HESSTON - First road test of the season passed. Passed with flying colors in fact.
The Barton Community College men’s basketball took to the road for the first time this season Friday night at Hesston. The result was one of the best efforts of the season. The Cougars rolled to a 101-70 drubbing of Hesston  College at Yost Center.
“It was the best game we’ve played thus far this year,” Barton coach Craig Fletchall said. “We were really focused and aggressive from the get go.”
Barton jumped out of the gates then picked it up yet another notch. Barton had already doubled the score on the host Larks at 20-10 in the opening five minutes. That is when Barton really kicked it in.
Over the next six minutes the Cougars ended any doubt in the outcome with a 24-2 run. That gave Barton a 44-12 lead with nine minutes left in the opening half.
“We got off to a quick start,” coach Fletchall said. “Our guys showed great effort and really played hard. To be up like that on the road was great.”
By half the Cougars had put 66 points on the board holding a 32-point lead, 66-34. Nine differnt Cougars had already scored at that point.
The second half the Cougars pretty much coasted to the finish.
“That first half we pretty much did everything right,” coach Fletchall said. “The shots were falling and we really kept our focus in a great environment.
“Hutch had trailed in the same gym with just four minutes play a week before and we played that up with our kids all week.”
Khalil Gracey paced the Barton offensive attack with 17 points thanks in large part to five treys on the night.
He was joined by four more Cougars in double figures. Ahmad Walker added 15, Jalin Barnes 14, and Kenny Enoch and Christian Smith each finished with 12.
Barton will play host to the McPherson College JV Tuesday then host the Best Western/Booster Club Classic Friday and Saturday. Barton will host Independence Community College Friday then battle Cowley Community College Saturday.
“It will be nice to be home for three games next week,” coach Fletchall said.”Our classic over the weekend should be some good competition.”