By TYLER HENRY
Salina Post contributor
The Abilene girls basketball team will travel to Andale for a sub-state semifinal with the fifth-ranked second-seeded Indians.
The Cowgirls will have their work cut out for them entering bracket play at 3-17 while Andale comes in at 16-4.
"They are a strong group with some solid post players and they move well with active hands and feet,” Abilene head coach Mike Liby said. "We have to change some things up on them. They like to drive and we’ll need to see if we can slow that down.”
Andale has looked unstoppable for stretches of the season, averaging nearly 50 points per game while holding their opponents to just over 30 a night.
The Indians have been playing some of their best basketball recently, and in addition to a strong regular season resume, will enter the bracket on a five-game win streak.
On the other side of things, Abilene continues to put the pieces together but still has question marks coming into this year's postseason.
“We’ve had players develop throughout the season and I’m happy with that,” Liby said. "The timing of things is where we have issues still. Andale is quick, long, and active. We’ll need shots to come early and often.”
In addition to looking for a massive upset, the Cowgirls will be looking to stop a skid as well after falling in each of their final seven regular-season contests.
Despite the recent hardships, Abilene remains committed to giving themselves a chance with a fresh slate ahead of the playoffs.
“We’ve always looked at the season as preparing for this game,” Liby said. “This is the one that carries the most weight. Mentally we are confident we’re going to do the best we can.
Tip-off between the Cowgirls and Indians is set for 6 pm at Andale High School with the winner advancing to the sub-state final to play 11-9 Winfield or 8-11 Augusta for a ticket to state.
For more on both Abilene teams at sub-state, stay tuned to the Salina Post.