The Salem Wildcats will continue play today at the Duster Thomas Hoops Classic in the final championship quarterfinal at 1:30 against Sparta after Salem pulled another rabbit out of their hat on Saturday night against Okawville.
Trailing 24-11 after a dismal first half offensively, Salem bounced back to outscore the Rockets 31-16 in the second half including 18-7 in the fourth quarter for a 42-40 win. Kaeden Bevolo made the game winning basket with 4 seconds left on a great pass from Ryegan Warren. Avery Gullion was limited to just 13 minutes of action with foul trouble, but finished with 6 points, 8 rebounds and a tournament leading 4 blocked shots. Bevolo led Salem with 13, Payton Gullion added 9, Warren finished with 8 points and 5 assists. Salem is 7-5 on the season with game time from the Duster at 1:30 on WJBD.
Also in opening round action on Saturday, Murphysboro beat Mt Carmel 59-32, Jerseyville 44-37 over Carlyle, Steelville beat Olney 52-42, Woodlawn routed Meridian 73-51, Roxana 55-33 over Chester, Pinckneyville beat Christopher 58-25 and Sparta 68-37 over Trico.
