Newport Defends Home Court with Convincing Win Over Redmond


Lady Mustangs Prevail in Overtime Clash with Newport
By Steven Dion

Friday- December 12 2014 KingCo 4A
Newport High School Final
Newport 56
Redmond 38


Newport Senior Jake Higgins

The nightcap of a full slate of basketball at Newport HS on Friday night was the boys varsity matchup of the host Knights and visiting Mustangs of Redmond High School. Newport has been a top half 4A KIngCo squad in recent years while Redmond has struggled to join the upper ranks of the conference. Would they have the horsepower to pick up the road win or would Newport pile on another win in front of the home crowd?

Redmond appeared they were ready to compete as they scored the first six points of the game two of which came from a circus shot by Kevin Carpenter. Unfortunately, the ‘Stangs couldn’t keep the momentum rolling as the Knights went on a 10-0 run in response to the early deficit. The length advantage of Newport forwards started to show its presence as Ryan Kingma and Jake Higgins among others glided to the rim for layup drills. Redmond was on the brink of submitting to a big halftime deficit, but closed the second quarter strong to only trail by 5.

The third quarter is where Newport put this game to rest. They limited the opposition to only 6 points in the frame while building a big lead. The Mustangs competed throughout the second half even as the Newport lead continued to grow. NHS head coach Steve Haizlip allowed many of his reserves to log some minutes down the stretch as his team closed out a 56-38 victory.

Top Performers:
Newport
Jake Higgins-24 points

Redmond
Kevin Carpenter-12 points

 

Lady Mustangs Prevail in Overtime Clash with Newport


Lady Mustangs Prevail in Overtime Clash with Newport
By Steven Dion

Friday- December 12 2014 KingCo 4A
Newport High School 1st 2nd 3rd 4th OT Final
Redmond 10 12 11 16 10 59
Newport 7 21 8 13 8 57


Redmond Junior Sierra Craig

Friday night’s slate of early season basketball featured a 4A KingCo matchup of Newport and visitors Redmond. At this point of the schedule, nobody knows where they fit in the spectrum of the leagues so exciting finishes often occur and this was a glaring example. This particular contest took extra time to be settled. Who prevailed and how?

The Lady Knights and their up-tempo play grabbed a 6 point first half lead as freshman point guard Jahdai Alcombrack and post Katelyn Jenkins netted nine apiece. The Mustangs had a difficult time finding a rhythm in the first 16 minutes, but kept the score close enough to give themselves a chance in the second half. Seniors Morgan Grindell and Sawyer Forseth led the Mustangs with a half dozen points each before the break by the score of 30-22 in favor of the home team.

Redmond coach Ashley Graham clearly emphasized defensive pressure in the locker room because the ‘Stangs started climbing back into the game quickly. They had four scorers in the third quarter in comparison to Newport with one. They even gained the lead and held it well into the fourth quarter. Redmond was on the brink of closing the game out, but called a timeout after a defensive rebound. The only problem? They were out of timeouts! This led to two free throws that helped Newport push the game to overtime.

Newport committed to attacking the rim in the overtime period and earned 11 trips to the free throw line making 8 of them. However they did not make a field goal whereas Forseth and Teagyn Ohrt made key buckets down the stretch. This was the difference in the ballgame as the road Redmond squad escaped with a 59-57 victory.

Top Performers:
Redmond
Teagyn Ohrt-15 points (5/7 FT’s)

Newport
Katelyn Jenkins-15 points

 

Bothell Explosive in Second Half to Reach 4A Final

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Saturday Nov. 29 2014 4A Boys Football
Tacoma Dome 1st 2nd 3rd 4th Final
Bothell 13 7 10 7 37
Newport-Bellevue 0 13 6 0 19

Game Recap below

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Bothell Explosive in Second Half to Reach 4A Final
By Steven Dion

Tom Bainter is one win away from a perfect season and capturing his first state title. His Cougs were matched with KingCo foe Newport in the 4A semifinal at the Tacoma Dome. The Knights quietly made an impressive playoff run to reach the semis with wins over Lake Stevens and Federal Way. A big question surrounding Bothell’s ability to claim the championship is their ability to fill the shoes of star tailback Sam McPherson. The Blue Train did not appear to lose much steam in the opening rounds of the postseason, but would Newport and their complex run-game and stout line pull an upset?

The Knights commitment to the run was evident early, but they coughed the ball up twice early in the contest leading to Bothell points including a 37 yard return by Jordan Baker. After conducting a blowout against Bellarmine last week, it seemed the Cougars were poised to do the same Saturday night. However, Newport put together a strong second quarter starting with a 14 play, 71 yard drive capped off with a Nick Keithley dive from the 1 yard line. After the ensuing kickoff, NHS recovered the football on a bobbled snap resulting in a Thomas Day touchdown two plays later. The lead was restored by the blue and white when Ross Bowers connected with Jackson Keimig shortly before halftime. Bothell led 20-13 with 24 minutes to play.

