When the season started both the boys and girls basketball teams had high hopes for the upcoming 2010-2011 season.  The big goal was the state tournament… Check.

   But their seasons began in two different directions.  Led by seven seniors the Lady Spartans were a Centennial League power finishing essentially one win away from a league championship.  Unfortunately, the girls did not win a fifth straight Glacier’s Edge tournament by losing in the championship game to Olathe East, but they quickly bounced back winning critical games down the stretch, including an important win over Seaman on senior night.  As a four seed they headed into sub-state with a 14-6 record.

   The boys, on the other hand, had a rough start.  With new coach, Beau Welch, taking over the team it took about half the season for the Spartans to hit their stride.  After a disappointing loss to Topeka High at home the boys came in early in the morning the next day for some self-evaluation.  That night they took down a state and Centennial League great, Highland Park.  Their run began there as they gained confidence and started playing together.  But despite that, they headed into sub-state play with a 9-11 record and were a six seed.

   Both teams were doubted a lot in their quest for their state run.  The girls were going to not only have to beat a tough Salina Central team but also the number one seed in the sub-state, Salina South, on their home floor.

   The boys would have to not only upset the three seed, Salina South, but also have to take down the third ranked team in the state, Salina Central.  Tough enough right? How about beating both of them in Salina?

   Improbable for both teams to make it right? Check.  Possible? Check.

   The chance for both teams to make it to state is comparable to the chance the Spartans would have to cover the court in 4.4 seconds and make a layup at the buzzer to win by one point.  Don’t tell Jackson Perez and the rest of the boys that’s impossible as they knocked off Salina Central in this dramatic fashion last Saturday winning 51-50 after knocking off Salina South by seven points two days prior.

   The Lady Spartans first knocked off Salina Central at home by a point before upsetting Salina South at their place.

   With all four games being close, the Emporia basketball teams are battle tested and willing to take on whoever comes at them.

   Going in as the seven seed the girls play McPherson tonight at 4:45 at the Expo Center in Topeka.  McPherson’s record stands at 20-2, but one of their losses came to a Salina South team that Emporia has defeated.

   As for the boys, they will battle against Kansas City Washington Thursday night at 6:30.  Like the McPherson girls, Washington is a tough team at 20-2.

   Fun, exciting, and successful season so far… Check.