By TYLER HENRY
Salina Post contributor
The Solomon and Bennington girl’s basketball teams will meet for the second time this season on Friday night in a rematch of a 49-22 Lady Bulldog victory back in December.
“I thought we played aggressive defense and rebounded well in that first game,” Bennington head coach Tracy Piepho said.
A lot has happened since that last meeting with the Lady Gorillas entering this game at 2-14 and the Lady Bulldogs coming in at 10-9.
Things were looking good for Bennington, who entered the month of February at 10-5, but a gauntlet set the Bulldogs back, as the team has dropped each of their last four contests.
“These last two games are huge for us not only for confidence but sub-state seedings as well,” Piepho said. “We have lost some momentum and confidence as of late losing a lot of close games and playing some of the top teams in 2A. There is never a night off in our HOA League as 5 teams are ranked or have been ranked.”
On the Solomon side of things, the Gorillas are still putting the pieces together with a roster that features just one non-freshman, and despite what their record may indicate, the team has come a long way since the last time these two met.
“When I watch the film now, I see a team that hasn't given up,” he said. “They are still working hard and battling. Coach Scheef has been around the game a long time and his teams are always better at the end of the year. He gets his girls to buy in and I expect a tough game tonight.”
For Solomon, the name of the game remains taking care of the basketball and finding more consistency on offense, while Bennington’s focus will be on keeping the pressure on their younger rival.
“We need to continue to play Bennington basketball,” Piepho said. “We must defend, get in passing lanes, control the boards, and push the ball up and down the court.”
Tip-off between the Lady Bulldogs and Gorillas is set for 6 pm at Solomon High School with the boy’s game to follow at 7.
For more on both teams throughout the 2022 portion of the season stay tuned to the Salina Post.