The Spartan ladies were unable to clinch the championship in the North Johnston Christmas tournament on Thursday, falling to the host Knights, 50-33.

Union got behind early in the first quarter and stayed in that position the rest of the game. Going down seven by the end of the first, at 12-5, the Spartans would never close that gap.

The second quarter was more of the same, just with more scoring by both teams. The Knights would score the most in this quarter with 19 while hold Union to under 10 again at nine marking the end of the first half.

Coming out of the halftime break the Spartans failed again to score double digits in the third period only getting six. While the Knight added on another 12 to their increasing lead.

Finally in the fourth the Spartans were the better team dropping 13 while the defense held North Johnson to only seven. The fourth quarter burst came too late as the margin was too wide to close, with Union going down by 17.

Leading scorers for the Spartans were Lazarriah Johnson with eight, Justice Johnson with seven and Kaia Johnson ending with six on the day.

The Lady Spartans of Union fall to 2-8 overall and 1-2 in conference. They will hit the court again on Thursday, facing Heide Trask on the road.

By Michael Hardison

Sports Editor

Reach Michael Hardison at [email protected]. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter @SampsonInd.