Photo by Byron Beers
By BYRON BEERS
Jadyn Buttery is one part of a dynamic duo for the Tahlequah Lady Tigers’ basketball team.
Buttery, who has multiple offers, including those from Northeastern State University, Southeastern Louisiana and Missouri Southern, combines with junior Kori Rainwater to give Tahlequah a significant punch in the front court.
It’s her versatility that makes her a nightmare matchup for opposing defenders.
“I can score from all three levels and handle the ball like a point guard,” said Buttery, who is also a standout catcher for the Lady Tigers’ fastpitch softball team. “I’ve improved my driving to the basket skill since last year.”
“Jadyn has played a lot of minutes for us since her freshman year,” Tahlequah head coach David Qualls said. “She’s a very versatile player on both ends of the floor.”
Buttery has played basketball since the age of 13 and looks up to nine-time NBA All-Star and former Oklahoma City Thunder star Russell Westbrook.
She is averaging over 17 points per game, 8.2 rebounds, and is shooting 59 percent overall from the floor.
“Jadyn is off to a great start for us this season,” Qualls said. “She has always impacted the game on both ends of the floor. This year we’ve asked her to be more aggressive on offense and she’s answered the bell.”
Buttery has enjoyed proving doubters wrong. The Lady Tigers won 12 of their first 13 games this season with the only blemish coming against Tulsa Booker T. Washington in the championship game of the Tahlequah Invitational on Dec. 10.
Tahlequah has posted six wins over top 10 ranked opponents McAlester, Glenpool, Grove, Tulsa Rogers, Verdigris and Pryor.
“I think as a team we are doing great, especially since everyone thought we weren’t gonna be good this year,” she said.
Buttery enjoys her experiences with the 50 shooting drill. She has other interests away from basketball.
“The hobbies I enjoy are riding bikes with my mom, just that mother and daughter time and getting a good exercise in at the same time,” said Buttery, who says math is her favorite subject. “[Math] comes easy to me without me really trying. My favorite teacher would be Bardell, but I call him barsmell. He’s a teacher that is fun and knows how to joke around.”
