ROCK CONCERT: Salem finds rhythm early, often against Belleville
Salem’s Ben Gramer carries the ball up the field during the Rocks’ 18-0 thrashing of Belleville.
On Thursday, Salem’s Charlie Barker had one of those nights that lacrosse goal-keepers usually only experience in their dreams.
Not only did Barker combine with the Rocks’ back-up goalie in an 18-0 shutout of Belleville/New Boston Huron in an MHSAA Division 1 regional game, he charged the length of the field after securing a save in the second quarter and unleashed a rocket into the back of the net.
The Salem sideline erupted as the popular Barker was engulfed by his jubilant teammates.
The Rocks’ emphatic triumph advanced them to the May 22 regional semifinal game against Ann Arbor Pioneer at Brighton High School. The opening face-off is set for 7:30 p.m.
To check out video highlights of Thursday’s game, click here.
Amazing season continues
Salem, which demolished Belleville 20-5 on May 6, improved to 15-4, according to MHSAA.com.
The host Rocks set the tone early, bolting to a 3-0 lead in the game’s opening 4 minutes and 10 seconds.
Senior Ryan Peters ignited the winners’ goals onslaught just over a minute into the contest.
Max Kehoe’s net-finder 16 seconds later doubled Salem’s lead.
Barker’s second most-memorable highlight of the night came shortly after Kehoe’s goal when he stopped a point-blank shot from Belleville, which had a man advantage due to a Rock penalty.
Salem stretched its lead to 3-0 at the 7:50 mark of the first quarter on Kai Prinzevski’s goal that was assisted by Jonathan Seeke.
Seeke and destroy
Seeke followed with a one-man goal barrage, netting three straight in a matter of 90 seconds to expand the Rocks’ lead to 6-0 after the first quarter. Seeke’s third goal was assisted by Prinzevski.
After Ben Smigell scored off an assist from Peters, Barker brought down the house with his rush up the center of the field.
Salem led 12-0 at the half thanks to goals from Kehoe, Prinzevski and two from Peters.
Prinzevski’s goal made it 10-0, setting off a running clock for the remainder of the game.
The Rocks’ scoring avalanche continued in the second half when Ben Gramer (who also excelled on face-offs), Seeke, Nolan Burger, Smigell (two) and Braden Martin registered goals.
Ed Wright can be reached at 734-664-4657 or edwright@socialhousenews.com.
