BLAIRSVILLE, Ga. — After a modest 4-4 start to the season, the Union County boys have been as hot as any team in Northeast Georgia over the past month.
The Panthers (13-7, 4-1 Region 8-2A) have won 9 of their last 13 overall and are off to a 4-1 start in region play. Their biggest win to date was last Friday when they knocked off then-No. 3 Providence Christian, 81-78, on a thrilling half-court buzzer beater at home.
That win has put them just one-half game behind seventh-ranked Providence Christian (17-3, 5-1 Region 8-2A) heading into a huge, and rare, Wednesday night showdown against East Jackson (7-13, 1-4 Region 8-2A) at home. A win for the Panthers would put them in a virtual tie with the Storm as the two teams have split their two regular season meetings [Providence won the first meeting, 74-38, in Lilburn].
However, both teams still have road games left at Banks County (14-7, 4-2 Region 8-2A) which is 7-1 at home this season.
Union County has not been over-powering, averaging just 61.9 points/game and giving up 59 ppg on the season and has surrendered the fewest points (303) in 8-2A play. But they have been resilient, going 5-1 in games decided by 5 points or less or in overtime.
East Jackson has dropped two straight and 9 of its last 10 after a 6-4 start. The Eagles are giving up 67.1 ppg on defense.
