A tough season has gotten tougher for the Newton County basketball teams as they entered Division 5-4A play.
The Newton County Lady Cougars lost a pair of close games last week, falling 33-30 to rival West Lauderdale and 49-47 to Mendenhall.
The Cougars also struggled as they lost 64-54 to West Lauderdale and 63-36 to Mendenhall.
Newton County will return to action this week as they travel to Northeast Lauderdale on Tuesday and will host Quitman on Friday.
West Lauderdale girls 33,
Newton County 30
With points at a premium, the Lady Knights were able to hold on for a three-point win.
West led 8-6 at the end of the first and 14-9 at the half. The Lady Knight outscored the Lady Cougars 10-9 in the third to extend its lead to 24-18. County outscored West 12-9 in the fourth for the final margin.
Remini Nickey and Jayden Mack led Newton County with six points apiece while Nahiah Brown had four points. Justina Hall and Hannah McDougle each had four points apiece.
West Lauderdale boys 64,
Newton County 54
West Lauderdale broke open a close game and took a 10-point win over the Cougars on Friday.
West led 12-11 at the end of the first and Newton County used a 13-11 advantage in the second to lead 24-23 at the half. West started to pull away in the second half as they outscored the Cougars 19-13 in the third and 22-17 in the fourth.
Josiah Cleveland led Newton County with 20 points while Chris Thomas had 17 points. Davion Hillie added eight points for County.
Mendenhall boys 63,
Newton County 36
The Tigers jumped out to a big lead in the first period and cruised to the win on Tuesday.
Mendenhall led 26-6 at the end of the first and 37-16 at the half. Mendenhall outscored Newton County 17-5 in the third to lead 54-21 going into the fourth where the Cougars had a 15-9 advantage.
Jamaal Croft led Newton County with 11 points while Josiah Cleveland and Deon Towner each had five points apiece.
Mendenhall girls 49,
Newton County 47
The Lady Cougars dropped another close contest as they fell by two points to Mendenhall.
Mendenhall led 13-8 at the end of the first and 22-12 at the half. The Lady Cougars outscored the Lady Tigers 23-13 to tie the game at 35-35 going into the fourth. Mendenhall outscored Newton County 14-12 in the fourth to take the win.
Keasja Wansley led Newton County with 14 points while Hanna McDougle had 13 points. Leona Billy had eight points and Remini Nickey added six points.
