Rocks record impressive
victory over South Lyon

BY ED WRIGHT
Jan. 20, 2010, 2 p.m.

  Not even South Lyon's raucous, intimidating "Jungle" could rattle the nerves of Salem's mature-beyond-their-years young basketball team.

  With a boisterous student cheering section trying to disrupt their every move, the Rocks silenced the Jungle's occupants with a statement-making 62-47 victory at South Lyon.

  The win broke a two-game losing streak for the Rocks and improved their record to 6-3 overall and 2-2 in the Kensington Lakes Activities Association's Central Division. South Lyon is also 2-2 in the division

  "That's a tough place to play," said Salem coach Bob Brodie, referring to the South Lyon gym that has earned the title the "Jungle". "They had fans at both ends jumping around, hootin' and hollerin', trying to throw us off our game. It was fun."

  Salem was led by sophomore Tyler Stewart, who struck for 21 points, six of which came on a pair of triples.

  Senior Jake Peterson also had a big night for the winners, scoring 14 points while hauling down six rebounds.

  Junior Ethan Walsh contributed a team-high eight rebounds while junior Devonta Riley dished out eight assists.

  Jordan Short led the Lions with 21 points.

  "We led pretty much wire to wire, but when they did make a run, we kept our composure," said Brodie. "We had nine players play and they all contributed. We had good balance."

  Salem led 17-13 after one quarter, but trailed at the half, 28-25. The pivotal stanza was the third when the Rocks outscored their foes, 21-8, to take charge.

  "South Lyon isn't real big, but they're scrappy and they play good, hard, aggressive defense," Brodie said.

  Salem made just over half of their free throws (13-of-25) while the Lions were 15-of-20 from the stripe.

  Salem visits Northville on Friday.