Newberry High School Boys’ Basketball Showdown
Newberry, S.C. — Excitement was in the air on Friday night as the Newberry High School varsity boys’ basketball team took to the court for an electrifying showdown against their cross-town rivals, the Mid-Carolina Rebels. With fans filling the gym to the brim, the atmosphere was ripe for a thrilling display of talent, rivalry, and good old-fashioned competition.
Basketball Under Friday Night Lights
The game kicked off with both teams eager to establish their dominance. The Bulldogs, entering the matchup with a season record of 2-3, were looking to gain momentum after a rocky start. On the other hand, the Rebels had struggled so far, sitting at 1-6. However, with a fierce rivalry at stake, both teams knew that this was more than just a game.
Tension built as the game began with the two formidable big men, Jaquon McKinney from Mid-Carolina and Jamel Howse of Newberry, each showcasing their skills. McKinney made his presence known immediately, scoring two quick baskets from the low post, effectively dominating early on. Meanwhile, Howse matched that energy, using his athletic ability to grab an offensive rebound followed by a sweet 15-footer from the free-throw line. The first quarter was tightly contested, with Newberry edging out with a slight 14-9 lead as the buzzer sounded.
Firing Up the Second Quarter
As the second quarter unfolded, the action only heated up more. Both teams found their shooting rhythm, exchanging baskets back and forth. The Rebels attempted to claw back into the game, particularly with two significant three-point shots that ignited their fans’ hopes. But the Bulldogs had their own secret weapon in Edrick Dawkins, who provided an impressive spark off the bench with two three-pointers that had the crowd buzzing.
However, as the first half drew to a close, the Rebels faced an unexpected setback when starting shooting guard Kaden Myers went down with an ankle injury. Though he would return after halftime, it was clear he wasn’t at full strength. Newberry capitalized on the momentum shift, concluding the first half with a handy 32-22 advantage.
The Defining Third Quarter
As the teams returned for the second half, the third quarter would turn out to be the game-changer. Mid-Carolina found it challenging to regain their footing, especially with their top scorer clearly hindered by injury. The Bulldogs seized the opportunity, showcasing their best shooting performance of the night, hitting four shots from beyond the arc.
Coming alive in this pivotal period, Newberry expanded their lead to an impressive 23 points, entering the final quarter with a score of 54-34. While Mid-Carolina fought bravely in the last stretch, they simply couldn’t keep pace with the Bulldogs’ scorching hot shooting.
Victory for Newberry
When the final buzzer rang, the Bulldogs emerged victorious with a resounding 70-47 win over the Rebels, marking an important milestone in their season. For Newberry, it was deemed a huge morale booster as they celebrated their second win.
Leading the charge for the Bulldogs was Kenton Caldwell with 19 points, while Isaiah Glymph and Jamel Howse added 12 and 10 points respectively. Gavin Brown also made a remarkable impact, getting his best shooting outing of the season with nine points—all from three-point land.
Looking Ahead
“We finally hit shots,” commented Bulldogs’ head coach Adonis Hill. “Before this game, we were shooting just 27 percent, probably still figuring things out post-football season. But tonight showed what we’re capable of when we find our rhythm.”
As the teams prepare for their next meeting on January 3rd at Newberry High School, fans are already buzzing with anticipation about part two of this exhilarating rivalry. One thing’s for sure: both teams will be working hard as they look to sharpen their skills and secure bragging rights in this fierce local contest.