Newport conducted a signature long drive to open the second half which was capped off with a Thomas Day highlight-reel run from 26 yards out. The Knights ran the ball on 54 of 57 plays from scrimmage. While this led to success for most of the game, it eventually led to Bothell’s ability to clamp down. Led by hard-hitting Tyler Wharf and his 8.5 tackles, Bothell’s defensive front gave their offense ample time of possession to put the game away. Dayzell Wilson hauled in a jump ball despite tight coverage and a wide open strike for 41 yards in a span of four minutes to ice the game. The Cougars will play the defending champions Chiawana next week for the 4A title.

The FinalScore – Bothell 37, Newport 19.

Top Performers:
Bothell
Ross Bowers- 12/15, 172 yards, 3 TDs
Dayzell Wilson- 5 rec, 76 yards, 2 TDs

Newport
Thomas Day- 13 rush, 71 yards, 2 TDs

Newport Stuns Viks in Comeback Fashion

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Saturday Nov. 15th 2014 4A Boys Football
Lake Stevens High School 1st 2nd 3rd 4th Final
Newport-Bellevue 15 13 8 7 43
Lake Stevens 20 13 7 0 40

Game Recap below

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Newport Stuns Viks in Comeback Fashion
By Steven Dion

Momentum is an intangible, yet powerful force in football that plays a major role in the outcome of the game. When one team grabs a lead and puts together several big plays, doubt creeps into the minds of the opposition. Newport was able to keep cool (in freezing conditions) in several moments of the game even when Lake Stevens appeared to be in good shape to pick up the win. After the opening kickoff of the game, it was clear that everyone in attendance was in for a show.

Brandon Otis wasted no time putting the Viks on the board as the junior took the opening kickoff 90 yards to the house for six quick points. Minutes later, LSHS added seven more on a 19 yard run by Andrew Grimes. Trailing by 14 with only 4 minutes elapsed, the Newport sideline was reeling. However, the Knights took a deep breath and proceeded to run in a 45 yard score in the hands of the quarterback Jordan Sanberg. They converted on the two-point conversion and sprouted new life. The high scoring first quarter would close out with touchdowns for each squad by Paul Wells and Hunter Eckstrom for NHS and LSHS respectively.

The Vikings grabbed hold of the game by capitalizing on back to back scoring drives on another Grimes rushing score and passing touchdown from Jacob Eason to Riley Krenz after Newport fumbling. Could the Knights overcome another double digit deficit trailing 33-15? The red and white rallied again by closing out the second half with another long quarterback keeper by Sanberg and a 12 yard dash to the plyon by Wells at the buzzer. Lake Stevens led by a slim margin at the half 33-28.

The running game was the name of the game for both sides with a slight edge in execution to Newport as their ability to mask the ball carrier and ability to create space with their offensive line from guys like Calvin Throckmorton kept the Viks on their heels. The Knights surprisingly picked up the lead early in the third as Nick Keithley ran 4 yards up the gut for a score. However, Grimes notched his third touchdown shortly thereafter with a 4 yarder of his own. Trailing 40-36 heading into the final quarter, could the Knights erase the deficit one last time?

Paul Wells answered the call again as an 18 yard run gave Newport a 43-40 lead. Jordan Sanberg would pick off Eason putting NHS in the driver’s seat to run down the clock. However, Lake Stevens recovered a fumble deep in Newport territory and were on the move. As the Viks were about to take the lead, a gang of Newport tacklers stripped the ball and needed a few first downs to kill the clock. They succeeded and came away with a shocking 43-30 win despite appearing dead in the water on several occasions. The Knights face Federal Way next week. FinalScore 43-40 Newport.

Top Performers:
Newport
Paul Wells – 3 rushing touchdowns (12, 18, 44)

Lake Stevens
Andrew Grimes – 3 rushing touchdowns (4, 19, 20)

Bellarmine Rallies to Shock Newport

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Saturday Nov 16th 2013 4A Boys Football
Newport High School 1st 2nd 3rd 4th Final
Bellarmine Prep 0 14 7 17 38
Newport 14 14 0 7 35

See game video highlights below
 


13-Scoreboard-BellPrep.v.Newport-11.16.13

Bellarmine Rallies to Shock Newport
By Steven Dion

The second round of the gridiron postseason featured a marquee matchup between a strong pair of 4A programs in Newport and Bellarmine Prep. Both teams entered the contest with a 7-2 record and a ticket to the final eight up for grabs. Despite cold temperatures and chilling winds, both sidelines were packed with enthusiastic fans rooting on their schools.

