South Salem 81, Summit 60: Top Performers

<p>Friday night exhibited a Mountain Valley Conference match-up with State seeding implications between the Summit Storm and the South Salem Saxons.  The Saxons came out aggressive in the first half, pressuring the ball, initiating their full court press early on.  On the other side of the ball, Summit came out in a zone, hoping to stifle the Saxons and their size.  Early in the game, <strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/emorej-lynk/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/emorej-lynk/">Emorej Lynk</a></a> </strong>established his presence down low, going up strong and either ending up at the free throw line or getting an easy score.  <strong>Julian Mora</strong> kept the Storm in the game the first half by scoring 10 points in an efficient manner and looking for his teammates to ease the pressure from the press.  The first half ended in a frenzy, when Mora sent in a three-pointer and South Salem's <strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/cole-hardy/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/cole-hardy/">Cole Hardy</a></a></strong> threw in a Hail Mary from opposite free throw line which banked in to give the Saxons a 35-22 lead.</p> <p> After a few exchanged words with some players at half-court, South Salem was initiated a technical foul, which free throws were assessed at the beginning of the second half.  In the preceding half, South Salem's <strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/kieran-pruett/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/kieran-pruett/">Kieran Pruett</a></a></strong> and <strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/trey-galbraith/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/trey-galbraith/">Trey Galbraith</a></a></strong> initiated a shooting clinic, in which they led by example and others followed.  For the Storm, <strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jacob-tompkins/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jacob-tompkins/">Jacob Tompkins</a></a></strong> was an unstoppable machine whose purpose was to score and as often as possible as he contributed a game high 30 points.  However, the Storm's late surge just wasn't enough for the Saxons, as their physical play throughout the game helped their causes to a 80-61 win.  Here are the top performers from last night's action.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jacob-tompkins/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jacob-tompkins/">Jacob Tompkins</a></a> (Summit HS) - </strong>early on he tried to help his teammates initiate the offense but quickly realized he needed to be the main cog.  Started making shots left and right for the Storm in the second half, including a variety of ones with a defender's hand in his face.  He scored often and made it look easy in the second half.  Scored 22 points in the second half in an excellent shooting display.  Finished with 30 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 blocks for the Storm.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Julian Mora (Summit HS) - </strong>the sophomore displayed a calm demeanor throughout the game despite South Salem's physicality, helping distribute and move the ball through the press.  But when it was time to score, he stepped it up, helping give his team a fighting chance.  Scored his points in an efficient manner, as he looked for his teammates first and shot when he had an absolute clear lane.  Contributed 17 points, 5 assists, and 2 steals for Summit.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Evan Scalley (Summit HS) - </strong>the point guard, who earlier this season set a school record for assists, was another key piece for the Summit, as he was a strong ball handler in the midst of the South Salem press.  He could be counted on for his consistency and assertiveness with the ball, and rebounded well for a guard.  Had 6 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists in a nice all out effort.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/trey-galbraith/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/trey-galbraith/">Trey Galbraith</a></a> (South Salem HS) - </strong>had a slow start, but that is not to say he wasn't out there contributing.  Played tough defense with his quickness and was a part of the early success with the full court press.  Trey's leadership and play style affected his team, as he is unselfish with the ball, goes after it on defense, but doesn't pass up the shot when the opportunity is presented.  Chipped in 14 points and 3 steals for the Saxons.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/kieran-pruett/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/kieran-pruett/">Kieran Pruett</a></a> (South Salem HS) - </strong>the transfer from West Salem was the surprise of the night, as he started the shooting ensemble for the Saxons, as they started burying them from deep early on.  Pruett's scrappy guard play also set the tone for South Salem that night, as they established an identity for the game early on.  Had 14 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/emorej-lynk/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/emorej-lynk/">Emorej Lynk</a></a> (South Salem HS) - </strong>the daunting gridiron/hoops star had another solid game in the books, bringing his toughness and physicality for the Saxons.  Lynk rebounded well, helped the cause down low defensively and offensively.  Early on he helped spark the initial run and kept pressing the issue in the second half.  Lynk hummed to the tune of 12 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 blocks.</p>