NEWARK, Ohio -- In Newark’s annual holiday tournament it was the battle of 1 loss teams, as the Newark Wildcats took on the Oak Hills Highlanders. After falling in their season opener to Dublin Jerome, Newark has tacked on their seventh-straight win to improve to 7-1 with a score of 43-32.

The Wildcats tenacious team defense was on full display in the first half, which resulted in 12 forced Highlander turnovers. Despite the turnovers, the Highlanders ended the first quarter on a 9-2 run, which was led by senior Kelen Dietrich with 5 points. Highlander junior Jacob Ramstetter contributed six of his 10 points and six of his 10 rebounds in the first half. Even though Oak Hills had some key contributors, Newark held the halftime lead with a score of 17-15.

Senior Jaden Woods was one of Newark’s primary focuses offensively on the post, despite sitting out a majority of the third quarter due to foul trouble. He responded to this adversity with a basket, two foul shots and an assist to help Newark get some separation from a scrappy Highlander team early in the fourth. Newark spread the floor with four minutes remaining in the game and forced Oak Hills to put them on the line. Newark sealed the victory by converting 10 of 12 free throws in the fourth quarter. 

Junior Kade Bafford proved to be a key contributor with his passing game by adding four of his six assists in the second half. Senior Bobby Crenshaw went 4/6 from the line and Kade Bafford was a perfect 5/5 from the stripe. Crenshaw's hot fourth quarter helped add to a team high 12 points, eight of which was in the period. 

Newark’s team defense continues to be challenging to opposing teams’ offensive gameplans. The changing of defenses and 32 minutes of constant ball pressure has become the trademark of the Wildcat program, resulting in an 11-point win against a tough team.

Newark will look to continue their winning streak on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. as they take on St. Francis DeSales in the championship game of their holiday tournament.

Jaden Woods (6’5 WG / Newark / 2020): The long-athletic forward continues to show his offensive versatility. Tonight Newark featured him in the post against a Highlander team that lack a dominant post presence. Woods getting touches in the post opened up the floor for his teammates. He was able to finish tough around the basket with contact. He uses his length well on the defensive end of the floor. He is able to guard all five positions in Newarks system. This luxury allows them to maintain constant pressure.

Kade Bafford (6’1 G / Newark / 2021): The junior guard continues to be the heart and soul of this Newark team. He seems to provide whatever the Wildcats need at any moment. Bafford’s effort on the defensive end of the floor is contagious and sets the tone for this team. His floor leadership was on display tonight by handling Oak Hills pressure and handing out a team high 6 assist. Finally, Kade showed his toughness by taking a huge charge late in the fourth quarter to halt any chance at a late run by the Highlanders.

Bobby Crenshaw (6’2 G / Newark / 2020): We have seen him in the role of defensive stopper over the last 2 seasons. Tonight he was in attack mode whenever he had the ball. It was a difference maker down the stretch as he put up 8 of his 12 points in the fourth quarter and repeatedly got to the foul line.