Salem Inches Closer to Post Season With Win Over Winthrop
Posted on January 22nd 2012
by Jan Taylor
Marvin Baez scored 22 points, including seven 3-pointers, to help the Salem Witches boys basketball team defeat the Winthrop Vikings, 52-43, at Salem High School on Friday night.
The Witches, who are hoping to secure a spot in the state tournament, knew they were up for a challenge against the Vikings, who are tied for first place in the Northeast Conference.
Winthrop started the scoring in the first quarter and jumped out to a quick 4-0 lead. Salem began their scoring on a 3-pointer by Baez, and two points from Taylor Norris. Baez would nail his second 3-pointer of the game late in the first quarter. Winthrop’s Jeff Laguerri also hit a big three to end the first quarter. The game was tied 10-10 after the first.
Baez hit another 3-pointer to start the scoring in the second quarter and give the Witches a three point lead. After the Witches went ahead by five points, the Vikings regained the lead by scoring eight straight points, including 3-pointers by Josh Babb and Laguerri. After scoring eight straight points, Salem went ahead for the remainder of the game when Davonte Holloway scored two of his eight points at the end of the second.. They led 25-22 at halftime.
In the third quarter, the Witches put the game out of reach for the visiting Vikings. Winthrop started the scoring in the second half to cut Salem’s lead to just one point, however, the Witches dominated the rest of the third quarter. Christian Dunston scored five of his nine points and Baez hit another big 3-pointer to help Salem pull away. After holding the Vikings to just seven points in the third quarter, the Witches were ahead 37-29 after three.
Salem scored several key points in the fourth quarter to help them maintain their lead. Baez drained two more 3-pointers and Holloway scored six points in the fourth quarter to keep the Witches ahead for good.
This was a good game and we all played great,” said Baez. “Hopefully we will make the tournament.”