March 7, 2026 @ Smith Center, KS - #4 Seeded Ell-Saline Cardinals had a tough game against the #1 seeded Sterling Black Bears in the final round of Sub-State. Sterling is the defending state champions (2025) in Class 2A.
(Photo Gallery by Diane Dowell)
Coach Marty Wendel and Assistant Coach Logan Harner
When the final buzzer sounded, the Cardinals' season came to an end, but the story of this team goes far beyond tonight's scoreboard. Through every practice, every battle on the court, and every moment of adversity, these players showed heart, grit and pride in wearing the Cardinal colors.
Though the journey stops here, the memories, lessons, and bonds built along the way will carry far and beyond the final game.
Ell-Saline falls to Sterling in the finals of Sub-state, ending their 2025-2026 season at 18-6.
Final game of the 2025-2026 season ends in a loss to Sterling, in the finals of Sub-State, held on March 7, 2026, in Smith Center, KS.
Box score courtesy of Todd Senecal