I recently watched another local high school basketball team that has the potential for a nice post-season run in Division III.
This past Saturday was the first opportunity I’ve had this winter to cover the North Union boys hoop squad.
I liked what I saw.
The Wildcats traveled to Knightstown, Ind., to play Union County rival Fairbanks during a game at Hoosiers Gym.
I had seen North Union play once or twice a year ago and knew the current campaign could be very special for the squad.
They had a winning record last winter and did not lose any seniors from that outfit.
The Wildcats are off to a 6-0 start and have what I feel is a very balanced team.
They’ve got outside shooters in Connor Terrill, Preston Crabtree and Gavin Webb.
NU also has an inside scoring presence in a couple of towering fellows in Harley Day and Zach Vernon.
I had seen Day (a senior) play before this season, but didn’t really know that much about Vernon.
I liked the younger player’s moves along the baseline and his ability to follow his shot for second-chance opportunities.
He reminds me of Day in that aspect.
Another player to watch in the coming years is freshman Owen Davis, who is splitting time between the varsity and JV teams.
I knew the Wildcats would have the ability to put points on the board this season.
The biggest improvement I saw last Saturday was NU’s daunting variety of fullcourt pressure.
Coach Brian Terrill told me after Saturday’s game the Wildcats were going to press opponents more this season with a selection of alignments to keep foes off-balance.
It especially worked during the second half of Saturday’s game as NU simply wore down the Panthers, who I feel are still going to have a solid season in the Ohio Heritage Conference.
North Union will have a big game Saturday evening when it hosts Division I neighbor Marysville.
The Monarchs are off to a 4-2 start and, like the Wildcats, have a strong outside shooter in Jack Christian and solid man down low in Garrett Taylor.
Action will begin at North Union with a 4:30 p.m. freshman game.
That will be followed by junior varsity and varsity action.
The nightcap could be an exciting contest for local fans to watch.