It may have taken until the final game of the season, but the Salem boys basketball team earned a spot in the upcoming state tournament with a 66-54 win over Swampscott on Friday night. Leading 47-43 going into the fourth quarter, the Witches exploded for 19 points in the final period to earn the win.
“It’s a great feeling to get in, the guys have worked really hard to get here,” said Salem coach Tom Doyle. “We had our backs against the wall, 9-10 record. We really needed this one, and our guys stepped up and got the job done.”
Nate Lebron led the way for Salem with 17 points and eight rebounds, while Isaiah Williamson had 15 points and eight rebounds. Henny Vlaun had 14 points and five rebounds.
The Witches close out the season with a 10-10 record.
Swampscott got 16 points from Andrew Augustine and 15 points from Jackson Byrne. The Big blue (3-16) will close out their season on Monday against Marblehead.
Salem Academy 54, Phoenix Academy Chelsea 33
The Navigators improved their record to 11-8 on the year after a solid 21-point win on Friday night. Carlos Amparo led the way with 10 points, while Kevin Njuguna added seven points and five rebounds.
Salem Academy will close out its season tonight with a game against Phoenix Academy Springfield.
Salem Academy 37, Pioneer Charter 33
Salem Academy closed out its season on a high note Friday afternoon, edging out Pioneer Charter at home. Hannah McGee had 11 points to lead the team, while Erika Zanga had seven points and five steals and Angelica Pierce had seven points and 15 rebounds.
The Navigators finish up the season just under .500 at 9-10.
