By CINDY CROSBY
Despite playing with a limited roster, the Salkehatchie Indians opened Region X play last week earning wins over Gaston College (92-89) and Richard Bland (74-57) and a loss to Brunswick College (99-93). In non-conference play, the Indians earned a win over Sandhills College (104-91) and had a loss against Tallahassee College (104-91). Currently, the Indians are 11-7 overall and 2-1 in Region X.
In the loss to Tallahassee College on December 19, the Indians were led by Lee Langstaff with 21 points and 3 rebounds. Jordan Guthrie added 16 points with 3 rebounds and Derrick Sinkler had 12 points. Other scoring included Tre’von Spillers 7, Kharye Cayne 4, and Chris Nobles 4.
Against Sandhills College on Tuesday, January 4, the Indians rostered just five players and finished with four on the court. Despite being short-staffed, the Indians would not be deterred from a win at home, making 13 of 28 three-point attempts to maintain the lead through most of the game. Kailee White led with 30 points and 6 rebounds. Guthrie added 23 points and 4 rebounds and Langstaff had 20 points with 10 rebounds. Other scoring included Spillers 17 and Cayne 14.
At home against Brunswick College on Sunday, January 9, Guthrie led with 28 points and 2 rebounds. Sinkler added 27 points and Langstaff put 23 on the boards. Other scoring included Spillers 6, Cayne 6, and White 6.
“Despite losing this game, I was extremely pleased with our effort,” said interim head coach Matthew Bennett. “We are locked in right now despite fighting adversity with a limited roster and battling fatigue. All of our roster is stepping up with Lee Langstaff as our spark plug.”
Salkehatchie edged the Gaston College Rhinos in a NJCAA Region X road game Tuesday January 11, sinking 15 3-pointers and scoring 53 points in the second half. The Indians converted 52.6 of their field goals and 55.6 percent of their 3-pointers to bounce after trailing by 12 at the half. Three Indians scored over 20 points in the game including Sinkler (22), Langstaff (21), and Guthrie (20). Other scoring included Spillers 10, White 9, Cayne 5, and Diamante Brown 5.
Spillers led Salkehatchie with 19 points and 8 rebounds in the win over Richard Bland on Friday, January 14 at home. Brown added 14 points and 7 rebounds. Other scoring included Langstaff 11, Sinkler 8, White 7, Trevur Smalls 6, Guthrie 5 and Cayne 4.
The Indians will host Caldwell College on Friday evening with a 7 p.m. tipoff planned in Walterboro.
