The Newton County Academy basketball teams split a pair of district games last week.
The NCA boys beat Canton 50-38 but lost 63-43 to Benton while the NCA girls hammered Canton 37-18 but lost 57-30 to Benton.
NCA will return from the Christmas break as they play at Lamar on Friday, Jan. 2. They will return to school and play at Porter’s Chapel on Tuesday, Jan. 6 and then at Discovery Christian on Thursday, Jan. 8. They will then host Grace Christian on Friday, Jan. 9 to round out the week.
NCA boys 50, Canton 38
The Generals used a huge fourth period to pull away and take a 12-point win over the Panthers on Friday.
NCA led 5-2 at the end of the first while Canton took the second period 10-7 to send the game to the half tied at 12-12. Canton then outscored NCA 17-10 in the third to take a 29-22 lead into the fourth. But NCA then outscored Canton 28-9 to cruise to a 12-point win.
Cohen Rule led NCA with 17 points while Cooper Savell had 12 points.
NCA girls 37, Canton 18
The Lady Generals started each half strong and used a stingy defense to take a 19-point win over the Lady Panthers.
NCA jumped out to a 15-5 lead in the first period and then outscored Canton 6-3 in the second to lead 21-8 at the half. The Lady Generals then outscored the Lady Panthers 12-6 in the third to extend the lead to 33-14 going to the fourth. Each team scored four points in the fourth for the final margin.
Adriane Luke led NCA with 11 points while Reese Robinson had eight points. Jaimsey Reese had seven points while Jaimie Stamper and Maggie Vance each had four points.
Benton boys 63, NCA 43
The Raiders outscored the Generals in every period as they pulled away late to take a 20-point win.
Benton held a tight 12-11 lead at the end of the first and then outscored NCA 16-13 to lead 28-24 at the half. Benton then pulled away and outscored NCA 17-10 in the third and 18-9 in the fourth to take the win.
Cohen Rule led the Generals with 10 points while Ethan Woodham had seven points.
Benton girls 57, NCA 30
The Lady Raiders outscored the Lady Generals in every period as they cruised to a 27-point win.
Benton led 13-9 at the end of the first and then outscore NCA 13-4 in the second period to lead 26-13 at the half. Benton continued to extend its lead in the second half, outscoring NCA 15-9 in the third and 16-8 in the fourth to take the win.
Adriane Luke led NCA with 14 points while Maggie Vance had eight points. Reese Robinson also chipped in five points for the Lady Generals.
