Grizzlies start season with loss to Coffeyville Community College

Grizzlies start season with loss to Coffeyville Community College

COFFEYVILLE, Kan. – The Missouri State University-West Plains Grizzly Basketball team started out 2021 on a sour note Wednesday evening as they fell 86-46 to Coffeyville Community College.

"I knew this would be a tough game, but a game we would learn from. Coffeyville is a very good team and always a tough place to play," Grizzly Basketball Head Coach Jared Phay said. "We played like deer looking into headlights for 40 minutes, so our focus and effort needs to be better."

The Grizzlies fell behind the Red Ravens early in the first half and never caught up. The Grizzlies trailed 31-22, but they ended the first half on a 10-0 run.

"I thought Coffeyville played with more composure. They have some good returners from last year and are a more veteran group," Phay said. "They played harder and more confident than we did. I think first game anxiety was a problem, so we got that out of our system."

"Overall, I think Scooter Williams and Tre Breland had good energy and played hard," Phay said. "I honestly can't say anyone played well."

Sophomore point guard Jesse Zarzuela led the Grizzlies in scoring with 8 points. Breland and freshman point guard Ankit Choudhary added 7 each.

The next step

"I think our guys needed that wake-up call. The good news is that we have more games coming up quickly," Phay said. "We need to learn from it and move on to the next page."

Despite the setback, Phay's plan is for the team to play harder and get focused. In the Grizzly Classic tournament this weekend at the West Plains Civic Center, the Grizzlies will face Craig Tyson Prep from Fayetteville, Arkansas, at 7 p.m. tonight and National Park College from Hot Springs, Arkansas, at 7 p.m. Saturday. 

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, seating will be limited at the Grizzly home games, and social distancing and masking will be required throughout the event for everyone age 10 and above, university officials said. Children age 2 to 9 are highly recommended to wear a mask, they added.

Those planning to attend should have their masks on when they enter the civic center. Masks will need to remain on throughout the games.

Ushers will be available to answer questions, and signage will be placed to help with seating. Every other row will be blocked off and three seats will be required between groups if seated in the same row, university officials said.

For more information about the Grizzly Basketball program, visit www.msuwpgrizzlies.com or call 417-255-7991.