The Salem boys will be looking for their first win this week with two games against Blue Ridge District teams. The Spartans hosted Northside Wednesday and will play Lord Botetourt in Daleville Friday.

The Northside results were too late for publication, but that was going to be a challenge for the young Spartans. Northside has possibly the best team in the area and is considered a state Class 3 contender. Salem lost to the Vikings by 37 points in the season opener in Roanoke County and Northside is still undefeated after beating Glenvar on Monday night.

On Friday, the Spartans will go up against a Lord Botetourt team that is also looking to crack the win column. LB is 0-3 and has struggled to score.

Salem was also 0-3 after falling to William Byrd last Friday. The Spartans dropped a 64-58 decision in their home opener.

“I thought our guys played exceptionally hard,” said Salem coach Kevin Garst. “We had our chances down the stretch, but we’re going to have to figure out a way to rebound better.”

Isaiah Donaldson had a big game for the Spartans with 19 points. He also led the Salem rebounders from his point guard position with 10 and had five assists. Alex Blanchard had 15 points, Manny Burwell had a dozen and Willie Plympton came off the bench for eight points and six boards.

Garst is hoping to get a couple players off the football team now that their season is over, but he won’t know anything until this week.

“I don’t really know at this point,” he said. “I know a few of them have talked about it, but I won’t know for sure until I see them out here.”