Southeast of Saline overpowers Russell in sub-state semifinal

RUSSELL, Kan. (Catch it Kansas) - The Southeast of Saline Trojans advanced to the championship game of the Russell 3A Boys Sub-State Tournament with a 66-38 victory over the hosting Russell Broncos.

The 21-1 Trojans quickly established a lead in the game jumping out to a 4-0 lead in less than two minutes. Southeast of Saline would score a total of 26 points in the first quarter alone. Nine of the points came from behind the three-point line. The bulk of the points came from eight field goals.

Russell managed to put 10 points on the board but was in a deep hole to start the second quarter.

Southeast of Saline would score 16 points in the second quarter and 17 in the third quarter.

Going into the fourth quarter, they held a 59-27 lead. This meant the game clock would run continuously until the game was over.

Nakari Morrical-Palmer of Southeast of Saline led all scorers with 20 points. He made one three-pointer, one free throw, and eight field goals.

Jordayn Buhrle led Russell in scoring with 10 points on three field goals and going four of four from the free-throw line.

“We were pretty locked in, energized, and ready to go,” said Southeast of Saline Head Coach Bryson Flax. “I thought we did a great job defensively and rebounded at a high level. We were able to get some easy opportunities in transition.”

Russell ends their season with a 14-8 record.

Southeast of Saline will face the Beloit Trojans for the third time this season in the championship game Saturday. Southeast won both previous games, 68-46 in December and 41-33 in February.

“You gotta come out and make plays,” said Coach Flax. “The familiarity we have with Beloit, and likewise them with us, helps back-to-back preparation. We are just going to have to be on our best to beat them as they are playing some really good basketball right now.”

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