels: 12 points, Charley Baxter: 12 points, Sammie Brooks: 9 points, Gracie Oard: 7 points, Ella Voss: 6 points, Claudia Taylor: 3 points, Nyah Sewell: 1 point
Circle: 5, 16, 9, 4 (34)
Emma Johnson: 13 points, Hailey Coble: 8 points, Katelyn Vogts: 6 points, Brookelyn Patty: 5 points, Gracie Tucker: 2 points
BOYS (Circle 59, Buhler 55)
A sluggish start for the Buhler boys aided in an early 10-2 for Circle. The Thunderbirds were able to maintain an 8-10 point advantage for most of the game.
Buhler finally made some headway late, using a 13-3 run to trim the deficit to just two points with less than a minute to play. It was free throws that ultimately won Circle the contest, 59-55.
“The great news is we play them again in two weeks,” Head Coach Eric Tate said. “I think that’s absolutely a team we can compete with.”
Buhler had three players finish in double-figures, led by Isaiah Heredia and Mitchel McDaniel, both with 12 points. Jacob Miller added 10 points.
Circle’s length and stingy zone defense forced Buhler into a lot of long shots. The Crusaders finished 5 of 21 from behind the three-point line.
“We struggled against it,” Tate said. “We found a way to battle as well, so that’s good.”
Buhler returns to action at Wichita Collegiate on Tuesday.
SCORING
Buhler: 10, 11, 15, 19 (55)
Isaiah Heredia: 12 points, Mitchel McDaniel: 12 points, Jacob Miller: 10 points, Luke Holmberg: 8 points, McCade Zachary: 5 points, Asher Zachary: 4 points, Nick Chance: 2 points, Julian Morrison: 2 points
Circle: 16, 14, 14, 16 (59)
Landon Boldra: 25 points, Keaton Koenigsman: 13 points, Easton Smith: 8 points, Clayton Gilbertson: 8 points, Keenan Boldra: 3 points, Jaxon Jordan: 2 points