The home team got down to business early as the Knights found the end zone twice in the first frame; once through the air and the other on the ground. A 51 yard Drew Sample reception and 52 yard scamper by Conner Baumann created an early 14-0 lead. Baumann’s 6’3 222lb frame continued to punish the Lions’ front seven by notching two more TDs in the first half. The Lions built some momentum late in the 2nd by punching in two scores from QB Lou Millie to Garrett McKay. After trailing 21-0, it was evident that if Bellarmine were to stage a comeback, they would not be able to surrender another score. At the half, the Knights led 28-14.

Both teams exited the locker room with a mindset of increased defensive intensity. Lion linebacker Brandon Thompson and Knight D-line captain Bennett Long were two standout performers on defense, assisting in the process of forcing punts. The lone fumble of the contest was recovered by Newport at the 7:19 mark of the third and appeared a touchdown was the only thing separating them from securing a victory. Minutes later, Bellarmine found themselves in the end zone on a Jamal Ervin run. Newport’s fifth and final TD came early in the 4th, a 54 yard grab by Sample. Trailing 35-21 with only three minutes remaining, the Lions pulled within a score on a McKay touchdown. After a quick three-and-out by the Knights offense, Bellarmine had the ball once again. A run by Ervin and a two point conversion that appeared incomplete to the Newport sideline brought the game to a 35-35 tie.

The hungry BPHS defense forced a turnover on downs less than a minute later and set up kicker Matthew Philichi for a game winner from 20 yards out. The ball sailed through the uprights and sealed an improbable comeback for the 2012 state runner-up. Bellarmine ventures on, Newport finishes with a respectable 7-3 record.

Top Performers:
Bellarmine Prep
Garrett McKay – 3 rec TDs of 57, 12, and 12 yards

Newport
Conner Baumann – 3 rushing TDs of 54, 52, and 4 yards

Preview- Boys 4A State Tournament

Click here to Watch Live Tacoma Dome Coverage
Starting at 11am on Thursday


Boys 4A State Tournament Preview
By Colin Caruso 

There are a number of compelling games in the Washington State boys 4A tournament final eight, including teams from all over the state and rematches from previous games this season.  Here are the match-ups:

Newport vs. Curtis – 9:00AM

Newport has worked hard and has clawed its way back into contention for the a state title after losing four straight games towards the end of January and early February to Ballard, Issaquah, and Bothell twice.  They advanced to the round of 16 in a win and in-game versus Mount Vernon, and made it to the final eight through a tough, defensive battle in Wenatchee versus Eastmont.  Their athleticism and strength creates matchup problems for every team remaining in Washington State.

On the flip side, the Curtis Vikings have dominated this season and are currently ranked #4 in the state.  Their only losses have been to Federal Way and Spanaway Lake, and their big wins include a big win against Bellarmine Prep in their district final and a convincing 61-48 win versus Thomas Jefferson to reach the final eight.  The Vikings are led by two senior starters, Dominic Robinson and Andre Lewis, who average 13.9 points and 13.8 points respectively.


Bothell vs Garfield – 10:30AM

The Bothell Cougars have only three losses this entire season.  Unfortunately, two of those losses were to Garfield, and neither game was close.  The first contest was during the regular season, where the Garfield Bulldogs took down the Cougars by 15.  The second matchup was in their district final, where Garfield senior Tucker Haymond scored 20 of his game high 39 in the first quarter in a dominating 93-69 win.  It is always difficult to beat a team three times, especially a team with division one talent like the Cougars possess.  Bothell senior Perrion Callandret will be attending Idaho next season, and Zach LaVine, the #1 senior recruit in the state, will take his talents to UCLA.

Will Garfield complete the season sweep of the Cougars?  Or will the Cougars avenge their earlier season losses and advance to the final four?  We’ll find out early Thursday morning.


Arlington vs. Richland – 12:45 PM

Both of these teams have dominated their opponents for the majority of the season, but both teams have suffered big losses to teams still remaining in the 4A tournament.  Richland travelled to Spokane for a matchup against the Central Valley Bears and struggled in a 68-44 loss.  They did avenge that loss later in the season, just two weeks ago with a 66-54 win versus the Bears.  Arlington has suffered two losses to the undefeated Jackson Timberwolves this season, both by double digits.

In the round of sixteen, Richland dominated Stadium 68-39 in a game that was essentially over in the first quarter.  Arlington scored a big win over late surging Bellarmine Prep, 58-47 in the round of sixteen to advance to Tacoma.  This will be a great matchup between two teams from opposite sides of the state looking to make a huge impact on the 4A class.


Jackson vs. Central Valley – 2:00PM

With a combined record of 46-2, this is the matchup of the teams with the best records in 4A boys basketball.  The Jackson Timberwolves have yet to hiccup all season, completing the year with a perfect 24-0 record.  They are led by three very talented juniors, Dan Kingma, Jason Todd, and Brian Zehr.  With six wins coming in single digits this season, the Timberwolves are used to battling in close games versus all-state level talent.

