Preview: Canton Chiefs vs. Salem Rocks
Canton is 8-2 against Salem since March of 2020, and they'll have a chance to extend that success on Friday. The Canton Chiefs will head out on the road to challenge the Salem Rocks at 7:00 p.m. Canton is looking to tack on another W to their five-game streak on the road.
Last Tuesday, Canton was able to grind out a solid victory over Novi, taking the game 54-42. Given Canton's advantage in MaxPreps' Michigan basketball rankings (they are ranked 34th, while Novi is ranked 134th), the result wasn't entirely unexpected.
Canton's win was a true team effort, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Devon Pettus, who scored 12 points. Teddy Winstel was another key contributor, scoring 11 points.
Even though Salem has not done well against Hartland recently (they were 2-7 in their previous nine matchups), they didn't let the past get in their way on Tuesday. Salem walked away with a 55-48 victory over Hartland. Salem didn't have much to brag about two games back, but this win makes it their second in a row.
Salem got their win on the backs of several key players, but it was Ryan Peters out in front who scored 18 points along with eight rebounds. Peters hasn't dropped below 16 points for five straight games. The team also got some help courtesy of Tommy Veresh, who scored six points along with nine rebounds.
Canton's record now sits at 14-3. Salem's record is now 5-12.
This contest is one where the number of possessions is likely to be a big factor: Canton have been smashing the glass this season, having averaged 25.3 rebounds per game. However, it's not like Salem struggles in that department as they've been averaging 26.1 rebounds per game. Given these competing strengths, it'll be interesting to see how their clash plays out.
Canton won a matchup that couldn't have been any closer when the teams last played back in January, slipping by Salem 53-52. One of the biggest obstacles the team faced in that game was Peters, who scored 21 points along with six rebounds and five assists. Now that he's got a second chance to win this matchup, will Canton still be able to contain Peters? There's only one way to find out.
