Was this a bad play??

[KingToad]

$25NL .25/.50 blinds

I have $60, SB $30, everyone else under $25

I am dealt AJo in the BB, I check (is this a mistake?)

5 see the flop sb,me and 3 others. pot - $2.50

FLOP J [img]/images/graemlins/diamond.gif[/img] 9 [img]/images/graemlins/heart.gif[/img] 3 [img]/images/graemlins/club.gif[/img]

SB bets $3

What should I do here? I decide to raise, I raise to $7

everyone folds, SB calls - pot $16.50

Turn 9 [img]/images/graemlins/diamond.gif[/img]

SB bets $3, I'm think he has a J as well. I go allin $53

he calls, with his $23

River 2 [img]/images/graemlins/club.gif[/img]


He wins with 89o.

Did I play this poorly?

I need to get my thinking out of the way. I wouldn't have bet $3 with only a pair of 9's, 8 kicker and called a $4 raise. But, I guess he does. Any help on improving my play.