By ISAAC DEER
TopSports.news
Silver Lake’s Taylor Ross and Makenzie McDaniel’s 31 combined points and interior defense gave Wabaunsee fits on Thursday night.
The post play from McDaniel and Ross played a large part in Silver Lake’s 47-36 victory on Thursday night as 6-foot-1 McDaniel and 5-11 Ross had the size mismatch that created a lot of opportunities for the Eagles.
“The offensive rebounds and second-chance points they provide us are huge,” Silver Lake coach Kyle Porter said.”They’ve been a big factor for us this season and will be a huge factor for us as the season goes on.”
Although Ross and McDaniel were excellent, the dominance from Silver Lake’s interior contributors didn’t affect Wabaunsee early in the contest.
For three quarters, the Lady Chargers had the No. 1-ranked team in Class 3A right where they wanted them.
It’s not very often a team holds Silver Lake to just six points before a quarter ends. Wabaunsee did just that in the first quarter on Thursday night.
Wabaunsee’s shot selection combined with their aggressive man-to-man defense was eye-opening as Silver Lake couldn’t find a way to get around the Lady Chargers’ defense early.
Wabaunsee went on a 15-6 run in the first quarter. The run was led by the production of sophomore center Kaci Meseke, who had eight of the 15 fifteen points and forced two Silver Lake turnovers.
“Early on, our success had a big part in our patience,” Wabaunsee coach Trevor Keller said. “We got some very good looks and knocked down our free throws when we had the opportunity. We really slowed (Silver Lake) down and I thought we did a really good job on capitalizing when we needed to.”
“Give credit to Wabaunsee, they had a great gameplan against us,” Porter said. “Wabaunsee gave us fits, especially in the first half.”
Unfortunately for Wabaunsee, the second half was not as sweet as the first half.
Silver Lake’s shooting spree from inside of the 3-point line led to the LadyEagles outscoring the Chargers, 29-17, in the second half.
Front and center of Wabaunsee’s stellar effort on Thursday night were Karli Meseke and Kaci Meseke. The twins had over half of the team’s points, forced turnovers and assists.
Silver Lake looks to improve on a “lesson-filled” contest.
“In sub-state, we have to execute our game plans,” Porter said. “We have to continue to grind out each possession. Being a more consistent basketball team will help us going into sub-state and beyond.
“Our consistency needs to be better and I think we have what it takes, now it’s just time to go show it.”
McDaniel led Silver Lake with a game-high 18 points while Ross added 13.
Sub-state basketball will begin on Tuesday.
Silver Lake will host Royal Valley (7-13), while Wabaunsee will take on Ell-Saline (14-5) on the road.
WABAUNSEE BOYS 54, SILVER LAKE 39
Wabaunsee topped Silver Lake 54-39 in the regular-season finale for both teams.
Silver Lake fell to 7-13 on the season and will travel to Sabetha on Monday for a Class 3A sub-state opener.
Troy Heiman scored 15 points to lead the Eagles against the Chargers while Luke Womack added nine points.
Silver Lake played almost even with Wabaunsee over the final three quarter, with the Chargers holding just a 40-37 advantage, but the Eagles were unable to overcome a 14-2 deficit at the end of the first quarter.
