ESPN analyst Jay Bilas recently took note of Salem’s basketball culture, lauding the city’s deep‑rooted tradition and the sense of unity that binds players, families and fans alike.
A Community United
The recent victory over top‑ranked Hanover, 57‑51, secured Salem’s Division 3 state championship in March, marking a milestone that has sparked excitement across the community and highlighting Tommy Doyle’s legacy as both a player and coach.
Building on that momentum, senior guard Elian Rodriguez has taken the initiative to organize student‑led workouts, aiming to turn the championship into a rare back‑to‑back title run.
Other nearby programs such as Andover, Beverly and Peabody are also preparing for the upcoming season, with standout players like Josh Roux, Charlie Tutwiler and Logan Sullivan dedicating themselves to skill development, while Thad Broughton Jr., Mark Mendonca and Justin Pais focus on restoring glory for the Tanners.
Bilas, who is gearing up for the American Century Championship celebrity golf tournament in Lake Tahoe, continues to stress the value of local high‑school experiences, recalling his own high school days and the unique atmosphere they provide.