RABBITTOWN -- After losing by nearly 30 points to East Hall in the season finale just five days earlier, Union County was hoping its Region 8-AA quarterfinal game against the Vikings Wednesday with a shot at a state playoff berth would give them a chance at redemption.
It was not to be.
East Hall used a 13-5 run to end the first quarter and then scored the final 16 points of the second quarter en route to a 74-31 win over Union County to advance to the region semifinals and secure a spot in the state tournament.
The Panthers played East Hall tight in the opening three minutes trailing just 6-4. But the Vikings exploded to finish the quarter with a 19-9 lead. The teams traded baskets in the first two minutes of the second quarter but the Vikings clamped down on the Panthers holding them scoreless over the final five minutes while running out to a 39-13 halftime lead.
The Vikings kept the pressure on in the third quarter scoring the first eight points to put the game out of reach. East Hall would lead by as many as 43 points in the second half. Union never got closer than 26 after the second quarter.
Chris Orr led nine East Hall players in scoring with 18 points. He helped set the tone early with four offensive rebounds for put-backs in the first quarter. J.C. Hampton had 12 points and Brian Edwards 10 for the Vikings.
Zach Odom led Union County with 13 points. Rhett McCombs had 10 for the Panthers.
East Hall next will take on Dawson County in the region semifinals on Friday at Hart County.
Union County's season is complete.
Friday
April 25th, 2025
6:38AM