Central Valley poses a big threat to Jackson’s undefeated season.  The Bears are led by senior Austin Rehkow and junior big man Beau Byus, who average 15.1 and 13.7 ppg respectively.  Their only two losses this season were at Richland and at Gonzaga Prep, both formidable opponents with strong programs.  Central Valley won a nail-biter in overtime against a very talented Todd Beamer team in the round of 16 to advance to this game, and Coach Rick Sloan and company are looking to extend their stay on the west side of the state with a win on Thursday.

Newport jumps out to early lead against Mount Vernon, Advances to Regionals


Tuesday- Feb. 19 -2013- 4A NW District
Newport HS 1st 2nd 3rd 4th Final
Mount Vernon 13 14 13 15 55
Newport 24 10 14 18 66

Newport jumps out to early lead against Mount Vernon, Advances to Regionals
By Colin Caruso 

Newport hosted the final play-in game for 4A boys basketball, a contest between the Newport Knights and the Mount Vernon Bulldogs.  Both student sections kept the energy level high throughout the contest, creating a great basketball atmosphere in this elimination game.

Newport jumped all over the visiting Bulldogs in the first quarter with their team speed and quickness.  Knights senior Miles Fowler was nailing shots from the perimeter as well as getting to the bucket, leading his team with 11 points in a 24 point opening quarter from the Knights.

Mount Vernon slowed the pace in the second, neutralizing Newport’s quickness by exhausting the shot clock and executing well offensively.  Junior Miles Witt for the Bulldogs piled in 10 points in the first half, who cut the Newport lead to just seven going into halftime, 34-27.

Mount Vernon continued to battle early in the second half, cutting the lead to just two points early in the third.  But the game took a turn in favor of Newport with 4:25 left in the third, on an excellent steal and emphatic dunk by Isaac Dotson to go up six.  The Knights built their lead to as many as 14 from there, behind 12 points in the fourth quarter by junior Will Ferris.

Newport closed the contest with an 11 point win and advances to the regional round of the state tournament to play Eastmont on Saturday in Wenatchee.

Click here for Radio Game Recap

Top Performers:
Mount Vernon
Casey Leek (13 points, 7 rebounds)
Andrew Roozen (8 points, 7 rebounds)

Newport
Will Ferris (19 points, 5 rebounds, 3 steals)
Isaac Dotson (17)
Miles Fowler (15 points)

Varsity Hoops Live – Mount Vernon vs. Newport Highlights

Girls- Lake Stevens spoils home court advantage for Newport, advances to Regional Round of 16


 

Tuesday- Feb. 19 -2013- 4A NW District
Newport HS 1st 2nd 3rd 4th Final
Lake Stevens 13 15 9 11 48
Newport-Bellevue 15 7 8 13 43

Girls- Lake Stevens spoils home court advantage for Newport,
advances to Regional Round of 16
By Colin Caruso 

To secure the final spot in the 16 team regional tournament, the Lake Stevens Vikings traveled to Newport to play the Newport Knights.  Lake Stevens’ band brought unbelievable noise, playing the likes of Led Zeppelin and Kansas to pump up the crowd for the win.  Unfortunately for Newport, it seemed to do the job and ignited Lake Stevens, whose offense responded early led by senior Brooke Pahukoa.  Pahukoa contributed twelve points and three steals in the first half for the Vikings.

The undersized Vikings did an excellent job of reading passing lanes, accounting for 13 steals in the first half.  Their defense was spacious at times in pursuing the steal, allowing easy layups for junior Casey Schoenlein, who filled the box score in the first half with four points, six rebounds, and five blocks.

The game remained within single digits the entire first half, with Lake Stevens carrying a six point lead into halftime.

Defense was the focal point for both teams coming out of the locker room.  Both teams stifling defense contributed to the lowest scoring quarter of the contest with only 17 total points scored in the third.  Lake Stevens took a seven point lead into the final quarter.

Newport began their comeback midway through the fourth, with back to back threes by Kaitlin Sahlinger and Laura Moretti to cut the Lake Stevens lead to just three with 5:24 remaining.  A layup by Anna Crabtree for the Knights three minutes later cut the lead to one with 2:21 remaining, the closest Newport had been since the second quarter.

But Brooke Pahukoa stepped up again for the Vikings, going 4-4 on free-throws in the final minute to secure a 48-43 win for Lake Stevens.  The Vikings now advance to state and face Davis on Friday in Wenatchee at 8PM.

Top Performers:
Lake Stevens
Brooke Pahukoa (22 points, 6 steals)
Brittney Pahukoa (9 points, 7 steals, 4 rebounds)

Newport
Casey Schoenlein (4 points, 10 rebounds, 8 blocks)
Marikah Wright (6 points, 7 rebounds)