Newcomb’s 31, strong balance fuel Alma past Warriors, 88-47

By Kevin Taylor

Alma Schools 

The Airedales didn’t wait until the fourth quarter to make their move against Lamar. 

This one was put to bed early. 

Shep Newcomb scored 31 points in just three quarters and the Airedales blasted Lamar, 88-47, in coach Cody Vaught’s home opener. The Airedales never trailed. 

It was a spectacular home debut for Newcomb as well. The senior, who scored 1,034 points last season, earning him the 13th highest single-season scoring record of all time, helped the Airedales race out to a 23-7 lead after one quarter. By the time Lawson Adams hit three late buckets at the end of the first half, the lead had swelled to 36 (46-10). 

Including the final quarter of the Sylvan Hills’ game, the Airedales allowed just 17 points over 24 minutes (three quarters) of basketball. 

“We play so well as a team,” Adams said. “We play hard, we hustle, and we never take a break. It’s so fun playing with these boys because everyone is playing hard and sharing the ball.”

Newcomb, who averaged 26 points and six assists as a junior at Ozark Catholic, is averaging 29 points and six assists through two games.

Adams finished with a career-high 19 points, while Carson Curd and Cade Mooe added 11 and 10, respectively. 

The Airedales’ bench outscored Lamar, 23-5. 

Alma improved to 6-1 all-time against the Warriors, and hasn’t lost to Lamar since Feb. 10, 1970. 

Alma won the junior varsity game, 41-8. Landon Taylor led all scorers with 16 points.