Photo by Jack Tumpowsky
By Luke Ito
Sports Reporter
The Newton South boys’ basketball team was bested by Newton North last Wednesday, 67-47. The game was the first meeting between the rivals since they faced off in the first round of the playoffs last year when South came out on top.
The Lions outplayed the Tigers early on and held a lead at halftime. Captain Lucas Nathanson explained the early success.
“We started off very strong, limiting North’s chances in terms of fast break points and second chance points, as well as limiting our [own] turnovers,” Nathanson said.
In the third quarter, however, the Lions’ effort faltered and they quickly lost their lead.
“In the third quarter we stopped doing things as well and North went on a big run,” Nathanson said. “Then we were trying to play catch up, which didn’t work out.”
Senior captain Robbie Hodin agreed, adding that he felt the Lions were out coached at the end of the game.
“The game went pretty well in the first half, but we kind of lost our steam in the second half,” Hodin said. “I think they completely out coached us and we tend to have a hard time competing with well-coached teams.”
Hodin also noted, however, that the players were equally responsible for the tough loss.
“We as players also have to take responsibility for our part and be more involved in the game on the bench, and play with more intensity when we get out there,” he said.
This is the last time that South and North will face off this season, except for a possible playoff matchup. If they play again, Hodin feels that South will be better prepared to compete.
“We were not as prepared as a team as we would have liked,” Hodin said. “Hopefully the next meeting between the two teams will go better.”
