Newsome Varsity Girls Basketball team poised for the playoffs

The Newsome Girls Basketball team continued their stifling defense with a 49 to 10 victory on Wednesday January 18 over Spoto High School followed by a 39 to 19 win over Bloomingdale on Friday January 20.

Wolves Head Coach David Kaufman and assistants Scott Palmer and Kennedy Russell are very proud of the team's play as their record stands at 12-7.

In 2016, the Wolves led the state in fewest points per game allowed at 29.2. For the 2016 to 2017 season to date the team has improved upon that average at 25.1. Teams have also shot and average of 21.8% vs. the Wolves and the Wolves have taken 34 charges. Solid defense has been key when shots were not falling as they'd like on the offensive end. The team sees each possession as truly valuable.

The Newsome Wolves seniors Bailey Cross, Kylie Shiflet, Marcella Benner and Abby Zippener, all honor roll students, have played well. Bailey has a solid basketball IQ while being a terrific post defender. Kylie "Plays her tail off" on every possession and is consistent on both ends. Marcella is the team's best shooter having improved every year in the program. Abby understands the game and gives the team tremendous energy off the bench and is a great finisher at the rim.

In 2016, the Wolves won their first ever state playoff game. The 2015-2016 team reached the Sweet 16 or Regional Semis while finishing with a 17-8 record. The team will rely on continued solid defense and improved shooting in post season action in 2017.

Along with the Class of 2017 players the coaches want to note the remainder of the roster and appreciate their efforts. The players are: Rene Talbert, Amanda Deck, Grace Hobson, Leah Dombroski, Kenya Smith, Ginger Haggbloom, Victoria Logar and Maia Smith