Newton South High School Hosts WNBA Finals Party
The community gathered to cheer for alumna Veronica Burton during Game 6 of the WNBA Finals.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Basketball
Live Poll
Do you find the success of local athletes inspiring to your community?
Newton South High School transformed its cafeteria into a watch party venue to support alumna Veronica Burton. The event occurred as the Golden State Valkyries faced the Atlanta Dream in Game 6 of the WNBA Finals.
Why it matters
The gathering honored the athletic achievements of a former student who reached the highest level of professional basketball. It highlighted the lasting connection between the athlete and her roots in the local school system.
Newton South High School opened the gym at 5:30 a.m. for practice sessions, where former student Veronica Burton trained beginning at 6:00 a.m. under coach Jesus Rodriguez for over 10 years.
The players
Veronica Burton
She is a professional basketball player and alumna of Newton South High School who competed in the WNBA Finals.
Jesus Rodriguez
He is a longtime basketball coach who mentored Veronica Burton for more than a decade during her formative years.
Golden State Valkyries
This is a professional WNBA team that contested Game 6 of the championship series.
Atlanta Dream
This is a professional WNBA team that served as the opponent in the league's final championship series.
The details
The cafeteria served as a central hub for students and staff to watch the Valkyries contest the series against the Dream. Despite the school's enthusiastic support, the Valkyries ultimately lost the game.
Timeline
The watch party at Newton South High School took place on October 29, 2026.
The decisive Game 7 between the Valkyries and the Dream is scheduled for October 31, 2026, at 8 p.m.
Season Trajectory
The school watch party reflects the heightened community engagement typical of the WNBA Finals, which represents the pinnacle of the professional basketball calendar. The loss in Game 6 sets up a winner-take-all scenario for the league title.
The Valkyries' loss in Game 6 forces the series to a Game 7, which will determine the overall champion of the WNBA season. Fans and stakeholders should note that the final winner will be decided in the upcoming match on October 31.
The takeaway
Supporting athletes who have moved on to professional careers can strengthen the bond between schools and their alumni communities. Fans can draw inspiration from the commitment required to train at early morning hours as seen in the career of a local success story.
What happens next
The Golden State Valkyries are set to face the Atlanta Dream in the final game of the series, Game 7, on October 31, 2026, at 8 p.m.
Further reading
Learn more about local hoop culture on the Basketball page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by CBS News.
Live Poll
Do you find the success of local athletes inspiring to your community?
