BLAIRSVILLE — Behind a stellar defensive effort, the Union County boys rolled past East Jackson, 83-42, in a key Region 8-2A matchup on Wednesday at the Union County gym.
The win pushed the Panthers (14-7, 5-1 Region 8-2A) into a virtual tie with Class 2A No. 7 Providence Christian atop the region standings. The two teams split their two regular season meetings.
Union County jumped on East Jackson (7-14, 1-5 Region 8-2A) with a 19-5 first quarter blitz and the Eagles never caught up. The Panthers took a 35-19 lead into halftime and then outscored East Jackson 20-7 in the third quarter to put the game out of reach.
Eli Underwood led the Panthers with 19 points, 15 coming in the first half. Cade Dockery added 15 with 10 of his points also coming in the first half. Houston Henry finished with 13 points for Union County.
Birdy Cunningham led East Jackson with 15 points.
Union County will have another huge region showdown on Friday playing host to Athens Academy. East Jackson travels to Providence Christian on Friday.
EAST JACKSON GIRLS 51,
UNION COUNTY 48
Antonia Pittman poured in 39 points, including going a perfect 16-for-16 from the foul line, to lead the Lady Eagles to a big Region 8-2A win on the road. It also snapped a two-game losing streak for East Jackson (9-12, 2-3 Region 8-2A).
It was a close game in the first half with the teams tied at 7 after the opening frame. Union County (11-10, 2-3 Region 8-2A) would take a 26-20 lead at halftime behind Ariel McCarter, who poured in 16 points in the first 16 minutes.
Meanwhile, Pittman and the East Jackson offense got going in the second half. The senior guard dropped in 27 points in the second half as the Lady Eagles would take a 35-32 lead into the fourth quarter.
It stayed that way the rest of the way as Union County (11-10, 2-3 Region 8-2A) was never able to regain the momentum.
McCarter finished with 25 points for Union County. Corrine Hill had 12 points for the Lady Panthers, but only three after halftime.
