Basketball Recap: Salem's Luck Changes for the Better on Saturday

Salem needed a changed in momentum after dropping eight straight games and they got it from Noah Nix. The Salem Wildcats breezed by the East Alton-Wood River Oilers to the tune of 74-34 on Saturday thanks in part to Nix, who went 8 for 12 on his way to 22 points and five rebounds. Those 22 points gave him a new career-high.

East Alton-Wood River's loss came despite strong showings from Jordyn Spiller and Tamarion Marshall. Spiller posted eight points, while Marshall had nine points and three steals.

Salem's win was their first in the conference, bumping their conference record up to 1-3 and their overall record up to 2-9. As for East Alton-Wood River, they are on a seven-game losing streak that has dropped them down to 1-11.

A feisty cat fight will be fought when the Salem Wildcats duke it out with the Jersey Panthers at 4:00 p.m. on Friday. As for East Alton-Wood River, they will be taking part in a tournament against Litchfield at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday.