March 28, 2024

Slow start dooms Newton girls

BOONE — With the “worst” start of a game this season, Newton High’s Cardinal girls weren’t able to come all the way back from a 17-point halftime deficit on Tuesday. The Cardinals lost 59-48 to host Boone in a non-conference contest.

“The start of the game was the worst we have had. I take blame for that,” Newton head coach Eric Vander Velden said. “We really need to emphasize the start and be strong.”

Vander Velden said Newton’s first five possessions resulted in five turnovers and three fouls. Newton had 23 turnovers in the game.

Boone’s Toreadors (3-10) jumped out to a 19-7 lead by the end of the first quarter. Newton (5-8) trailed 34-17 at the break.

“We regrouped at halftime and did a half-court press with a zone defense. That led to some steals,” Vander Velden said. “The line of Henwood, Nehring, McGuire, Callaghan and Baker got us back within eight with one minute left in the third quarter.”

Vander Velden said Boone hit two 3-pointers to extend its lead back to 14 — 48-34 — at the end of the third period. The Cardinals outscored the Toreadors 14-11 in the fourth quarter but Boone sank free throws to seal the win.

Boone was 19-of-25 from the free-throw line as Newton went 5-of-11. Unofficially, the Cardinals shot 51 percent, 26-of-51, from the field. The Toreadors netted eight 3-pointers.

Meg Callaghan led Newton with 12 points and six rebounds. Mackenzie Baker tossed in 11 points and pulled five rebounds. Chassidy Henwood scored 10 points, grabbed seven rebounds, made three assists and had two steals.

Aurora Nehring added seven points, four rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks. Jerrica McGuire and Victoria Reynolds had three points each and Brooklyn Cupples had two points.

“Our effort was so much better in the second half. I give Boone credit. They played hard, made 3s and free throws,” Vander Velden said.

Boone was led by Emma Dighton with 23 points, hitting four 3s, and Morgan Kathman had 15 points, hitting three 3s.

“We have to have two days of intense practice to start the second half of conference season against DCG,” Vander Velden said.

Newton is 2-5 in Little Hawkeye Conference play. It hosts Class 4A No. 13 Dallas Center-Grimes (8-5, 4-2 LHC) at 6:15 p.m. Friday at Newton High School. It is the school’s Conquering Cancer on the Court Night.