Early tests continue — Newcastle battles ranked Sundance, rallies late against Lead-Deadwood

The Newcastle Dogie girls basketball team continued its early-season test against quality competition last week at the annual Stateline Shootout, opening with a loss to ranked 2A Sundance before pushing Lead-Deadwood to the wire in a three-point setback.

While the results went down as losses, head coach Mike Pederson said the weekend reflected measurable progress in chemistry, pace and competitiveness as the Dogies continue to define roles and sharpen execution.

The tournament opened Thursday against Sundance, a ranked 2A program that used extended pressure and capitalized on turnovers to pull away for a 62–29 win. Newcastle struggled to find offensive rhythm early, falling behind as Sundance outscored the Dogies 42–17 across the second and third quarters after establishing a 12-6 lead in the first frame.

Sydney Pederson led Newcastle with 11 points, knocking down three 3-pointers while adding four rebounds and three assists. Josie Smith and Kaia Pederson each scored four points, while Zadyn Allen and Kyndal VonEye chipped in three apiece. Brooklyn Benshoof added two points and pulled down five rebounds.

As a team, Newcastle shot 29% from the field, went 4-of-11 from three-point range, and committed 27 turnovers — a stat Pederson said continues to be a focal point.

“We continued to build chemistry on both ends of the court, showing noticeable improvement in ball movement, defensive communication and overall tempo,” Pederson said. “But turnovers played a key role in shifting momentum. Possession management is going to be critical as competition ramps up.”

Despite the offensive struggles, Pederson said, the defensive effort and pace showed improvement, even as rushed passes and forced plays stalled momentum.

Friday’s matchup against Lead-Deadwood told a different story.

Newcastle responded with its most complete performance of the young season, rallying late before falling 51–48. The Dogies outscored Lead-Deadwood 17–10 in the second quarter and cut the deficit to one possession in the final minutes after scoring 14 points in the fourth.

Sydney Pederson recorded her first double-double of the season, finishing with 13 points, 10 rebounds, three assists and five steals, while leading the team in every major statistical category. Zadyn Allen provided a spark off the bench with 12 points, and Josie Smith added seven points and four steals. Emeree Tavegie chipped in four points, six rebounds and two assists, while Kyndal Von Eye and Brooklyn Benshoof combined for seven steals and nine rebounds.

Newcastle shot 39% from the field, collected 33 rebounds and totaled 22 steals, but 37 turnovers again proved costly.

“Same message,” Pederson said. “We have to value the basketball.”

Even so, Pederson said the response after the loss was encouraging.

“Despite early offensive challenges, the message coming off the loss was overwhelmingly positive,” he said. “The players demonstrated grit, strong finishes and the ability to adjust mid-game. Slow starts aren’t setbacks — they’re stepping stones.”

Newcastle will return to practice this week before heading to Rawlins for the Winter Classic, with Pederson saying the focus remains on ball security, purposeful possessions and building consistency.

“With continued focus on protecting the ball and attacking possessions with purpose,” he said, “we’re excited about the direction this team is heading.”

Stateline Shootout — Stat Report

Sundance 62, Newcastle 29

Team statistics 

Field goals: 12–41 (29%) 

3-point field goals: 4–11 (36%) 

Free throws: 1–5 (20%) 

Rebounds: 16 

Assists: 8 

Steals: 4 

Turnovers: 27

Individual leaders 

Sydney Pederson: 11 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 three-pointers 

Brooklyn Benshoof: 2 points, 5 rebounds 

Kyndal VonEye: 3 points, 2 assists

Lead/Deadwood 51, Newcastle 48

Team statistics 

Field goals: 17–44 (39%) 

3-point field goals: 5–16 (31%) 

Free throws: 9–18 (50%) 

Rebounds: 33 

Assists: 10 

Steals: 22 

Turnovers: 37

Individual leaders 

Sydney Pederson: 13 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, 5 steals 

Zadyn Allen: 12 points 

Josie Smith: 7 points, 4 steals 

Brooklyn Benshoof: 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals