ELLINWOOD – When Southeast of Saline met Ellinwood Monday, the schools celebrated a rare father/son basketball coaching tandem.

Ellinwood boys basketball coach Jaron Lane and Southeast of Saline boys basketball coach Bryson Flax continue the tradition of coaching passed down from their fathers, who both coached Ellinwood basketball teams.

Former Ellinwood boys basketball coach Grant Lane (1998-2005) was honored Monday by his son Jaron Lane with a piece of the Ellinwood gym floor that was used from 1954 until 2023.

Former Ellinwood boys basketball coach Francis Flax (1972-1979) was also presented a piece of the Ellinwood gym floor by his son Bryson Flax.

The fathers each coached seven seasons at Ellinwood.

Ellinwood patron Larry Drees proposed the coaching recognition after seeing Southeast of Saline on the Eagles' schedule.

"Thanks to Larry Drees, who made sure I'd be there," Grant Lane said. "It was a neat deal. Coach Flax and I came from two different basketball eras."

Grant Lane was surprised by the tribute. Prior to Ellinwood, he coached Leoti High School to two state basketball trips.

"I waited for more coaches to be introduced, and it was coach Flax and myself," Lane said. "I was just hoping the fans would cheer us."

When Grant Lane coached, the Eagles competed in the MCAA League, which included most of the current Central Kansas League members plus Wichita Collegiate.

"Collegiate was hard to beat, but we beat them a few times," he said. "The MCAA was a tough 3A-4A league." 

Ellinwood (10-8) lost projected starter Cooper Hosman and starter Campbell Coleman to injuries. Mason Moore has also missed court time.

"I'm proud of Jaron, who's way ahead of me when I was 23 years old," Grant Lane said. ""Ellinwood plays strong defense, which gives them a chance to compete. It's been a lot of fun for me watching my son coach. Jaron will have a good memory."