By TYLER HENRY
Salina Post contributor
The Ell-Saline boys basketball team will head into the final three games of their season looking to capture some positive momentum at the end of a much improved, but still disappointing 2021-22 campaign.
The Cardinals snapped a 53-game losing streak against the Minneapolis Lions to move to 1-1 in December, but have won just one game since then at 2-15.
Despite those struggles, the Ell-Saline has remained resilient and kept their heads about them throughout a schedule loaded with tough matchups.
“The biggest thing I have seen and absolutely love about this group is that they’re going to battle until the clock runs out,” Ell-Saline head coach Marty Wendel said. “We do some silly things on both ends of the court throughout games which is why our record is what it is but they continue to fight and give themselves a chance in the 4th quarter.”
Despite what the record may say, this Cardinals team is much improved from a year ago, narrowing their point differential from -616 in 2020-21 to -236 this season.
Much of that improvement can be attributed to the offensive play of sophomore standout Marshall Johnson, who has led the team this season averaging 15 points per game.
“Marshall has shot the ball extremely well so far this season,” Wendel said. “He was a solid player for us last season and was thrown into the fire as a Freshman but he has come a long way for us in just a year so the future is very bright for him.”
The entire Cardinals offense has stepped up considerably this season, with Garrison Zerger, Brogan Rowley, and Kade Wilson combining to add another 26 points each contest.
Among that supporting cast, Zerger has caught the eye of many in Brookeville, making major strides in his first season.
“Garrison has probably been the biggest surprise for me this year,” he said. “As a Freshman, he has handled the ball well for us at the point and has had a couple of games where he has been our only offensive production. He is going to be an absolute handful for opponents until he graduates.”
Ell-Saline will have a gauntlet to close out their season with games against 10-6 Sedgwick, 10-5 Sterling, and 14-3 Moundridge.
The first of those games will take place on Friday night as the Cardinals return home to host Sedgwick.
For more on both Ell-Saline basketball teams in 2022 stay tuned to the Salina Post.