DRAGON SLAYERS: Butler County earns first win over Warren Central since 1987

Published 11:55 pm Tuesday, February 4, 2025

MORGANTOWN – The senior class of the Butler County boys’ basketball team has already had plenty of big moments.

So it seemed only appropriate that the Bears were able to pull off another big moment on Tuesday’s senior night, beating No. 8 Warren Central 60-47.

The defending Region 3 champion was able to pull away in the second half to pick up perhaps its signature win of the season and the first victory over Warren Central since 1987.

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“We’ve been challenging our guys all year long,” Butler County coach Calvin Dockery said. “We play just a little different here. We’ve got a little edge about us. Tonight we executed the game plan and they did exactly what I asked them to do. I’m really proud of them.”

Butler County (12-12) came out firing from long range, hitting three 3-pointers in the first four minutes to build an early 9-4 advantage.

The lead grew to 17-11 before Warren Central (18-4) used an 8-0 run to surge in front early in the second quarter. After both teams exchanged baskets, Butler County scored eight straight to regain a 27-20 advantage.

Warren Central got 3s from Robert McAfee and K.J. Johnson that trimmed the deficit to one, but Butler County responded with eight straight to close the half with a 35-26 advantage.

The lead was similar to last season when the Bears led Warren Central by 11 at the half before the Dragons rallied late for the win.

“Coming out of halftime we were in the same position this year as we were last year,” Butler County senior guard Ty Price said. “Obviously we ended up losing the game, so we kind of mentioned that to each other. We were like, ‘We are a better team now.’ Obviously we had some struggles early, but we are starting to turn that page and realize what we can do offensively and defensively to be successful.”

The Bears made sure history wouldn’t repeat itself. Butler County scored eight of the first 10 points in the half to extend the margin to 43-28. The lead grew to 16 late in the third and 19 early in the fourth.

Warren Central tried to mount a comeback in the final minutes, but was unable to get closer than nine the rest of the way.

“(The win) gives us confidence,” Price said. “Obviously we know who we are and what we can do, but going out there and actually doing it gives us a lot of confidence. Being able to get the job done is big for us.”

Price was one of four Bears to finish scoring in double figures, leading the way with 20 points. Briar Griffin had 15 points, Trever Deweese recorded a double-double with 12 points and 13 rebounds, and Justin Castlen added 10 points.

The Bears shot 45% – including 8-for-20 from 3.

“Our guys have been stepping up all year,” Dockery said. “We had to kind of cover for Lawson (Rice) and these guys. They are confident in what they do and what they bring to the table and we are confident in them. As the season has gone on – because Ty has kind of had some health issues during different times – other guys have been stepping up. I think tonight was kind of the culmination of confidence for all of them. Once we got off to a good start, I think that kind of gave us a little bit more energy as well.”

McAfee led Warren Central, playing for the fourth time in five days, with 15 points while Johnson added 14 points. Warren Central was without second-leading scorer and leading rebounder Jarek Kirk, as well as Jayren Byrd – who both missed Tuesday’s game with illness.

“I was proud of them,” Warren Central coach William Unseld said. “We fought the last three or four minutes. Those kids fought, kept playing. We just make some shots and we win the game. We just couldn’t make a shot tonight. Then not having Kirk around that rim, it changes a lot for us on both ends.

“We just got to get healthy, get everybody back, get over the sickness. We will be OK. All credit to them. They did a really good job of doing what they wanted to do and we didn’t start attacking until the last three or four minutes.”

Both teams return to action at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. Butler County hosts Edmonson County. Warren Central will host Bowling Green, looking to get back on track after losses in two of the last three games.

“That’s what you want this time of year,” Unseld said. “You want to play in some battles and win or lose you just want to get better. You have to make your losses lessons. I think we will be able to do that with this crew.”

WCHS 13 13 7 14 47

BCHS 17 18 12 13 – 60

WC – McAfee 15, Johnson 14, Anthony 5, A. Byrd 4, Ry. Hulbert 4, Ra. Hulbert 3, Strow 2.

BC – Price 20, Griffin 15, T. Deweese 12, Castlen 10, Hooten 2, Vincent 1.

I am a sports reporter and movie critic for the Bowling Green Daily News.

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