Strong Start

The Newark boys basketball team began their season on a good note at the Leland G. Strombom Tournament in Sycamore. The Norsemen played four games during the Thanksgiving break finishing with a 3-1 record. The loss came to the hands of the J-Hawks of Rockford Jefferson in a tough two-point overtime defeat.

In Sycamore, the Norsemen saw production from many players including 14.2 points per game from senior Jack Clausel and 13.2 ppg from junior Cameron Myre. After a shaky first game, the backcourt of juniors Steve McGrath and Will Clausel, kept their turnover numbers low and managed the game. Seniors Evan Schomer and Jack Clausel have led the team effort on controlling the rebounding effort both on the offensive and defensive glass.

When asked how the first tournament went, Evan Schomer said, “It went good, especially as a small school. We played at a high level.” The Norsemen were the only 1A team at the Strombom tournament which was filled with 3A and 4A teams. A 3rd place finish is considered a success for the Norsemen, even though they feel that they could’ve won it.

“We really feel like we were capable of playing in the championship game,” Coach Rick Tollefson said in regards to the team’s finish at the tournament. The Norsemen look to carry this momentum into the month of December and the Plano Christmas Classic.

You can keep up with the Norsemen by visiting www.norsemenbasketball.com, which is packed with news, stats, photos, videos, and even live stream of games. Check it out!

By Will Clausel