While Salem Academy didn't have the best season last year (they finished 9-17), it's starting to look like those struggles are a thing of the past. They came out on top in a nail-biter against the Desert Pines Jaguars on Saturday, sneaking past 54-52. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest victory the Crusaders have posted since December 29, 2023.
Despite the loss, Desert Pines still got an impressive performance from Taveah Oliver, who went 9 of 21 on her way to 19 points in addition to eight steals and five boards. The match was Oliver's third in a row with at least ten points. The team also got some help courtesy of Mya Harper, who posted 12 points and three steals.
Crusaders
| 12/21/24 vs Desert Pines | 54-52 |
| 12/20/24 vs Somerset Academy Losee | 40-32 |
The win made it two in a row for Salem Academy and bumps their season record up to 7-1. As for Desert Pines, their loss dropped their record down to 5-3.
Both teams are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Salem Academy will have some time to savor their victory since their next game is a little ways off: they'll take on Stanfield at 1:00 p.m. on January 2, 2025. As for Desert Pines, they will host Bellevue at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday. Desert Pines is strutting in with some offensive muscle as they've averaged 57.7 points per game this season.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
