Basketball Recap: Heath Johnson's Big Game Can't Quite Lead Pinecrest over Union Pines

The home team had won the previous four meetings between Pinecrest and Union Pines, and Union Pines kept the tradition alive. The Patriots fell 75-65 to the Vikings on Tuesday. The Patriots were given a dose of their own medicine in this game as the Vikings apparently hadn't forgotten their loss the last time these teams played back in February.

Pinecrest lost despite a true team effort on offense. The best among them was Heath Johnson, who posted 17 points. Gavin Washington was another key player, putting up 17 points.

Union Pines got their victory on the backs of several key players, but it was Kingsley Donaldson out in front who dropped a double-double with 20 points and ten boards. Donaldson is on a roll when it comes to rebounds, as he's now pulled down eight or more in each of the last ten games he's played dating back to last season. Another player making a difference was Wesley Bailey, who went 5-for-9 to rack up 16 points.

Pinecrest dropped their record down to 2-4 with the defeat, which was their sixth straight on the road dating back to last season. Those road losses can't be blamed on the team's offensive performance across that stretch, as they've averaged 61.7 points this season. As for Union Pines, their win bumped their record up to 2-5.

Coming up, Pinecrest will be home for the holidays to greet Mallard Creek at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. The Patriots' defense better be ready for this one: the Mavericks have averaged an impressive 53.3 points per game this season. As for Union Pines, they will head out to square off against South Johnston at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. The Vikings will be up against the Trojans' rather soft defense (which has allowed 56.6 points per game), so fans could be in store for a big offensive performance.