Broncbusters Fall at No. 4 Butler; Grizzlies Protect Home Floor in El Dorado

Photo by: Adam Shrimplin/Garden City Athletics

El Dorado, KS - Garden City Community College ran into one of the nation's top teams on Wednesday night, as the Broncbusters dropped a road decision to #4-ranked Butler, 90-46, at the Power Plant in El Dorado.

Butler came out sharp early and used a fast start to build separation in the opening quarter. The Grizzlies hit shots from the perimeter, created extra possessions on the glass, and turned turnovers into points to open up a 23-9 lead after one. Garden City settled in at times defensively, but Butler's pace and pressure kept the Broncbusters chasing all night as the home team carried a 44-17 advantage into halftime.

The third quarter looked a lot like the first two, with Butler continuing to string together stops and quick scores to extend the margin. For the game, the Grizzlies held a 44-22 edge in points in the paint, and made their mark on the offensive boards—finishing with 22 second-chance points. Butler also cashed in heavily off turnovers, scoring 27 points off miscues, compared to 9 for Garden City.

Offensively, Garden City battled through a tough shooting night, finishing 19-of-57 (33.3%) from the field and 3-of-10 at the free throw line. Paula Fernandez provided a spark, knocking down four threes on her way to 12 points, while Caryle Fortas and Sokhna Ndiaye added eight points apiece. London Turner chipped in seven points and grabbed five rebounds, and Deija Roberson finished with four points.

Butler showed why it sits among the national elite, placing multiple players in double figures—led by Mya Mayberry (19 points) and Kenzie Galliart (18 points), with Keegan Yarick (13) and Jalyiah Manuel (12) also reaching double digits.

Even in defeat, it's worth remembering: Garden City is the only team to knock off Butler this season, taking down the Grizzlies 71-67 in overtime earlier this year at home.

Next up: Garden City returns home Saturday, February 7, 2026, against Independence CC.