Ell-Saline on the rise
Ell-Saline basketball enjoying renaissance under Wendel (Photo: Submitted)
After a desolate stretch of 53 consecutive losses that ended three seasons ago, it’s safe to say Ell-Saline basketball has bounced back.
Currently sitting at 8-1 and ranked fourth in the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association Class 2A rankings, the Cardinals are coming off a Canton-Galva Tournament victory that included wins over sixth ranked Wichita Classical in the semifinals and the second ranked defending state champs Moundridge in the championship game.
Fourth year head coach Marty Wendel has seen progress in every season with the Cardinals so far, winning zero games in year one, three in year two, 13 last season, and now is on track to continue that upward trend.
Prior to the season, Wendel pointed out the importance of “leaders leading in every practice and every game,” and his players have delivered.
“That was a huge key for our success this season, and to be honest, that is a huge reason we are seeing success,” Wendel said. “Not only have our leaders been tremendous for us, but our younger guys have stepped up and helped lead as well.”
Seniors Marshall Johnson (8.8 ppg) and Joe Hiechel (2.3 ppg), along with juniors Brogan Rowley (15.5 ppg) and Garrison Zerger (3.7 ppg) were key players on last season’s team and have seens the ups-and-downs of prior campaigns, leaving them hungry for continued success.
Joining them in their hunt are sophomores Reese Krone (8.3 ppg), Trey Williams (10.2 ppg), and Kas Kramer (7.2 ppg), along with a strong supporting cast that pushes the varsity rotation daily.
“They get after each other in practices and challenge one another and if the guy on the other side of them isn't ready for the challenge that day, there is some talking between them to let them know," Wendel said. "Which then just brings the intensity to a whole ‘nother level.”
That other level has made Ell-Saline tough for teams to prepare for, given the number of ways they can hurt you offensively.
“We have had consistent scoring every game this season and what has helped that is our ability to score and be consistent from multiple positions,” Wendel said. “We aren't just relying on one or two guys to carry the load like we have in the past. This group is very coachable, unselfish, and they have worked their butts off to see this type of success.”
The Cardinals were off this week, thanks to winter weather, but play a make-up game against Sedgwick on Monday followed by a rematch against Moudridge on Tuesday.