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Newman ignites Meadows’ quick start in rout of Laughlin

As a point guard and co-captain, Max Newman is used to setting the tempo for The Meadows’ boys basketball team.

The senior did that and more Saturday.

Newman scored 10 points to help the Mustangs take a 16-0 lead, and they cruised to a 77-37 home win over Laughlin in the Class 2A Southern League.

Newman finished with 25 points, three assists and six steals. He made six 3-pointers, three in the first quarter when The Meadows (9-4, 2-0) built a 21-4 lead.

“We ask a lot of Max,” coach Gary Hannig said. “He’s got the ball in his hands all the time, and he’s got to not turn it over. He’s got to facilitate, score and play defense. But he can do it all, and he accepts his role.”

The Meadows earned a crucial league victory over Needles on Friday, and Hannig stressed before the game not to come out complacent against Laughlin. It turned out he had little to worry about.

Newman made his sixth 3-pointer from the left corner late in the third quarter to give the Mustangs a 60-29 lead. He and co-captain Garrett Gosse did all their scoring in the first three periods.

Gosse, a senior forward, supplied 15 points and nine rebounds.

“Our offense came out strong,” Newman said. “We had great ball movement, and I think that’s because our players are getting older and understanding how to swing the ball more.”

Junior center Adam Aziz had 10 points and six rebounds for The Meadows, which had 11 players score.

“He put in a lot of work in the offseason, and he has gotten better,” Hannig said of the 6-foot-4-inch Aziz. “He’s just starting to learn the game and our system, and he’s getting there.”

Matt Biafore added seven points and three assists.

“Coach just told us we have to build on it, and we have a lot of confidence,” Newman said. “This year’s different just because of our ability to be relentless. We’re in a good spot, and we’ve got to build on it.”

Colton Hill led Laughlin (3-3, 1-2) with 20 points. Averie Prosise scored nine, and Brett Smith had four points, six rebounds and two blocks.

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