By TYLER HENRY
Little Apple Post contributor
With the sun starting to set on the 2022-23 season, the Abilene and Wamego boys’ basketball teams will meet on Friday night for a rematch of a good game from early January.
The Red Raiders come into this contest at 10-6 while the Cowboys enter at 8-8, trying to avoid falling below .500 for the first time all season after losing four of their last five.
In general, we have had an issue with our confidence since the SIT,” Abilene head coach Erik Graefe said. “In particular, we haven’t rebounded the ball very well. We need to access our mojo again, and just remember why we love to play.”
On the other side of this matchup the Raiders are fresh off a bounce-back win over Chapman after falling to Eudora and Rock Creek in back-to-back games.
To sweep the season series with Abilene, Wamego will need to continue operating at an efficient level on offense, and work to overcome a pair of Cowboys who hurt them the last time these two met.
“We played well over there in the first half, and then really struggled with turnovers in the second half,” Raider head coach Troy Hemphill said. “They've had a tough stretch of their schedule but I think their team has plenty of offensive firepower to beat anyone. Cottone and Timbrook hurt us last time, we need to have good close-outs defensively and defeat the first dribble.”
That respect has been echoed by Abilene, who is preparing for another battle as they look to make a late-season push.
As always, I’m impressed with how well Wamego plays,” Graefe said. “They are well-coached and have really competitive kids. We shot the ball well late and will have to have a similar night on Friday to win.”
Tip-off between the Cowboys and Raiders is set for 7:30 pm at Wamego High School following the girls’ game at 6:00.
For continuing coverage of all four teams all season long stay tuned to the Salina and Little Apple Posts, and follow us on Twitter @spostsports.