By TYLER HENRY
Little Apple Post contributor
With the December portion of the season winding to a close, Rock Creek and Wabaunsee will battle it out on Friday, each looking to keep their respective ranking in an all-Manhattan area matchup.
The Mustangs come into this game at 2-2. ranked as the #9 team in Class 4A, while Wabaunsee enters at 2-1, ranked #10 in 2A.
Rock Creek has faced a gauntlet to open their season, taking on a pair of ranked opponents in Abilene and Clay Center. Despite the early-season tests and adversity, the Mustangs have remained vigilant and will be hungry to get back above .500 tonight.
“Other than the Abilene game we have been pretty good defensively,” Rock Creek head coach Justin Smith said. “I have been happy with the effort there. We still need to find someone that is willing to step up and score. We have really struggled to score and we have to find some guys that are going to step up there.”
On Wabaunsee’s side of the matchup, the Chargers have played well but are still looking to kick things up a notch heading into the break.
Our work ethic has been solid so far this year,” Charger head coach Christian Ulsaker said. “I think if you talked to our team they would agree we have not played up to our potential thus far, but they’ve owned that and are putting in the time to correct the mistakes we are seeing on film.”
While many teams around the state are using the month of December to establish their identity, Wabaunsee feels confident in who they are with a large group of returners and is working towards getting back to their peak level of play.
“We have seven seniors that understand their role on our team,” Ulsaker said. “Now it's just about getting games in to knock off more of that rust. We spend a lot of time in the gym, that's the only way to build your confidence. A player is not going to be confident with their shot if they do not practice it. The same can be said in regard to all other aspects of the game.”
Meanwhile, across town, Rock Creek is still fine-tuning their play, but has had real success despite this period of discovery.
“December is good for trying to find your identity, but we haven't done that yet,” Smith said. “We are still searching for our identity and what works for us.”
To take the next step and knock off a ranked area rival, Rock Creek will need to show excellence on the defensive end of the floor while working out the early-season wrinkles in their offense.
“They are well-coached and extremely disciplined,” Smith said. “They have some talented players that can score and handle the ball and do a really good job on the defensive end. It's a tough matchup for us, we have to do a better job trying to score with a purpose and we have to continue to defend the way that we have the last couple of games.”
Conversely, to keep their place in the 2A rankings and avoid falling to .500, Wabaunsee will have to value each possession against an aggressive Mustang defense.
“We have to be prepared for their pressure,” Ulsaker said. “They throw multiple presses at you throughout the game and they’re very athletic. Rock Creek has always had athletes, so we need to be better basketball players that display our basketball IQ. We have to limit our turnovers, finish through contact, and limit them to one shot.”
Tip-off between the Mustangs and Chargers is set for 7:30 pm at Rock Creek High School, following the girl's game at 6.
For continuing coverage of both programs stay tuned to the Little Apple Post and follow us on Twitter @spostsports.