As players progress through their high school careers, it’s up to them to take on more responsibility and help their team make progress.
    Bulloch Academy’s Anna Newton has taken that to heart as the junior forward has been an offensive force in the Lady Gators’ 5-0 start.
    “I’m trying to step it up a little,” Newton said. “I realize that I’m a junior now, so I’m trying to take a leadership role and do more for the team.”
    Newton did plenty Tuesday night, scoring 15 points as BA traveled to Augusta and notched a 71-37 win over Curtis Baptist. Standing at 5-foot-10, Newton can compete down low, but she can hurt opponents with her outside shooting as well.
    The Gators have rolled to some early wins against old rivals from Class AA, but have their eyes set on a bigger prize. This season marks Bulloch’s second year playing in the highest classification of GISA, and the Gators are still aiming high.
    “Our goal is to win our region,” Newton said. “I don’t know if we knew what to expect last season. This year, I think we’re all a little more confident and believe that we can compete with everyone.”