IJ boys basketball Player of the Year: Branson’s Jase Butler

Jase Butler

Branson School boys basketball, junior

The Branson School’s playoff run kept going, and the Bulls wanted the season to never end.

“This season meant a lot to me, as much as every year, but especially a lot because of the special connection our team had this year,” Branson junior Jase Butler said. “The guys on the team were all very close so it made this year really memorable and really fun.”

Coming off a loss in the CIF NorCal Division II finals in 2022, the Bulls turned to the next generation of leaders, including Butler.

“Last year we had a lot more seniors and experienced guys, compared to this season only two seniors and guys who were less experienced,” Butler said. “So guys like myself, and some of the other more experienced guys had to step into that leadership role.”

Butler proved to be an invaluable leader and all-around player as the Bulls captured the MCAL crown. The road to the title wasn’t easy, however, as Butler and the Bulls (24-3, 15-1 MCAL) overcame All-MCAL star Jake Vasquez and rival Redwood in the MCAL finals to decide the championship after they split two regular-season matchups.

“I’ve grown up a lot since my freshman year,” Butler said. “I’ve always had a close tight-knit circle around me, but I’ve definitely started to get outside of my shell. As a basketball player, really all aspects of my game have improved a lot, as I’m always constantly trying to get better each and every day.”

Butler, the MCAL boys basketball player of the year, helped lead Branson advance to the CIF NorCal Division II quarterfinals before the No. 2 Bulls fell to No. 7 Weston Ranch, 56-55.

“I love what we’re building here at Branson and excited for the last year with my guys,” Butler said. “We came up a bit short the last two years to meet our end goals of a state title, and so I really want to accomplish that for my senior year. When it’s all set and done I just want to leave an impact on Marin County hoops and help our area gain a little more notoriety.”

— Derek Wilson