By TYLER HENRY
Salina Post contributor
After finishing the 2019-2020 season with a final record of 8-13, the Solomon Gorillas boys basketball team is looking to get back on the winning side of things in 2020-2021.
Andrew Johnson returns for his fourth season as the head basketball coach at Solomon.
When the Gorillas take the floor against the Burrton Chargers today, their lineup, featuring a few key returners from a season ago, will look something like this.
Makaen Hastings (So, 5-7)
Caden Acosta (Jr, 6-2)
Jarrett Baxa (Jr, 5-11)
Dylan Hynes (Jr, 6-1)
Simon Smith (Jr, 6-5)
Solomon will also get a boost off the bench from senior Alex Herbal and a pair of new freshmen who could make a big impact early on.
We had a chance to talk to Coach Johnson and ask him some questions about his team heading into the new season.
Q: After the 8-13 finish last year what was your takeaway from the 2019-2020 season?
A: My overall feeling was that we were just very young. We started a freshman and four sophomores so we had kids out there that didn’t know the game as well but this season we know the game a little better and the kids know what I expect out of them.
What would you say is your biggest strength heading into this season?
I think our biggest strength is our ability to run the floor very well
And your team’s biggest weakness?
I think our biggest weakness will probably be foul trouble, we can’t seem to play defense without fouling.
Who are one or two guys that Solomon fans should really keep an eye on this season?
I think the biggest one will be Makaen Hastings, he’s a phenomenal player and he puts on a show every night he steps on the floor. I think another would be Dylan Hynes, he’s full of energy and he brings a lot to the table.
What do you feel like you have brought to the table as the head coach at Solomon High School?
I think what I bring in is hard work and making other teams know that when you come into Solomon you’re going to have to play all four quarters. I don’t quit on my guys and they don’t quit on me.
What is your expectation for this team heading into the new year?
Our expectation is just to get better each and every day, come to school, get good grades and work hard in practice. With Covid we just worry about people being able to stay healthy and able to play and stay in school, honestly, we’re just blessed to be having a season.
The Gorillas and Chargers will tip off from Solomon High School on Friday following the girls game which is scheduled for 6pm.