By TYLER HENRY
Salina Post contributor
The Abilene boy’s basketball team once again finds themselves in a strong position with a month of regular-season basketball left to play.
The Cowboys have rolled out to an 11-4 start and were ranked as the #7 team in Class 4A to begin the month of February.
While Abilene has stumbled a few times this season, the Cowboys have always found ways to respond, with wins of 81-24 and 75-48 following two of their four losses.
Abilene has been led in scoring by Kaleb Becker who has been averaging 18 points per game to go along with a team-leading seven rebounds.
Becker has been backed up by an incredibly deep supporting cast including fellow double-digit scorer Triston Cottone and four more players averaging at least six points per game.
Among those who have stepped up for Abilene is Cooper Wildey, who has come through for the Cowboys in a number of ways in his senior season.
“Cooper Wildey has been a good leader for us,” Abilene head coach Erik Graefe said. “Specifically, he has helped with rebounding.”
While the offense has looked rock solid this year, averaging over 60 points per game, there is still growth to be found as the regular season winds to a close.
“We still need to be a more patient offensive team,” Graefe said. “Down the stretch, every game will be a challenge.”
The straightaway of the Cowboy’s regular season will not be forgiving, highlighted by meetings with 8-5 Wamego, 8-7 Clay Center, and 13-1 Hays, who currently sit as the #3 team in Class 5A.
These games will be an opportunity for Abilene to sharpen its skills before taking on sub-state in early March.
“I think we can be a very difficult team to play in the playoffs,” Graefe said.”
The Cowboys will be back in action on Friday night as they prepare to host the 6-8 Marysville Bulldogs.
For continuing coverage of both Abilene basketball teams in 2022, stay tuned to the Salina Post.