The Salem Wildcats fell to Jerseyville in the opening round of the Duster Thomas Hoops Classic hosted by Pinckneyville. Salem got off to a good start taking a 32-22 halftime lead. However they were outscored 27-16 in the final two quarters including 21-7 in the third.
Jaxon Brunaugh hit a 3 from the top of the key in the game’s final 10 seconds to give the Panthers the lead and the win. He would finish with 22 points on 8-of-17 shooting. Abe Kribs added 10. Salem was led by Noah Nix and Kaeden Bevolo each with 12, Bevolo pulled down 6 rebounds along with Ayden Rose who also scored 9 points.
The Cats advance to play Mt Carmel in today’s noon consolation quarterfinal in the Auxiliary Gym. You can listen on WJBD. If Salem wins they will be back in action tonight at 8:30, a loss and they will play at 5:30.
Also in opening round games, Carlyle beat Trico 63-22, Murphysboro over Woodlawn 61-35, Roxana beat Chester 46-33, Benton 61-40 over Steeleville. Pinckneyville routed Mt Carmel 77-17, Meridian outgunned Okawville 76-38 and Olney 58-40 over Christopher.
