Butte Central Boys Basketball heading into homestretch

If the past 20 years have proven anything it is that early February is when Coach Brodie Kelly's teams begin to gel and if the past 5 or so seasons have proven anything it is that other coaches in Class A will have plenty to worry about should the Maroons make their expected postseason run.

Butte Central's Eric Loos leads a strong Maroon interior defense as he showed against East Helena. Photo: Tommy O/Townsquare Media

The Maroons are wrapping up their 20th season under Kelly's instruction and they again have lofty expectations. Early in his coaching career, the Maroons were happy to qualify for state, and Kelly has delivered. The Maroons have qualified an amazing 16 times out of Kelly's 19 full seasons. Presently, anything less than tournament hardware would be considered a disappointment and this year's Maroons are not playing for runner-up recognition. Four of the last five state tournaments have seen Butte Central playing on Saturday night. in 2019 they beat Hamilton for third place. In the Covid-plagued 2020 season they shared the championship with Hardin. In 2021 they qualified but did not place but last year, after Dougie Peoples' amazing three-pointer against Fergus, the Maroons stood alone atop the podium.

The Maroons will count on the scoring of Dougie Peoples as they close out the regular season. Photo: Tommy O/Townsquare Media

As of press time, the Maroons are 12-1 and coming off a huge win over crosstown rival Butte High School. Remaining games on the schedule include a game at Frenchtown tomorrow night and a home contest against Livingston on Saturday afternoon. The following week will see them hosting Stevensville on Thursday the 9th and back at home Saturday to face Hamilton in their possible regular-season finale. A home game against Corvallis scheduled for January 28 was postponed due to weather and a make up date has yet to be announced.

Forward Kyle Holter, who does whatever is needed, is another key part of the Maroon attack. Photo: Tommy O/Townsquare Media

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