Newcastle’s Racer girls finished the last couple of weeks winning two and losing two, as they prepare for a postseason game against Harrah at the District competition on Saturday. The Racers won games against Clinton, 47-40, and Elk City, 60-49, but lost to both Weatherford, 61-24, and Tuttle, 61-20.
The Elk City win came last Friday night. Coach Nichole Copeland said after struggling the last couple of weeks, the girls finally pulled themselves out of their funk.
“Our kids played inspired, confident ball, believing in themselves and each other, making big play after big play, and because of that we were able to come away with a big time conference road win,” she said.
The girls got off to a fast start, making shots and defending well.
“I thought we executed the gameplay about as well as we had all year,” Copeland said, “and after that it was all them making the plays we needed to in order to win.”
Copeland said Natalie Orr carried the team on her back all night, scoring a career high 28 points, and making big time plays when they were needed. Orr had five of nine from three-point land, and she hit seven of nine free throws, grabbed five rebounds, and made two assists. Emerson Abel had 10 points, five rebounds, and one block, and Leah Bradley had eight points, two rebounds, and one assist.
Other contributors included the freshman trio of Reagan Greenroyd, Amber Ellis and Bella Allen, who combined for 18 points on six of 12 shooting and six of seven at the line. Their play was considered crucial to the team’s success, according to the coach.
“In the end it was Natalie and her leadership and playmaking all night that led us to this win,” Copeland said. “Her teammates fed off her energy and passion and elevated their games to match hers. When we play like that we’re a really tough team to beat and a really fun teach to watch.”
The Racers were scheduled to play Blanchard Tuesday night, but because of print deadlines for the Newcastle Pacer, we were unable to report the outcome. Copeland said this is a big rivalry game on the Racers’ home floor and they were to honor their seniors, who have stuck with the program through thick and thin.
“We’ve got a great opportunity here to go get one more win and continue to gain confidence before playoffs this weekend and end the regular season on a high note for a group of seniors that’s been through it all, and then some,” she said.
Newcastle is scheduled to play at home against Harrah for Districts at 6 p.m. Saturday night for the first round of the playoffs. Copeland said coaches are still gathering information and watching film on their opponent so they don’t know much about them at this time.
She said, “We’re taking it quite literally one day at a time, staying focused on tomorrow but also knowing what’s ahead. We’re just trying to stay focused and be the best versions of ourselves every day.”
Newcastle-Weatherford Bradley was high scorer for the Racers with five points. She was followed by Greenroyd and Kyla Martinez with four each, and Aubree Nix with three.
Newcastle-Clinton
Bradley was again high scorer for Newcastle with Greenroyd adding 10 points, and Orr adding nine. Abel added six points to the total.
Newcastle-Tuttle
Bradley scored eight points for the Racers to lead scoring. She was followed by three points each from Jayden Lassen, Abel and Orr.
