By TYLER HENRY
Little Apple Post contributor
After a 42-33 upset of the 3-seeded Lions, the Riley County girls basketball team will return to Minneapolis for the sub-state semifinal to take on the 2-seed in Smoky Valley.
The Lady Falcons come into this game at 9-10 while the Vikings enter at 15-6, fresh off a confident 53-33 win over the Ellsworth Bearcats.
While many were surprised by the first-round upset, Riley County was well prepared for that quarterfinal after facing a gauntlet of a 2021-22 season.
“Going on the road and winning the first round of sub-state has given the girls confidence and energy moving forward,” Falcons head coach Kelsey Nelson said. “Our record reflects a very difficult regular-season schedule but the girls have grown throughout and have set their eyes on playing their best basketball at this time.
Riley County has done just that, playing stifling defense down the stretch, holding their opponents to under 40 points per game this season.
“Our biggest strength is our defense and the way we control the game,” Nelson said. “When we play to our standard we are able to hold teams below their average with our active defense and rebounding. The girls do a great job of understanding the game plan and then going out and executing it.”
The Falcons will have their hands full with a Smoky Valley team that has won five of their last seven in convincing fashion, and whose offense averages well over 40 points per game.
“They have a really good guard that controls the game with the way she can shoot and drive,” she said. “They have two post players that are very athletic and can spread the court. We must play sound defense and limit them to one shot per possession.”
On the Riley County side of things, the Falcons have been led all season by the scoring trio of Hailey Sharp, Lindsey Roles, and CJ Rignell, who have combined to score nearly 30 points per game.
“Offensively we need movement and to continue to be aggressive to the basket,” Nelson said. “That will create shot opportunities or the option to dish to our teammates for a shot. When we run our set plays we need to execute and be ready to adjust to their defense.
Tip-off between the Falcons and Vikings is set for 6 pm with the winner advancing to face either Southeast of Saline or Beloit in the sub-state championship game on Saturday.
Tonight’s game will be streamed on the Salina, Little Apple, and JC Post thanks to First Bank Kansas.
For continuing coverage of Riley County at sub-state, stay tuned to the Little Apple Post.