Bears finish strong—Earn GRVC Runner-Ups
The 8th Grade GRVC 2024-25 Runner-Ups, Butler County Middle School Bears.
By Greg Moore
Banner Sports Editor
Basketball Head Coach Dustin Barnett and Assistant Adam Stovall have become fixtures at Butler County Middle School. Coach Barnett started with Assistant Principal Cody Donaldson approximately a decade ago. After taking the helm the following year, BCMS has won three Green River Valley Conference (which consists of eight schools) championships under Coach Barnett.
The Bears narrowly missed number four this past Thursday night in Beaver Dam at the Ohio County High School gymnasium. The same place the Bears had turned the Eagles’ nest into a Bears’ den when they eliminated OCMS in the semifinals, 38-31, on Tuesday to earn the right to play for the championship.
A skilled McLean County Cougars team upended the desired fourth title for Coach Barnett and his boys, winning 39-29, in a hard-fought contest. However, Coach Barnett could not be any more pleased from what his players accomplished on the season.
“They grinded daily, believed in the process, played one of the toughest schedules possible, and came out GRVC runner-ups,” he reflected. “Saying I’m a proud coach would be a huge understatement,” Coach Barnett dignified.
Barnett’s Bears never quit fighting in front of a high school-like crowd to watch them in the championship game despite the treacherous downpour happening outside. Unfortunately, shots seemed slippery going up for the Bears early on as the Cougars were poised. BCMS dug themselves a 21-7 disadvantage well into the second quarter.
However, the Bears would storm back to pull within a possession by capitalizing on an 11-0 run that extended well into the third quarter. Ayden Tooley, who was visibly frustrated with a Cougar from prior but had come back refocused after a brief cool-down next to Coach Stovall, snatched an offensive board and started the scurry with a putback.
Owen Wilson with the no-look pass to Ayden Tooley, who both helped led the charge offensively for BCMS Bears.
One of Coach Barnett’s first off, the bench in the backcourt, Aiden Phelps, nailed a three-pointer and forced a turnover before Owen Wilson made another behind the arc. Wilson’s three added to the momentum going into the half. Sage Wallace found an open Tooley, who was beginning to impose his will, early in the third.
McLean County would get a much-needed timeout at the 3:15 mark after Tooley, who finished with ten points, continued to build steam. After settling down, the Cougars made some transition baskets and ran a smoother half-court set.
After a couple of open looks for the Cougars on the perimeter were cashed, the Bears found themselves back to a ten-point deficit going into the final period, something they could never muster enough strength to burrow back out.
Coach Barnett utilized the versatility of almost his entire bench throughout the championship game and the Bears’ determined tournament-run. Tooley led the Bears with ten points and Owen Wilson contributed with nine in the finale. Brody Dockery chipped in four while Tayten Wilson and Phelps scored three, apiece.
Tayten Wilson attempting the shot in the paint.
Basketball and life are not over for these young men. And life, which Coach Barnett is so compassionate about being part of with his players, is just beginning to blossom for them. Heck, basketball will continue immediately for many of them as they will get to move up to participate with the Frosh Bears, who desperately need bodies.
Like the relationship and foundation built with his players, Coach Barnett proudly embraces his fifth trophy with this group of Bears. He knows what it takes to achieve them. “Literally, blood, sweat, and tears were put into those and proud of each and every young man who had a part in each,” he complimented all present and past players.
Witnessing growth and development as basketball players is only part of the ideology for Coach Barnett and the program he orchestrates. His vision goes beyond strengthening the roots of the seedlings on the hardwood to fulfilling out these young men into prospering mature trees throughout the rest of their lives in the real world.
“I’ve been doing this for a while now, and that is definitely one of the most rewarding things for me in my coaching career,” beamed Barnett when echoing on why he loves what he does in cultivating his players for life.
“This 8th grade group is very special to me and will not be forgotten. No one expected us to make it to the championship except us,” Coach Barnett concluded.
These 8th grade boys will continue throughout their journey with their roots deepened and spiraling to seek greatness as many of Coach Barnett and Stovall’s have in the past. Those mighty Bears that went to Rupp last season were disciples of the BCMS Boys Basketball Program under these fine gentlemen. Job well done men!
