Ell-Saline is still undefeated this season after their contest against Bennington on Thursday, but Bennington came as close as anyone has to beating them. The Ell-Saline Cardinals narrowly escaped with a win as the team sidled past the Bennington Bulldogs 47-44. Given the Cardinals' advantage in MaxPreps' Kansas basketball rankings (they are ranked 31st, while the Bulldogs are ranked 96th), the result wasn't entirely unexpected.
When it comes to explaining why Bennington lost, don't look at Isaiah Garrett. Despite the final result, he almost dropped a double-double on 14 points and nine boards. The team also got some help courtesy of Payge Rodenbeek, who posted eight points and five rebounds.
Cardinals
| 01/23/25 vs Bennington | 47-44 |
| 12/17/24 vs Ellinwood | 66-36 |
| 12/14/24 vs Bennington | 64-56 |
| 12/13/24 vs Republic County | 46-28 |
| 12/06/24 vs Herington | 73-19 |
| + 5 more games |
Ell-Saline's victory was their tenth straight at home dating back to last season, which pushed their record up to 10-0. The wins came thanks to their offensive performance across that stretch, as they averaged 60.8 points per game. As for Bennington, their loss dropped their record down to 6-4.
Ell-Saline wasted no time getting back out on the court and has already played their next match, a 58-41 win against Elyria Christian on the 24th. Bennington has also already played their next game, a 50-40 defeat against Berean Academy on the 24th.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
