10 Best: Salem vs Charleston
On Friday night we checked out Salem as they hosted Charleston. Salem jumped out early in their home opener behind their team defense and shot making ability. They got the win by a final of 63-49. Here are our 10 best from this contest.
MVP
SG Brenden Boles (Salem – 2017)
Great game for the senior leader of the Wildcats. Boles is a 6’3” shooting guard that has a crafty game. He just knows how to get stuff done. Not an overly explosive athlete Boles has the ability to get by his man with hesitation and sneaky acceleration off the bounce. The wing has a strong upper body which allows him to finish at the rim through contact on straight line drives. Boles can hit an open three. Release is a bit slow, but when open he drills them. Sound rebounder on the defensive end of the floor and can get on the glass for put backs. Defensively he plays hard and competes. Knows how to position his body and is willing to take a charge. Boles had 20 points and 8 rebounds. Would be a D3/NAIA player, but will probably opt to play baseball in college.
Play of the game
The mid-range display by Damond Crosby in the first quarter drilling jumpers one after another.
Best offensive performance
SF Damond Crosby (Salem – 2018)
I first saw this 6’4” wing play on the freshman team two years ago and thought there was potential with some projectability. He is starting to realize that potential. Crosby has a long and lanky frame with good athleticism. He shoots it well from mid-range both off the catch and bounce. Gets elevation off the floor. Once he establishes the jumper he can attack a bit off the bounce. Still has a ways to go with his ball skills, but he is getting much better being assertive with it. Also has improved his toughness inside on the boards. Finished with 15 points, 9 boards, 2 steals, and 2 dimes. Worth an early look for D3/NAIA schools if he continues to play like this.
Best defensive performance
PF Cole Steward (Salem – 2017)
Steward is your classic enforcer on the high school level. Undersized four man at 6’4” that plays physical down low and competes. He is a tough post defender that makes his presence known in the paint. Quality rebounder that gets most of his buckets off put backs. Good screener. Steward will most likely play football in college.
Best rebounder
Damond Crosby (Salem)
Best passer
PG Dawson Linder (Salem – 2018)
Linder is the man that runs the show for Salem. The 5’10” lead guard is a capable shooter from the perimeter as he hit a pair of threes. Passes well in the half court getting others involved. Had a sweet euro step in traffic.
Best catch and shoot guy
SG Ridge Boyer (Charleston – 2017)
Boyer was the best shooter for Charleston as he drilled a variety of mid-range jumpers and threes. Good length for the wing. He had 9 points.
Best guy off the bench
PG Jack Boeker (Salem – 2018)
We have to give a shout out to our guy 5’10” point guard Jack Boeker. He looked good in the JV game running the point including a great pass in the pick and roll. The Wildcat fan section chanted his name and he played toward the end of the win. High IQ player that will be a great coach or maybe take my job as a scout one day!
Best intangibles
SF Caden Wayer (Salem – 2018)
Wayer stands at 6’3” with wiry strength. He uses that strength around the hoop to score on the interior with put backs and layups. Solid role guy on the high school level.
Best under-the-radar performance
G Mason McGahey (Charleston – 2017)
McGahey is a guard that plays with a non-stop motor. He can hit baseline jumpers from 15 feet and also was good at getting to the charity stripe. He had 13 points.