GRINNELL — Newton’s junior varsity boys pulled out a 49-48 win in overtime against host Grinnell Saturday. Jwan Roush sank a free throw with 2.5 seconds left in the extra period to seal the win for the Cardinals.
Newton’s freshmen weren’t as fortunate. The Cardinal freshmen lost 60-51 to the Tigers Saturday.
In a close game throughout, Newton trailed Grinnell, 17-16, at halftime of the junior varsity contest. The Cardinals missed two short shots under the basket at the end of regulation, forcing the game into overtime with a 41-all score.
Roush led the Cardinal junior varsity with 24 points. Jarom Williams controlled eight rebounds.
“Jwan was a major factor for Newton’s success on defense with four crucial steals,” Newton assistant coach Tom Weeks said. The NHS junior varsity has won three straight for an 8-7 overall mark and a 5-5 Little Hawkeye Conference record.
The Cardinal freshmen were in the contest, 54-51, until the final two minutes when Grinnell had a six-point run to the end.
Morgan Maher paced the Cardinals with 19 points. Josh Ventling added 17. The Newton freshmen are 9-7 overall and 6-4 in LHC play.
The teams host Oskaloosa tonight.