Busters stampede into stretch run

Garden City (13-2) vs. On Point Academy-Sunday, January 5-pregame 1:45 p.m.; tipoff 2 p.m.

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Garden City, Kan (westernkansasnews.com)-When the naysayers shouted out that Garden City was a long shot at best to be tops in the Jayhawk West, first-year Head Coach Brady Trenkle must have cracked a feverish grin. Well who’s laughing now? 

Through 15 games, Garden City is 13-2; is third in the country in opponents field goal percentage and ninth in rebounds. They’ve also won 10 straight games; a feat that hasn’t been accomplished since 2005-2006. Not bad for the preseason number six right? 

“I have guys that are proud to put on a Garden City Community College uniform,” Trenkle said. “They really and genuinely like each other, which shows on and off the floor. “

On the court, the Busters haven’t looked back since a 60-57 setback at home to Otero, Colorado back on November 12. In fact, when Garden City steps into the gym Sunday, they will have gone 54 days without a loss.

Now it’s a question of getting back in shape. Veterans like forward Talan Whitaker taking these extra practices all in stride.

“It’s all about conditioning and getting back in game mode,” the sophomore said. “Right now, we’re just trying to relearn all the plays and everything.”

Asked whether or not this team could be overlooking their opponent on Sunday:

“You can’t underestimate anybody,” Whitaker said. “You have to go into every game like it’s a huge game.”

Sunday’s game against On Point Academy will be the final tuneup for the Busters before they begin conference play on Saturday at home against Seward. 

“I think it’s good to get on the floor before Saturday,” Trenkle said following Friday’s afternoon practice. “We beat each other up in practice everyday so I think it’s good to up against somebody else.”