By Jeremy McDonald

jeremymcdonald73@gmail.com

SALEM, Ore.–  Salem Academy couldn’t miss Saturday afternoon.  Like at all.

The first half alone in their 69-47 win over Regis, the Crusaders shot 51.7-percent from the field and were eight-for-ten from three-point land as they built themselves a 42-25 halftime lead Saturday afternoon. 

A far-cry from their 67-39 defeat to Dayton on Friday night where it was the Pirates who couldn’t miss a shot as Salem Academy just sustained their energy over the course of the game to close out the Crusader Classic.

“It was good.  After the loss to Dayton, we just took it personal because we shouldn’t be beaten that badly to Dayton.  They’re a good team, but we just had to bring it on the court today,” Jackson Oglesby.  “It makes us better.  If we keep playing at our level, even though teams may be at a lower level than us, it just makes us better.”

The Oglesby twins of Jaren and Jackson each hit three threes and John Pass hit a game-high four three-pointers with the Crusaders hitting a total of 12 three’s in the win.  Landon Mitchell had two for Salem Academy.

Isaiah Koehnke matched Pass’ four three’s with four of his own, but then the freshman guard had 14 points and four assists, the Rams couldn’t find the same kind of success as their opposition did.

“It shows us where we need to be and what it’s going to take to get where we need to be.  We’re not where we need to be.  We’re just going to have to come back Monday, working and getting better,” Koehnke said.

Regis slowed Salem Academy down a hair in the second half, but couldn’t make a long-term run at the lead as they’ll turn their focus to Monroe Tuesday to open Central Valley Conference-play.  The Crusaders, who are 2-0 in Tri-River Conference play, return to TRC play Wednesday when they travel to Culver.

Photos By Jeremy McDonald