UNION CITY – The Newton Indians erupted for 32 fourth-quarter points to complete a stunning 56-54 come-from-behind victory over the Mississinawa Valley Blackhawks in WOAC boys basketball action.
Mississinawa Valley controlled the early pace, jumping out to a 14-9 first-quarter lead behind seven points from Cing Scott, including a 3-pointer, and five points from Connor Hardy, who also connected from long range.
Newton clawed back in a low-scoring second quarter, edging the period 8-6 with Rhett Koffer scoring five points. The Blackhawks still carried a 20-17 advantage into the halftime break.
The hosts appeared firmly in control after the third quarter, outscoring Newton 18-7 to build a 14-point lead heading to the final eight minutes. Scott led Mississinawa Valley with six points in the quarter, while Caden Hanes and Hardy each added five.
But everything changed in the fourth.
“In between quarters, you always talk about what starts runs–and–ones, charges, and score-stop-score,” said Newton coach Michael Cantrell. “I told the guys, if we come out and get a score, a stop, and another score, the pressure switches.”
Trailing by 14, Newton unleashed a defensive spark, turning to a rarely used half-court trap.
“We turned up our defense,” Cantrell said. “We played a half-court trap, which is something we don’t usually pull out, but it worked. We made shots, we got stops, and Isaac (Hainline) came on and did a great job on Cing (Scott).”
Newton entered the fourth quarter averaging just eight points per period, having scored 24 total points through three quarters. The Indians then exploded for 32 points, hitting five 3-pointers, seven two-point field goals, and going 3-for-3 at the free-throw line to complete the comeback.
Luke Cornett powered the surge with 14 fourth-quarter points, including two 3-pointers and a perfect 2-for-2 at the line. Sophomore Sawyer Hainline knocked down three triples for nine points in the quarter, Koffer added seven, and Ayden Kane chipped in a basket.
“We talk about no matter who it is, you show up, you fight, you stay in it,” Cantrell said. “Just getting them to have that mindset going into the fourth – you have to do one thing to get it rolling.”
Cantrell credited both the environment and his players’ resolve.
“Playing up here is not easy,” he said. “It’s a great environment, their student section was rocking. I love our kids, and I’m proud of them because I saw the fight I preach all the time. Seeing their eyes light up – like, ‘yeah, this works.’”
He also praised Mississinawa Valley and head coach Jeff Vaughn.
“Kudos to Coach Vaughn and his team – they’re good,” Cantrell said. “He’s a great coach, he has good kids, but the ball fell on our end tonight.”
Cantrell singled out senior guard Rhett Koffer for his leadership and basketball IQ.
“We call it the ‘box’ – get in the box and see what can happen,” Cantrell said. “He’s short, but he’s strong. His IQ is through the roof, his skill level is extremely high, and he’s a senior, so he’s experienced. I’m very proud of him.”
Cornett finished with a game-high 24 points to lead Newton, while Scott paced Mississinawa Valley with 20 points.
With the win, Newton improves to 5-2 overall and 2-2 in WOAC play, while Mississinawa Valley drops to 3-4 and 1-3 in conference action.
BOX SCORE:
NEWTON 56, MISSISSINAWA VALLEY 54
NEWTON – L. Cornett 23, R. Koffer 18, S. Hainline 9 T. Robinson 4, A. Kane 2 – TOTALS 15 8-13 6 56
MISSISSINAWA VALLEY – C. Scott 20, C. Hardy 17, C. Hanes 8, E. Seubert 4, K. Wehrkamp 3, A. Amspaugh 2 – TOTALS 14 6 8-9 54
3-POINTERS
NEWTON 6 (S. Hainline 3, L. Cornett 2, T. Robinson 1)
MISSISSINAWA VALLEY 6 (C. Hanes 2, C. Hardy 2, C. Scott 1, K. Wehrkamp 1)
SCORE by QUARTERS
09-08-07-32 56 Newton
14-06-18-16 54 Mississinawa Valley
