On the night when their lone senior, Kendyl Johnson, was celebrated and recognized for her contributions to Lady Blazer basketball, the Newton Lady Indians took advantage of early miscues to rain on Trail’s parade with a 40-20 victory. National Trail committed multiple turnovers while managing Newton's pressure and failed to make open shots when given the opportunity. The Lady Blazers fought back in the second half, trimming the Lady Indian lead to single digits before Newton pulled away once again and rallied for a 20-point victory. Ollie Mason played a significant role, pulling down several rebounds on both ends of the court and playing stifling defense. Unfortunately, Newton's post player dropped in 14 points (8 in the paint) on their way to doubling-up Trail, who was led by Hannah Henderson (11, including 2 3-point baskets and 5-6 from the free throw line). Johnson added five, Junior Josie Stiner, three, and Sophomore Morgan House contributed a free throw. Newton shot 15 more free throws in the matchup (11-27 compared to Trail's 7-12), which has been an issue which continued tonight with three starting players fouling out. The loss drops the Lady Blazers to 7-14 overall and 1-10 in the conference while pushing Newton's record to 11-10 overall and 6-5 in WOAC standings.
The Lady Blazers will wrap up the regular season Saturday at Twin Valley South against a team hungry to avenge its two-point loss at Trail earlier in the year with a two-quarter JV matchup tipping at 11 AM and Varsity to follow.
