Salem’s bass fishing team added another impressive accomplishment to an already remarkable season, dominating the ICASSTT Clash Champions tournament on Lake Springfield and placing five boats among the top 10 in a field of 90 competitors.
Leading the way for the Wildcats was the duo of Mya Russell and Cole Beard, who captured the tournament championship with a two-day total of 29.2 pounds of fish. Their performance highlighted a weekend in which Salem anglers consistently found success on the water against some of the state’s top competition.
The Wildcats’ depth was on full display throughout the event. Kai Graham and Jaxon Ward secured a third-place finish, while Zane Barthelemy and Lucas Hodge placed sixth. Landen Maxey and Keytin Grawe added a ninth-place finish, and Damon Jennings and Landon White rounded out Salem’s top-10 performers in 10th place.
Logan Butts and Nicholi Marhanka also represented Salem well, finishing 34th overall in the large field.
The strong showing is the latest highlight in a season filled with success for the Wildcats. Salem recently captured the CASSTT Team of the Year title, establishing itself as one of the premier high school fishing programs in Illinois.
With the Clash Champions tournament now complete, the Wildcats turn their attention to the season’s biggest stage. Russell and Graham will represent Salem this weekend at the IHSA State Bass Fishing Tournament, looking to cap off an outstanding year with another strong performance.
As the postseason continues, Salem’s results throughout the spring have demonstrated both exceptional talent and depth, qualities that have made the Wildcats one of the state’s most successful bass fishing programs this season.
