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(THOMAS WALLNER | THE GRAHAM LEADER) Jacob Omundi has been an asset for the Bobcats team all season, utilizing his skills to bring crucial points on the board. Omundi led a dominating charge for Newcastle during their most recent matchup Tuesday, Feb. 4 against Woodson, with 18 points overall. -
(THOMAS WALLNER | THE GRAHAM LEADER) Ladycat Mattie Dollar has been the leading force behind the team all season. As one of two seniors, she has helped to showcase to the other players her experience. In the two first quarters she played Tuesday, Feb. 4 against Woodson, she scored a total of 26 points.
Newcastle’s basketball teams are at the end of their district run and athletes have been busy showing off their skills on the court.
While the Ladycats look to their bi-district matchup next week, the Bobcats are hoping to secure a spot in the playoffs. Both teams had athletes make plays across the court during their recent game against Woodson.
Jacob Omundi of the Newcastle Bobcats and Mattie Dollar of the Newcastle Ladycats have been named Athletes of the Week for their recent athletic performances.
Jacob Omundi, Bobcats basketball
Omundi has a presence on the court and is someone that head coach James King said is among the kindest and most humble people he knows.
King said Omundi’s greatest asset is his ability to find the ball around the rim.
“He is very athletic for a post player, therefore he finds a way to get rebounds and create shots that a lot of post players wouldn’t get,” King said. “The more experience he gets, the more his confidence grows. He’s already creating havoc down low for opposing teams. I look forward to his future.”
During the recent game against Woodson, Omundi put up a total of 18 points on the board and was a dominant force in the second half. Omundi alone accounted for half of the 30 points made by the Bobcats in the second half.
Though the game ultimately ended in a loss for Newcastle, the team’s fight is seen through players like Omundi every game. King said with continued effort, Omundi could make the next step in his career.
“I think Jacob could easily go and play at the next level, if he keeps working as hard as he has this year,” King said.
Mattie Dollar, Ladycats basketball
Though she is only in her second year and final year at Newcastle ISD, Dollar has no doubt made an impact on the program.
With scoring and defensive maneuvers that drew the eye of Lubbock Christian University, where she signed to play basketball, Dollar has worked tirelessly for the Ladycats team.
“Mattie has always worked hard on and off the court,” head coach Ryan Dollar said. “She spends many hours bettering herself and her teammates. She also has high expectations for herself and her teammates and helps to hold everyone accountable.”
Despite only playing the first two quarters Tuesday, Feb. 4 against Woodson, it is telling that Dollar ended up putting the most points on the board for the Ladycats.
During the game she had a total of 26 points which included five 3-point and 2-point shots and one made free throw.
Dollar will be someone the team will rely on as it approaches its bi-district game Monday, Feb. 10 against the Forestburg Lady Longhorns at Wichita Falls Legacy High School.
“Mattie has played in big games before so her leadership and ability to help control the tempo of the game will be a big help on Monday night,” coach Dollar said.
