Independence routs arch rival Butler, cruises to Southwestern 4A championship

Independence boys’ basketball coach Preston Davis likes to point out that his team can shoot the ball and score.

The Patriots are known for their defense, but Davis says his team has plenty of skilled offensive players too.

But let’s be honest ... Independence’s defense can be a game-changer.

The Patriots made Butler work hard on every dribble, every pass, and every shot Friday night. The result was a lopsided, 70-32 Independence victory in the Southwestern 4A championship game at Charlotte Catholic.

Butler knocked off the Patriots 54-52 in last year’s conference title contest, but the Bulldogs never really had a chance this time around.

They took a 3-0 lead on a Terrance Badio 3-pointer about one minute into the game, but the Patriots went in front 4-3 on two Jaxson Neely free throws about 90 seconds later, and Independence never trailed again.

To Davis’ point, his team was very efficient offensively, hitting 26 of 48 shots from the floor for 54.2 percent. But it was the defense that made the difference. For example:

▪ Independence took 47 shots to Butler’s 21. The Patriots had numerous offensive rebounds and forced 14 turnovers. It seemed as if Independence converted on nearly every Butler error.

▪ The Bulldogs scored only six points in the third quarter.

▪ Independence went on a 13-0 run late in the third quarter. During that stretch, the Patriots made 6-of-11 from the floor, outrebounded Butler 7-2, and forced three Bulldog turnovers.

▪ At the midway point of the fourth quarter, Independence led 59-21. At that point, the Patriots had outscored Butler 30-7 in the second half.

Three who made a difference

Nick Barnes, Independence: A 6-5 senior guard, Barnes scored 15 points, and his defensive play forced Butler into a number of mistakes.

Jaxson Neely, Independence: A 6-4 junior wing, Neely scored 13 points and was fearless in attacking the basket. He grabbed eight rebounds.

Reece Starnes, Butler: Starnes, a 6-4 senior forward, provided the Bulldogs with some inside strength. He scored eight points and grabbed seven rebounds.

Just noting

▪ Independence won the rubber match of its three games this season with Butler. The Patriots won 58-48 on Dec. 21, but lost 56-44 on Jan. 17. That’s assuming these teams don’t meet again in the 4A playoffs.

▪ Independence will land a top-8 seed in the 4A West region of the state playoffs, which means two home games. Butler is 24th this week in the 4A West, with 32 teams landing playoff berths. The Bulldogs should be safe when pairings are announced Sunday.

This story was originally published February 21, 2025 at 11:16 PM.