By TYLER HENRY
Salina Post contributor
As the Salina Central Lady Mustangs walked off the court in a 65-56 state loss to Andover Central last year, there was an overwhelming sense that this team would be back with a vengeance in 2021-22.
That vengeance came more swiftly than anticipated in the form of an undefeated 23-0 run that has landed Central in the state semifinals for the seventh time in program history.
Much of that success has been built on the hard work of a core of seniors consisting of Aubrie Kierscht, Hampton Williams, Landry Stewart and Chaliscia Samilton, who have combined to average 46 points per game, while the Mustangs as a team hold opponents to 33.
“This is an incredibly special group of seniors and maybe the best that has ever gone through here,” Central head coach Chris Fear said. “We were in a bit of a rebuild when they got here and every year we’ve seen improvement. They’ve been really good as players but they’ve also embraced our younger girls and set a standard in our program.”
Over the last two seasons, Central has a combined record of 42-5, and with a win over Lansing on Friday night could advance to the state championship game for just the second time in school history, with a chance to bring home the team’s first-ever state title.
“We haven’t looked at this as unfinished business but from the beginning of the season our goal was to win a state championship,” Fear said. “We’ve been focused on getting better and when the big moments have arrived this year we’ve been at our best and I’ve been very pleased with that.”
To survive and advance, the Lady Mustangs will have to overcome a Lansing team that dominated #4 Emporia 61-43 in their own hometown on Thursday. The Lady Lions will enter this game as one of the highest-ranked teams that Central has faced this season.
“Lansing is good, there’s no question about it,” he said. “They have some size, they have seniors and their guards are really steady. They don’t make many mistakes and we’re going to have to play error-free and put some pressure on them.”
The Lady Lions have done their damage with a great starting five of their own, led by seniors Kamryn Farris and McKenzie Moburg, who have puzzled opposing defenses all season long.
“What makes them concerning for us is their high low action with Farris and Moburg around the basket,” Fear said. “We’ll have to stay out of foul trouble to keep our players on the floor and rebounding is going to be critical tonight. They’re really good on the offensive boards and we’ll have to keep them off of that.”
While Central has faced several ranked opponents this year, they have yet to run into a team they couldn’t handle with ease, and will have to be prepared to face some adversity on Friday night.
“We’ve won every game by double digits so the legitimate question is when it gets late in the fourth quarter and we face some adversity how are we going to play?” Fear said. “We had several tough games a year ago and I’m hopeful that we can lean on that experience if we get there again.”
Tip-off between the Lady Mustangs and Lions is set for 8 pm on Friday in Emporia with the winner advancing to the state championship game to play either 21-2 St. Thomas Aquinas or 18-5 Andover Central.
For continuing coverage of the Lady Mustangs state-run, stay tuned to the Salina Post.