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NHS Athlete of the Week: Ciara Bryan
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Matt Smith
Updated: Oct 10, 2013, 11:51 PM
Published: Oct 10, 2013, 11:57 PM

After recording four hits in back-to-back games against Luella and Alcovy in the Region 2-AAAAAA softball postseason tournament, Newton shortstop Ciara Bryan has been named Rams Athlete of the Week.

Bryan finished the first two games of the tournament with a 4-for-6 mark at the plate, while scoring three runs at the lead-off position for the Rams.

The Newton sophomore recorded triples in both contests, while helping the Rams to a 5-3 victory over Luella in the tournament's first round.

"Athletically, she has everything you could want in a ball player," Newton head coach Virginia Waters said. "She's quick, she can bunt, she can hit for power and she has an amazing arm."

Bryan said her teammates are the best part about playing softball.

"Having them by my side and fighting through every game is the best part," she said. "I know that my teammates always have my back."

Bryan and the Newton Rams return to action today in tournament play. The Rams will take on Luella at 4:30 p.m. at Alcovy for a spot in the tournament final.
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.