The Ell-Saline varsity basketball squads hit the road Tuesday evening, traveling to Moundridge for a Heart of America League doubleheader.  The Wildcats held serve on their home floor, sweeping the Cardinals in Ell-Saline’s final league contests of the 2018-19 season.

In the girls’ battle, Moundridge used a suffocating full-court press to force 19 Ell-Saline turnovers in the first half, helping the Wildcats out to a 31-14 halftime lead.

Despite playing without two starters due to illness, Ell-Saline found its focus in the second half while taking better care of the basketball, but the 17-point halftime deficit was simply too much to overcome, with the Wildcats earning the 56-38 victory

Moundridge (12-7, 5-3) was led by junior guard Hailey Unruh, who finished with a game-high 13 points.  Freshman post Kate Eichelberger added 11 points off the Wildcat bench in the victory.

Ell-Saline (0-18, 0-9) received a balanced offensive effort, with nine players hitting the scoring column on the night.  Freshman guard Raynee Hardesty, making her first varsity start, led Ell-Saline with eight points.  Three Cardinals added five points a piece in the loss.

SCORE BY QUARTERS:

Ell-Saline         6     8     8   16  –  38

Moundridge   18   13   10   15  –  56

In the nightcap, Moundridge ended the suspense early, pouring 32 points onto the scoreboard in the first quarter to forge a 32-7 lead after the game’s first eight minutes.  The Wildcats pushed the lead to 30 at the break on their way to a 77-49 victory.

Moundridge (13-6, 5-3) received four double-digit efforts, with senior Dillon Vogts leading all scorers on the night with 22 points.  Senior Remington Creed and junior Brady Helms each chipped in 14 points, while senior Kevin Vivanco had 11 points in the win.

Ell-Saline (3-16, 1-8) was led by junior Sawyer Kramer’s 19-point effort, while sophomore Treyton Peterson scored 18 points in the Cardinal defeat.

SCORE BY QUARTERS:

Ell-Saline         7    16    13   13  –  49

Moundridge   32   21   14   10  –  77

The Cardinals will close out regular season action on Senior Night in Brookville next Monday, hosting the Southeast of Saline Trojans in a non-league matchup.

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