Despite the holiday break, the Newton varsity basketball squads have not had much time off lately, competing in the Century Bank Hoopfest (boys) and the Holiday Classic (girls).

Now that school is back in session, Newton will travel to Lithonia tonight to take on M.L. King and do battle on the hardwood in what should be an exciting evening of hoops.

For the boys, the Rams (9-2 overall, 2-1 Region 2-AAAAA) are coming off a third place finish in their holiday tournament, falling just short of capturing their third consecutive title.

"I think it will be a really good game," said Newton boys head coach Rick Rasmussen regarding the region matchup. "They're a good basketball team. If you can win over there I think you've done something big."

But the matchup tonight will be no walk in the park, as the Lions (10-3, 2-1) seem to be clicking on all cylinders, just as the Rams seem to be doing at a crucial point of the season.

"We're going to find out how tough we are mentally and physically," noted Rasmussen. "I see this game as an opportunity to make a statement in our region."

Meanwhile, the Lady Rams (2-7, 0-3) are looking to get back on track after falling to Pope in their holiday tournament.

Although their overall record might not show it right now, Newton has gotten better each time out on the court and still has plenty of time to do some damage in the region standings.