By TYLER HENRY
Salina Post contributor
The Southeast of Saline boy’s basketball team will be looking to cap off a week for the ages as they welcome in the undefeated Hillsboro Trojans, who currently sit atop the rankings in Class 2A.
This game comes on the heels of a massive upset win for SES over #3 Abilene in class 4A.
“I thought we did a really good job making Abilene uncomfortable with our defense,” SES head coach Bryson Flax said. “On the offensive end, we had some guys who were ultra-aggressive and took advantage of some things that came open. Even when they went on a big run in the third quarter we kept our composure.”
While this win was big for the Southeast program, the team understands that they must remain focused as they continue through their early-season gauntlet.
“Our guys feel good about where we’re at but this group also understands that where we’re at isn’t where we need to be,” Flax said. “We’re playing with some swagger and guys are having fun out there but we have to keep a hunger about us.”
In addition to being a battle of ranked opponents, this game will also be an opportunity for SES to avenge an overtime loss at the hands of a similar-looking Hillsboro team last season.
The biggest returners for Hillsboro are Brekyn and Grayson Ratzlaff, who have helped the Trojans torch each of their five opponents thus far.
“They have probably the best player in 2A and one of the best players in the state in Brekyn Ratzlaff,” Flax said. “He gets everybody going and when he gets his opportunities he’s so efficient. He doesn’t miss open looks and we’ll have to be really sound with him.”
Behind Ratzlaff, Hillsboro is averaging 62 points per game, doubling up their opponents who they have held to just 28 on average.
Those numbers have come as a result of a deep team in which everyone knows their role and has executed that to a T.
“Their supporting cast is good and they do what they’re supposed to do,” he said. “They get into good spots, they play hard and they rebound well. They’re a complete team and one of the better ones that we’ll see for the rest of the year.”
Fortunately for SES, two of their best players in Luke Gebhardt and Nakari Morrical-Palmer have been coming on strong at the right time, and it will take another team effort for the Trojans to emerge atop two top-three teams in the same week.
“We have to be efficient on both sides of the ball and we have to make sure that they work for the possessions that they do get and that they don’t get more than that,” Flax said.
Tip-off between SES and Hillsboro is set for 7 pm at Southeast of Saline High School following the girl’s game.
As always the game can be heard on KINA (910 AM or 107.5 FM) courtesy of Eagle Radio.