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BOYS OF SUMMER: Newton County little league baseball teams finding regional success
8u baseball
The 8u Royal all-star team were sub-state champions, State Champions, and went to the USSSA world series in Gulfport, Mississippi.
Updated: Jul 20, 2018, 6:16 PM
Published: Jul 20, 2018, 6:15 PM

COVINGTON, Ga. — Newton County little league baseball teams continue to impress, as a trio of squads have won state championships and competed in the United States Speciality Sports Association World Series events. 

It’s just an addendum to the success displayed by the 10u Mayhem Bad Boys squad that won a USSSA World Series crown last month. The three pictured squads are teams from the Newton County Recreation department. 

Coached by Tim Kolnic, Travis Swords, and Derek Frachiseur, the 8u Royal All-Stars team (as seen in the main photo) roster is as follows: Ian Copeland, Abram James Denney, Brody Ewing, Jake Frachiseur, Aiden Kolnik, Christopher Royal, Zachary Smallwood, Weston Stapp, Lucas Swords, Tripp Swords,Terrance Kajuan Tonic, and Kason Williams.

10u baseball
The 10u Royal all-star team won sub-state, State Champions, and placed 4th in the USSSA World Series that was played in Gulfport, Mississippi June 27- July 1st. - Submitted Photo

The 10u Royal all-star team won sub-state, State Champions, and placed 4th in the USSSA World Series that was played in Gulfport, Mississippi June 27 through July 1.

Players: Luke Allgood, Nolan Christian, Griffin Conn, Evan Daley, Caden Gunter, Devontae' Hardeman, Luke Kendall, Asa James Lingerfelt, Jerrell Martin, Oliver Rumble, Braxton Speer, and Mason Thomason.

Coaches are Brad Gunter, Brian Lingerfelt, Brad Lingerfelt, and Billy Conn.

13u baseball
The 13-year-old Dixie Boys Baseball team traveled to Columbus, Georgia over the weekend and won the Dixie Boys State Tournament. - Submitted Photo

Finally, the 13-year-old Dixie Boys Baseball team traveled to Columbus, Georgia last weekend and won the Dixie Boys State Tournament. They will be traveling to Bossier City, Louisiana On August 3 and play their first game Saturday August 4 at 7:00 pm against the Mississippi State Champions. They beat the West, Georgia All-Stars last Friday night, 10-6, got rained out on Saturday and came back Sunday to win 5-2.

Players:  Jackson Allen, Andrew Appleby, Ethan Caldwell, Conner Coursey, Hunter Denney, Samuel Harper, Paul Kendall, Jr, Brady Marbut, Jaylin Robinson, Kasee Rooks, Luke Terry, Cason Turner.

Coaches: Ricky Vaughn, Shane Allen, Duane Turner, and Chad Caldwell.
Jakai Newton enters transfer portal after two years at Indiana
Newton was a standout player at Newton High School
Jakai Newton
Jakai Newton (0) during his time at Newton High School. - photo by Covington News/File Photo
Evan Newton
Updated: Apr 1, 2025, 9:32 PM
Published: Apr 1, 2025, 9:29 PM

Former Newton Ram standout Jakai Newton will officially be searching for a new home.

Newton formally declared his intent to transfer from Indiana University on March 24 after entering the NCAA transfer portal.

Newton has struggled with injuries throughout his basketball career, which has kept him off the floor. 

The 2023 Newton Ram graduate suffered a knee injury during his senior year of high school. The same injury cost him his first season at Indiana.

After receiving a medical redshirt from the NCAA, Newton would only play four games in the 2024-25 season due to numerous lower body injuries. In those four appearances, he averaged 1.5 PPG and 0.8 RPG at 4.5 MPG.

However, when on the court, Newton was efficient. In just his sophomore season at Newton High School, Newton shot 34 percent from three-point range and was an efficient contributor to several Newton teams alongside players like Stephon Castle, Jabez Jenkins and Marcus Whitlock, among others.