Newton’s triple-double lifts Strong to victory

News-Times Staff STRONG - Heading into the season, Strong was going to be counting on Emauri Newton to lead the Bulldogs on both ends of the floor.

On Tuesday night, the senior did just that, racking up a triple-double to lead the Bulldogs to a 61-34 win over Hermitage in 8-1A play.

A senior, Newton had 18 points along with 10 assists and 10 steals for the Bulldogs (1-2, 1-2), who won their first game of the season.

But Newton was far from the lone contributor for the Bulldogs.

Fred Williams had a double-double with 14 points and 22 rebounds along with six steals, while Shundarius Shelton chipped in with 17 points, three steals and two rebounds.

Treveon Daniels grabbed 10 rebounds while scoring six points for Strong.

“I’m trying to teach Emauri the role of a team leader,” Strong coach Champ Watson said.

“He has to get Williams and Daniels in the flow. When that happens, it makes his game open up even more. I’m very proud

of my guys' effort so we need to carry that into the Taylor game on Friday.”

Crossett 67, Parkers Chapel 52

CROSSETT - Chris Greer had 22 points and Evan Younger had a double-double with 13 points and 12 rebounds for the Trojans (0-4).

Despite the setback, Parkers Chapel coach Josh Langley has been pleased with his team's progress.

“We played Crossett last week at home and lost 68-38,” Langley said. “We have come along way in just a week. These guys haven't been discouraged and have been working hard to improve.”

The Trojans trailed 22-7 at the end of the first quarter and 40-23 at intermission before closing to within 52-40 at the end of the third quarter.

“We are inexperienced right now, but once these guys get some games under their belt, I think we can give some good teams some trouble in the conference,” Langley said. “Very proud of the fight we showed against a really good 4A school. Three of our four losses are to 4A opponents. We like to schedule tough opponents early to get us ready for conference play.”

The Trojans will play at Hampton on Friday.

Drew Central 49,

Smackover 41

MONTICELLO - D'Kylan Hildreth had 22 points and Brandon Lockhart chipped in with nine points for the Bucks, who fell on the road in 8-3A play.

The Bucks will step out of conference play and host Hamburg tonight.