Lady Panthers prepare for Region and State
By TODD FORREST Sentinel Write

The Union County Lady Panthers are guaranteed a trip to the state playoffs because of their regular season Sub-Region Title. Union went 9-1 in Sub-Region play and finished two games ahead of Rabun and Fannin. Union will play this Friday in Putnam County against either Greene Co., Rabun Co., Dawson Co., or East Jackson. Depending on the outcomes of Tuesday and Wednesday night's games. A win on Friday and Union will play for the Region Title on Saturday at 7:00 P.M. A loss and Union will play in the 3rd place game on Saturday at 4:00 P.M. All games will be played in Putnam County.

The trip to state is the first since 2001 and the girls basketball program's eighth trip alltime. "In order to advance in region or state we're going to have to shoot well and play great defense," said Coach West. "If we can win the Region we can get the first two games of state at home in Blairsville, if we win our first game. If we come in second place in the Region, we will get the first game at home." Getting to play at home would be huge, considering that we are matched up with the toughest Region in the state when it comes to girls basketball. Region 6AA has the #1 team in the state, Wesleyan. It also has the #2 team, GAC and #5 team, Buford. Union County is currently ranked #9 in the GaSports.com Coaches Poll.