Broncbusters Season Ends in Opening Round at Cloud County

Photo by: Adam Shrimplin/Garden City Athletics

Concordia, KS — The Garden City Community College men's basketball season came to a close Saturday afternoon as the Broncbusters fell to Cloud County 86–66 in the opening round of the 2026 NJCAA Division I Plains District Tournament.

Garden City battled early and kept the game competitive through much of the first half. The Busters relied on perimeter shooting and balanced scoring to stay within striking distance, with Jordon Nevill knocking down multiple three-pointers to lead the offense. Nevill finished with a team-high 17 points, connecting on 4-of-11 from beyond the arc while adding two assists.

The Busters also received solid contributions from several players throughout the lineup. Dasean Lewis scored 11 pointsand handed out three assists, while Jamir Westry added 11 points on an efficient 5-of-8 shooting performance. Devonte Reed chipped in 8 points, and Christian Smiley added 5 points for Garden City.

Despite the balanced scoring, Cloud County gradually created separation with strong shooting and control of the boards. The Thunderbirds shot 54 percent from the floor and knocked down 8-of-20 three-point attempts, while also dominating the rebounding battle 40–24.

Cloud County was led by Manasseh Stackhouse, who delivered a game-high 27 points and 13 rebounds, anchoring the Thunderbirds' inside presence and helping extend the lead in the second half.

Garden City shot 41 percent from the field and made nine three-pointers, but struggled to keep pace with Cloud County's efficiency and physical play down the stretch. The Thunderbirds pulled away late in the second half to secure the opening-round victory.

The loss concludes the Broncbusters' 2025–26 campaign with a 17–14 overall record and a 12–13 mark in KJCCC play. It also marks the end of Coach Tommy DeSalme's first season leading the Garden City program, a year highlighted by multiple signature wins, a national ranking during the season, and continued development of a young roster competing in one of the nation's toughest conferences.

Garden City now turns its attention to the offseason as the Broncbusters look to build on the foundation set during DeSalme's first year at the helm.