Girls Basketball: Newark's Jasmine Mitchell surrounded by talented youth

Don't be fooled by the youth on the Newark girls basketball roster.

The Norsemen have just one senior in its lineup, but three-time Little Ten All-Conference selection Jasmine Mitchell is supported by a strong junior class and talented youth.

"I will be expecting Jasmine Mitchell to lead our team in both scoring and rebounding this season. She has worked hard in the off season to improve her conditioning and I'm excited to see how that translates onto the floor this season," said Newark coach Barb Scott, who returns for her second season.

Newark graduated four seniors from a team that won 18 games, but return a veteran group of juniors who saw invaluable playing time last year. Juniors Alyssa Schofield, Riane Tomsa, Reegan Skelton and Becca Sweeney along with sophomore Alyssa Gittins are back from last year's team and will be joined by freshman point guard Meggie Scott while juniors Caeley Larson and Meghan Lehmann complete Newark's nine-player roster.

"Our senior class last year was very strong, mentally and physically. I am looking to Jasmine Mitchell and several other returning juniors to start filling those leadership roles," Scott said. "Riane Tomsa and Alyssa Schofield both saw significant varsity time last season and will be solid guards to play alongside with our freshmen point guard, Meggie Scott. We will also be expecting strong rebounding from Becca Sweeney, Reegan Skelton and Alyssa Gittins. We are excited to have Caeley Larson join the team this year, as well as Meghan Lehmann."

Newark (1-0) opened the season on Monday in the Tim Humes Breakout Tournament in Somonauk where the Norsemen will spend four nights this week facing Plano, Wheaton Academy, Aurora Central Catholic and Hinckley-Big Rock.

On Nov. 22, Newark will host Aurora Christian before the LTC season begins at Earlville-Leland on Nov. 28. Newark will play in the Ottawa Holiday Tournament Dec. 17-23, and other non-conference games this season include Ottawa Marquette, Annawan, Seneca, Woodstock North and Harvest Christian.

"We had a good off season and the girls have been working hard in practice every day. They all have excellent attitudes and are ready to get the season going," Scott said. "We are a very young team with a lot of talent and desire. We will be a work in progress for a while, and I'm excited to see how the pieces all fit together as the season progresses."

Newark 59, Plano 58: On Monday, the Norsemen used an 18-point fourth quarter to knock off the Reapers. Plano had a strong start, scoring 18 points in the first quarter before taking a 33-30 lead at halftime. Mitchell led Newark with 26 points and 14 rebounds. Meggie Scott scored 14 points with six assists and six rebounds. Tomsa added 10 points and Sweeney had 10 rebounds.

"It was an incredible game and I was so proud of the way my girls battled for the first game of the season" Scott said.