Jan 26, 2022

Trojans turn Buffaloes over 24 times to remain perfect in league play

Posted Jan 26, 2022 4:00 AM

By TYLER HENRY
Salina Post contributor

This SES game recap is presented by Salina Ortho: Quality orthopedic care when you need it!
This SES game recap is presented by Salina Ortho: Quality orthopedic care when you need it!

The Southeast of Saline boys basketball team handled their business against Republic County, handing the Buffaloes a 53-31 loss to remain undefeated in league play.

The Buffs controlled the tempo early on, grinding the game to a snail's pace and trailing 6-5 at the end of the first quarter.

The Trojans would outscore Republic County 15-5 in the second quarter and never look back but head coach Bryson Flax wasn’t pleased with his team’s overall performance.

“We were poor for a majority of that game,” he said. “Our early defense was good but we let the pace slow down and missed some opportunities around the rim.”

While the offense may have struggled a bit, the Trojan’s defense was immaculate once again, turning the Buffaloes over 24 times and holding them to just five points in each of the first two quarters.

Offensively SES was led in scoring by Nakari Morrical-Palmer and Eli Sawyers, who dropped 20 and 16 respectively.

“We can really spread defenses out with those two and make them choose who they want to guard,” Flax said. “We have a good group of guys that can pass the ball around and knock down shots.”

While SES walks away with a 20+ point victory, the Trojans will need more energy and efficiency to reach their ultimate goals at sub-state.

“We know we’re going to get everybody’s best shot down the stretch,” he said. “I thought Republic County played well tonight but we can’t let them set the tone and I didn’t feel like we did that.”

Now 9-3 on the season and 4-0 in league play, Southeast will hit the road to take on the 4-8 Ellsworth Bearcats on Friday.