By TYLER HENRY
Lead Sportswriter - Salina Post
Last week, the Southeast of Saline boy’s basketball team made an improbable run through sub-state, eliminating a top-ranked foe to punch their ticket to the 3A state tournament.
On Wednesday, the Trojans were right back at it again, handing #2 Cheney their first loss in 92 days to claim one of four tickets to this year’s semifinal round.
With a 54-51 victory over the Cardinals, the Trojans move to 15-9 while Cheney’s season, and 20-game win streak come to an end at 21-3.
This game stayed close from the jump, with neither team managing to take more than a three-point lead into any of the four quarters.
A stark difference in play styles was on full display in the first 16 minutes, as Cheney collected nine points on 11 takes from the stripe before Southeast attempted their first free throw.
In the second half, Gannon Jacobson took over, dropping 15 points, including 12 in the fourth quarter alone, to lead all scorers with 24, and push the Trojans over the finish line.
A late 5-0 run allowed Southeast to come from behind in the closing minutes, and with the final seconds winding off the clock, the Trojans contested a would-be game-tying three to survive and advance.
Seven different Trojans finished the night with at least a bucket, with Owen Bailey joining Jacobson in double digits with 11.
For Cheney, three different Cardinals surpassed the ten-point mark, led by Jack Voth (15), Josh Burdick (13), and Colton McDaniel (10).
SES will join Beloit and Wellsville in the semifinals and will take on Goodland (20-3) at 6:00 on Friday night.