Basketball Recap: Newport Comes Up Short

Newport lost against Priest River back in December of 2024 and unfortunately they wound up with the same result on Friday. The Newport Grizzlies took a 53-47 hit to the loss column at the hands of the Priest River Spartans. While losing is never fun, the Grizzlies can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' basketball rankings in their respective home states (they are ranked 300th in Washington, while the Spartans are ranked 44th in Idaho).

Priest River's success was the result of a balanced attack that saw several players step up, but Ian Lamanna led the charge by putting up 11 points. Carter Cook was another key player, going 5 of 8 to rack up 10 points.

Newport's loss was their 18th straight on the road dating back to last season, which dropped their record down to 1-16. As for Priest River, they have been performing well recently as they've won five of their last six matches, which provided a nice bump to their 11-3 record this season.

Newport wasted no time getting back out on the court and has already played their next game, a 41-36 win against Kettle Falls on the 1st. As for Priest River, they have also already played their next contest, a 56-40 victory against Grangeville on the 1st.