Derek Dearth was one of eight seniors on the Union County basketball team. Photo by Ryan Tincher.
GREENFIELD, Ind. – Eight Union County seniors finished their basketball careers on Saturday as the Patriots dropped a 56-42 decision to Indianapolis Scecina in the first game of the Class 2A regional at Greenfield-Central.
“They really are family,” Union County Head Coach Jesse Moses said. “They are guys 30 years from now they are going to be hanging out, probably playing pick-up games in somebody’s driveway.”
Cameron Donovan, Derek Dearth, Luke Haas, Noah Hartley, Mason Miller, Trevor Reiboldt, Preston Scott and Joey Weller wore a Union County uniform for the final time.
“We’re brothers,” Donovan said. “We have fun.”
Miller agreed even after the disappointment of Saturday’s contest.
“This season was probably the most fun I had in my life,” he said. “It’s fun playing when they are all your friends. We hang out all the time.”
Losing a close-nit group like these seniors has Moses pondering the future after 20-7 season, which included a sectional title and Tri-Eastern Conference co-championship.
“I don’t know what I’m going to do on Monday knowing that they are gone,” he said “They are going to be eight great men when they grow up.
“You can find solace in that,” Moses added. “It had to end at some point. I enjoyed the ride and enjoyed being with them.”