Congratulations to the Newark Norsemen Basketball team for placing second at the 48th Annual Plano Christmas Classic Thursday night. After Newark won their first three games, Rockford Christian took the title in a very close fourth game, 48-44. The results of the Tournament were:
12/27/10, Newark vs Somonauk, 59-31 W
12/28/10, Newark vs Spring Valley Hall, 72-39 W
12/29/10, Newark vs Princeton, 58-57 W
12/30/10, Newark vs Rockford Christian, 44-48 L
December 14, this date would be circled on both Newark and Indian Creek calenders as this game between the teams would most likely determine who would be the regular season Little Ten Conference Champion. The Norsemen looked to come out onto the floor a bit sluggish as they missed alot of open shots early as well as gave up some big points on the defensive end. They would go up by 7 at half time but the third quarter looked as though it may be trouble. The Timberwolves would cut the Norsemen lead to just 1 with seconds to go in the third. A big turnaround however came when a Kyle Anderson 3 was followed by a quick steal and an and-1 shot by John Avery at the buzzer. Newark was able to regain their 7 point lead that they would increase to 17 at the end of the game. Kyle Anderson led all scorers with 27 points, 14 of which coming from the free-throw line. Also John Avery had 20, and Jeremy Anderson finished the night with 14.
- Written by Gregory Hughes
Source: Wix.com
Coming off of a win over Seneca at the United Center, the Norsemen were able to have a long week of practice to prepare for their next contest against the Eagles of Aurora Christian. The crowd was full of both AC and Newark fans and they were ready for a big matchup they wouldn't soon forget. It started out great for the Norsemen. After winning the tip-off, Jeremy Anderson was the first to score against his old team with a quick drive and layup to the hoop. It was short lived however as Aurora Christian would go up by two at the end of the quarter. The second looked as though it would go better as Newark was able to take a 30-29 lead off of a Greg Hughes' 3 pointer. This lead would not last very long however as the Eagles would go on a 14-3 run to end the half up 43-33. The extended halftime at the game though seemed beneficial to the Norsemen as they came out in the third quarter looking to regain the lead. They would end up going down by as much as 12 but rallied back to cut the lead to just 2 going into the 4th. Finally, in the last quarter they were able to gain the lead and never give it up as they would win the game 80-75. Kyle Anderson was the leading scorer for the Norsemen with a total of 26. Brett Anderson was just 2 points away from a double-double as he pulled down 12 rebounds.
- Written by Gregory Hughes
Source: Wix.com
The Lady Norsemen opened their season on November 15th at the Somonauk Breakout Tournament. Newark’s first matchup was against the Serena Huskers. The Ladies then played the Plano Reapers. On Wednesday Newark faced the Seneca Irish. The Lady Norsemen’s last game of the tournament was against Immaculate Conception. Newark finished 2nd in the tournament based on free throw percentage.
The Lady Norsemen’s first home game was against Aurora Christian. They then traveled to LaMoille. The girls had their second home game against Indian Creek. “I am looking forward to the challenge of forming a whole new team and being successful. The first two weeks of practice have been the most fun I have had in a long time. The girls play hard and are eager to learn. This year we will be more of an open court team, both full court and half court.” said Dale Skelton. “I am looking forward to being able to see if we can compete with the top of the conference. Coaching a young team is hard at first, but rewarding once they understand” said assistant coach, Brian Holman.
- Written by Melissa McNanna
The game started out slow for the Norsemen who made some early turnovers and missed some easy shots. Late in the first however, the team was able to shake off their nerves and hit the shots and gain a 13-7 lead after one quarter. The second quarter showed a few flaws in the Newark defense as it seemed as thought the Irish were getting open lay-ups everytime they got the ball. After a Newark timeout the Norsemen seemed to figure it out and were all ready to go into the locker room with an 8 point lead. Unfortunately this lead was reduced to just 6 after an Irish 2 at the buzzer. Disappointment for the first half result looked to be the theme on the faces of the Norsemen players in the United Center locker room. Newark was able to play a strong quarter on both ends as they maintained their 6 point lead going into the final quarter. The fourth quarter began strong for Seneca as they were able to reduce the lead to just 1. The Norsemen defense came up huge in the last 5:38 allowing just 4 points and getting the win 53-42. Kyle Anderson and John Avery were the only two players to hit double digits during the game with 20 and 16 respectively. John Avery also had 7 rebounds. Newark will now have a long week of practice before their next game on Friday at Jeremy and Brett's old school of Aurora Christian.
