The #2 ranked 3A Southeast of Saline Trojans are set to tip their season off Friday night against the #1 ranked and defending state champions, Hesston Swathers in what will be their toughest test of the season. 

The Trojans face a brand new Hesston squad led by first year coach Garret Roth, a former Swather basketball star himself. The starting 5 is full of new faces with the only returning starter being senior, Jake Proctor, who received first-team all CKL and second-team 3A all state honors last season.  

The inexperienced Swather squad hopes to build off their 25-1, state championship campaign. 

Ranked #2 despite losing no starters compared to Hesston’s four, Southeast comes into this match-up with a chip on their shoulders. The Trojans, led by seniors Eli Sawyers and Nakari Morrical-Palmer look to use their maturity to their advantage against a new-fangled Hesston lineup.

Last year this familiar Trojan group, led by 5th year coach Bryson Flax, battled their way to a 22-4 record, finishing third in the state tournament. The Trojans were unranked to begin the season.

The Trojans and Swathers met last year in the opening game resulting in a 53-44 Hesston victory.

Projected Southeast lineup:

(PG) Drake Augustine

(SG) Daniel Kejr

(SF) Luke Gebhardt

(PF) Nakari Morrical-Palmer

(C)   Eli Sawyers

Key Notes:

• The Trojans look to use their deep bench consisting of seniors: Kayson Lilley, Drew Richardson, Jake Gebhardt and Caden Isaacson .
• Hesston comes into this game with only three lettered players.
• The Swathers are back to back defending state champions
• Fairly even size match-ups.
• Trojans are far the more experienced team.
• Players receiving all state honors in this meeting consist of: Jake Proctor (Hesston) second team , Eli Sawyers (Southeast) first team , Nakari Morrical-Palmer (Southeast) Honorable mention , Luke Gebhardt (Southeast) Honorable mention.

Trojans tip off at home at 7:30 pm (CT) and can be listened to on KINA (910 AM, 107.5 FM) .