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(THOMAS WALLNER | THE GRAHAM LEADER) Keyton Newland makes his presence known on the court with swift footwork and the scoring to match for the Newcastle Bobcats. Newland’s talents were on display this week in their match against Garner where he led in shooting with 18 points while also making crucial plays across the court. -
(THOMAS WALLNER | THE GRAHAM LEADER) Like many of the crucial players on the Newcastle Ladycats, Emma Hawkins has played a key role in assisting the team to victory after victory. In their recent matchup against Garner, Hawkins assisted and made points to help lead the team their fourth consecutive district victory.
As Newcastle’s basketball teams are approaching the midpoint of their district schedule, players across the court have made critical plays to lead their teams to victory.
The Bobcats and Ladycats recently had home matchups where both teams secured hard-fought wins and will look to maintain that enthusiasm and dedication throughout district play.
Keyton Newland of the Bobcats and Emma Hawkins of the Ladycats have been named Athletes of the Week for their performances in their recent games.
Keyton Newland, Bobcats basketball
When the Newcastle Bobcats went into their home match up Tuesday, Jan. 15 against Garner it turned into an aggressive battle across both ends of the court.
On the Bobcats end, one of the crucial pieces for the district game was Newland who started the game with a 3-point shot to lead the team ahead of Longhorns, a lead that was kept the remainder of the game.
“Keyton Newland is special. He's a hard worker and expects the pressure that comes with carrying this team,” head coach James King said. “Keyton has that warrior instinct. He's not going to back down from anything or anyone. He's had to grow up a lot this year, and carry a load that sophomores normally don't carry. I'm blessed to have the opportunity to coach him.”
Newland was key to passing, scoring and assisting his teammates throughout the game. He led in scoring with 18 points, half of which were made in the first quarter alone.
The Newcastle team had the Longhorns on their tail the entire game and delivered as much fight as they received. Following a big 3-point shot in the third quarter, Newland brought another six points to the board in the fourth quarter.
Along with his teammates, Newton led the charge at the end of the game and finally pushed away the Longhorns who had been hounding them defensively throughout the game.
It was that final push from Newton and his team that showed the results that come with determination and focus to achieve victory, no matter the struggle.
Emma Hawkins, Ladycats basketball
It is no understatement to say that the Ladycats have been working to live up to the championship earned last season. Now at 4-0 in district play, the team has been crushing the competition and learning along the way.
The team faced the Garner Lady Longhorns in a home matchup Tuesday, Jan. 15 and many contributed to the 59-17 win, a fourth-consecutive district victory. Ladycat Emma Hawkins was one of those players and someone head coach Ryan Dollar said has grown along with the team.
“Emma has really done a great job for us this year so far. She is a great team player and fills her role perfectly. It has been a blast watching her grow as a player of the past year and a half,” Coach Dollar said. “She does a great job rebounding, her shot selection has been great, and she has made learning our offenses important to her.”
Hawkins helped to make key plays during the victory over Garner and contributed eight points across the first three quarters to continue the Ladycats domination in district.
With her dedication to the game, her team and a willingness to grow along with her teammates, the Ladycats have another standout that could see them reach the heights of the previous season.
