Dec. 14, 2009, 11:50 p.m.

  Attention Salem boys basketball fans: Fasten up your seats belts because if Tuesday's season opener is any indication, the 2009-10 season is going to be a thrill ride.

  The Rocks upended host Redford Union, 48-39 in overtime. Senior center Jake Peterson was the star of the game for Salem, netting 25 points, six of which came in OT.

  "It feels good to win the season opener, especially because we were on the road and we have a young team," said Salem coach Bob Brodie. "Jake did a great job in the paint and sophomore Tyler Stewart had a solid game with 10 points. He barely left the floor in the second half."

  Blake Haves added five for the Rocks, who shot 39 percent from the field.

  Salem roared to a 15-4 opening-quarter lead against a Redford Union contingent that likes to play deliberate basketball. The Rocks led 22-16 at the half before the Panthers roared back to knot the game at 32-all after three and 39-all at the end of regulation.

  Salem's defense locked down in the overtime, shutting out the Panthers thanks to some strong "D" from Peterson, junior Ethan Walsh and new point guard Devonte Riley, who had four assists and two points.

  Salem hit 7 of 11 free throws while RU was 3-of-6 from the stripe.

  Salem returns to action Thursday when it visits Plymouth for a 7 p.m. tip-off

Saying good-bye to a former Rock
  Earlier Tuesday, Brodie attended the funeral of former Salem basketball player Danny Cassidy, who passed away Friday in a one-car incident.

  "The thing I'll remember most about Danny was that three-point shot he hit at the buzzer to beat Walled Lake Central," said Brodie. "The play wasn't designed to go to him, but he made a great move to get open.

  "Danny actually led us in three-point shooting that year; he was right around 40 percent. He was a pure shooter. He hit three threes when we came back to beat Northville later in the year.

  "Danny was very steady and dependable. He was one of those unsung guys we could go to for a big shot. We was good for our team because he was so loose and everybody loved him."

  "He always hustled and he probably was the best pure shooter on the team. He'll definitely be missed."