By TYLER HENRY
Salina Post contributor
The SES boys basketball team fell 53-44 to the defending state champion Hesston Swathers on Friday night, falling to 0-1 on the young season.
The Trojans came flying out of the gates, knocking down three straight triples and taking an early 13-point lead, but a dismal four-point second quarter allowed the Swathers to climb back in and stay ahead for the rest of the game.”
“We came out hot which was important but we knew that they’d settle in and that we’d have to score consistently,” SES head coach Bryson Flax said. “We got off to a quick 20 but we got stuck there for a quarter and a half and that can’t happen.”
Southeast was led in scoring by Eli Sawyers, who was the lone Trojan over six points with a 17-point performance.
“I thought we did a decent job of moving the ball around and getting guys touches in good spots,” Flax said. “We told them all week that we couldn’t be soft around these guys and that we had to be physical and unfortunately it came down to that a little bit but we’ll learn from it.”
Hesston had a trio of double-digit scorers, led by an 18-point night from Jake Proctor.
Things won’t get much easier for SES as the team prepares for a quick turnaround and another road game at Smoky Valley on Tuesday before opening their home schedule with Beloit.
While the pre-Christmas schedule will be a trying one, the Trojans see this gauntlet as an opportunity to learn and evaluate where they stand ahead of the new year.
“I would much rather learn who we are in these tough games than win by 30 but win soft,” Flax said. “There are things we have to improve on and once the season gets going you have to adjust on the fly.”
Tipoff between the Trojans and Vikings is set for 7 pm in Lindsborg.
For more on SES hoops, stay tuned to the Salina Post.