Final day for Region VI Tournament at Koch Arena, and I have come to understand that I have no limit to the amount of basketball I can watch in any period of time. I also have that same no-limit policy with episodes of The Office and Lost. There is no ceiling.
I really have no idea who is going to win in the men’s final between Butler and Coffeyville. Butler seems like a team of destiny right now and they’ve got the best player in the tournament in Caleb Walker, who is also the best leader. Seriously … these dudes rally behind this guy. And the Grizzlies love their coach, Mike Bargen. Speaking of Bargen, he’ s a legit 6-foot-7. Not kidding. Interviewing him last night I realized he is incredibly tall. As far as Coffeyville … it’s Jay Herkelman in the Region VI finals, people. Anything goes. He’s trying for No. 6, btw.
The women’s final is going on right now — Labette is leading Seward 30-24 about two minutes into the second half. That being said, I think there’s a good chance Labette coach Jaime Green could very well be the next Newman coach, regardless of the outcome of this game.
I’ll pop back in with a short summary after the women’s game and halftime and final reports from the men’s game. Really interested to see what kind of a crowd Butler gets for this game. I know they’re hoping for big numbers, which could really be a big advantage in this setting.
Labette 54, Seward County 49 (final) Labette wins first Region VI women’s title in school history behind 15 points and 14 rebounds from Tournament MVP Kellindra Zachery, who just did a great interview with yours truly. Also, first Region VI title for Jayhawk East since 1998.
Butler 36, Coffeyville 31 (halftime) Butler is really shooting the three well and hitting the offensive boards. Grizzlies have hit 5 threes in first half — CCC did too, though — but I don’t think that’s what’s expected with Butler. This is essentially a home game for Grizz — half the WSU student section is full of Butler students and the majority of the fans are here for BuCo. Butler point guard Anthony Cousin needs to offset Coffeyville’s Kevin Broussard and Eric Hardyway. Apparently WSU is after Cousin. I just don’t see it. Reggie Chamberlin, anybody?
Butler 72, Coffeyville 60 (Final) First Region VI title for Butler since 1996. Caleb Walker (26 points, 9 rebs.) wills Grizz to victory and is tournament MVP. Butler coach Mike Bargen walks right over to wife and two young children and grabs son and holds onto him for several minutes. Good moment.
TA.