By TYLER HENRY
Little Apple Post contributor
After sending Oskaloosa packing on Monday in a resounding 67-34 quarterfinal victory, the Wabaunsee boys' basketball team will turn their attention to a familiar foe as they prepare to face St. Mary's for a third time this year.
The Chargers will enter this semifinal matchup at 14-6 having won seven of their last eight while the Bears come in at 13-7 fresh off a 69-37 victory over KC Christian in their quarterfinal bout.
St. Mary's took both of the regular season meetings between these two, knocking off Wabaunsee 67-64 in Alma back in early January, and 58-43 at home just a few weeks ago.
Despite falling in both regular season games, the Chargers have seen the formula for beating the Bears play out before their eyes, and will look to match pace on Thursday night.
"The simple answer is we have to put the ball in the hoop," Wabaunsee head coach Christian Ulsaker said. "I know what Hurla is doing is special, but they still only scored 67 in 2OT and 58 the two times we played them. You can’t hope St. Mary’s is going to have an off-night shooting. We have to counter their blows with a blow of our own and remember that players win games."
On the other side of the bracket, the #1 team in the state in Lyndon (20-1) will square off with the 5-seed in Cair Paravel (9-12) for the other ticket to the sub-state final at 5:30 on Saturday.
Tip-off between the Chargers and Bears is set for 7:30 at St. Mary's High School.
For continuing coverage of Wabaunsee hoops all throughout sub-state stay tuned to the Little Apple Post and follow us on Twitter @spostsports.