Panthers champs of Battle of the States Tournament
By JARED PUTNAM

Austin Collins battles for the loose ball.

The Panthers took home their second trophy of the season over the holidays, putting in three strong performances to go 3-0 and take the championship in the annual Battle of the States Christmas Tournament hosted by Towns County.

The Panthers defeated Lakeview Academy 93-67, beat White County 58-52, and topped West Oak [SC] 69-52 in the championship game.

Corey Garrett was named MVP of the tournament, posting 72 points in the three games combined. Michael Ross added 40 points, earning a spot on the All-Tournament Team.

Coach Hunter said he was pleased with how his team played in light of how tough each matchup was. “We had played two tough games heading into the championship. For our guys to string three good games in a row like that was really big for us. We’re starting to come together. We’re still not quite where we want to be, but we’re on our way there,” said the coach.

Union 93 - Lakeview 67 The Panthers kicked off the

tournament with a 93-67 win over Lakeview, a game that was a better contest than the score indicates.

Taylor Neely goes up for two of his 19 points.

“For me that was big because Coach Vining is probably regarded as the premier coach in the state,” said Coach Hunter. “It was really a tight game the whole time for the fact that they can score from the three point line so quickly.

The game was tied 29-29 in the second quarter before Union went on a 16-0 run to take a 45-29 lead. They led 52- 35 at the half, but Coach Hunter said that the lead never seemed that big due to the fact that Lakeview can always get back in a game quickly with outside shooting.

But the Panthers played well on defensive end and began to corral the outside shooting. “We did a good job defending them because you really have to sprint the floor and close out on them to the three-point line,” said the coach. “If you don’t, they’re going to hit a three in transition”

Corey Garrett led the team with 25 points while adding 5 rebounds and 5 blocks. Austin Collins poured in 23 points, including 5 three pointers, to go along with 3 assists. Taylor Neely added 19 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 blocks.

Michael Ross glides in for two against Lakeview Academy.

The coach said that one of the most important aspects of the game was Michael Ross being able to help break the Lakeview press. “All of it started with Michael. He did a great job bringing the ball up against the press and didn’t turn the ball over,” said Coach Hunter. “It’s one of the key things against their style of pressure.”

The Panthers bench also made big contributions. “Matthew McCombs gave us some great minutes handling the press and doing a great job getting the ball to Corey Garrett,” said Coach Hunter. “We have a good starting five but what has allowed us to win consistently is these guys coming off the bench. I’m thoroughly proud of the effort and execution this team has had.”

Union 58 - White 52

For the fourth time this season the Panthers battled the White County Warriors, and as usual it was a close fought battle.

“That was our championship game,” said Coach Hunter. “They’re a good, healthy rival, which you need more of. Every game with them is tight.”

Coach Hunter said that he was proud of the way his players

conducted themselves. “There was good sportsmanship from our kids, during and after our game. I’m very proud of our guys for that.”

Still, the coach said he didn’t mind having them out of the way this year. “If I play somebody four times next year, I want to play someone that isn’t any good,” Coach Hunter said jokingly. “[Those games] were good for our kids. Facing kids of that level that can score and bring quickness and athleticism, and to win three out of four was big.”

Corey Garrett matched his point total from the previous night, leading the team with 25 points and adding 8 rebounds. Michael Ross was also in double figures with 11 points and 7 rebounds, while Taylor Neely added 10 points and 8 rebounds.

Austin Collins added another big defensive night. “I really wish we could have gotten two All-Tournament teams, because both Michael and Austin really deserved it,” said Coach Hunter. “Austin was freed up to do more things offensively [against Lakeview] scoring 23 points, but what a lot of people don’t get to see about him doesn’t show up in [games like this.]

“He is asked to guard our opponent’s best player every night. [White County’s leading scorer] is averaging about 25 points per game on everybody but him. He does such a great job for us defensively.”

Union 69 - West Oak 52

With their biggest hurdle out of the way, the Panthers took on West Oak of South Carolina, jumping out to a big start thanks to a red-hot first quarter from Michael Ross, who racked up 15 points on 5 treys in the opening period. West Oak was on its heels for the rest of the game.

“If we played every game like we did against them in the first quarter, we would crush everybody,” said Coach Hunter. “We did so well moving the basketball. All our shots were caught in rhythm, we had good ball rotation, and played unselfish.”

The Panthers won the first period 25-11 and led 33-20 at halftime. “After we got a big lead we knew our defense would carry us,” said Coach Hunter.

Corey Garrett led the team with 22 points, followed by Michael Ross with 20, and Taylor Neely with 10.

Coach Hunter said he was not only happy with the way Neely played on offense during the series, but also, what he was willing to do on defense. “One thing I was very proud that Taylor Neely stepped up and took a lot of charges,” said Coach Hunter. “To me taking a charge is the biggest statement of, ‘I’m putting the team above myself.’ They are not fun, you’re going to get hurt.”