By TYLER HENRY
Salina Post contributor
The Southeast of Saline Trojans (6-5) will host the Ellsworth Bearcats (6-2) tonight immediately following the girls game.
SES comes into tonight's contest having won five of their last six games, while Ellsworth has split its last four.
With just under half of the season remaining, every game from here on out will be critical to Southeast’s position come sub-state time.
“Every game down the stretch definitely feels more crucial,” SES head coach Bryson Flax said. “Our sub state is extremely difficult and right now we’re middle of the pack. We have to continue to climb.”
Ellsworth is, as they have been for the last three seasons led by Avery Haxton and Braden Schulte, who each average over 17 points per game.
Unlike previous Bearcat teams however, a strong supporting cast backs up the star duo, making this team incredibly dangerous.
“The role players for Ellsworth have really started to come into their own.” Flax said. “It’s not just a two man show anymore, they have other guys who know their role and do it well.”
Among those role players are facilitator John Kyler, pesky defender Will Cravens, and third-option scorer Trey Anderson, who complete a solid Bearcat lineup.
“We have to make them uncomfortable,” he said. “They’re really good when they have time to step into shots. If we give up rebounds we’re going to be playing defense for long possessions. We have to force them to take quick shots and control the pace.”
Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 at Southeast of Saline High School and as always games can be heard on KINA (910 AM or 107.5 FM) or streamed on Salina Post.