WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – The Salem basketball team will compete in its first road game of the season on Saturday, Nov. 23, when the Spirits travel to Rock Hill, S.C., for a 2 p.m. clash.
Salem (0-3) remains in search of its first win of the season after suffering a hard-fought 69-58 setback on Wednesday evening to Johnson & Wales at Varsity Gym. The Spirits, who are averaging 50.7 points per game in their first three contests, are led by the tandem of Alize Brooks (46 points) and Lauren Privette (34 rebounds).
In action on Wednesday, Nov. 20, Johnson & Wales capitalized on a 21-point, 20-rebound performance by Ineesha Hankerson, as it came away with the 11-point victory at Varsity Gym. The Spirits were led by the backcourt duo of Brooks and Dionne Sampson, who combined for 35 points and five steals.
Brooks led all Salem scorers with 18 points, hitting 7-of-24 from the floor and 2-of-6 from the free throw line. She knocked down a pair of long range 3-pointers, while grabbing five rebounds and handing out two assists. Sampson established her single-game season high for the Spirits, who slipped to 0-3 on the season, by hitting 7-of-13 from the floor along with a pair of 3-pointers.
Privette (13 rebounds) and Aubrey Slaughter (10) provided a presence in the post for Salem, which had 47 total rebounds, including 16 on the offensive glass. Privette pulled down six offensive rebounds, while Slaughter snagged eight defensive boards.
Sydney Bowen put together a solid all-around performance for the Spirits, finishing with nine assists, seven points, four rebounds and two steals. Salem finished 25-of-73 (34.2%) from the floor in the game, while the Wildcats were 29-of-76 (38.2%) from the field and 9-of-17 (52.9%) at the charity stripe.
The Golden Bears enter Saturday's game with a 4-0 record after posting at least 100 points in their last two outings against South Carolina Faith A&M (143-39) and Morris (100-58). Clinton opened the season with a 72-70 triumph over Morris before claiming a 70-59 victory against Voorhees on Nov. 9.
For more information on Salem basketball check out www.salemspirits.com.