By Jeremy McDonald
jeremymcdonald73@gmail.com
SALEM, Ore.– The little things stacked up against Santiam in their season opener against Salem Academy.
Little things that gave the Crusaders too many second-chance opportunities, turnovers, fouls, finishing opportunities themselves. The little things that will come with time and repetition as was the case with their Salem Academy counterparts in their third-game of the year in the 47-31 contest.
The Wolverines graduated six Seniors from last season’s 12-14, league playoff team. Santiam held Salem Academy to 10-of-28 shooting in the first half, 19-of-53 overall, while keeping the Crusader offensive damage to mainly Annabelle Brawley’s 15-point game. But 27 total turnovers plagued the Wolverines in finding their groove during their season opener.
Something they know they can work on going back into practice.
“Helping with the turnovers, not doing as many turnovers as we did, we can keep up with Gervais coming into next week. We only had three days of practice, we have a lot of room to improve as of now,” said Kristen Crofoot.
“I think once we go over our plays, we’ll be fine,” Alexa Clark added. “It will help us a lot having more time to practice. I felt like we weren’t as prepared for this game, but I felt like we played well. I feel like we’re going to do a lot better the next game. Our free throws are good.”
Santiam was 16-for-23 at the free throw line compared to Salem Academy’s 7-of-19 at the line.
The Crusaders win was their first of the season, coming off of defeats to Livingstone Adventist Academy and Colton in their two games prior. Brawley also contributed six rebounds and eight steals to her 15 points.
Photos By Jeremy McDonald
JMcDonaldMedia 