ATHENS, Ga. — The Newton Rams left the Peach State Explosion Monday afternoon with a 72-63 win over the Affect Christian Lions after an enormous sport from senior Ted Neal.
The Peach State Explosion introduced collectively groups from Georgia and Florida to show their abilities at Cedar Shoals Excessive College in Athens, and the matchup between the Rams and Lions from Jacksonville showcased two groups which have been mainstays of their respective states.
Throughout the final two seasons, the Rams and Lions have gone a mixed 39-18 and 38-20, respectively.
By sport’s finish on Monday, Neal’s 22 factors earned himself “participant of the sport” honors because it helped the Rams bounce again after a 57-62 loss to Woodward Academy. Newton’s capacity to get again within the win column and have a greater day capturing the ball is what impressed head coach Barry Browner probably the most.
“I used to be actually happy with the trouble. Saturday was a heartbreaker. It was a tricky sport versus an excellent Woodward group, however I’m glad these guys have been capable of bounce again,” Browner stated. “They have been hungry. We didn’t shoot it effectively in opposition to Woodward, [and they] have been within the health club actually all day yesterday getting up photographs. I’m simply actually happy with the trouble and the bounce again — that’s what we do.”
Within the opening body, each groups managed to attain typically.
Newton’s mixture of Neal and Jordan Inexperienced prompted hassle for the Lions, significantly within the paint on each ends of the court docket. Neal ended the opening quarter with seven factors and a pair of blocks that led the Rams main 18-14.
Nonetheless, Affect Christian discovered momentum within the second quarter which led to the Lions grabbing a lead.
Key three pointers from Affect Christian’s Jeremiah Jones capped off a 16-point first half from the Lions’ guard.
The Rams didn’t go away simple, although.
Newton knocked down photographs from the perimeter as effectively, courtesy of Marcus Smith and Bryce Jackson. However, it was Smith’s capacity to regulate the court docket that gave Newton the increase it wanted.
Monday was solely Jackson’s fifth sport in a Newton jersey, however Browner make clear simply how impactful the previous Walnut Grove standout has been.
“We did a superb job, nevertheless it begins with Marcus Smith and what he brings to this group,” Browner siad. “You possibly can’t ask a man to guide the group higher than the best way Marcus does. I believe Marcus is likely one of the greatest defensive guards within the state, [and] probably the most underrated guards within the state. He has been by the fireplace, so he is aware of the right way to calm guys down. If issues are getting wayward, he is aware of the right way to pull guys in.”
Together with Smith within the backcourt was Zach Harden Jr., who made his season debut with the Rams after Newton’s soccer season got here to an finish. Harden emerged as considered one of Newton’s prime choices a yr in the past.
The Rams entered halftime with a slim 34-33 lead in what proved to be a bodily sport for each groups.
Popping out of halftime, Browner wished to stay to the Rams’ strengths and get the ball to the fitting guys in the fitting spots.
“We talked about transferring the ball and the press,” Browner stated. “Anytime you play a group like this — and they’re scrappy, this Affect group is actually good — simply transferring the ball within the press and ensuring we hit guys. As soon as we hit guys we’re off to the races. We need to at all times have the benefit. As soon as we try this, it’ll be powerful — we’ve lengthy, athletic guys and guys that may end on the rim. That was the speak at halftime and I believe we did an incredible job of executing it.”
Finally, the plan labored.
The third quarter was the second wherein the Rams took management and by no means seemed again. Newton outscored Affect Christian 24-16 popping out of halftime with sturdy performances from Neal and Smith.
A expensive technical foul on the Affect Christian bench allowed Smith to take 4 free throws — all of which have been all made.
To make issues worse for the Lions, Neal started to warmth up.
Neal’s 17 factors within the second half gave Newton all it wanted because the Appalachian State signee acquired extra snug as the sport progressed. Together with Neal, RJ Wilson gave the Rams a strong effort within the paint within the ultimate quarter.
By sport’s finish, Neal led the Rams with 22 factors to associate with six rebounds. Smith ended with 15 factors and 9 assists whereas Jackson had 16 factors and 4 rebounds.
Inexperienced and Wilson had 9 and 10 factors, respectively.
Affect Christian was led by Jones and Ronald Clark, who each completed with 21 factors.
The 72-63 win moved Newton to 4-1 on the yr as they head into Thanksgiving.
Following the vacation, Newton will compete on back-to-back days within the Onerous within the Paint match at Maynard Jackson Excessive College.
Newton will face Cedar Grove on Friday, Nov. 29 at 8:30 p.m. earlier than taking up Holy Innocents Episcopal on Saturday, Nov. 30 at 5:30 p.m.
