The Bellaire Big Reds were the 74-69 winner over the Union Local Jets when they last played one another back in January of 2023, but their luck changed this time around. Bellaire took a 61-57 hit to the loss column at the hands of Union Local. While losing is never fun, Bellaire can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Ohio basketball rankings (they are ranked 520th, while Union Local is ranked 119th).
Bellaire's loss on Friday came despite strong showings from Mac Pettigrew and Mayson Sochor. Pettigrew scored 22 points along with six rebounds and five assists, while Sochor scored 20 points along with eight rebounds. Sochor scored a full 35.1% of Bellaire's points, the seventh time in a row he's earned more than a third of the team's points.
Union Local's win was a true team effort, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Gannon Kerns, who dropped a double-double on 16 points and 13 rebounds. Kerns also grabbed two steals for the first time this season. Dre Saunders was another key contributor, scoring 13 points along with five rebounds.
This is the second loss in a row for Bellaire and nudges their season record down to 3-4. As for Union Local, their victory bumped their record up to 6-1.
Bellaire will finish 2023 at home by hosting Martins Ferry at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday. One thing working in Martins Ferry's favor is that they have posted big point totals every time they've taken the court this season. Union Local will wrap up 2023 with a road trip to face off against Cambridge at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. The timing isn't great for Cambridge: they have been struggling with three straight losses at home, while Union Local has snatched up four consecutive wins on the road dating back to last season.
