Newcastle’s girls basketball returned to action January 3 against a tough Bethany squad, taking the loss, but then took part in the Hinton Tournament over the weekend, bringing home a third-place win.
The Racers lost to Bethany, 78-21, to start the second half of the basketball season. They traveled to Hinton January 5-7, winning the first game against Christian Heritage Academy, 4332. The second game was a loss to Crossings Christian School, 55-35. This moved the Racers into the third-place matchup against Fort Cobb. The result — a 46-28 victory.
Newcastle versus Bethany
In the Bethany game, the Racers prepared to play a talented team with three Division 1caliber players, according to Assistant Coach Austin Copeland. He said they have a starting lineup of girls that are 5’10”, 5’11”, 6’0”, 6’2” and 6’3”. The Racers went into the game looking how hard they would compete and how they would play the game.
Leah Bradley was the Racers’ leading scorer with six points, Copeland said, but the entire team should be recognized for their fight and competitiveness throughout the entire game. He said their actions will act as a springboard moving forward.
Newcastle versus Christian Heritage Academy
A game with Christian Heritage Academy opened up play at the Hinton Tournament. Copeland said the Newcastle girls would have to dig deep defensively, have a great team effort on the boards, and take care of the ball on offense while executing at a high level.
The girls did just that as the outcome was 43-32.
“We executed the defensive gameplan as well as one could ask of a team, forcing shots and winning the rebound battle,” Copeland said. “Offensively, we executed well and were able to make some great shots with ball movement and dribble penetration.”
Newcastle overcame early adversity as Christian Heritage jumped out to an early, 158, lead.
“We were able to respond with 10-0, closing out the first quarter and turning a seven-point deficit into a three-point lead going into the second,” Copeland said. “It propelled us moving forward, as we dominated the second quarter until a late push by Christian Heritage to cut the lead to seven by halftime.”
Copeland said their push was never enough as the Racers controlled the remainder of the game.
The coach said Natalie Orr was phenomenal on defense, but had a slow offensive game, having to guard one of their post players who was much taller and bigger.
“The senior owned it like a pro, helping to slow CHA down and disrupt their rhythm,” Copeland said.
Jayden Lassen played a key role coming off the bench for Newcastle with eight crucial points in the post.
Junior Leah Bradley had 13 points and four rebounds for the Racers. Senior Emerson Abel had four points with 13 rebounds, one steal and three blocks. Freshman Bella Allen had seven points, five rebounds, five assists, and two steals.
Newcastle versus Crossings Christian Academy
Crossings was a more formidable opponent in the second round of the Hinton Tournament as the Racers lost, 55-35.
Copeland said the girls would have to play a different type of game against Crossings because they are guard-oriented.
“They play more on the perimeter than they do inside,” Copeland said, “with shooters all over the floor, so we will need to know their personnel.”
The coach said Newcastle had an off night shooting the ball, making only 13 of 45 shots. They made only 29% from the field, and only 17% from three-point range. Copeland said that made the difference in the match, especially in the second and third quarters when Crossings went on an extended 22-8 run.
Freshman Amber Ellis went three for six shooting, and one of three at the line for seven points. She also had three rebounds. Junior Leah Bradley led scoring with 13 points. She also had seven rebounds.
Freshman Reagan Greenroyd had 10 points, three rebounds, three assists, and two steals.
The loss put Newcastle on the court against Fort Cobb-Broxton for the third place game. They have a solid post player and playmaking guards who can shoot and create opportunities off the dribble, according to Copeland. The coach said Newcastle’s guards would have to communicate and get matched up in transition and offensively, look to attack, and create opportunities for others.
Newcastle versus Fort Cobb-Broxton
The guards did their job in this game along with help from other team members as the Newcastle versus Fort Cobb-Broxton, a 46-28 victory, was the best all-around game of the year so far, according to Copeland.
The Racers combined their efforts for tough and relentless defense and efficient offense and ball movement, Copeland said.
“Senior Natalie Orr broke out of her shooting slump with three made 3-pointers, and she finished with 11 points and six rebounds to go along with two assists and two steals,” Copeland said.
The coach added that the Racers had big plays “early and often” as the team was able to execute offensively and force their opponent to guard for full possessions in the half court.
“We got whatever we wanted offensively, made great shots, and pushed the pace,” he said.
Junior Leah Bradley had six points and five rebounds. She was named to the All-Tournament Team.
Copeland said, “Senior Emma Allen and freshman Reagan Greenroyd tag-teamed to slow down Fort Cobb’s best guard. Without their defense, it’s a much different game.”
Senior Emerson Abel had eight points, five rebounds, one assist, one steal, and two blocks. Greenroyd had eight points on four of five field goal, and Bella Allen has seven points, four rebounds, three assists, three steals, and no turnovers.
Up Next!
The Racers took on Chickasha Tuesday night but because of Newcastle Pacer print deadlines, the outcome could not be reported. Coach Copeland said it looks like a pretty even matchup, but Chickasha is a team that gets better and better.
“We must value the basketball and limit turnovers,” Copeland said. “We also have to defend with high energy and intensity, and offensively pay attention to the details and execute at a high level.”
Newcastle travels to Anadarko Friday night.
