Too Few Seconds, Two Few Points

A capacity crowd was on hand at the Wolves den Saturday night, fully expecting a hotly contested game in the Wolves' first region final appearance. They would not be disappointed. While Newsome surged to a quick 10-5 lead, Bartow went on a 12-1 run to finish the first quarter with a 17-11 lead. Bartow used their size advantage to build their lead to 42-33 by the end of the third quarter, and were able to stretch that lead to fourteen on a couple of occasions in the fourth quarter. As has been their fashion all season long, Newsome refused to give in. In spite of Bartow's huge advantage in rebounding (30 to 17) and free throw shots (37 to 12), the Wolves clawed back into the game behind some pressure defense and clutch shooting.

In the end there were just two points between the Wolves and Lakeland. After trailing by 14 points with four minutes left, the Wolves refused to quit, but there were not enough minutes - or fouls left to give - and Newsome came up short 60-58 against Bartow. Senior Jake Hodges led all scorers with 19 points on 7 for 9 shooting including two threes. Wolves all-time leading scorer senior Samal Shepherd scored 18. Junior Trent Mackey added 10 points, including the 25 footer that brought Newsome within two points with 4 seconds remaining as he added two to his team-leading season total of three pointers. Senior center Cody Dowd added a hard-earned 8 points and junior Jamel Gist rounded out the scoring for Newsome with 3. Jeremiah Samarippas scored 16 for the yellowjackets and four other players added nine apiece.

Thus ends the winningest season (22-9) in Newsome basketball history. Bartow will continue to the finals in Lakeland Wednesday night. For more stories about the region final visit the Tribune, the Times, or the Ledger. Click here for pics and video.  

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