Basketball Recap: Union Pines Now 7-2 over Last Nine Games

Hoke County came into Thursday's matchup looking for another win against Union Pines, but Jaylen Kyle wouldn't allow it. The Union Pines Vikings secured a 67-61 W over the Hoke County Bucks on Thursday thanks in part to Kyle, who went 11 of 20 on his way to 26 points and seven rebounds. Those 26 points gave him a new career-high.

The team also got some help courtesy of Kingsley Donaldson, who dropped a double-double on 12 points and 12 boards. He has been hot recently, having posted 11 or more rebounds the last three times he's played.

Hoke County's loss came despite strong showings from Jamari Harvey and Darius Breeden. Harvey posted 11 points, while Breeden put up 11 points and five assists. Teldryck Harley was another key player, putting up eight points.

Union Pines has been performing well recently as they've won seven of their last nine contests, which provided a nice bump to their 10-5 record this season. As for Hoke County, they have traveled a rocky road recently having lost six of their last eight games, which put a noticeable dent in their 6-9 record this season.

Union Pines and Hoke County could both be facing uphill battles in their next games considering their disadvantage in the MaxPreps North Carolina Rankings. Union Pines (ranked 303rd) will meet Southern Lee (ranked 47th) at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Union Pines has given up an average of 53.2 points per game this season, so hopefully the team got some defensive drills in this week. Similarly, Hoke County (ranked 320th) will meet Pinecrest (ranked 139th) at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday.