By TYLER HENRY
Salina Post contributor
The Rock Creek girl’s basketball team will tip-off their sub-state run with a home semifinal against the Buhler Crusaders.
The Mustangs come into this contest ranked seventh in Class 4A with an overall record of 16-4 while the Crusaders limp into the postseason at 4-16.
Rock Creek has spread the love on offense with Lexi DeWeese, Grace Gehl, Brooklyn Goehring, and Claire Matzke combining to average 39 points per game for a team that has held their opponents to just 35 a night.
While the Mustangs need just two wins to punch their ticket to state, upsets loom around every corner of these tournaments, especially with 13-7 McPherson looming on the other side of the bracket.
“Anything outside of a trip to state will feel like a disappointment,” Rock Creek head coach Adam Plummer said. “Not a complete failure, but definitely disappointing.”
While the Lady Stangs are favored heavily on paper, the team knows that they will get Buhler’s best shot as the Crusaders attempt to stave off elimination.
“Buhler is going to compete and be physical with us,” Plummer said. “We are expecting their absolute best, they have nothing to lose.
For Rock Creek, staunch defense will remain a cornerstone of the game plan, especially against a Buhler offense that averages just over 30 points per game.
“We have to be able to apply ball pressure without getting beat off the dribble,” he said. “We need to keep them guessing so they can’t just play and react in a comfortable manner, so switching defenses will hopefully keep them off balance.”
While many teams might overlook a first-round opponent like this, the Mustang's intensity has not wavered in their preparation for this semifinal matchup.
“Our biggest key on a nightly basis to settle into our offense is bringing the mindset that we are going to have to compete not just have it given to us by the defense,” Plummer said. “Compete to get open on the wings, compete for post position, compete to set quality screens. When we do these things our offense has great rhythm and we get high percentage shots.”
Tip-off between the Lady Mustangs and Crusaders is set for 6 pm at Rock Creek High School with the winner advancing to the sub-state final to play either 13-7 McPherson or 8-12 Mulvane.
For continuing coverage of both Rock Creek basketball teams at sub-state stay tuned to the Little Apple Post.