Sports Report December 3, 2024

For information on membership, sponsorships, spirit items, digital tickets, VSN subscription, and more, please click on the Green N White Club website here.

Members and sponsors, if you haven't already picked up your spirit items, be sure to stop by the athletic department office in the Palaestra building on a weekday between 7:45am - 9am or 2pm - 3:15pm, as distribution will end on December 20.  Thank you!

Football

The Newman football team hosted Catholic High School of New Iberia on Friday (11/29) at Lupin Field and on Varsity Sports Now here for a Division III Select quarterfinal playoff game. Facing a very high quality opponent in the very impressive Panthers, and reeling from several significant injuries, the Greenies lost for the first time this season in a 31-0 defeat. The Greenies fought hard and did their best to persevere, but the Panthers were able to stymie Newman in its quest for a berth in the state championship game, and the Greenies ended the season with a well-earned 9-1 record.

Individual efforts included 21 rushing attempts for 76 yards by running back Jake Randle and 12 runs for 69 yards by quarterback Eli Friend. AJ Yunusah and Jack “Goose” Falgoust both had interceptions, and Archie Casbarian and Henry Jackson each logged a sack. Senior James Reiss was the leading tackler with four solo and three assisted tackles.

The playoff game was the final football game in Green and White for the following graduating seniors:

• Brett Bordelon

• Josh Chaney

• Henry Cook

• Jack Del Castillo

• Alex Dulitz

• Brandon Favrot

• Eli Friend

• Griffin Maxwell

• James Reiss

• Wrigley Stewart

• Nick White

• Justin Wells

Congratulations to those seniors and to all the hard-working football players, coaches, trainers, cheerleaders and band for a very successful and unforgettable season. Go Greenies!

—Konrad Jackson, Green N White Club Sports Reporter

Boys Soccer

After soundly defeating Jefferson RISE Charter School on Thanksgiving Eve by the maximum goal differential, last weekend’s matchup against Vandebilt Catholic High School promised to be Newman's toughest test thus far this season. On a beautiful sun-drenched afternoon, the competition did not disappoint.

Though the Greenies ultimately prevailed 6-0, this contest was a close, hard-fought, and physical match that challenged the boys in their defensive work and their composure.  The team and entire coaching staff knew the Terriers would come in hard, and they would have to keep their cool and maintain their discipline if they wanted to leave unbeaten. Newman's goal scorers were striker Cole Spady (hat trick), winger Rylan Claverie (two), and defender Rowan Dravid. However, George Villere (two assists) was the man of the match and stood out in the midfield in a lopsided scoreline with exceptional passing, control, and intelligent distribution to help make the sextet of goals possible. With the win, the Greenies improved their perfect record to 5-0 and increased their goal differential to +40.

Thanks always for the strong home field support. Vandebilt brought its large fan base to support their side, but Newman's loyal mix of family, fellow students, and school staff made the Greenies know they were appreciated in a proper home game against a tough opponent.

Upcoming games are against Thomas Jefferson Academy for Advanced Studies (Tuesday, 12/3), Archbishop Hannan High School (Thursday 12/5), and Northshore High School (Monday, 12/9), all at home at 7pm, with yummy concessions available. Go Greenies!

Boys Basketball

The Greenies faced their toughest stretch yet in the final week of November, but their teamwork and suffocating defense helped them stay undefeated in a three-game series of hard-fought matchups. Holding their opponents to an average of just under 41 points per game, the boys earned a 53-41 road victory against Patterson High School, a dominant 66-36 home win over Eleanor McMain Secondary School, and in the HoopFest Festsgiving exhibition, a 63-45 win over East St. John High School (5A).

With the November slate behind them and having proven they can handle tough challenges, the Greenies (3-0) now turn their attention to hosting this week’s 61st Newman Invitational Tournament, the longest-tenured tournament in the metro area. Emphasizing their coach’s focus to “Strive 4 Excellence,” the tournament, filled with great coaches and outstanding players, will be another chance for Greenies to show why they’re one of the top teams in the city. The full NIT schedule of games, which run from Thursday December 5 to Saturday December 7, is below. Single day tickets and general admission tournament passes can be purchased online here. Go Greenies!

Girls Basketball

Last week, the girls varsity basketball team played two games in a tournament at The Dunham School in Baton Rouge. Unfortunately, they came up short in both games, but in the words of coach Tracy Blackerby, the girls showed “commitment, teamwork, and heart every day.”

On Monday (11/25), the team played St. Michael the Archangel High School from Baton Rouge, playing hard but falling short, 48-56. Junior Madison Williams led the team with 21 points, including two three-pointers. Senior Kasia Wells added 12 points, all of which were three-pointers, while junior Jessica Taranto scored seven points including two three-pointers. Juniors Maggie Richardson and Amari Jones also put points on the board. Game highlights are here.

On Tuesday (11/26), the team played against E.D. White Catholic High School from Thibodaux and lost to the undefeated Cardinals 38-55. Williams again led the squad with 16 points, including a three-pointer, and Wells scored 12 points, including two behind the arc. Buckets were also scored by Jones, senior Stella Joyce, sophomore Dawson Wells, and eighth grader Piper Christian. Game highlights are here.

This week is a busy one for the team. Today (12/3), the team faces Bonnabel Magnet Academy High School from Kenner in a 5:30pm game in the Palaestra. Then on Thursday (12/5), the team begins the Newman Invitational Tournament with a game against Benjamin Franklin High School of New Orleans at 5:00pm in the Palaestra, with other games to follow based on the bracket (above). We hope to see lots of fans for the girls and boys basketball teams at the NIT later this week!

Girls Soccer

Last week (11/26), the Greenies traveled to Baton Rouge to play St Michael the Archangel High School, a Division III school and would prove to be a good test for Newman here at the beginning of the season. The Greenies dominated time of possession and showed off great ball skills throughout the match. Avery Summerour had an assist to fellow senior Sarah Gibbs Smallpage, who had a beautiful left foot shot for the opening goal. Right before halftime, however, the Warriors scored to even the game.

In the second half, both teams played great defense and the game finished in a tie (1-1). Newman had plenty of strong shots on goal including those by Sydney Gallagher, Alyse Dulitz, Summerour, Genevieve Plaisance, Catherine Lapeyre, and Markie Batten.

Tonight at 7pm, the girls will take on rival Louise S. McGehee at Pan American Stadium in City Park. On Monday (12/9), the Greenies will host Northshore High School in a home doubleheader with the boys. Kickoff is at 5:30pm.

Upcoming Schedule

See the latest Newman sports schedule here and purchase individual home game tickets here. Thank you for supporting Newman athletics, its teams, players, coaches, and administration.