Behind the thirty point effort of sophomore Ezekiel Charles, the Barton Community College men's basketball team opened up the season Wednesday night at the Barton Gym with an 86-48 victory over the junior varsity squad from McPherson College.    The Cougars broke open the contest with a 16-0 run midway through the first half leading to a twenty-seven point halftime lead in cruising to the win.  Barton will next begin preparation for this weekend's Best Western Cougar Booster Club Classic at the Barton Gym taking on Region VI members Highland Community College on Friday and Hesston College on Saturday.  Tip-off set for 7:30 p.m. for both contests.

Dialed in for a 7-of-9 effort from beyond the arc, Charles' career high output led three Cougars in double figures as each of the eleven players suited up contributed ten or more minutes of playing time.  Jahlil Rawley came off the bench to add eleven while Malik Toppin also had a solid Cougar debut in scoring ten.  Anthony Smith led the eleven rebound edge grabbing nine while fellow sophomore John Barbee led a nineteen steal effort with five thefts and sophomore transfer Malik Rhodes leading the team in assists with four dimes.  

Grant Munson led the Bulldogs in scoring with nine while Brandon Carter collected a team high six boards.