The Lantern

Grizzlies Crush Cowley Behind Third Quarter Surge

Written by Garrett Hanks | Feb 24, 2026 8:47:06 PM

ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. – The No. 2 Butler Grizzlies rolled past the Cowley Tigers 73–47 on Saturday afternoon inside William S. Scott Gymnasium.

Butler set the tone early, racing to a 23–12 lead after a fast‑paced opening quarter. The tempo slowed in the second, with both teams struggling offensively as Cowley edged the Grizzlies 9–8 in the frame. The Grizzlies still led at the break, 31–21.

Photo by Grizzly Athletics

The third quarter belonged entirely to Butler. The Grizzlies opened the half on a dominant 23–2 run and outscored Cowley 25–6 in the period. Butler shot 61.1 percent from the field (11–18) while holding Cowley to just 23.1 percent (3–13). The Grizzly defense forced nine turnovers in the quarter and collected five steals, blowing the game wide open with a 56–27 advantage heading into the fourth.

Cowley outscored Butler 20–17 in the final period, but the deficit was far too large to overcome.

Four Grizzlies finished in double figures. Ashley Singhateh and Keegan Yarick led the way with 12 points each, with Singhateh adding 10 rebounds for a double‑double. Aliyah Green contributed 10 points, seven rebounds, and a block, while Elina Syniakova provided a spark off the bench with 11 points and four rebounds in just 12 minutes.

Butler shot 46 percent from the field, grabbed 38 rebounds (14 offensive), and assisted on 18 of its 29 made baskets. Defensively, the Grizzlies tallied nine steals—four from Mya Mayberry and two each from Singhateh and Yarick.

Cowley shot 35.7 percent and committed 20 turnovers.

Under head coach Mike Helmer, Butler improves to 18–12 against Cowley and 7–6 in Arkansas City.

With the win, Butler moves to 26–1 overall and 20–1 in KJCCC play. Cowley drops to 13–14 and 9–12 in conference action. The Grizzlies remain atop the KJCCC standings, followed by Dodge City (18–3) and Hutchinson (18–4).

Next up: No. 2 Butler travels to No. 8 Dodge City on Wednesday for a 5:30 p.m. matchup.