BY JIM MISUNAS
jmisunas@gbtribune.com
BUHLER — Once Buhler Crusader standout Max Alexander got rolling, the shorthanded Great Bend Panthers had no answers.
Alexander scored 30 points as No. 3 state-ranked 4A Buhler roared past the 5A Panthers 62-41 in Tuesday's non-league basketball game. Isaiah Hernandez and Jack Voth each scored 10 points for Buhler (10-4).
The Panthers fought within 24-18 with a lightning quick 7-point run with a 3-pointer by Stefan Spray and four points by Sam Hall. But the Panthers committed their seventh turnover of the second period to hand the Crusaders two free throws by Isaiah Hernandez for a 26-18 lead.
"We had the basketball and chance to cut the lead to four points," said Great Bend coach Tim Brooks. "Our team battled hard. No matter who we play, they continue to battle. When our guys go in, they're trying to win as much anybody."
Buhler (10-4) raced away behind Alexander's 18 second-half points. Several were off open-court turnovers that led to easy scores. When there was traffic, Alexander weaved through defenders to earn 11 baskets and eight free throws.
Great Bend committed 21 turnovers, too many against lighting-quick defenders Hernandez and Alexander.
"We didn't take care of the basketball," Brooks said. "They got a lot of steals that led to runouts. They got out in transition. Hernandez is superb, very active defensively."
Great Bend (4-10) showed a few bright spots. Sage Koelsch scored 13 points and directed the offense. Sam Hall muscled inside for 10 points. Brayton Council knocked down a pair of 3-pointers and stole the ball from Alexander. Paco Hernandez enjoyed his best game of the season with six points and several rebounds.
Great Bend converted 5 of 18 shots from 3-point range. The Crusaders outscored the Panthers 18-6 from the free throw line.
The Panthers played without starters Cal Dunekack and Joseph Moeder, both sidelined with injuries.
Great Bend will journey to Garden City Thursday for a Western Athletic Conference game, a day earlier than scheduled. The boys game is scheduled to start after 7:30 p.m.
Great Bend 9 9 9 14 — 41
Buhler 13 13 5 21 — 62
GREAT BEND (4-10)—Koelsch 5-14 2-3 13, Hernandez 3-5 0-0 6, Scheuerman 1-3 0-0 2, Council 2-6 1-2 7, Streck 0-5 0-0 0, Spray 1-5 0-0 3, Sam Hall 3-7 3-4 10, Matthew Moeder 0-1 0-0 0, Totals 15-46 6-9 41
BUHLER (10-4)—Max Alexander 11-16 8-13 30, Keller 0-2 0-0 0, Scott 1-1 0-0 2, Hawkinson 2-7 2-4 6, Hernandez 3-4 2-2 10, Scripsick0-1 0-0 0, Voth 3-10 4-8 10, Tustian 1-1 2-2 4, Totals 21-42 18-27 62
3-pointers—GB 5-18 (Council 2-3, Koelsch 1-3, Spray 1-3, Hernandez 0-1, Scheuerman 0-2, Streck 0-4), B 2-9 (Hernandez 2-3, Alexander 0-1, Keller 0-2, Hawkinson 0-2, Voth 0-1)
