Victory over Freedom Sets Stage For Showdown With King For First Place in District

The Newsome Wolves retained their undefeated district record with a victory over the Freedom Patriots Monday night in New Tampa, setting the stage for a battle of district unbeatens Thursday when they host the King Lions in the Wolves Den. Newsome jumped out to a quick lead, but Freedom was able to race back into the game behind a couple of baskets from senior Brandon Bertorello and a three from junior Jordan Duval. The first quarter ended with a score of 16 all, but behind an excellent offensive performance by Samal Shepherd, who had 16 points by halftime, Newsome was able to build a 28-21 half time advantage. The Wolves continued to build the lead the rest of the game, culminating in a 59-45 victory. In addition to Shepherd's outstanding 22 point performance on the evening, Trent Mackey had an outstanding shooting night on his way to 10 points on the outing. They were joined in double figures by Jake Hodges with 14, while senior Charles Murphy added 8. Bertorello led the way for the Patriots with 16.

The Wolves return to action Thursday, when they host the undefeated and highly regarded Lions from King High School.  King is recognized by local hoops fans as the home of senior Toarlyn Fitzpatrick, a Georgia Southern signee who has already had an excellent high school career.  It is also of special interest to the Wolves, as the Lions were for many years coached by the Wolves own Jon Mackey, and King served as showcase for Samara Shepherd, an excellent girls basketball player for the last four years and sister to Wolves junior Samal Shepherd.  The Lions are a well-balanced team offensively as four players score around the double figure range; seniors Eric Diggs and Fitzpatrick along with junior guard Rethell Oliver and Sophomore Center Reshard Brown.  King is fresh off a 65-27 spanking of Brandon and has not been challenged in its first four outings.

Last changed: Dec 09 2008 at 6:50 PM

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