Norsemen Basketball
The Norsemen Basketball team traveled to Plano over Christmas break to participate in the Plano Christmas Classic. The boys were seeded 13th in the tournament and opened up action against a Little Ten opponent, Hinckley – Big Rock. The Norsemen won in dominating fashion, 58 – 23. The next time the boys took the court, it was against Kaneland, the 4 seed and one of the favorites in the tournament. They found themselves down 17 – 10 at the end of the first quarter, but made a big run in the second to take a 30 – 28 halftime lead. They extended the lead in the third quarter, and held off a comeback attempt in the fourth to beat the Knights 57 – 50. After Kaneland, they faced off against a familiar foe, Aurora Christian. The week before, the Norsemen beat Aurora Christian by 1 at Newark. This time, the case was different. Aurora Christian jumped out to a 12 – 0 lead early in the game, and they couldn’t recover, losing 62 - 53. After Aurora Christian, they played Seneca. Saddled with foul trouble, the Norsemen had key players out of the game for long stretches at a time, and Seneca took advantage, bullying the team on their way to a 69 – 40 win. After Seneca, they squared off with Coal City, the 3 seed. The team had complete control of the entire game, and barley held off a big run in the waning minutes to win 56 – 55, and ultimately winning 7th place in the 24 team tournament. They finished highest of all the 1A and Little Ten teams. The next Friday, the team traveled to Dwight to take on the Trojans. They came out flat and it stayed that way, losing 57 – 43. After Dwight, the Norsemen played Plano at home. They jumped out to a 16 - 2 advantage early into the second quarter, and Plano never got within 5 of the lead, the Norsemen winning by a final score of 50 – 42. The team is just hitting their stride and starting to get some wins, so come out and watch the boys play!
By Jack Clausel and Zack Bond
By Jack Clausel and Zack Bond
The varsity basketball program is in full swing! The girls worked hard to prepare for the season during preseason. They are continuing to work hard and improve everyday. The team is undefeated in conference and recently placed 5th in the Lisle tournament. Senior Nicole Lawrence was asked how she thought the team has grown this season. She answered, “Throughout the season the team chemistry has progressed as well as communication.” This group of seniors has been playing with each other for four years now. The five seniors had a very successful season their sophomore year. The girls plan to continue to work hard and improve for the games to come. They will compete in their conference tournament January 20th-24th. Good luck the rest of the season, ladies! 
Special thanks to Heartland Bank for donating $1 for every free throw made at all home basketball games. Friday night they gave us $85 and they will add the last few games to that total.
The Norsemen basketball team kicked off their season at Sycamore High School, with the Thanksgiving Tournament. The boys started out slow, losing three of their first four games. The first was to Rockford Lutheran, the eventual champion of the tournament, by a score of 86 - 58. After Rockford Lutheran, they played Burlington Central, and the game went down to the wire. The Norsemen held a 2 point lead after the 3rd quarter, but they were outscored by the Rockets by 9 in the final period, taking a 58 – 51 loss. Jack Clausel led all scorers with 22 points, while Evan Schomer had 12 points and 7 rebounds. Will Clausel passed his way to 10 assists and 8 rebounds, a team high. All teams took Thursday off for Thanksgiving, but resumed action Friday. The team the Norsemen faced off against was the Dundee Crown Chargers. Again, the Norsemen held a lead in the fourth quarter, but couldn’t hold on, falling 57 – 52. Jack Clausel had 17 points to go along with 6 rebounds. Evan Schomer scored 11 points and grabbed 5 rebounds, while Matt Eike had 9 points and 4 rebounds. After this 0 – 3 start, the Norsemen were looking to get their first win. They found themselves locked into a battle with Sandwich, but they went on a late run and pulled out a 60 – 53 win. Noah Nichols scored 11 points off the bench, while Jack Clausel had 17 points to go along with 15 rebounds. The Norsemen have more games coming up in the coming weeks, starting with the first home conference game against Somonauk on December 6th, then travel to Deerfield to play against Chicagoland Jewish, the team that the Norsemen played in the sectional final last year. The Norsemen are looking to pick up some wins in the coming weeks, and would love your support! Come cheer on the Norsemen!
While you’re out watching our boys’ basketball teams compete this season, you’ll have a few more people cheering on the sidelines. Cheerleading is back at Newark High School and head coach, Miranda Linco, couldn’t be more excited! When asked about what she expects out of the upcoming season, she said, “A positive season with my girls, a lot of hard work and dedication to our Norsemen!” The team started the tryout process for the freshmen and new students who missed tryouts in May on November 5th. Practices as a full team started November 7th. “I’m hoping to give the girls the most rewarding cheerleading experience that they deserve,” Coach Miranda said. Coach Miranda will be assisted by Newark’s very own Ms. Eibl. Come out and support the Norsemen this winter!
The Lady Norsemen finished up their successful season on Tuesday November 5th. The team competed against Mooseheart for the Regional semi final. They put them away soundly, and moved to their next opponent. After claiming the regional championship against Hinkley-Big Rock, the lady Norsemen advanced to their next game against Harvest Christian. This match was lost, ending the season, but did not end the great memories and great accomplishments achieved this season. After finishing with a 27-7 record and being undefeated in conference, and leaving with a Conference tournament championship, the Norsemen have nothing to hang their heads about. The girls have had a great season. All the hard work paid off with some great wins and they have a team to be proud of. Congratulations to the team on finishing strong and making the season one to remember.