High-powered Newman beats Forreston 75-48 for first regional title since 2022

Newman scored over 40 points in the first half for the second straight game as the Comets won the Class 1A Alleman Regional title.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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The Newman boys basketball team beat Forreston 75-48 to win the Class 1A Alleman Regional title on Friday night. All five Newman starters scored in double figures, led by George Jungerman's 19 points. The Comets led 44-26 at halftime and continued to push the pace in the second half, leading by as much as 68-38 through three quarters. This is Newman's first regional title since 2022.

Why it matters

Newman, ranked No. 1 in the final Associated Press 1A poll, has been on a dominant run this season. The Comets' unselfish and balanced offensive attack has led to several big wins, including a season-high 85 points in their previous game. This regional title is an important step as Newman looks to make a deep playoff run.

The details

Newman scored over 40 points in the first half for the second straight game, jumping out to a 22-11 lead and then leading 44-26 at halftime. The Comets continued their offensive onslaught in the second half, leading by as much as 68-38 through three quarters before the reserves came in. All five Newman starters scored in double figures, with Jungerman leading the way with 19 points. John Rowzee added 16 points on 8-of-10 shooting, while Asher Ernst, Garret Matznick, and Evan Bushman each scored 11 points.

  • Newman won the Class 1A Alleman Regional title on Friday, February 27, 2026.
  • Newman will face third-seeded Pecatonica in Tuesday's Orion Sectional semifinals at 7 p.m.

The players

Newman

The Newman boys basketball team, ranked No. 1 in the final Associated Press 1A poll, won the Class 1A Alleman Regional title.

George Jungerman

The Newman senior scored a team-high 19 points in the regional final victory.

John Rowzee

The Newman senior scored 16 points on 8-of-10 shooting in the win.

Asher Ernst

The Newman senior scored 11 points as one of five Comets starters in double figures.

Garret Matznick

The Newman senior scored 11 points in the regional final victory.

Evan Bushman

The Newman senior scored 11 points, including three 3-pointers in the third quarter.

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What they’re saying

“We always talk about, 'it's our shot, not your shot.' We're looking for the team's best shot. And we don't want you hunting shots for yourself.”

— Ray Sharp, Newman head coach (shawlocal.com)

“I'd say our offense right now is on fire. It feels like everybody on the court is getting double digits every game. Everybody is doing their part.”

— Evan Bushman, Newman senior (shawlocal.com)

“Everything is slowing down a lot. It's a lot easier to run our sets and everything that we need to run.”

— Asher Ernst, Newman senior (shawlocal.com)

“They're the perfect storm, so I don't know if anyone can slow them down. I think they're the clear favorites being No. 1.”

— Robert DeVries, Forreston head coach (shawlocal.com)

What’s next

Newman will face third-seeded Pecatonica in Tuesday's Orion Sectional semifinals at 7 p.m.

The takeaway

Newman's unselfish, balanced, and high-powered offense has led the Comets to a dominant season and their first regional title since 2022. As the No. 1 team in the state, Newman appears primed for a deep playoff run with their team-first approach and ability to get contributions from multiple players.