AUGUSTA — Defending Class AA state champion Butler began defense of its 2025 title rolling to an 84-43 victory over visiting Pierce County here in the first round of the 2A state tournament.
The Bulldogs (22-4), ranked third in the Top 10 poll and seeded second in the 32-team bracket, stretched their winning streak to 17 games with the 41-point decision.
The 31st-seeded Bears, making their 13th all-time appearance in the state tournament, were ousted in the first round for the fourth consecutive time. PCHS’s last victory was in the 2020 tournament beating Peach County 7355.
The margin of defeat was the largest for Pierce County surpassing a 33point loss (106-73) in 2010 to Laney. The 43 points scored eclipsed the mark of 44 points posted in 2011 against Lamar County (79-44).
Butler scored at least 20 points in each of the first three quarters with a sixminute “mercy rule” quarter to finish.
The Bulldogs had four players reach double figures and nine score. Kwamane Bridges (four treys) led the way pouring in 19 of his game-high 26 points in the first half.
Jami Walker netted 13 of his 16 points over the first 16 minutes. Devine Stockbridge (trey) finished with 12 points. LaJerry Wright bagged 10 points.
Butler put the game out of reach by intermission. The Bulldogs jumped out to a 20-7 lead by the end of the opening stanza. They blew the game open in the second period outscoring PCHS 26-12 to open up a 46-19 bulge.
Butler tacked on 16 points to its advantage by the end of the third period outscoring the Bears 26--10 extending the lead to 65-29. PCHS won the fourth quarter clipping the Bulldogs 14-12.
Jamil Strickland (two treys) continued his fantastic end of the season play, leading Pierce County 14 points. Nigel Brown bagged 10 points.
D.J. Moody came off the bench to score eight points. Jikeyse McGauley (trey) contributed five points. DeMontre Clark and Amir McKenzie netted three points and two points respectively. Tymere Monroe canned a free throw.
