By Matt Schooley
They haven’t played since leaving the court as state champions last season, but the boys of Salem High School basketball team showed no rust in their 2007-08 opener.
Josh Jones and Kevin Sledge led a balanced offensive attack for the Blue Devils, who defeated Timberlane 91-67 on Friday, Dec. 14, at Salem.
Jones scored 17 of Salem’s 25 first-quarter points, and Sledge came off the bench for 16 first-half points, showing late-season form.
“Kevin looked like he left the championship game and hopped right back into those shoes again,” said Salem head coach E.J. Perry. “Jones showed out there why he’s the best player in the state.”
Sledge ended up with 18 in the game, while Jones led all Blue Devils’ scorers with 30.
Despite the easy win, Perry wasn’t entirely pleased with his charges’ performance, giving the team a long post-game speech in the locker room.
“The offense was clicking in the first half, and I think we showed we have four guys who can shoot the ball, but we’re going to be in situations where we need to play defense just like last year,” said Perry. “We are going to have an ‘X’ on our back, and that’s what that meeting was about.”
Timberlane stuck with the defending Class L champions, thanks in large part to the play of game-leading scorer Drew Smith, who poured in 32.
Salem led 25-19 after the first quarter, but outscored the Owls 31-16 in the second period and never led by less than 14 the rest of the game.
In addition to his 18 points, Sledge brought energy, defense and unselfish play to the floor. He made several no-look passes, dove into the stands for loose balls and his up-and-under lay up helped stop Timberlane’s momentum when the lead dwindled to 14.
“Sledge is the microwave,” said Perry. “He comes in, heats up and something happens. He slowed their best player down on defense as well. He’s a tremendous athlete. He’s one of the best football players in the state, and a good basketball player as well.”
Salem beat Trinity, 49-45 in overtime, on Tuesday, Dec. 18, in a rematch of last year’s Class L title game.
Game notes
In addition to Jones and Sledge, Michael Kimball netted 23 points for Salem, while Josh Frederico and Dan Kinney both scored six points.