The Newton High School boys’ basketball team got taken out of things early Friday, falling to Derby 64-43 at Ravenscroft Gym.
Ranked eighth in the Class 6A coaches poll, Derby used a high-pressure defense to create 24 Railer turnovers.
“In the second half, we fought better, much better,” Newton coach Don Cameron said. “Not to take away anything from Derby — Derby’s a fine team — but in the first half, we were not even attempting to do the things we need to do against pressure. As a coach, I understand a quick, pressurized team. Our kids know what to do against pressure, but they were not attempting to do those things. In the second half, we turned things around. In the second half, our kids attempted to do what they were at least supposed to do. I was proud of the way they responded and did what we talked about at halftime.”
Derby, 11-2, was led by Zack Steadman with 14 points, Cameron Cornelius with 13 and Jabril Richardson with 12.
Newton, 4-10, was led by Austin Vermillion with nine points. Alex Vermillion and Tyler Rambo scored seven points each.
“Alex Dorrell played very hard,” Cameron said. “Jon Alexander gave us some good minutes. Tyler Rambo, I have to give him a warrior award. He was very sick tonight. In the second half, I didn’t want to play him, but he was begging to play. That shows his desire. We’re starting to get better in spots.”
Newton jumped to a 5-2 lead, but Railer turnovers led to a 10-0 Derby run. After a Railer time out, Newton got back within two only to give up an 8-0 run to end the period. Newton had nine turnovers in the quarter.
Derby put things away with a 16-4 second quarter. Newton had nine turnovers in the first quarter and 14 for the half. Derby had just three turnovers.
Both teams struggled with turnovers in the third quarter. Newton was able to stay with Derby a little better. A Tyler Rambo jumper just before the buzzer gave the Railers the quarter, 13-11. Derby led by 20, 47-27, at the end of the period.
Derby made a 12-2 run to open the fourth quarter. Newton answered with a 14-5 run to end the game.
Newton hosts Arkansas City at about 7:30 p.m. Tuesday. Arkansas City is 6-8 after a loss to Salina Central. Newton is still seeking its first win at home. Two Newton wins are on neuteral courts. Two wins are on the road.
“We just have to come out ready to play on our home floor,” Cameron said. “We need to play basketball like it’s supposed to be played. Ark City has some kids. They have some quickness. Everyone knows to pressure Newton.”
DERBY (11-2) — Davis 1 2-2 1, 4; Tucker 2 0-0 2, 4; Z.Steadman 4 (2) 0-0 1, 14; Granger 0 0-0 1, 0; K.Steadman 2 (1) 0-0 0, 7; Hockenberry 0 0-0 1, 0; Rodriguez 0 0-0 0, 0; Sparks 0 0-0 0, 0; Richardson 6 0-0 3, 12; Harrison 0 0-0 1, 0; Dunham 1 909 9, 2; Schieber 0 0-0 0, 0; Cornelius 5 3-4 1, 13; Cornejo 0 (2) 2-2 1, 8; TOTALS 21 (5) 7-8 13, 64.
NEWTON (4-10) — Al.Vermillion 0 (2) 1-2 0, 7; Au.Vermillion 0 (3) 0-0 2, 9; Grosch 1 0-0 1, 2; Denno 2 0-1 1, 4; Preston 1 2-2 0, 4; Harms 2 0-0 2, 4; Rambo 2 (1) 0-0 2, 7; Dorrell 0 0-0 0, 0; Lawrence 0 0-0 0, 0; Moreland 2 0-0 0, 4; Alexander 1 0-0 0, 2; TOTALS 11 (6) 3-58, 43..
Derby 20 16 11 17 —64
Newton 10 4 13 16 —43
