The Salem Wildcats finished their run at the Capital Classic with a 2-2 record after winning their finale over Red Hill on Saturday night in Lawrenceville 81-72.
The Wildcats trailed 17-14 after the opening quarter but a 31 point 2nd quarter helped them to a 45-35 halftime lead. Red Hill would regain the lead briefly with 2 minutes left in the game, but Payton Gullion hit a three pointer to put Salem back on top and they would hold on with free throws late.
The Cats were led by Avery Gullion with 24 points, he averaged 17 in the tournament to lead the Cats. Ryegan Warren was great again as he finished with 19 points but helped Salem keep their lead in the 3rd quarter scoring 8 points. Logan Butts finished with 12 along with Payton Gullion and Kaeden Bevolo added 11 as all five starters were in double figures for the Cats. Salem averaged 62 points per game in the tournament and will open up their home schedule tomorrow night when they host St Anthony.
Lawrenceville put 4 on the All-Tournament team including MVP Zander Cessna. Olney’s Casey Thomann was also honored. Lawrenceville beat TTown in the championship game 56-51. It snaps a stream of three straight Capital Classic championship games that they had lost.
Vincennes won 3rd place over Fairfield 49-45 and Olney won the 5th place game over Mt Carmel 58-33. All 4 teams in Salem’s pool won their trophy games and Salem, Vincennes and Olney each finished with identical 2-2 records.
The Salem freshmen Wildcats open up their season today with a trip to Vandalia.
Complete All Tournament Team:
Zander Cessna – Lawrenceville (MVP)
Jacek Mickiewicz – Lawrenceville
Gavin Addis – Ttown
Landyn Thoele – Ttown
Casey Thomann – Olney
Owen Gruen – Fairfield
Marcus Davis – Red Hill
Leyton Battles – Vincennes
Jayden Goff – Lawrenceville
Noah Wilson – Lawrenceville
Shain Meador – Mt Carmel
