Feb 07, 2023

Raiders host Fighting Irish in search of bounce back win

Posted Feb 07, 2023 8:22 PM

By TYLER HENRY
Little Apple Post contributor

As the regular season winds to a close, the Wamego and Chapman boy’s basketball teams will meet one final time in a league rematch that saw the Raiders emerge victorious 59-39 the first time around.

The Irish will come into this contest at 4-11 while Wamego enters at 9-6 looking to snap a short two-game skid.

For the Raiders, the emphasis down the stretch will be in their offensive play, where the team has surpassed the 50-mark just two times in their last eight games.

“We've got to find reliable scoring,” Wamego head coach Troy Hemphill said. “We have several players who are capable and we need contributions from all. We made a lot of shots and were able to turn them over a little in the first game, but I know they have vastly improved since the first time we played.”

That statement has rung true down the home stretch of the season, where the Irish are playing at a much higher level than they were during their 1-7 start.

Now, Chapman will look to measure their growth against several league foes that they will see for a second time, having already defeated one such opponent in Clay Center after losing by 20 the first time around.

“We didn’t play very good defense the first game [with Wamego] and we gave up way too many easy baskets,” Chapman head coach Drew Gruver said. “Rebounding was a big factor as well, they got way too many second-chance points and we gave up way too many points in the paint.”

As the rematch approaches, the Raider's preparation for Chapman has been similar to that of a brand new opponent, as Wamego looks to get back in the win column to begin their postseason push.

“They appear to be getting more consistent scoring and some of their inexperienced players look more comfortable,” Hemphill said. “They have really improved and we expect a tough game. We need to stick with our plan and hopefully, we'll play together well enough to string some baskets together.”

On the other side of the matchup, to surprise yet another league foe with a big victory, the Irish will need to play fundamentally sound for 32 minutes, and conjure the same confidence that got them two big wins last week.

“We need to take care of the ball and limit turnovers, especially live ball turnovers,” Gruver said. “Rebounding and not letting them get second chance opportunities will be important, offensively, shot selection will be big for us. We need to be disciplined, work together to get great shots, and shoot the ball with confidence.”

Tip-off between the Raiders and Irish is scheduled for 7:30 pm at Wamego High School following the girls’ game at 6:00.

For continuing coverage of all four teams throughout the home stretch of the season stay tuned to the Salina and Little Apple Posts.