By KEVIN PRICE

kprice@gbtribune.com

Before Thursday night's results, Barton Community College's Saturday road trip to El Dorado to challenge Butler was already an important game.

The Butler women's basketball team held second place in the Kansas Jayhawk Community College Western Division, and Barton was knocking at the door.

Butler lost its Thursday night game against Hutchinson, and the Cougars pounced on Garden City, moving into second place with a conference record of 9-3.

Butler, at 8-3, is now the one knocking on the door and Barton will have a chance to put some distance between them and the Grizzlies and edge closer to Hutchinson, which is at 11-1.

"Big game versus Butler," Barton head coach Keith Ferguson said. "A lot's riding on that game. We got them close at home, and our kids want to prove that they're good enough. They want to get out and hopefully take care of business. So we've got a chance, and it will be a tough game out at Butler. It's going to be exciting."

In their last meeting, Barton bested Butler 74-70 at Kirkman Athletic Center.

The Cougars are currently on a six-game conference winning streak and a seven-game streak, including their Jan. 21 win over Barclay College.

Barton last loss came on the road against Hutchinson on Jan. 20.

Christina Caddy remains Barton's scoring leader, averaging 13.5 per game. Netanya Jackson is right behind her, averaging 11.2 points and 6.9 rebounds per game.

Dionne Harris still sits as the top rebounder for the Cougars, averaging7.4 per game.