Preston Scott of Union County drives against Hagerstown earlier this season.
UNION CITY, Ind. – The Union County boys basketball team grabbed at least a share of the Tri-Eastern Conference on Friday night as the Patriots defeated Union City 60-31.
“We’ve talked from day one about earning greatness and that nothing is given and preparedness is everything,” Union County Head Coach Jesse Moses said. “It’s hard to win. Day in, day out, it’s a grind.”
For the Patriots (16-6, 7-1), it’s their first TEC title since 2012 and ninth overall.
“I’m proud of what this team has accomplished,” Moses said. “I am even more proud of the type of teammates they are. Their success has been born on that. They love each other. And I love them. We want more though. We aren’t content.”
The win guarantees a share of the championship, while the Patriots must wait to see what second place Hagerstown (13-6, 5-1) does the rest of the way.
The Tigers have a league game at Knightstown (5-14, 3-4) on Saturday and a home contest against Tri High (6-12, 1-6) on Tuesday.
On Friday, the Patriots struggled early as they led 9-7 after one quarter and 25-20 at halftime.
“We had a slow start tonight, but were able to get back to doing what we do,” Moses said. “Our offensive execution got crisper and our defensive intensity rose to the level we need it to be.”
In the third period, Union County took control of the affair as the Patriots build a 44-25 advantage.
Mason Miller led the Patriots with 17 points, while Preston Scott added a dozen.
Trevor Reiboldt finished with eight points.
Wes Mote led the Indians with seven points.
Bryten Stewart, Trevor Spence and Gabe Loesch all tossed in six points.
Union City (4-17, 0-7) returns to action on Saturday at Southern Wells (5-14).
Union County ends the regular season next Friday at home against Milan (11-9).