Charlotte, NC- Salem Spirits stepped outside of conference play, to take on the Wildcats of Johnson and Wales University. Spirits were limited to only seven players, were unable to match the firepower of 6th ranked Johnson and Wales, and fell in a final score of 66-83.
First year player Sydney Bowen and Senior Tamara Blanton, led the Spirits offensively scoring 22 and 21 points respectively. Senior forward Aaliyah Webb pitched in with 14 points. First Year guard Chaniece Moss, turned in a solid blue-collared effort recording 7 rebounds, 7 assists, and 6 steals on the night.
The Wildcats jumped out to an early lead and never looked back. Four players scored in double figures, led by Ineesha Hankerson's 21 points. Chase Muhammad had 17 points, Bianca Covington added 15 points, and Jada Morgan chipped in with 10 points in the contest.
Coach Mohney, "I'm extremely proud of our efforts tonight and how in each game we continue to fight to the finish. Our seniors really have stepped up their game in these finals contests and are playing their best basketball. That in turn is pushing our under classmen to step up and play out their seniors finals season and to be better for their seasons to come. We saw this tonight as Chaniece Moss had 7 assists and 6 steals while Sydney Bowen led all scorers with a career high 22 points. "
The Spirits return to action on Saturday as they face the Greensboro College Pride on the road for a 2:00pm tipoff.