Buffaloes Cannot Overcome Slow 2nd Quarter and Exit State Tournament
Wichita, KS (www.westernkansasnews.com) – It was a rough 2nd quarter for the Garden City Buffaloes in the opening round of the 6A State Basketball Tournament at Koch Arena in Wichita on Wednesday at Wichita State University, as they lost to the Derby Panthers 55-46. It was the first time since 2007 for the Garden City boys to make it to the State Tournament and it was a quick exit after the quarter final match-up. Garden City was only down three at the end of the first period at 16-13, but had trouble finding the range in quarter number two, scoring only four points compared to Derby with 8. Both teams turned the ball over a lot in the game, as the Buffaloes ended with 19 and the Panthers committed 20. However, it was the Panthers leading scorer senior Taylor Schieber who poured in 20 for the game, including 13 in the 4th quarter alone with three straight treys, that propelled Derby. The Panthers had a 7 point lead at intermission, but Garden City was right there if they could have sustained a stronger run.
The 2nd half was much the same as the first, however the Buffaloes did keep pace with the Panthers, but never could get over the hump. At one point in the 2nd half Garden City pulled within two points and had the ball, but could not find the range. The Panthers came right back with Scheiber’s three treys and James Conley added another three ball and pushed the lead out to 9 and maintained that edge for most of the 4th quarter except for some mini-runs by the Buffaloes. Garden City was led in scoring by senior Bo Banner dropping in 17, senior Austin Terpstra added 14 and 6 each by junior point Guard Tristin Nanninga and sophomore post player Caleb Tramp. The Buffaloes end the year at 15-8 and one of the best seasons in recent years. Coach Jacy Holloway says he is very proud of the way his young men have bought into the program and responded with their hard work, intensity and focus. The Buffaloes say goodbye to four seniors who have been the pillars for this team, including Evan Riggs, Denton Keller, Austin Terpstra and Bo Banner.
