WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – The Salem basketball team wraps up a three-game homestand on Wednesday, Nov. 20, when it plays host to Johnson & Wales at 6:30 p.m. in Varsity Gym.
Salem, which remains in search of its first win of the season, is looking to rebound from a tightly-contested 58-55 setback to Warren Wilson on Saturday, Nov. 16. Salem's Alize Brooks scored a game-high 21 points and teammate Sydney Bowen added 13, however it was the trio of Asia Caldwell, Danielle Hinkelman and Kalie Mayo that was instrumental in helping Warren Wilson complete a fourth quarter rally to down the Spirits by the three-point margin.
Brooks led the way for the Spirits, who dropped to 0-2 on the season, by hitting 8-of-15 from the floor and 3-of-5 from beyond the arc. She also contributed three rebounds and three steals in 32 minutes of action.
Bowen, reaching double figures for the first time this season, capped off a 13-point effort by connecting of 4-of-17 field goals, 3-of-4 free throws and a pair of long distance 3-pointers. Bowen, who was active both on offense and defense, emerged with five steals, four assists and three rebounds in the setback.
With those two double-digit scoring performances, Brooks (28) and Bowen (20) lead the way for the Spirits in scoring. Teammate Lauren Privette, with 21 rebounds (16 defensive) to her credit, anchors the post for Salem. She is closely followed by Aubrey Slaughter, who has snagged 16 rebounds, including 12 on the defensive glass.
Johnson & Wales is 3-2 entering the contest after suffering a 67-61 loss to Brunswick Community College on Friday, Nov. 12. The Wildcats have scored at least 65 points in their three wins, which came over South Carolina Faith A&M (131-30), Morris (67-56) and Pfeiffer (78-75).
The Wildcats are led statistically by the combination of Justice Wallace (83 points) and Ineesha Hankerson (63) on offense. They are two of five Johnson & Wales players averaging double figures in points, along with Ja'Yon Leak (15.5 ppg), Shannon Martin (10.4) and Jada Morgan (10.0).
For more information on Salem basketball check out www.salemspirits.com.
