By Dan Hardenbrook
The Newberry JV Boys Basketball team claimed a conference crown after a 40-29 win over the Cedarville-DeTour Islanders last Friday. The win improved their season record to 15-2 and wrapped up an 11-1 mark in the EUP Conference this season.
The squad did not lose a single game at home. This is the first outright solo conference title for the Newberry boys basketball program since they joined the league several seasons ago.
Quentin Magnuson was excellent again, continuing to wow at the JV level by scoring 25 points. Magnuson was a factor all night long, but his eight 4th-quarter points, including four successful free-throw shots, were crucial in securing the championship for the JV Indians.
Exchange student Asier Ramirez was an impressive sidekick to Magnuson, as Ramirez finished in double figures with 10 points. Logann McIntyre (3) and Colter Kitzman (2) rounded out scoring for Newberry. The effort defensively was just as important, with Newberry holding Cedarville-DeTour to just two points in the third quarter and only five in the fourth. That 21-7 second half advantage helped erase a halftime deficit and made the difference in the victory.
Following the JV contest, Coach Joe Rahilly and his team were recognized for the accomplishments this season. Coaches and players were brought back out on the floor where they were greeted by cheers and congratulations from the hometown crowd in the final game at the J.L. DeCook Gymnasium this season.
