From the Sidelines: Thompson, tough ‘D’ triggers turnaround

What a difference a year makes. With a little more experience, a missing link back in the lineup and improved play on the defensive end of the floor, the Newton girls basketball team has found a ton of success this season. And they are loving every minute of it. “We are way more positive, and we have better attitudes,” said senior post player Amy Vos, who is leading the team in scoring and rebounding this season. It was one season ago that the Cardinals won just three games, struggled with a young group of guards and made too many mistakes in a very tough league. This year, Newton already has eight wins, is taking care of the basketball and playing at a very high level in a league still featuring multiple ranked teams. “We have a lot more