The Salem High boys’ finally opened their basketball season on Monday night as the Spartans hosted Pulaski County. The game was close throughout before the Cougars, who have been playing since December, took a 53-45 win.
“I feel like we’re still getting to know each other,” said first year Salem coach Micah Boyd. “We haven’t had a lot of full-blown practices and that was pretty evident. We should be a much different team in a couple weeks.”
Tanner Dallas led Salem with 13 points, 11 of which came in the first quarter as Salem jumped to an early lead. Pulaski pulled in front in the second quarter and led the rest of the way, although Salem never let it get out of hand. Qualee Robinson also had 13 points.
Both teams wore masks for the game, which was something new for the Cougars. Pulaski County has allowed sports since the VHSL’s December 21 starting date but masks haven’t been required for the players. However, the Salem School System is requiring both teams to wear masks for indoor sports as of this time.
“We practice in masks, so it wasn’t a big deal,” said Boyd. “The only problem I saw was that it was hard for them to hear each other on the court.”
The Spartans will be back in action on Friday with a game at Patrick Henry. Then, on Monday, the Spartans are at James River to take on one of the top Class 2 teams in the area. The Knights are coached by former Roanoke College point guard Ethan Humphries, who is also a first year head coach, and he has some strong returning players as well as two all-district transfers from Alleghany.
A busy schedule continues with a home game against PH on Tuesday of next week, followed by a return trip to Pulaski a week from today. Fans are not allowed except for one parent each among the seniors.
“It’s exciting just to be able to play,” said Boyd. “The kids felt great just to be able to put the uniform on and compete. I just hope we’re able to finish the season.”