Butler "Controls its Destiny"

After dropping two consecutive sub region games while playing without four of its key players, Butler has won four straight games (three in sub region play), including Tuesday's 64-41 road win versus Hephzibah.  The Bulldogs' are now tied with Cross Creek for sub region 3B-AAAA's second position. The two teams play Friday at Butler to determine which team will join Glenn Hills in one of the coveted top two region spots heading into the final week of the regular season.

Friday's Butler-Cross Creek
Match-up is a Big One

The reward for a first or second place position in the regular season standings is a first round bye in the approaching region tournament.  Former Duke University and NBA star, and current ABR Live contributor, Will Avery spoke about the importance of the two teams' ability to "control their destiny" during the next three games during last nights post game show.  Butler's remaining games, all but Friday's to be played at home, are against the sub region's top teams: Cross Creek, Burke County, and Glenn Hills.  A first or second place region finish will certainly be hard earned.

But coach Cervantes Boddy's group is accustomed to being tested.  The Bulldogs played a grueling non region schedule that included area rivals Laney and Josey and top teams from outside the area like Rockdale.  And playing without Ronald Jones and other key contributors during the middle of the region schedule has strengthened the team further.

Tuesday's road win started slowly until Butler's senior guard Marquis Leverret's three pointer just before the first quarter buzzer narrowed Hephzibah's lead to 12-11.  After taking a three point lead into intermission, the Bulldogs outscored the Rebels 42-21 in the second half.  Butler benefited from a balanced attack as sophomore Dontae Coleman led the team with 17 points.

The challenges placed in front of the Bulldogs to date have undoubtedly prepared the team to play its best during the most important moments of the season.  The next two weeks will impact the team's position heading into post season play.  We look forward to see what this resilient group is able to accomplish.