Saturday, July 27th, 2024

Grady Newton | 1970 – 1972 | Monterey High School | Boy's Basketball

Grady is one of the all-time greats in Monterey Plainsmen basketball history. From early on it was clear that Grady was a special talent, as he led his Evans Junior High eighth and ninth grade teams to the City Championship. It only got better at Monterey. In his junior season, he was named to the all-tournament teams at all three tournaments in which Monterey played. Newton’s senior year in 1971-72, was replete with awards for his outstanding play. He was once again named to the all-tournament teams at the Caprock, Midland Tall City, and San Angelo Tournaments, but this time he was the MVP of all three tournaments. He was also the District MVP and All City MVP, and was named to the All South Plains and All State Teams. Newton was also recognized as an Honorable Mention All American. Grady is still ranked as one of the top scorers and rebounders in Monterey basketball history. His 42 points in one game is second all-time. At the conclusion of his senior year, he was selected to play in the Texas vs. Oklahoma All Star Game and was a starter on that team. After his great career at Monterey, Newton stayed in Lubbock to play basketball for Texas Tech, where he was a three year starter for Tech. During Grady’s career at Texas Tech, the Red Raiders had the most wins in a four year period in Texas Tech basketball history. They went to the NCAA Tournament two times, won the First Annual Southwest Conference Tournament in 1976, finishing with a 25-6 record and a #16 national ranking. Newton was voted the most inspirational player on the team by his teammates. After his playing career was over, Grady went into coaching basketball, starting at Atkins Junior High where he compiled a record of 40-9. From there Newton went back to his alma mater as the Plainsmen Head Boys Basketball Coach. During his five years at Monterey, his teams compiled a record of 125-42. In 1985, Newton led the Plainsmen to the Regional Tournament Finals. After his time at Monterey, Grady became the Head Coach at Frenship High School, where he coached from 1989 through 2003, finishing with a record of 232-154. In 17 years as a head basketball coach, Newton compiled a record of 357-196. Newton then moved to Salado, Texas and served as the Varsity Assistant Basketball Coach for five years and an AP English Teacher. The 2005 Salado Basketball team made it to the state tournament. After 15 years at Salado ISD and 42 years total in education, Newton is now retired in Salado where he is an accomplished artist and has sold over 60 paintings.
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