By TYLER HENRY
Salina Post contributor
Fresh off a buzzer-beater victory over Minneapolis to get them back to 2-2 on the year, the Solomon boy’s basketball team will look to rise above .500 tonight, when they play host to 0-4 Centre.
Despite facing some adversity in losses to Ell-Saline and Bennington, the Gorillas understand that December is the time to sort out their identity, and have started to turn the corner after losing several key pieces last year.
“We expected a rough patch at the beginning of the season,” Solomon head coach Kyler Stein said. “We have new guys playing, we have guys in different roles, and on Saturday we finally saw some of that start to mesh together and we played much better team basketball.”
To continue improving their brand on the hardwood, the Gorillas will need to take steps on the defensive side of the floor, where they conceded 71 and 63 in their two losses.
“We have to be a team that defends extremely well and we haven't been that difficult to score against this year,” Stein said. “Our pressure and our help defense have to improve.”
With just two games remaining on their December calendar, Solomon is hoping to build some positive momentum to take with them into the break, with a pair of big games against Centre and Elyria Christian.
“Christmas break is always a lot more enjoyable if you come in hot,” he said. “We know that the break is also a great time to work on us and improve those things I mentioned earlier.”
To start this set off right, the Gorillas will need to handle their business on their home floor against a winless Cougar team on Tuesday night.
Despite the lack of a strong resume, Centre presents its own set of challenges that Solomon will have to be prepared for this evening.
“They’re a scrappy team that will look to muddy the game up,” Stein said. “We always tell the guys basketball is a crazy sport and you can never take any opponent lightly. It's the most important game of the season because it's the next one.”
To secure the win and put themselves back in the driver's seat, the Gorillas will look to put all of the lessons they’ve learned so far into practice for the full four quarters.
“We have to play defense the way we are capable for 32 minutes,” he said. “We also must value the basketball better. We’ve had way too many turnovers this year and it's been surprising to me. If we can do these two things and create great movement offensively I really like our chances.”
Tip-off between the Gorillas and Cougars is set for 7:30 pm at Solomon High School following the girl's game at 6.
For continuing coverage of Solomon hoops all season long stay tuned to the Salina Post.