Newton High School basketball has gotten off to a hot start this summer, going 7-3 over a stretch that saw them face some highly talented teams in the past week.

Last week the Rams visited Furman University and went 4-2. They faced some tough competition out of South Carolina when they played Hillcrest, which is ranked No. 3 in its state. Hillcrest edged the Rams 63-58.

“We played better the second day, as we got more experience playing together,” head coach Rick Rasmussen said in a text.

“We are moving in the right direction, but we do have a lot of growing to do,” Rasmussen added. “We are young and inexperienced in some positions, but we have a lot of potential going forward.”

With only one returning starter in rising sophomore guard Darvin Jones, Rasmussen thought the team made some solid progress at the Furman camp.

“It was also very fun for our players to see our own Stephen Croone and get to hear about how great he has been for Furman,” Rasmussen said.

After leaving Furman, the Rams went on to earn two double-digit victories. The team beat Jefferson 51-36 and Monroe 50-25.