By TYLER HENRY
Salina Post Contributor
With the regular season winding to a close, the Salina South boy’s basketball team will host the Newton Railers on Tuesday night, looking to avenge a 66-56 loss from earlier this year.
Both teams come into this contest at 1-15, with their victory over the Cougars remaining the Railer's only win on the season.
Consistency or a lack thereof remains the name of the game for Salina South, who have shown themselves more than capable of playing at a much higher level through stretches this season.
“We are still looking to play well for a full 32 minutes,” Cougar head coach Jason Hooper said. “Our kids have continued to battle despite having only one win which is a testament to their toughness and resilience. Hopefully, we can find some success in these last few games and reward them for their work.”
This matchup with Newton should provide South with a golden opportunity to collect the second win of their campaign, and to show just how much they’ve grown since that first meeting in early January.
“We did a very poor job of guarding the ball in the first game,” Hooper said. “They did a good job spacing us out and taking us off the dribble. Since that game, we have played more zone to help our guys on the defensive end and hopefully, that will help this time around.”
With the prospect of a late-season victory in a winnable game on the table, tensions could run high as the two teams on the 5A west chopping block fight to keep their playoff hopes alive.
“We both come in with one win on the season, but both teams are still playing incredibly hard,” he said. “This is a big game for both groups when it comes to having a chance at postseason play, so I’m sure it will be a battle.”
On the floor, the Cougars will have to be prepared to mimic the intensity of a Newton team that always comes out with a lot of energy, especially now with their backs to the wall.
“They play very physical and aggressive and we need to make sure we match that,” Hooper said. “They win a lot of 50/50 balls and hustle plays and that can make a difference in a close game. We need to continue to look for consistency in the little things that can get us over the hump.”
Tip-off between the Cougars and Railers is set for 7:30 at Salina South High School following the girls’ game at 6:00.
For continuing coverage of Cougar and Lady Cougar hoops all season long stay tuned to the Salina Post.