By TYLER HENRY
Salina Post contributor
The tenth-ranked Ell-Saline girl’s basketball team kept the good times rolling on Friday with a 59-13 win over Solomon to advance to 2-1.
The Lady Cardinals completely locked down the Gorillas offensively and got an opportunity to test their depth in a blowout win.
“I was really pleased with the play of those coming off the bench,” Ell-Saline head coach Brandi Schneider said. “Gabey Norris stepped up to fill a spot with one of our starters out this week. Taelor Hardesty, Isabelle Porter, and Norris really came in and found a way to contribute without a change in intensity.”
With another win in hand, Ell-Saline will now turn their attention to a back-to-back afternoon showdown with the Bennington Lady Bulldogs, who will enter this game at 2-1 after falling to Minneapolis on Friday.
The Lady Lions are the only team to beat either of these two so far which should add a layer to an already dynamic rivalry atmosphere.
While it was smooth sailing for Ell-Saline in their win on Friday, the Lady Cardinals have continued to work on their efficiency from the stripe, something that could come into play against Bennington this afternoon.
“We have had a focus on free throws since Tuesday's game and that will still be a focus as we move forward,” Schnieder said. “I would also like to see us develop a few more defensive looks.”
On the floor, Ell-Saline must prepare for a matchup against a team that presents many of the same challenges that they create for their opponents.
“Bennington is very similar to us in style,” she said. “They will look to pressure and trap and have a strong inside-out game we will need to work to disrupt.”
Tip-off between the Lady Cardinals and Bulldogs is set for 1:00 this afternoon at Bennington High School, with the boy's team to follow at 2:30.
For continuing coverage of both teams all season long stay tuned to the Salina Post.