Garden City Suffers Third Straight Defeat, Loses to Barton

GARDEN CITY, KS. – There was a lot to overcome before the whistle even blew at Conestoga Arena. Garden CIty entered on its worst run of the season, severely outmatched height-wise by Barton.

The things that Garden City could’ve prevented didn’t come to fruition, bringing a third straight defeat.

The Garden City Broncbusters struggled against the Barton Cougars Wednesday night, falling 63-53, at Conestoga Arena. Barton won its fifth straight game, while Garden City continues its longest losing streak of the season.

“We had some good shots, we just didn’t knock them down,” head coach Greg Franklin said following the loss. “The tale of the game… 44-20 in rebounds and you only lose by 10. It tells me my team isn’t very tough right now.”

The loss marks Garden City’s fourth game in its last five losing the rebounding battle. Garden City is 2-3 in those results.

The Cougars’ plan of attack in the first 10 minutes was simple; attack the basket, get to the line. Barton executed it to a tee, scoring 11 of their 14 points on either points in the paint or at the free throw line.

“Maybe we’re not as big and long as the other teams, but there’s no sense in ever [getting out-rebounded] by 24 rebounds,” Franklin said. “There’s no excuse for that.”

Garden City (10-5, 5-5 KJCCC) saw six different first half scorers, but none of the Broncbusters scored multiple times until the second quarter. Forward Opal Hardy kickstarted a GCCC run, delivering four straight points.

The Broncbusters trailed by as much as 16 in the first half, but brought it back within nine points at the break. Guard Sierra ‘C.C.’ Driessen recorded seven second-quarter points, bringing the deficit back within 33-24.

Barton (13-3, 7-2 KJCCC) only had three individuals score in the first half, with Vivian Onugha, Tatum Boettjer, and Vera Ojenuwa all finishing the first 20 in double-figures.

“Things that we talk about every single day have to transition onto the court,” Franklin said. “I have to be more accountable, I have to hold them a little more accountable.”

The Cougars clamped up and proceeded to pull away out of half. The Broncbusters managed just five points in the third quarter and 13 in the second half.

Onugha dominated down low, booming the rebound battle with her sixth double-double of the season.

The Broncbusters begin a three-game road trip after its designated Saturday bye on Wednesday, January 17th. Garden City travels to No. 14 Dodge City for a 2:00 P.M. tip on 99.9 ‘The Rock’.

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