Union’s JV Spartans handed the visiting North Duplin Rebels a 48-35 loss Tuesday night, but coach Bryant Register said he still thought his team was outplayed to a degree by the Duplin team.

“They are a scrappy bunch and my hat is off to them. I really want to congratulate them and their coach for a hard-fought game,” Register said.

Union jumped out to an 11-5 lead in the first quarter and kept a steady pace throughout, ahead 30-19 at the half and 38-29 in the third quarter.

Offensively, Register said, the Union JV rushed things. “We’ve got to slow down some, recognize the game situation and what we need to do. That is going to come with time.”

But he praised the team’s defensive effort. “They played well and helped force some turnovers which we were able to turn into some points.”

Overall, Register said, Tuesday’s game would be another teaching tool for his young team. “I told the guys I was really proud of the effort they put forth. It was a good win for us, a teaching game that we will use and pull from to show us what we need to get done on the court.”

Jamal Newkirk led scoring for the Spartans with 16 points. “He was pretty big for us inside,” Register said.

Also scoring for Union were Brandon Johnson, 14; Christine Boykin, 6; Traquan Peterson, 6; JaVonte Henry, 2; Delvin Henry, 2; and Jawan Newkirk, 2.

Union’s record moves to 1-1. They will host 2A Clinton Friday in what Register called a big and challenging game.

“It’ll be a tough game, but we are going to be ready,” the Union coach stressed.