Greenwood wins first Greater Ozarks Conference championship

Sharpshooter Alyssa Newman pours in 28 points to lead Lady Jays to perfect conference record

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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Greenwood's Alyssa Newman scored a game-high 28 points, including six 3-pointers in the first half, to help the Lady Jays clinch their first Greater Ozarks Conference championship with a 67-51 victory over New Covenant Academy. The win caps off a perfect 6-0 conference record for Greenwood, which also secured its 20th win of the season.

Why it matters

Greenwood's conference title is its first since joining the Greater Ozarks Conference last school year, providing the Lady Jays with more structure and competition. The team's 20-win season is its first in six years, highlighting the program's progress under coach Mike Percival.

The details

Newman set a career high with eight 3-pointers, including six in the first half to help Greenwood build a 46-32 halftime lead. The Lady Jays' balanced attack also featured 17 points from senior point guard Elif Benzer and 13 from junior Gia Lutomske. New Covenant Academy's Harlan Ward led the Lady Warriors with 21 points.

  • Greenwood clinched the conference title on Thursday, February 19, 2026.
  • The Lady Jays will enter the Class 2, District 11 tournament next week as the top seed and host school.

The players

Alyssa Newman

A sharpshooter for the Greenwood Lady Jays who poured in a game-high 28 points, including a career-high eight 3-pointers.

Mike Percival

The head coach of the Greenwood Lady Jays, who has guided the team to its first 20-win season in six years and first Greater Ozarks Conference championship.

Gia Lutomske

A junior on the Greenwood Lady Jays who finished with 13 points and was an effective force on the glass.

Elif Benzer

The senior point guard for the Greenwood Lady Jays who scored 17 points in the conference-clinching victory.

Harlan Ward

A freshman who led New Covenant Academy with 21 points in the loss.

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What they’re saying

“I felt like my shot was on. I knew to help my team, I needed to keep shooting. If that's what my team needs me to do, that's what I'll do. Whatever my team needs, I'm willing to do.”

— Alyssa Newman (ozarkssportszone.com)

“You can tell pretty quickly by her shot selection and rhythm. When she gets on a run, you just kind of stand back and let her go. Eventually the heat check will come, and we'll see whether she's really hot or not. She works hard all the time.”

— Mike Percival, Greenwood coach (ozarkssportszone.com)

“The proof is in the pudding here. We've really worked for this.”

— Gia Lutomske, Greenwood junior (ozarkssportszone.com)

What’s next

Greenwood will receive a first-round bye in the Class 2, District 11 tournament and play the winner of Marion C. Early-Spokane in the semifinals on Wednesday, February 25. New Covenant Academy, the No. 6 seed, will face 3-seed Crane in the quarterfinals on Monday, February 23.

The takeaway

Greenwood's first Greater Ozarks Conference championship and 20-win season showcase the program's progress under coach Mike Percival, with sharpshooter Alyssa Newman leading the way. The Lady Jays' conference affiliation has provided more structure and competition, positioning them well for a deep postseason run.