The varsity girls basketball team hosted their opening round of sub-state against a familiar opponent, Salina South on Feb. 28 in Ravenscroft Gym. The Railers had already beat the Cougars twice coming into the night and looked to continue their strong end to the season.

The Railers took lead and the ball often from Salina South, despite only having a two point lead after the first quarter of play.

The Railers showed more energy in the second quarter, outscoring the Cougars 23-5 putting their lead at 30-12 at halftime.

“We’re always ready for sub-state,” senior Taylor Antonowich said. “We have the mentality that we aren’t going to lose and that we are going to make it to state.”

That mentality pushed them to a final score of 50-23. Senior Kyndal Bacon lead the team in points with 14. Antonowich and junior DesiRay Kernal also scored double-digit points with 11 and 10, respectively.

Newton will face Salina Central in the next sub-state game. The Railers know how dangerous the Mustangs can be, as they lost their first game against Salina Central by five.

“We’re going to have to adjust our defense,” senior Jada Berry said. “They got some long players so we will know how to fake a pass, make a pass and find the right pass to execute our plays really well.”

Newton hosts Salina Central on Saturday, March 3 in Ravenscroft Gym at 6 p.m. for the sub-state final.