Crusaders roll past Rockets, 62-30, advance to Sub-State Finals
Story & photos by Dale Grosbach
BUHLER, Kan. — The Buhler High School Crusaders boys basketball team defeated the Rose Hill High School Rockets 62-30 Wednesday in a Kansas State High School Athletic Association Class 4A Sub-State Semifinals game at Jim Baker Fieldhouse.
The No. 7-seeded Crusaders entered the contest with a 13-10 record, while the No. 10-seeded Rockets carried an 11-12 mark.
Rose Hill scored the first five points of the game, but Buhler quickly regained control. The Crusaders closed the first quarter on a run to lead 12-5.
Buhler played strong defense throughout the game, forcing several turnovers that led to fast-break baskets. The Crusaders also limited Rose Hill to single shot attempts with strong defensive rebounding. Buhler shot well from beyond the arc, connecting on nine 3-pointers in the first half alone. By halftime, the Crusaders led 39-14.
Buhler continued to apply pressure in the third quarter, extending its lead to 59-28 heading into the fourth. Because of the margin, the running-clock rule was implemented for the fourth quarter, and both coaches substituted freely. The final score was 62-30.
Crusaders sophomore Brycen McCurdy led all scorers with 20 points. Senior Isaiah Heredia added 12 points. For Rose Hill, junior Zander Ford paced the Rockets with 12 points.
With the victory, Buhler advances to the Sub-State Finals on Saturday, March 7, at Hugoton, Kan., where the Crusaders will face the Hugoton High School Eagles.
