Basketball Game Preview: Union Rockets vs. Hagerstown Tigers

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Previous 3 Games

01/19/24 - Home	39-15 W
12/12/22 - Home	52-50 W
01/02/15 - Home	53-50 W

Union is 3-0 against Hagerstown since January of 2015 and they'll have a chance to extend that success on Friday. The Union Rockets will square off against the Hagerstown Tigers at 6:00 p.m. Both have had a bumpy ride up to this point with five consecutive losses for Union and three for Hagerstown.

Last Wednesday, Union was beaten by Monroe Central 57-15. While losing is never fun, the Rockets can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Indiana basketball rankings (they are ranked 343rd, while the Golden Bears are ranked 153rd).

Despite the loss, Union had strong showings from Glory Ellis, who posted six points along with six rebounds and three blocks, and Kenzy Ogden, who earned six points in addition to ten boards and three blocks. That was a full 40% of Union's points, marking the fourth time in a row she's scored more than a third of the team's points.

Meanwhile, it was a proper cat-fight when Hagerstown challenged Franklin County on Saturday. Hagerstown took a blow against Franklin County, falling 62-6. The game marked the Tigers' lowest-scoring matchup so far this season.

Skylar Brown was Hagerstown's leading scorer, having posted three points. Bella Thalls held things down on the boards with five rebounds.

Hagerstown's defeat dropped their record down to 1-17. As for Union, their loss dropped their record down to 4-11.

Rebounding is likely to be a big factor in this contest: Union has been crashing the rebounds this season, having averaged 28.2 boards per game. However, it's not like Hagerstown struggles in that department as they've been averaging 25.5 boards. With both teams battling to corral missed shots, we'll see if one team can grab an edge.

Union took their victory against Hagerstown in their previous matchup back in January of 2024 by a conclusive 39-15. The rematch might be a little tougher for Union since the squad won't have the home-court advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.