'Rockin' in
the New Year
Salem cagers start '10 on right foot

BY ED WRIGHT
Jan. 7. 2010, 11:30 p.m.

  Possibly the only basketball team that has played less home games than Salem this season is the Harlem Globetrotters.

  And like the 'Trotters, the Rocks have taken to the road quite well.

  Salem improved to 4-1 Thursday night with an impressive 63-59 victory over pesky Garden City. The pivotal point in the game was the third quarter when Salem exploded for 25 points after being tied at the half, 25-25.

  In what has become a pleasant custom for the Rocks, senior Jake Peterson led the scoring surge with 16 points to go along with nine rebounds.

  Junior guard Josh Perrin enjoyed a break-out game for the winners, netting a career-high 14 points. Perrin is filling in ably for senior Blake Hayes, who was lost to the season with a broken finger.

  "Josh has been a steady player every game for us this season," said Brodie. "He's a two-year junior-varsity player, so he has some seasoning."

  Two more juniors -- Tyler Stewart and Ethan Walsh -- also contributed mightily to the Rocks' cause. Stewart popped in 13 points while Walsh hauled down 16 rebounds.

  The Rocks hung on over the final minutes by draining clutch free throws. Altogether, they were 27 of 36 from line while Garden City hit 15 of 19 shots from the stripe.

  A rarity awaits Salem on Friday: Its first home game of the season. The opening tip is scheduled for 7 p.m.

  Garden City fell to 4-2.

  Ed Wright can be reached at (734) 453-1980 or info@plymouthcantonsports.com.