BUHLER, Kan. – The Buhler girls earned their way to the 4A State Tournament on Saturday with a 35-30 win over Circle in the substate final at Jim Baker Fieldhouse. It was the third meeting between the two schools this season, with the Crusaders winning all three.
This rivalry game had all the elements you’d anticipate, with so much at stake. It was intense. Both teams used their pressure defense to frustrate the other. It was back-and-forth. Buhler never trailed but never built a lead larger than six points. It had big moments. The last of those were two late free throws from Gracie Oard to secure the win.
“We talk about our brand of basketball; it’s tough, disciplined, and together,” head coach John Darrow said. “We needed all three of those things in full force tonight.”
On senior night, Natalya Krafels labeled Oard “clutch.” On championship night, she was just that, overcoming a tough shooting night to score seven on her team’s 14 points in the fourth quarter.
“That’s what tough players do, and that’s what Gracie is,” Darrow said.
Oard finished with eight points, eight rebounds, and five assists. Krafels led all scorers with 12 points and nine rebounds.
For the game, Buhler shot just 12-46 (26%) from the field, slightly better than Circle’s 10-46 (22%).
All 10 players who saw the court for Buhler on Saturday left a positive impact in some way. The night, however, appropriately highlighted the journey of this team’s five seniors and the special bond they share.
“These girls worked to get it,” Darrow said. “They deserve everything by their character that’s coming to them.”
Buhler advances to the state tournament for the 17th time in school history and will face Labette County in Thursday’s opening round at 4:00 at Tony’s Pizza Event Center in Salina.
SCORING
Ella Voss: 4 points, 2 steals
Natalya Krafels: 12 points, 9 rebounds, 3 steals
Claudia Taylor: 2 points
Charley Baxter: 9 points, 2 steals
Gracie Oard: 8 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists
