After losing to Westside in the region championship, Butler High School bounced back with a 57-42 win against the Toombs County in the first round of the AA Georgia High School State playoffs on Wednesday, Feb. 23.
Butler Coach Cervantes Boddy said the loss in the title game really prepared his team for this game.
“It just woke them up,” said Boddy. “It woke them up and brought them back to reality. A lot of times winning can cause you to lose your grip on reality, and Westside gave them exactly what they needed, at the right time too.”
The Butler Bulldogs were led by senior center Malik Smith early, scoring Butler’s first six points of the game. Butler began the game on a 10-3 run, but Toombs County went on a 5-0 run of its own, making the score 10-8. Although, Butler would finish the first quarter on a 9-0 run, giving them a 19-8 lead.
Butler continued to dominate the first half, holding Toombs County to five points in the second quarter. The Butler Bulldogs led 28-13 at the half. Smith was the leading scorer for Butler with 11.
Maleke Day helped bring Toombs County back in the game, scoring eight points in the third quarter and bringing Butler’s lead down to 38-30.
Toombs County continued to fight the second half but were outscored 16-1 in the fourth quarter and came up just short, losing 57-42. This loss knocks Toombs County out of the playoffs, ending their season
Elijah Martinez led Butler in the win with 17 points. Smith also finished in double digits for Butler with 11 points.
Boddy commented on the team’s performance after the game.
“Were missing our lead player due to injury and I think that’s where it showed,” said Boddy.
Kedar Bodie, star guard for Butler, won the region player of the year award, but is out for Butler due to a foot injury.
Butler (19-6) now will move on to play Pace Academy (25-4) Friday. The Bulldogs lost to Pace last season in the Elite Eight of the state playoffs.
Boddy said the Bulldogs will need luck on their side to beat Pace Academy.
Pace Academy is led by junior forward Josh Reed. Reed is currently averaging 20 points and 8.9 rebounds per game and has committed to Division I school Cincinnati
