Basketball Recap: Make It Three in a Row for Union

Braylon Ward

Points

01/14/26 @ Hancock	43
01/12/26 @ Highland	27
01/09/26 @ Valley	23

Union had won two straight games and Braylon Ward did his part to make it three on Wednesday. The Tigers took down the Hancock Panthers 72-58 with plenty of help from Ward, who shot 4-for-6 from downtown and dropped a double-double with 43 points and 12 rebounds. His big performance that evening made it three games in a row in which he has scored at least 23 points.

The team also got some help courtesy of Eric Linkswiler, who posted ten points in addition to seven boards and five steals. Union is 2-1 when Linkswiler posts three or more steals, but 1-5 otherwise.

Despite the defeat, Hancock had strong showings from Hunter Kerns, who shot 41% from the field en route to 25 points, and Ethan Hill, who almost dropped a double-double with nine points and 12 rebounds. Another player making a difference was Ashton Mosier, who scored six points and eight boards.

Union's record now sits at 3-6. As for Hancock, they have traveled a rocky road recently, having lost four of their last five matchups. That's put a noticeable dent in their 3-8 record this season.

Union will be playing at home against Clay-Battelle at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. The Tigers will need to watch out since the Cee-Bees have now posted at least 55 points every time they've taken the court this season. As for Hancock, they will head out to challenge Clear Spring at 7:00 p.m. on Friday.