By TYLER HENRY
Salina Post contributor
The month of December is finally here and with it, a return to the hardwood across the state of Kansas.
High school basketball is back, and to begin their 2020-2021 season, the Southeast of Saline Lady Trojans will host one of the best 3A girls programs in the state in the Hesston Swathers.
“Hesston is a well coached team and they’ve been good forever,” Trojan head coach Shauna Smith said. “Every year when you play them you know they’re going to be tough and you know they’re going to continue to bring good kids into their system.”
Last year’s Hesston team was no exception to that rule, finishing with a 16-7 overall record.
But heading into the new year, the Swathers will be looking for a new identity after graduating a full class of seniors from the year before.
Hesston will likely start one senior in Alex Martin, three juniors in Caryn Yoder, Katie Kueker and Harley Ferralez, and a sophomore in Adam Humphreys.
Of that starting five Yoder had the biggest impact last season averaging six points per game.
To counter Hesston, Southeast of Saline will be starting three juniors in Karsyn Schlesener, Alaina Yianakopolus and Mallorie Pearson, as well as two sophomores in Avery Caselman and Reagan Goetz.
While this Trojan team has great potential and should be solid on defense, coach Smith noted the importance of finishing shots when SES gets good looks.
“We have to make some baskets, it’s great to get to the rim but you have to finish the play. Defensively I think we do a good job but we need to make sure that we’re scoring efficiently, that’s something that in the past has held us back a bit.”
Tipoff is scheduled for 6pm at Southeast of Saline High School. Once again Eagle Radio is the home for Trojan boys and girls basketball and games can be heard live on KINA (910 AM or 107.5 FM).
You can also read our full season preview of the Southeast of Saline girls team HERE.