The Butte Central Maroons didn’t warm up Friday night at the Maroon Activities Center. They hit fast-forward.
By the time the first quarter hit zeroes, the Maroons were already up 28–8 on the Sidney Eagles, and if you were late getting to your seat, that one’s on you.
Josh Sutton was everywhere. Blink and he was past you. Hesitate and it was already too late. Sutton finished with 24 points, knocked down six triples, and did it with a calm that said, I’ve got this. Butte Central drained 10 three-pointers on the night, dropping trays like nervous cafeteria workers — line it up, let it fly.
Jaxson Hiatt brought 13, smooth and steady. Noah Sutton came off the bench and flipped the switch, pouring in 11 and keeping pressure on the entire night. GG Fantini added 9, Ryan Peoples chipped in 6, and the Maroons kept bodies fresh and energy high.
Defensively, it was clamp city. Sidney managed just two points in the second quarter as Butte Central turned stops into buckets and momentum into separation.
Josh Sutton’s burst off the dribble popped, but the ball movement told the story. Quick decisions. Extra passes. Fast without being reckless. Confident without forcing anything.
By the time the final horn sounded, the message was clear. Statement made. No notes.
The 68–28 win moves Butte Central to 3–0 on the season.
The Maroons are back in action Saturday against the Glendive Red Devils in Day 2 of the Western Tip-Off Tournament.
BOX SCORE:
Butte Central 68, Sidney 28
SIDNEY —
Dyson Romo 7, Terren Bright 7, Rhys Larson 6, Gradion Sukut 5, Aiden Anderson 2, Jaeyce Bower 1, Jaxson Burger 0, Holden Boehler 0.
Totals: 12 field goals, 3 three-pointers, 28 points.
BUTTE CENTRAL (3–0) —
Joshua Sutton 24, Jaxson Hiatt 13, Noah Sutton 11, GG Fantini 9, Ryan Peoples 6, Grady Button 3, Burkley Lakkala 2, Cade Kelly 0, Henly Mansanti 0, Gunnar O’Brien 0, Carsen Gillis 0, Teghan Sparks 0.
Totals: 26 field goals, 10 three-pointers, 68 points.
Quarter scores
Sidney — 8 | 2 | 4 | 14 — 28
Butte Central — 28 | 11 | 20 | 9 — 68
