The North Butler boys basketball team tracked down their most wins since the 2021-22 season (12-11), as they concluded the 25-26’ season at 12-9 overall. Head Coach Austin Guerrero says the team achieved growth in culture and unity this season.
“It was an exciting season for us, for sure. It was a season that had a ton of ups and a few downs. In my three years, you know, it was our highest win total. A very exciting season for us,” says Guerrero. “It was a big growth in culture for us. A big growth in just a lot of areas where we felt like we’ve made that uphill climb. It really just started for us, coming closer together. I think this year’s group really played well as a team. We were very balanced night to night and that’s what made us a dangerous opponent for a lot of teams.”
Three Bearcats were recognized as Top of Iowa East all-conference including Wrigley Endelman, Jarrett Shear and Jax Thorne.
“Wrigley does a nice job shooting from the outside and also works inside with mismatch advantages, that we have throughout the game. Then Jarrett Shear was a a force down low for us, forcing the defense to have to double down. That’s what helped our guards get open shots the entirety of the season. Jax is just a kid that’s a do it all for us. He’s a coach’s dream because he just locks in on the defense side of the floor and he guards the other team’s best players night in and night out. The things that Jax provides for this team, are things that go outside the box chart. Glad to see those three kids recognized.”
Endelman and Shear throughout the season established a post presence for the Bearcats. Endelman led the team with 11.4 points and seven rebounds per game (fifth most in the conference). Shear had 11 points and six rebounds per game. Thorne had the second most assists on the team with 46 and added 5.8 points per game.
After graduating senior Jax Thorne, the Bearcats are projected to return 10 players next season.
