Salem Basketball hosted Meredith today as they honored their two Seniors, Cristina Battistini and Triana Smallwood. After a hard fought battle, the Avenging Angels prevailed with a 57-54 final score.
Here is a bit of what was said about the two seniors:
Our first senior is #15 Cristina Battistini, a Guard/Forward from Cesena, Italy. Escorting Cristina is Dr.Rosa Otero. Cristina is a 4-year player who is a two-sport athlete, playing both basketball and soccer. Cristina is majoring in Interior Design and Math. After graduation, she plans to pursue a career in interior design. Outside of Basketball Cris is a Resident Assistant and the Student Government Vice President. Coach Dawson says, "It's been a privilege to coach you throughout your journey of becoming a Salem woman. I am proud of how you have represented this program on and off the court. Thank you for your commitment and sacrifices. You will truly be missed."
Our final senior is #0 Triana Smallwood, a Guard from Aulander, N.C. Escorting Triana is Alishia Echols and Coach Dawson. Triana is a 3-year player who is a two sport athlete, playing basketball and running cross country. Triana is majoring in Psychology with a minor in Sociology. After graduation, she plans to pursue a career in psychology where she can positively impact others and their overall well-being. Coach Dawson says, "It's been a pleasure to coach you. I am incredibly proud of your growth as a Salem woman. You kept getting back up through the adversity. Thank you for trusting us and believing in the process.
Our Basketball Seniors were also joined by Kayla Stanford and Melanie Tellez of Salem Cheer.
Quarter one got off to a slow start, with both teams only scoring five points in the first five minutes. Nicole Hester opened up the scoring, connecting with Catherine Jordan Cano for a layup. Smallwood drained the first of her two three-pointers not long after. Amy Pedroza also tacked on a three this quarter, assisted by Tyla Whitehead. Hester put up three more points in the final minute, knocking down a free throw and another layup. Both Pedroza and Anayah Noell played well defensively, both snagging steals. The Spirits left the first frame leading 13-10.
Salem widened their lead early in quarter two, growing to as large as seven. Noell hit a jumper and a layup in the first few minutes, but the Angels had an answer soon after, knocking down another three. The Spirits held off Meredith in the field for the next minute, while Battistini and Jordan Cano both made a free throw and Hester scored another layup in the paint. Despite a strong start, the Angels took control in the final five minutes of the half, out-scoring the Spirits 9-2. A final three-pointer from Meredith sent the squads into the locker room tied at 23.
Coming out of halftime, Salem put up their highest scoring quarter of the contest, racking up 17. Jordan Cano had a strong start, turning an offensive board into a bucket, then knocking down a jumper 30 seconds later. The two seniors put up a few more points of their own in the next few minutes, with Battistini scoring from inside the arc and Smallwood capitalizing from outside. The Spirits also did well on the glass, snagging 12 rebounds. Salem held on to a two-score lead until the final minute, where Meredith was able to get one more bucket in before the conclusion of the quarter.
The Angels found their stride in quarter four, taking the lead 13 seconds in and not letting go. Hester and Battistini opened the scoring for Salem, both hitting a free throw and Battistini scoring in the paint. After going down by seven, the Spirits scored a free throw, a jumper, and a three to bring the score back within one. Meredith then made two free throws, but were soon answered by Jordan Cano, thanks to an offensive rebound and assist from Pedroza. Despite a valiant effort from the Spirits, Meredith played solid defense to close out the final minute, taking home the win 57-54.
Tonight's stat leaders were Senior Cristina Battistini with 11 points, Catherine Jordan Cano with two steals, Amy Pedroza with six assists, and both Jordan Cano and Nicole Hester with six rebounds.
The Spirits will be playing their final game of the 2025-26 season on Saturday February 21st at 2pm at Greensboro College.
