Newton was key in setting the tone early on this past weekend. The Wolves downed Moore, 88-55 on Saturday to advance to the area title game. Against the Lions, TJ was in attack mode from the start. When his teammates set solid screens and make it a point of emphasis to get him the ball, he can get off to some really fast starts in game. What separates Newton is his ability to put the ball on the deck and use both his length and physicality to finish. If Newton can continue to build on his outside shooting that saw his percentages continue to go up in the month of February, look for his squad to make this tough on the Rams.

Newton was promising as a freshman and during 15U AAU play, but has reached new heights this season. Has college ready range and is a true weapon from the beyond arc. Games where he hits 5 or more three pointers are becoming common. Especially because once one look goes in, odds are a few more are going to quickly follow. Is smooth and confident when getting into his spots off the dribble. Still growing and getting a little more athletic, indicating that there is strong potential for him to be an outstanding all around scorer as an upperclassman.

T.J. Newton has proven himself as one of the state’s best shooters. The sophomore has multiple games with four or more made threes, including a 27-point performance against Jenks where he hit seven from deep. He also knocked down eight threes versus Crossings Christian in the Edmond Open.

I recently watched Newton at the Bishop McGuinness Tournament, where he was especially impressive from beyond the arc. In the Santa Fe vs. Crossings championship game, he was scoreless through the first half and midway through the third quarter, then caught fire after one three fell and finished with a game-high 19 points.

Newton can shoot it off the dribble or off the catch, has a smooth handle, and is one of the top players in the Class of 2028—possibly top five right now.

Newton’s breakout sophomore season continued with an efficient performance. He is Santa Fe’s premier perimeter threat, effortlessly draining threes. Clearly has started to establish himself as one of the top shooters regardless of class in Oklahoma. His fluidity and confidence in the mid-range and attacking the rim has really added his ability to stress the defense. He’s nearly able to bust zones by himself through his combination of threes. While also hitting in the pockets in the mid-range. Certified sniper with a rapidly developing all around scoring game.

A flame thrower all weekend from deep and especially when Santa Fe needed it when Crossings pushed them. Seemed automatic when his feet was set. Even hitting a 30+ footer to end the first half on Saturday. He’s now more athletic and skilled off the bounce, but it all starts and end with his ability to hit momentum shifting threes. Huge week and overall start to his sophomore season. Capped the week off with Super 5 Honors at the Edmond Open. Has reached new levels already this young season. Going from a “that’s a promising freshman” to a super sophomore who is in the conversation with the top peers in his Oklahoma age group.

Started 5 on 5 play a bit passive and not dialed in from distance. But that quickly changed with a “NBA Jam style HE’S ON FIRE” stretch of impressive shotmaking from deep. Including draining a pull up heat check three that was his third make in a row. When Newton shoots the ball with confidence like that, he’s among the best shooters in the Oklahoma sophomore class. Was a fun moment of seeing his potential to be a game changer, who can string together makes in a hurry.

Continues to boost his rep as a big time shooter in the sophomore class. Hit from long range and off the dribble into pull ups. Newton’s handle is looking better, creating space for the pull ups. He’s also more concise with quicker crossovers to get to the rim. Big time all around scoring upside to go along with his shooting superpower.

Social Media Highlights

Newton is an exciting scoring guard in Oklahoma’s promising Class of 2028. Was cooking to finish up his UA Rise run with I4. Made the defenders pay by hitting pull up threes when the sagged off. Shooting has always been an important part of Newton’s game. Impressively he had some great takes off the dribble. Finishing through contact and carving up the defense off the bounce. The super sophomore should have every opportunity to take off under new Santa Fe head coach, Terry Evans.

One of the top shooters in the class, Newton has everything needed to become one of the better all around scorers in 2028. When his feet are set and he shoots in rhythm, it often looks automatic from three. He’s continuing to work on his all around game, especially with improved handles and moves in the mid-range. He’s on a natural path of being a shooting specialist as a freshman, then making the full scoring leap as a sophomore. Played a full schedule this spring, including national games on the UA RIse circuit.

Currently a shooting specialist, Newton has earned regular playing time for Edmond Santa Fe. Has the type of shot from three that when his feet are squared up, it looks like every shot is going in. Comfortable putting it on the deck for one to two dribbles to hit in the mid-range or relocate to hit from beyond the arc. Seems to understand his role as an off the ball scorer and thrives in it. Good promise to develop into an all around scorer, hit a nice backcut when the defensive overplayed him to deny him from the perimeter.