By Dan Hardenbrook
The new season got off to a strong start for the Newberry Lady Indians, who thrilled the hometown fans with a convincing 48-36 win in the 2025-2026 season opener. The final gap was closed by a late Bulldogs rally after the Lady Indians built a game high 22-point lead in the second half. It was the sixth consecutive regular season win against Rudyard for the Lady Indians program.
Newberry used a balanced attack to keep the Bulldogs at a distance. Seven players scored, with three finishing in double figures. Gracie Johnson got the Lady Indians off and running, playing her best basketball in an impressive first half where they led wire-to-wire before the break. Johnson led all scorers that evening with 15 points, 13 of which came in the first half while Newberry built up its big lead.
Sydney Duflo was excellent on both ends for the Lady Indians. Duflo scored 13 in the win, as her and Johnson formed a strong duo that did plenty of damage. Other scorers included Becca Rahilly, who made her varsity debut as a freshman and ended the night with 10 points. Senior Ashley Dzelak finished with 4 points, and Natalie Whalen, Abby Taylor, and Libby McAlpine each had 2 points.
Early cancellations and schedule changes have left the Lady Indians with very little early season action. They will play game number two this Thursday, when they travel to Manistique to face the Emeralds. That will be their final contest of the 2025 portion of the schedule.
