By TYLER HENRY
Little Apple Post contributor
After completely righting the ship, winning seven of their last eight following a 2-4 start, the Wabaunsee boy’s basketball team will receive another good test tonight in the form of Mission Valley.
The Chargers will come into this contest at 9-5 overall while the Vikings enter at 9-6, also improving down the stretch and on a four-game winning streak.
With both teams expecting a battle on Tuesday night, this game could present Wabaunsee with an opportunity to establish themselves as a closer, something they are continuing to work on in the final month of the season.
“I still want to see us learn how to close out games that are tight in the fourth quarter,” Charger head coach Christian Ulsaker said. “Mission Valley is a tough-nosed team coached really well. They like to switch screens so I am hoping we can exploit some mismatches when they present themselves.
This contest will see a contrast in styles and tempo, with each side looking to force the other to play at their pace. In this game more than ever, dictating that tempo will be critical for a Wabansee team that loves to get out on the break.
“Mission Valley wants to slow the tempo down and play a half-court game,” Ulsaker said. “We need to push the ball in transition and get easy buckets that way. We also need to find a body and box out, they crash the boards hard.”
Defensively, Wabaunse will be tasked with slowing a three-headed monster consisting of Kyle Brogan, Porter Deters, and AJ Rubio, who combine to make up the lion's share of the Viking points, averaging 28 points on any given night.
While all of these things will play a role in this game, ultimately, Wabaunsee will simply look for more of the same amidst a stretch that has seen the Chargers win seven of their last eight.
“We just need to play our game,” Ulsaker said. “We had a great practice yesterday and I decided to go away from our normal pregame practice routine and really get after it. The intensity was great and we need to roll that over to today's game.”
Tip-off between the Chargers and Vikings is set for 7:30 at Mission Valley High School following the girl’s game at 6:00.
For continuing coverage of Wabaunsee hoops down the home stretch of the season, stay tuned to the Little Apple Post.