Dynamic First Half Lifts Garden City to Win at Colby
Garden City Community College mens basketball team played on the road vs Dodge City Community College on Wednesday January 17, 2024 at the Dome in Dodge City, Kan. The Busters defeated the Conquistadors 109 - 72. Photo Credits; Adam Shrimplin, Shrimplin Photography
COLBY, Kan. – All three games of Garden City Community College’s road trip were different. There were sky-high positives and deflating negatives during its most recent stretch.
The Broncbusters’ offense at its best, even in flashes, can prove too much for teams.
The Garden City Broncbusters ended their three-game road trip strongly, defeating the Colby Trojans, 89-73, at the Colby Event Center on Wednesday. GCCC head coach Rusty Elmore improves to 4-0 against his former employers.
Garden City struggled to get their offense going against No. 14 Hutchinson in their last game, hitting just two of their first 18 three pointers. Wednesday night saw a completely different squad.
“We’re trying to start reeling wins off here, make a run at this late,” Elmore said. “One down, we’ve got 11 more to go.”
The Broncbusters (12-7, 8-5 KJCCC) hit 10 three-pointers in the first 13 minutes, with Braxon Jones and Brody Robinson splashing home three apiece. That guard duo, who torched Colby for a combined 47 points in the first meeting, both scored double-figures in the first half.
Thomas Tut was also impressive, scoring 11 of his 15 points in the first 20 minutes.
“Thomas was really good to get this game going,” Elmore commented. “He was calm, he was patient, he made good plays at the rim.”
Colby (6-13, 2-11 KJCCC) had a huge night from their bench, scoring 15 of their first 29. Raphael Nagau-Trouart kept the Trojans’ hopes alive, scoring eight first-half points.
The Trojans began to cut into the lead, pulling within 10. Guard Maxence Massadila scored 10 points in the first 10 minutes.
Jordan Frazier and Braxton Jones stepped up late for the Broncbusters to pull away for Jones. The two scored eight straight points, including a Jones three to seal it in the final minutes.
“Jordan was really good, he hit those threes early,” Elmore said. “He also guarded [Marko Malekunisic], who I thought was their best player.”
Garden City finishes its three game road trip winning two of three.
The Broncbusters will make a quick pit stop at home Saturday against Independence before its final road game of the month. Coverage of Pirates-Broncbusters can be found on 1030 AM, 106.1 KBUF beginning immediately following the conclusion of women’s basketball’s 2:00 P.M. game.
