By TYLER HENRY
Little Apple Post contributor
After splitting their first four games to open up the 2022-23 campaign, a rested and rejuvenated Wabaunsee boys’ basketball team will be excited to get back on the floor on Friday night when they host the 2-4 Bears from St. Mary’s.
At 2-2, this matchup represents not only an opportunity for Wabaunsee to rise above .500 and gain a leg up on a league opponent, but also a chance to gain some ground in their sub-state, where the Bears and Chargers will share a bracket come late February.
Critically, Wabaunsee will once again employ the services of stellar standout Eli Oliver, who missed the first three games of December for the Chargers.
“I am glad to have Eli back,” Wabaunsee head coach Christian Ulsaker said. “I believe his presence on the court will be a game-changer for us. We still need to limit turnovers and create easier opportunities for baskets on our offensive end.”
Like many teams this week, the Chargers will have to find ways to settle back into their routine and rhythm early after nearly three weeks off the hardwood for the holidays.
“It’s always a challenge knocking off that rust that you may acquire over any extended break from hoops, but we ran a lot of game-like situations over the break.”
Unlike Wabaunsee, the Bears have already returned to the court in the new year after tussling with and falling to ranked Wamego 61-55 on Tuesday.
Now, these two league and sub-state rivals prepare to square off in the first of two showdowns this regular season.
While St. Mary’s has come out on the losing end of four of their six games, the Bears have hung tough against bigger opponents like Wamego, Silver Lake, and Nemaha Central already, and should provide a good test for a Charger team still settling in.
“They run a multitude of offenses that allow their players to be basketball players,” Ulsaker said. “They have solid guards that can really shoot it. We have to limit our turnovers, execute our transition defense and be tougher than our opponent on the glass.”
Tip-off between the Chargers and Bears is set for 7 pm in Alma following the girl’s game at 6:30.
For continuing coverage of Charger and Lady Charger hoops all season long, stay tuned to the Little Apple Post and follow us on Twitter @spostsports.