Two southeast Iowa rivals open up their high school boys basketball season this evening in Wellman. The Washington Demons’ are making the short trip north to Tim Grady Gymnasium for a non-conference basketball game with the Mid-Prairie Golden Hawks in Wellman.

The two teams have met nine times on the court since the 2008-09 season with Washington winning five of the nine contests. The Demons have recently taken control of the series, winning four of the last five games since the 2011-12 season.

Washington has the edge in experience returning to the court. The Demons return four seniors who contributed major statistics last season, led by first team all-conference performer Thomas Bump. Bump along with Dayrn Sebelius, Gage Redlinger, and Blake Wiedman, made up 66% of Washington’s offense last season as juniors.

Washington boys’ basketball coach Bryce Smeins says he expects some opening night jitters from his team. “All these guys have played in a state championship of some sort; whether it be baseball, or track, or football.” Smeins said, “However, the first one the team normally come out a little nervous. It will be important for them to take a deep breath and to get into their game.”

On the opposite side, Mid-Prairie is replacing their top six scorers for last season. Junior Noah Faselt returns as the team’s most experienced player. Faselt, an all-conference honorable mention, averaged 3.7 points and 1.7 assists as a sophomore.

Mid-Prairie boys’ basketball coach Chris Kern says his team will have to play well in several areas in order to have a chance to win the game. “We are going to have to play very good defense against Washington and outrebound them in order to win the game,” Kern said, “Coach Smeins always has his team ready to play and they will play hard.”

Tonight’s game between Washington and Mid-Prairie can be heard on AM and FM KCII and KCIIradio.com after the conclusion of the girls’ contest.