The Union Spartans continued to take meaningful steps forward this week, opening with a commanding 81-65 victory over Spring Creek Monday before dropping a physical 75-62 matchup at South Lenoir Wednesday. Head coach Randy Jordan broke down both performances, highlighting a blistering offensive start to the week and the lessons learned in a tough road environment.
12/1 vs
Spring Creek
Union wasted no time setting the tone against Spring Creek. The Spartans erupted for 32 points in the opening quarter, charging ahead 32-12 and showcasing the confidence they built after last week’s win over Princeton.
“Anytime you start with a win, that’s a real positive,” Jordan attested. “We came out and really… we scored 32 points in the 1st quarter. We were up 20.”
Spring Creek countered with a 28-8 run in the second quarter, tightening the game, but Jordan said the explanation was simple: “We stopped defending.”
At halftime, the message was calm, direct, and focused. “We didn’t holler and yell and scream,” Jordan said. “We just talked about what we have to do better. Getting back to trapping, rotations, boxing out, running, pushing the ball.”
Union responded with a lockdown second half, allowing just 24 total points after giving up 28 in the second quarter alone. “They listened. They got after it defensively. I’m really proud of that. Right now, we seem to be a 2nd half defensive team.”
Offensively, Union spread the scoring wealth in the win. Sophomore Kenny-Ray Bailey led the way with 20 points and 6 rebounds, showcasing the emerging youth movement in the program. Senior forward Manny Adams followed with 17 points and 7 rebounds, while junior center Julian Edwards delivered 14 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 blocks to anchor the paint. Sophomore guard Tobias Cromartie added 12 points, and junior guard Josiah Swinson contributed 10 points while filling the stat sheet with 4 assists, 3 steals, and 2 rebounds.
Jordan emphasized how critical that balance is to their identity.
“We’re going to be better if we can get three, four, five guys in double figures instead of having one guy average 25 or 30,” he explained. “It gives us more weapons.”
He especially praised the younger players, noting that sophomores Bailey and Cromartie alone combined for 32 points in the win. “Kenny-Ray stepping up like that — that was great. It shows us we’ve got talent coming, that it’s here.”
12/3 at
South Lenoir
Wednesday’s 75-62 road loss carried a different tone. Facing a larger South Lenoir squad, Jordan said the outcome came down to one decisive factor.
“They were tougher than us,” he stated bluntly. “I think we’re as good or better of a basketball team than they are, but they were tougher. Of the 50-50 balls and loose balls, they got most of them.”
South Lenoir also controlled the offensive glass, something Jordan said his team must address as the season progresses. “We have to continue to work on our mental and physical toughness.”
Still, Union found strong offensive production across the board. Swinson led the Spartans with 18 points and 5 assists. Adams followed with 16 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists. Bailey provided another steady showing with 10 points and 4 rebounds, while Cromartie contributed 8 points to round out the scoring leaders.
Listening to the distribution, Jordan reiterated his belief in the group’s offensive versatility. “It can be anybody’s night. It’s a pick your weapon over there. We need to spread it around and get everybody involved.”
Union and Princeton met again last night, and Jordan stressed the importance of resetting mentally.
“We’ve got to put that first game out of our mind,” he said. “It didn’t happen. We’ve gone over what they do, what worked, and what didn’t. We just have to focus on tonight,” he said during an interview on Friday.
Next week brings a notable stretch as well. The Spartans will travel to Spring Creek Monday, Dec. 8, before hosting a highly anticipated Throwback Night matchup next Wednesday in the historic gym where Coach Nathan Gay once coached.
“I hope we pack the place to the rafters,” Jordan remarked. “It’s a wonderful idea to get the community involved.”