CENTERVILLE, Ind. – The Union County boys basketball team came out on top 60-58 in overtime against Tri-Eastern Conference foe Centerville on Wednesday night.
“The front end of our schedule has prepared us well,” Union County coach Mark Detweiler said.
“We took some beatings a long the way, but we we’re in so many close games,” Detweiler added. “Now we’re making some plays and guys are much more confident.”
One of those guys is Mason Miller, who drilled a 3-pointer with 1:28 left in the extra session to give the Patriots the lead for good.
“I like where are guys are mentally,” Detweiler said. “What a good win. He doesn’t hesitate now and he’s playing with a lot of confidence.”
Miller led the Patriots with 21 points.
The Bulldogs began the night with a 19-16 lead after the first period.
“The first quarter was exciting,” Centerville coach Seve Beach said. “Two teams going at it and shooting the ball real well.”
Union County finished the first half in from 31-28. The Patriots held a 49-41 advantage after three before Centerville rallied to tie it at 54-54 to send it to overtime.
“It’s another tough lesson for us,” Beach said. “We had a couple of mental lapes and we’re fighting a clawing and keep ourselves right there and give ourselves a chance. We’ve got to execute it. These guys have improved so much and they keep fighting.”
For the Patriots, Logan Sanford finished with 15 points with 14 coming in the first half as he reached the 1,000-point mark.
“He got us off to a great start on the road,” Detweiler said. “He looked tied after that. It took something out of him. What a big deal for him. He’s just been a joy to coach.”
Matt Stamper led the Bulldogs with 19 points and Michael Brewer tossed in 17 with five 3-pointers.
Union County won the JV contest 59-46 as Trevor Reiboldt led the Patriots with 12 points. Leighton Schulte tossed in 10. For the Bulldogs, Kobe Brown had a game-high 18 points and teammate Clete Schilling finished with 12 points.
Both teams are back in action at home on Saturday. Union County (7-9, 2-2) welcomes Jac-Cen-Del, while Centerville (6-7, 0-3) entertains Class 2A No. 14 Shenandoah
Box Score
UNION COUNTY (7-9, 2-2) – Cameron Sanford 0 0-0 0, Cameron Donovan 3 1-3 7, Mason Miller 9 0-0 21, Logan Sanford 6 1-3 15, Derek Dearth 3 0-0 6, Preston Scott 2 2-2 7, Mook Shepler 2 0-0 4, Luke Haas 0 0-0 0. Team – 25 4-8 60.
CENTERVILLE (6-7, 0-3) – Matt Stamper 8 2-3 19, Alex Brandon 2 1-2 5, Justin DuPree 3 2-3 8, Michael Brewer 5 2-2 17, Kody Witham 2 1-2 5, Dante Torres 0 0-0 0, Blake Shook 0 0-0 0, Myles Cunningham 1 0-0 2. Team – 22 8-12 58.
Union County 16 31 49 54 60
Centerville 19 28 41 54 58
3-pointers – Union County 6 (Miller 3, L. Sanford 2, Scott), Centerville 6 (Brewer 5, Stamper). Rebounds – Union County 26 (Donovan 6), Centerville 24 (Brandon 7). Turnovers – Union County 10, Centerville 11. Fouls – Union County 15, Centerville 13. Fouled out – None. JV score – Union County 59, Centerville 46.