Top-ranked Eagles complete perfect regular season with win over Salina South

Abby McCoy and Ryann Redinger, Editor-in-chief and engagements editor
February 18, 2019

Abby McCoy
The Eagles defeated Salina South 66-43, completing their regular season undefeated 20-0. Maize will be back in action at sub-state on Feb. 28 at home.

SALINA—20 down, five to go.

The boys basketball team defeated Salina South Monday night 66-43 to finish the regular season with a perfect 20-0 record.

“I’m feeling really happy about the win,” senior Tanner Ohnmeis said. “I’m definitely not satisfied yet. I’m ready to keep pushing it and win five more games.”

Ohnmeis scored 10 points for Maize.

Maize is the top-ranked team and only undefeated team in class 5A.

Ohnmeis said that the Eagles’ ultimate goal is a state championship. Senior Chase Schreiner, who had 17 points for the Eagles, agreed.

“It’s just a feeling of accomplishment,” Schreiner said. “It’s what we’ve been working for, but the real accomplishment will be what we do in the postseason.”

The Eagles jumped out to an early lead in the first quarter, but Salina South rallied to tie the score 19-19 at the end of the first quarter. At the half, Maize led Salina South 35-29.

“I told the guys ‘you scored 35 points in the first half, I mean it doesn’t matter what they are running at you, that’s a lot of points,” coach Chris Grill said.

Maize came out strong after halftime, advancing their lead 52-34 after the third quarter.

Grill said he feels accomplished with the Eagles’ perfect season.

“You know, it’s what you do every year,” Grill said. “Come out to win your games, and we’ve came out and actually done it. I think it just says a lot about the players we have on the team. ”

Senior Brandle Easter Jr. added 16 points for the Eagles.

The boys will play their first round of sub-state Feb. 28 at home. The opponent has not been determined.

The Eagles are the No. 1 seed.

The state tournament will be March 7-9.

“It’s what we’ve been working for all these years,” Ohnmeis said. “To finally get it [to state].”