By TYLER HENRY
Salina Post contributor
As the 2022-23 season rolls on, a resurgent Ell-Saline boy’s basketball team continues to grow in confidence, and after splitting their first two games of the new year, will look to collect another big win in Sedgwick tonight.
Ell-Saline will enter this Friday tilt at 5-3, while Sedgwick, still trying to find their footing, comes in at 2-7.
The Cardinals have looked like a completely different team than the one the Brookville faithful saw in years past, and with their newfound success, has come a new level of confidence that has continued to build on itself.
“That confidence has allowed us to be more consistent on the offensive end than we have in the past,” Ell-Saline head coach Marty Wendel said. “We have multiple guys scoring in double figures for us more consistently and that has to continue for us in order for us to see success. When we understand that we have capable scorers on the floor at all times it’s really hard to slow us down if we’re willing to play through all five guys and not think we have to be the hero and do everything ourselves.”
While the Cardinal's offense has looked superb this season, the other side of the floor has still, at times, been a work in progress, and remains the focal point of practices in Brookville.
“We don't talk and play with a sense of urgency on the defensive end of the floor like we should on a consistent basis,” Wendel said. “We have moments in games when we look really good defensively and are talking through things but it just doesn't happen enough.”
Now, Ell-Saline will turn their attention to a Sedgwick team that has lost their last four contests, but one that will present some real challenges on Friday night.
“Their physicality is a huge concern for us,” he said. “Their record isn't great right now but they show up on a nightly basis and are ready to battle. We have to be ready to keep the ball in front of us and be active off the ball to talk through switches much quicker than we have been, which allows us to get more physical on cutters and screens to keep them away from the basket.”
In addition to handling the physical nature of this Sedgwick team, that commitment to defensive excellence must take center stage if the Cardinals are to get back in the win column after a tough loss to Wichita Classical on Tuesday.
“We have to go in and play with a sense of urgency on the defensive end,” Wendel said. “We need to talk defensively, keep the ball in front, stay active off the ball, and get physical with cutters and screens. Offensively we have to get back to playing through all five guys. If we can do these things we will have no problem taking care of business and getting another win.”
Tip-off between the two Cardinals’ is set for 7 pm on the campus of Sedgwick High School following the girls’ game at 6:30.
For continuing coverage of Ell-Saline hoops all season long, stay tuned to the Salina Post.