By TYLER HENRY
Salina Post contributor
Fresh off their first winning season in over two decades, the Ell-Saline Boys basketball team will put their newfound success to the test when they host Herington for the opening round of sub-state on Monday.
The Cardinals will come into this contest at 12-8 overall while the Railers enter at 6-14, having lost four in a row to end their regular season.
These two met back on December 2nd in a season opener that would go down as an Ell-Saline rout as the Cardinals cruised to a 60-19 victory.
Ahead of this postseason matchup, the community of Brookville has been buzzing, as their Cardinals prepare to make their first real playoff push in quite some time.
"We just want to take care of business and enjoy the ride," Ell-Saline head coach Marty Wendel said. "It's been a while since this community had a boy's basketball team to rally around and they have that now. We can't thank them enough for the support and love they have shown us to this point."
The winner of this game will await the victor between Bennington (16-4) and Northern Heights (3-17), potentially setting up a rivalry rematch between the Cardinals and Bulldogs.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the bracket, Chase County (17-3) will host Marion (3-17), with the winner moving on to take on Sacred Heart (11-9) or Hillsboro (9-11).
Tip-off between the Cardinals and Railers is set for 7:00 at Ell-Saline high school in Brookville.
For continuing coverage of Cardinal and Lady Cardinal hoops all throughout sub-state, stay tuned to the Salina Post.