The Salem Wildcats were riding a 9 game losing skid after dropping their Duster Thomas Hoops Classic opener to the host Pinckneyville Panthers, however the Wildcats hit their stride with 2 straight wins putting them into yesterday’s consolation finals which Salem would control from start to finish in a 51-37 win over Carlyle. Salem outscored the Indians 27-13 in the middle two quarters to help pull away. Seth Bailey led Salem with 13 points and added 6 rebounds, Connor Tennyson had 12 points and 7 rebounds to go with 2 blocks and 2 steals, Gavin Zimmermann hit 2 big three’s as Carlyle tried to make a 2nd half run and Noah Nix and Brenan Lux combined for 10 big points inside. Salem returns to action Tuesday at home when they host Mount Vernon.
Also yesterday, the Olney Tigers won their 4th tournament title as they beat Benton 63-43, Pinckneyville beat Mt Carmel in the 3rd place game 61-57, Murphysboro over Jerseyville 39-27 in the 5th place game, Ballard Memorial took 7th over Meridian 76-45, Okawville won the 13th place game over Steelville 52-39 and Woodlawn earned a win over Trico in the 15th place game 59-53.
The Duster Thomas MVP was Ian Winkler of Olney joined on the All Tournament team by teammate Rex Hallam, Karmelo Abernathy of Murphysboro, Isaac Billington and Luke Melvin of Benton, Jace Birney of Ballard Memorial, Roderick Gatewood Jr of Meridian, Reid Harris and Karsen Konkel of Pinckneyville along with Gage Kinnard of Mt Carmel.
