Justiss Cantu
UNION CITY, Ind. – The Union City girls basketball team gained control of the Tri-Eastern Conference standings on Tuesday as the Indians came from behind to defeat Winchester 59-56.
With the win, the No. 8 Indians are now 9-1 overall and 4-0 in the TEC, while the Golden Falcons fall to 10-3 and 3-1.
“We knew going into the Winchester game that it would not be an easy fight,” Union City Head Coach Sarah Black said. “Winchester is a good team and we have seen them play very well, so we knew we would need to be prepared.”
Winchester grabbed an early advantage with a 25-14 lead after the first quarter. By halftime, the Golden Falcons were on top 35-28.
“I was very proud of the way the girls fought back and stayed focused,” Black said. “We were able to handle Winchester’s size and good shooting to come out on top.”
“I was especially proud of the way our girls handled the ball and pressure at the end of the game and hit free throws to close out the win,” Black said. “This is a big feat for us as it leaves us in a position for a TEC title.”
The Indians made a run to take a 41-40 lead midway through the third period before building a 46-41 margin by the end of the frame. Union City was able to hold off Winchester in the final stanza.
Justiss Cantu led the Indians with 26 points, including 5-of-6 from the free throw line in the fourth quarter. She also had three assists and three steals.
Kelsey Zimmers added 13 points. Courtney Wise contributed 11 points, 10 rebounds and six blocks. Baylee Hartman topped the Indians with 12 rebounds with four points.
Maddie Lawrence led the Golden Falcons with 18 points.
Hannah Graft tossed in 13 points to go with seven rebounds. Kira Robinson had 10 and eight rebounds.
The Golden Falcons won the JV contest 36-29 with Becca Chamberlain leading the way with 12 points. Cami Miller tossed in 11 points. For the Indians, Sophia Spence and Mackenzie Green finished with eight points each.
Union City travels to TEC foe Lincoln on Friday, while Winchester is at Union County on Saturday.