The Newton girls basketball team cruised to victory last night against Pella High despite trailing 4-12 early and 18-23 at half. The team snapped a three game losing streak by charging back in the second half. The comeback was facilitated mostly by their improved effort on the defensive end after halftime. 

Coach Brandon Sharp emphasized one key point at halftime. “On offense we just have to control what we can control and not try to do too much.” Sharp added, “It’s all about making good decisions, and although we had 23 turnovers I feel we did a decent job of that tonight.” Not exactly a ringing endorsement of his team’s offensive showing 

They turned turnovers and missed shots into points by pushing the ball up the floor and making quick, good decisions on the break. Most of the credit for the latter should go to Kaylie Rhoads, who shredded the Pella defense in the second half by getting herself and her teammates solid looks to score inside in transition.