The Salem High girls split their first two games of the new year to take an 8-3 record into Wednesday’s game with Lord Botetourt. Results were too late for publication as the Spartans hosted the Cavaliers, who also came in at 8-3.
Salem opened 2023 with a 52-48 win over Northside at Salem High last Wednesday. Freshman Emme Custer had 15 points and six rebounds to lead the Spartans while My’la Green had 14 points and six steals.
“It was a back and forth game overall,” said Salem coach Scott Jester. “We tightened up our defense in the second half and made winning plays down the stretch to pull out the victory.” On Friday the Spartans were at Cave Spring as they fell to 2-3 in the River Ridge District with a 57-37 loss to the Knights. Summer Bayne led Salem with seven points and 11 rebounds and Bailey Rider, another freshman who sat the early portion of the season with an injury, had six points and six boards.
“Give credit to Cave Spring, they played a great game and we did not play our best,” said Jester. “We’re looking forward to having some good practices and preparing for a very tough Lord Botetourt team this week.” Salem will be back in action Friday evening with a game at Pulaski, then the Spartans will host a tough Patrick Henry team at Salem High next Tuesday, January 17.