Andrew Gettinger dominates, shows Butler boys basketball is in good hands in win vs Obama

November 30, 2024 Last Updated: December 01, 2024 02:49 PM Sports

Butler's Andrew Gettinger (35) wrestles for possession of the ball with Obama Academy's Naron Jackson II (4) in a boys basketball game Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, at Geneva

BEAVER FALLS, Beaver County — Matt Clement joked “everybody and their brother” thought he was the “biggest idiot” for who he slotted in at starting point guard this season.

His choice is 6-foot-6 junior Andrew Gettinger, who made his first start Saturday in Butler boys basketball’s season opener at Geneva College against Obama Academy.

Gettinger has the look of a typical high school center or forward. But Clement made the decision in the offseason to hand the keys to the offense — sans star Braylon Littlejohn after his graduation — to Gettinger.

Butler's Andrew Gettinger (35) attempts to dunk against Obama Academy in a boys basketball game Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, at Geneva College. Chris Leisie/Butler Eagle

The junior proved the decision wise in the Golden Tornado’s impressive 71-52 win; he scored 24 points on 9 of 12 shooting, grabbed 12 rebounds, dished out six assists and blocked five shots.

“He proved it right,” Clement said. “Just the way he handled himself in his first start running the show, to throw that little stat line out there, and I think he can be better, too.”

“He’s honestly been able to do everything. I’m very proud of him,” said Stainton Forbes, one of the beneficiaries of Gettinger’s playmaking. “He’s definitely grown a lot into that position, he’s gonna fill it well.”

Gettinger’s “little stat line” was anything but. The Tornado used him as a matchup nightmare on offense. When Obama put a quick defender on him at midcourt, they dropped him into the paint. When he had a speed advantage, they gave him the ball at the top of the key. He curled off screens and knocked down a pair of 3-pointers. On defense, he avoided foul trouble and stayed on the ground to block shots.

Gettinger pointed out a pair of turnovers as things to work on, but otherwise he looked like the best player on a court that included Obama standout guard Naron Jackson II, who finished with 24 points.

“I felt good. I really appreciate what he (Clement) does for me and appreciate the role I earned,” Gettinger said.

“(I’m most proud of) the assists, I like feeding my teammates, getting them good looks — I just try to play the game the right way, get everybody involved.”

Forbes and senior guard Tayt Lucas fed off that.

Forbes finished with 21 points and 13 rebounds, playing a physical brand of basketball that has Clement calling him one of the most tenacious and athletic players he’s coached.

And Lucas scored 16 points, nine of them in the first quarter to stake Butler to a 21-14 lead it never relinquished.

Butler shot 27 of 59 from the field — Forbes was 8 of 14, Lucas 6 of 19 — and held Obama to 21 of 67.

“I’m proud of them, though, because they believe in (what we’re doing),” Clement said.

“It’s a good start, but we definitely need to keep our heads down, keep working,” Forbes said.

The Tornado jumped ahead 4-0 on Lucas and Gettinger and trailed only briefly a few minutes later.

Jackson kept Obama in the game during the first half with 17 points, shooting 7 of 14 from the field with three 3-pointers in the second quarter. But beyond Jackson, Butler limited the damage.

Butler effectively iced the game minutes into the second half when Lucas made a 3 and long jumper during a quick 7-2 run that made it 42-31.

The Tornado host Kiski Area in their home opener 7:30 p.m. Tuesday.

BUTLER 71

Ayden Andrews 1 0-0 3, Jace Gratzmiller 1 0-0 2, Stainton Forbes 8 3-5 21, Tayt Lucas 6 2-5 16, Andrew Gettinger 9 4-7 24, Kyle Casteel 1 0-0 2, Mavrik Clement 1 0-0 3, Tanner Pry 0 0-0 0, Tobias Geibel 0 0-0 0, Gavin Tressler 0 0-0 0, Jayden Wilbert 0 0-0 0, Zavyr Gregory 0 0-0 0, Max Byers 0 0-0 0. Totals: 27 9-17 71.

OBAMA ACADEMY 52

Jaden Colbert 3 0-0 8, Elijah Rawlings 1 0-0 2, Naron Jackson II 10 1-4 24, Zion Conner 2 0-0 4, Sheikh Long 2 2-2 6, Sean Gaines 1 0-0 3, Darnell Turner 0 0-0 0, Gavin Hazlip 1 0-0 2, Jordan Colbert 1 0-0 3, Lanell Holiday 0 0-0 0, Leonard Prince 0 0-0 0. Totals: 21 3-6 52.

3-point goals: Butler 8 (Forbes 2, Lucas 2, Gettinger 2, Andrews, Clement); Obama Academy 7 (Jackson 3, Jaden Colbert 2, Gaines, Jordan Colbert).