Newton girls basketball coach Patricia Wilson says one of her favorite Bible verses is Galatians 6:9 which ways “Do not get weary in well doing, for in due season, you shall reap if you faint not.”
That seems to fit this year’s Newton girls basketball team well.
The Lady Tigers made it back to the Big House on Friday, beating Richton 51-36 to advance to the Class 2A semifinals.
Newton will take on East Union on Wednesday at 9 a.m. in the morning. The Lady Urchins are 25-5 on the season.
The Lady Tigers are back at the Big House after missing out last season.
“We came into this season knowing that we will could very much be in the final four,” Wilson said. “I love our chances. We have all the pieces, we are strong and athletic. My kids are aggressive on defense which often turn into made buckets on offense. My kids have settled into their roles on the team and our practices the last few weeks have been intentional — a direct focus on individual strengths and what each player brings to the table.”
Wilson said some midseason setbacks to Northeast Lauderdale and Leake Academy got her team’s attention.
“Losses to NEL and Leake Academy humbled us and reminded us that at every game, we must be ready to play or we can get our tails beat,” Wilson said. “I like my chances with this group: our inside post presence gives our opponents fits (offensively and defensively). Key players (Erin Ware and Jamiya Jones) has carried us all year and I expect nothing less of them going into the state tournament. Senior Sommer Jordan versatility inside and out adds to a variety of things we like to do. Our bench brings us depth with key speed and defenders Akyrin Berry, Euniya Taylor and Jordyn Boler which by the way are both spot up 3-point shooters.”
On Friday, Newton led just 5-3 after the first period but then outscored Richton 17-3 in the second period to take control and lead 22-6 at the break. Richton took the third period 14-12 to cut the lead to 34-18 but the Lady Tigers outscored the Lady Rebels 17-16 in the fourth to take the win.
Erin Ware had a big game with 24 points while Jamiya Jones had 18 points. Sommer Jordan also chipped in six points for the Lady Tigers.
“The coaching part was easy on Friday,” Wilson said. “My kids were fueled and ready to play. The concept is simple at this point. It’s win or go home at this point. We were hurt last year after being put out of playoffs second round to a talented Heidelberg team. It hurts to watch teams make it to Jackson that we very much could of beat. That was another fuel for us this season.”
