By TYLER HENRY
Salina Post contributor
The Mustangs and Cougars played an exciting three-game set in 2020-21, with the two splitting in the regular season before Central sent South packing with a narrow three-point win at sub-state.
Now, after a long offseason, the two will meet to begin their season, something that has never happened in the last 15 years.
“It is no secret that both teams circle these games as soon as the schedule comes out,” Cougar head coach Justin Ebert said. “The rivalry adds an extra layer of familiarity and competitiveness that is rarely matched throughout the season. Both teams desperately want a win in this game.”
While tensions in this rivalry always run high, both teams will have to keep their composure as they discover their identities on both sides of the floor.
“Keeping everyone’s calm is a big challenge,” Mustang head coach Chris Fear said. “There are so many things to work out as we play our first game. We want to default to what we have been working on for the last 3 weeks to get ready and adjust as the game goes on.”
While both teams will have some questions to answer throughout their first few games, both also return a great deal of veteran experience and leadership which should help newer players navigate the speed and emotion of the game.
“We’ll be relying on our seniors and players who have played in the rivalry games in the past,” Ebert said. “The great thing about this game is that there are plenty of learning experiences, both good and bad, throughout the 32 minutes. As a team looking to find their identity, it is a great test off the bat in a charged environment.”
With so many classic matchups between these two in the past, both coaches have become familiar with each other’s systems, and know what to expect from each other regardless of who steps onto the court.
“They play really hard, and are confident when they play us,” Fear said. “They will try to control the tempo and shorten the game. In addition, they have several players who can make 3-point shots. We will have to do a good job of getting the 3-point line covered.”
That sentiment is echoed both ways as first-year head coach but long-time assistant Justin Ebert explained.
“Central has had a lot of continued success and stability in their program over the past decade,” he said. “With their returning experience, explosive players and confidence we know that we are in for a battle right out of the gate. We need to focus on what we can control and play our game.”
Tip-off for the season opener is set for 6 pm at South High School and fans are allowed at full capacity to begin the season.
For more on both teams in 2021-22, stay tuned to the Salina Post.