Salem rallies past Kellam in double overtime thriller

Sun Devils outlast Knights 62-60 to reach semifinals

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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In a Region Class 5 quarterfinal matchup, the Salem Sun Devils rallied from a 12-point deficit in the second half to defeat the Kellam Knights 62-60 in double overtime. The game featured a back-and-forth battle, with Kellam's MJ Fitch and Trey Barnhart combining for 41 points, while Salem was led by Joziah Mincey and Terrell Lewis, who scored 36 points together.

Why it matters

This hard-fought victory advances Salem to the semifinals, showcasing their resilience and ability to overcome a significant deficit against a tough opponent. The game highlights the competitive nature of high school basketball in the region and the importance of perseverance and teamwork in achieving success.

The details

Kellam built an early 12-point lead, but Salem responded with a strong second-half rally led by Jason Patrick and Terrell Lewis. The game went to overtime, where Kellam briefly took the lead, but Joziah Mincey's putback basket forced a second overtime period. In the end, Mincey and Lewis combined for the game-winning layup to secure the victory for Salem.

  • The Region Class 5 quarterfinal took place on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.
  • Salem and Kellam had split their regular-season meetings prior to this playoff matchup.

The players

MJ Fitch

A Kellam player who scored a team-high 25 points, including two 3-pointers, in the first half.

Trey Barnhart

A Kellam player who scored 20 points, combining with MJ Fitch to score 41 points for the Knights.

Jason Patrick

A Salem player who sparked the rally, finishing with 13 points and helping trim Kellam's lead to single digits.

Terrell Lewis

A Salem player who struggled early but came alive in the second half, asserting himself in the paint and scoring crucial points down the stretch.

Joziah Mincey

A Salem player whose putback basket forced double overtime, and who later delivered the decisive assist for the game-winning layup.

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The takeaway

This thrilling double-overtime matchup showcased the competitive spirit and determination of both teams, with Salem ultimately prevailing through their resilience and teamwork. The game highlights the excitement and unpredictability of high school basketball playoffs, where any team can rise to the occasion and pull off an upset.