The Butler Bears Traveling Competitive Team secured a state qualification Saturday night with a second-place finish at the Tri-Lakes Shootout, capping off a strong showing against a deep field of competition.

Butler opened play with a decisive 36–16 win over the Warrensburg Warriorz before grinding out a one-point victory against the LS Warriors, 16–15, to close pool play. The Bears carried that momentum into bracket action, pulling out a 15–12 win over the Jammers in a tightly contested first-round matchup.

In the championship game, Butler ran into a physical LS Bulls squad and finished runner-up after a 29–14 final. The result marked the Bears’ third second-place finish this season, following runner-up performances at the Winter Classics and in Webb City.

The state-qualifying roster, shown in order, includes Brantley Dunn, Lukas Isaacson, Dixon Reinke, Eli Umstattd, Josh Urbanowitz, Laikyn Golladay, Haygen Austin, and Deken Hooper. The team is coached by Brandon Golladay and Ryan Austin.

With another top finish added to the season résumé and a state berth secured, Butler continues to establish itself as a team that shows up and competes every time it takes the floor.

Photo’s submitted by Ashley Isaacson