- Written by Gregory Hughes
Source: Wix.com
The Newark Sports Hall of Fame committee would like to congratulate Kelly Friestad, their 2011 Sports Hall of Fame inductee. Kelly is only the second player in the history of the Little Ten Conference to be named all-conference in three sports in two consecutive years. She was selected as all conference in volleyball, basketball, and softball as a junior in 2003 and as a senior in 2004.
On Saturday, December 18, Kelly will be honored at half-time of the Newark girl's varsity basketball game vs. Illinois Math and Science Academy. The varsity game is scheduled to start at 2:30pm immediately following the the sophomore game that starts at 1:00pm. A reception for Kelly's family and teammates will follow.
Kelly earned 11 varsity letters while attending Newark High School. In basketball, she holds the career assists record, is a member of the 1000 point club, and earned honorable mention all-state her senior year, with a 27-3 team record. In her senior year of softball she was second team all-state, helping the team to a 25-11 record and the first appearance in a supersectional of any sports team at Newark. She played 4 years of varsity basketball at Judson University where she ranks 8th all time in assists. Kelly is currently a physical education teacher and coaches volleyball and basketball at Harvest Christian Academy in Elgin.
4 quarters, 32 minutes, 110 points. This was the story of the night for the Norsemen who had a total of 6 different players scoring in double digits as well as 2 double doubles. The biggest quarter for Newark came in the first where they started out the game scoring 36 points. They followed this up in the following quarters with 25, 29, and 20 respectively. Kyle Anderson and John Avery each had 21 points for the game. Cameron Berg had 17, Taylor Wright and Jeremy Anderson had 13 each. Brett Anderson was the final double digit scorer for the Norsemen with 11. Brett also recorded a double double with a season high 17 rebounds including 10 on the offensive end of the floor. His older brother Jeremy recorded the other double double with 10 assists. Newark hopes to keep the points rolling as they travel out to the United Center tomorrow to play the Seneca Fighting Irish.
- Written by Gregory Hughes
Source: Wix.com
Finally, 5 games into the 2010-11 season, it was time for the Norsemen's home opener against the Red Ramblers of Mooseheart. The team was all but perfect on the offensive side of the ball as Newark's quick passing and great shooting proved to be to much for the Rambler defense and they took an early 28-10 lead in the first quarter. Defense may have gotten a little bit lazy in the second however as they allow 14 points but still maintain a 48-24 lead going into the half. The third quarter went by smoothly giving the Norsemen a 40 point lead going into the 4th. With that lead it was decided that the 4th would be played with a running clock only stopping for timeouts. The game would end with the score of 84-47 in favor of the Norsemen. Kyle Anderson led all scorers with 20 points but it was the Newark Bench that was the story with a combined 33 points for the subs. This included 3 from Junior Taylor Wright, 13 for Cameron Berg, and 17 total points for Senior Greg Hughes including a perfect 5-5 from three. Jeremy Anderson and Paul Hines led the team with 7 assists for the game, John Avery had 8 rebounds. The next test for the 6-0 Norsemen will be a home game on Friday the 3rd against the LaMoille/Ohio Lions at home. This will be the first conference game for Newark.
- Written by Gregory Hughes
Source: Wix.com
A huge shooting night for the Norsemen as they roll to a 75-41 win. The night started out with a big first quarter with Newark going up on the Reapers 19-4, 11 of those coming from the hands of John Avery. They weren't done either as they record 26, 18, and 12 in the next three quarters. Newark's big scoring night came thanks to 73% shooting accuracy from the field including 7-7 from sophomore Brett Anderson. The team also went 28-31 from inside the arc. Newark also had a big rebounding night as they out rebound Plano 31-11. Unfortunately Newark turned the ball over a total of 19 times to the Reaper's 14. The Norsemen will hope to improve on that stat in their game on Thursday against the Mooseheart Red Ramblers in the first home game of the season. Kyle Anderson led the team with 22 points and 8 rebounds. Brett Anderson finished the game with 17 points and 9 rebounds. John Avery also recorded 17 points as well as 10 assists.
- Written by Gregory Hughes
Source: Wix.com