By TYLER HENRY
Salina Post contributor
After taking care of business with a 77-48 quarterfinal victory over Phillipsburg, the Southeast of Saline boys basketball team will turn their attention to a semifinal bout with the sub-state hosts in Russell on Friday.
The Trojans come into this contest still ranked as the #2 team in Class 3A with an overall record of 20-1 while the home-standing Broncos enter as the bracket 4-seed at 14-7, fresh off a 42-36 victory over Ellsworth on Tuesday.
Due to Russell's departure from the NCAA, the last meeting between these two was played during the 2019-2020 season, but familiarity between the programs still exists and the Trojans will have their work cut out for them in hostile territory on Friday.
"Russell has a little bit of everything," SES head coach Bryson Flax said. "They've got size, athleticism, guys that attack the rim with a purpose, and guys that can knock down shots. We have to make sure we're locked in. Their crowd is going to be really into it and it'll have a great feel."
On the other side of the bracket, another area rival will be in action as the 2-seed in Beloit (16-5) faces off with the 3-seed in Norton (14-7).
Earlier this week, Beloit knocked off Hoisington 74-40 while Norton took care of Smoky Valley 43-33.
The two winners will meet in the sub-state championship game at 7:00 on Saturday with a ticket to this year's 3A state tournament on the line.
Tip-off between the Trojans and Broncos is set for 7:30 at Russell High School and as always the game can be heard on KINA (910 AM or 107.5 FM) or streamed with live audio and video on the Salina Post courtesy of Bennington State Bank.
For continuing coverage of Trojan hoops all sub-state long stay tuned to the Salina Post.