In the nightcap at Hobbton High School on Friday, the Union Spartans dominated the Wildcats, finishing the fast-paced game with a 62-47 win.

The Spartans went on a 9-0 run in the first two minutes of the game and never looked back. Hobbton eventually got on track as the quarter progressed but still trailed by five at 18-13 at the end of the quarter.

In the second frame, Union turned up the tempo, finishing the first half with a 28-19 advantage.

In the third quarter, the Spartans continued to expand that lead, scoring 19 more points while the Wildcats managed to get 12. With these totals, Union had increased their lead to 47-32.

As the game wound down, the Spartans lead dropped to 15 points as they got into some foul trouble midway the final frame but they still held on to get the big win, 62-47.

Union’s Kendrick Beatty picked up a game high 15 points and five assists. Patrick Shepard was right on his heels with 13, Cole Bass had 12 points and eight rebounds, Darius Highsmith had nine points and 10 rebounds and Jaevion Vann had seven points and seven steals.

For the Wildcats, Jordan Pearsall finished with 13 points, Jaelyn Holliday had nine, D.J. Robinson managed eight, Daniel Britt had six and Evan Hope finished with five.

“It’s always a tough place to come play at Hobbton,” commented Union coach Brad Bass. “It’s just a tough environment. They are getting better. Credit to their coach and the guys. They’re hanging in there, they are much improved and played with a lot of grit. We had a lot of contributors tonight. We got in foul trouble and relied pretty heavily on everybody and they delivered. They were prepared for the situation and the opportunity.”

Hobbton coach Kendric Faison said, “It was good to have a full team back tonight. All my players were playing. The kids played hard both offensively and defensively. The offense was patient with the ball, getting good looks, but the shots just wouldn’t fall like we wanted them to. We missed too many free throws, going 11 for 35 at the charity stripe. Make the free throws and it’s a different ball game.”

The Wildcats will play at North Duplin Tuesday night and will finish the regular season at home with Lakewood Thursday.

Evan Hope drives for two of his five points in Friday’s loss to Union.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/web1_HHS-Evan-Hope.jpgEvan Hope drives for two of his five points in Friday’s loss to Union. David Johnson | Sampson Independent

Jaelyn Holliday gets airborne for two of his nine points.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/web1_HHS-Jaylen-Holliday.jpgJaelyn Holliday gets airborne for two of his nine points. David Johnson | Sampson Independent

Jaevion Vann drives for two of his seven points. He also had seven steals.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/web1_UHS-Jaevion-Vann.jpgJaevion Vann drives for two of his seven points. He also had seven steals. David Johnson | Sampson Independent

Kendrick Beatty goes up uncontested for two of his game-high 15 points.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/web1_UHS-Kendrick-Beaty.jpgKendrick Beatty goes up uncontested for two of his game-high 15 points. David Johnson | Sampson Independent
Union tops Hobbton, 62-47

By David Johnson

Sports Writer

Reach Sports Editor Daron Barefoot at [email protected].