News Summary
The Newberry Academy Eagles faced a tough challenge in the SCISA playoffs, losing 33-19 to Richard Winn Academy in a quarterfinal match held on February 18th. Despite a season-ending record of 14-9, the Eagles showed resilience but struggled with shooting accuracy against a rival they had previously beaten. The game marked a significant moment in their competitive season as they look ahead to future opportunities with hope and determination.
Newberry Academy Eagles Take Tough Loss in SCISA Playoffs
In an exhilarating quarterfinal showdown, the Newberry Academy Eagles saw their hopes for glory come to a halt after a 33-19 loss against Richard Winn Academy. This playoff clash, held on February 18th at Cardinal Newman High School, was packed with enthusiastic spectators who cheered on both teams. With the season now in the rearview mirror, Newberry Academy concludes with a 14-9 record and a 5-5 standing in SCISA region 3-A.
A Season of Ups and Downs
This matchup marked the fourth time these two rivals faced off during the current season, adding an extra layer of intensity to an already heated rivalry. Newberry had previously triumphed over Richard Winn on February 8 during the region finals at a neutral site, which filled the Eagles with confidence heading into this quarterfinal battle.
Richard Winn Academy has had a remarkable season, boasting an impressive 17-4 overall record and a flawless 10-0 performance in SCISA region 3-A. The Eagles, on the other hand, faced challenges throughout the year but managed to remain competitive and develop significant team chemistry.
A Game of Momentum Shifts
The first quarter of the game saw Richard Winn jumping ahead quickly. They finished off the period strong, leading 12-2, culminating in a 10-2 run that left the Eagles trailing. However, Newberry wasn’t about to let the game slip away that easily. They started the second quarter with a spirited 5-0 run, indicating they were ready to fight back. But alas, the Eagles struggled to maintain their momentum, allowing Richard Winn to close the half with a commanding 19-7 lead after a 7-0 run.
As the second half commenced, both teams appeared to come out a bit sluggish. Richard Winn gradually increased their lead to 21-9, putting Newberry on the ropes. Undaunted, the Eagles found a spark, thanks in large part to Caleb Wilbanks, who led the charge with a scoring burst. He racked up seven points in quick succession, narrowing the gap to 23-16 as the Eagles showed signs of a comeback.
An Unfortunate Turn of Events
As the clock ticked down in the final quarter, Newberry hit a rough patch, remaining scoreless for nearly four minutes. That drought proved costly, and Richard Winn capitalized on the Eagles’ shooting woes, ultimately sealing the game with their victory. Coach Scott Gardner recognized the challenges Newberry faced, particularly in their shooting accuracy, which lingered at a mere 20% from the field during the contest.
A Season of Resilience
Despite this tough loss, there were bright spots in the Newberry lineup. Wilbanks topped the scoring chart for the Eagles with seven points, while freshman guard Javon Conway made notable contributions with six points and three steals. This season was particularly challenging, as Newberry played without their starting point guard, Gavin Rosemond, who sustained a broken wrist earlier in the season during a match against Richard Winn. Such challenges became defining moments that highlighted the resilience and teamwork fostered throughout the year.
Looking Ahead
As the Eagles wrap up their season, Coach Gardner sees a silver lining. He is optimistic about next year, acknowledging the valuable experience this season provided and the potential for growth as they look toward the upcoming season in 2025-26. While the team will say goodbye to three seniors, there’s hope that the foundation laid this year will pave the way for future success. A big congratulations is in order for the Newberry Academy Eagles on a hard-fought season, and fans can eagerly anticipate their return to the court next year!
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Additional Resources
- Morning Journal: Columbia Girls Basketball
- Google Search: Newberry Academy Eagles
- MaxPreps: Basketball Recap
- Wikipedia: High School Basketball
- Columbia Daily Herald: TSSAA Basketball Playoffs
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Basketball
- USA Today: Burke County vs. Columbia
- Google News: Newberry Academy Eagles
