Union moves record to 6-1
Panthers beat Banks, C. Basin
By JARED PUTNAM

Matt Schmidt makes the shot.

The Panthers improved their record to 6-1 this season, winning a pair of home games against Banks County and Copper Basin, but taking their first loss of the season against the Warriors in White County.

Panthers 70 - Leopards 30

The Panthers came away with an easy victory in their first subregion action of the season, a matchup against the Banks County Leopards. “Banks County was probably the best we have played this season,” said Head Coach Tim Hunter. “That was a region game and we really try to turn it up in a region contest. We came out early on them.”

The Panthers started the contest with a 9-0 run off of points from Corey Garrett and Michael Ross. Union had built a 20-7 lead by the end of the first quarter.

Besides exploding on offense, the team clamped down on the defensive side of the ball. “Defensively we were extremely quick,” said the coach.

The defensive pressure led to frustration and caused tempers to flare early as a Banks County player was ejected from the game. Another Leopards player also later received a technical.

Josh Colwell drives in against the Leopards.

“It was a great overall effort for our team,” said Coach Hunter. “Everybody played well.” The team was up 40 points when the coach pulled the starters and still managed to win by 40.

“The biggest thing is everybody really got a feel of how we needed to play,” said the coach. “It’s one of those where you are proud of the kids top to bottom. “Colton [Payne] went off really big,” said Coach Hunter.

Payne had a big night shooting, scoring 20 points on 6 of 10 from the field. He sank four threepointers.

Panthers 50 - Warriors 61

The Panthers suffered their first loss of the season to White County, as the Warriors evened the score after losing the Tip-Off Tournament to Union County.

“We came out really flat,” said Coach Hunter. “I think we thought we were going to win just because we showed up. But White County is a good team and they are very tough to match up with. They played very well.”

Coach Hunter said the Panthers didn’t really get in the flow offensively. “We just got beaten to the ball too much and didn’t do what we needed to do to beat a team of that calibur,” said the coach.

Kody Owenby wrestle a Banks player for the ball.

For the second game in a row, point guard Colton Payne led the team in scoring with 17 points. Michael Ross added 15.

Panthers 55 - Cougars 21

The Panthers rebounded from the White County game

with a big win over Copper Basin at home, despite missing forward Corey Garrett, who sat out with an ankle injury. In his absence, Taylor Neely played an even bigger role. “Taylor had a big night against them,” said Coach Hunter. “They weren’t a very big team so we knew we had to work it inside.”

The Panthers built a big lead early, taking the first quarter 19-0 and essentially put the

game out reach from the getgo. Caleb Kelly had a big night, leading the team with 12 points, in addition to the many other things he already does for the team.

“To me, scoring is its own reward, but I’m really proud of these guys that do the extra things, boxing out hard on rebounds, being in the right position on defense and taking charges,” said Coach Hunter.

“That’s the stuff that’s hard and hurts and makes the difference in the ballgame. [Guys like] Caleb Kelly and Kody Owenby do a lot of that for us. You know their name isn’t going to appear in the scorebook as much, but the things they come in and do are just as important as anything else. People that really know basketball understand the importance of those things.”