JOHNSTON — With a minute remaining in the game, Newton High’s freshman girls got the job done at the free-throw line. The Cardinals hit four free throws to tie and take the lead against host Johnston.
Newton’s freshmen claimed a 48-46 win in their first game of the 2014-15 season Monday night. With a squad of just seven players, the Cardinals had six of the seven score points and all seven claimed rebounds.
“The girls came ready to play for the first game even though we had a 8:15 start at Johnston and hadn’t practice since last Tuesday,” said NHS freshman head coach Eric Vander Velden. “It was a close game throughout.
“All seven girls worked hard on both ends of the court. They ran the new offense very well while making five 3-pointers and shooting 11 for 13 at the line. We look to get better in some areas for our next game Friday against Chariton at home.”
Newton led most of the first half and owned a 19-17 at the break. Johnston outscored Newton 15-13 in the third quarter to forge a 32-32 tie. Johnston pushed to the front then Newton downed the free throws at the end and played solid defense to claim the victory.
Taylor Ryan paced the Newton offense with 13 points. Addy Blom tossed in 10 points and grabbed six rebounds. Ali Bestell was the leading rebounder with eight and scored six points.
Randi Walters and Marcelina Marvelli each scored six points. Walters also had six rebounds. Anna Forsyth had five points. Tessa Keeton had three rebounds and one assist.