LA PORTE CITY – Ahead of last Tuesday’s home matchup with Sumner-Fredericksburg, the Union Knights boys basketball team had dropped the last four games – all in heartbreaking fashion. Those four losses came by an average of just around three points. The small things can make a difference, and the Knights wanted to come out strong against the Cougars

They would have to do so without their sophomore guard and leading scorer Caden Sorensen as well as head coach Corey Lorenzen, both out with an illness. With other players recovering from their own illness, the Knights had to pick each other up and play great team basketball.

The Knights did just that early and throughout the game. The Knights passed well and kept the ball moving, attacking from the inside and outside. Union owned an 18-6 lead at the end of the first quarter, but the Cougars clawed back in the second quarter. The Cougars trailed by just 5-points heading into the second half.

Again, the Knights looked to take control. They outscored the Cougars 18-9 in the third quarter to take a 45-31 lead into the final quarter. That momentum continued as the Knights came away with the 62-43 victory.

Seniors Jackson Anderson and Mason Mullen led the Knights in scoring with 17 and 15 points. Sophomore Maddux DeWinter added 10 points of his own, as three Knights finished in double-digits. DeWinter also added 10 assists, giving him a double-double. His sharp passing led the Knights’ great ball movement throughout the night. Seniors Logan Rosauer and Mason Mullen led the Knights in rebounds, securing 8 apiece.

The following Friday, the Knights were back in action on the road against Grundy Center, losing 61-52 to the ninth-ranked Spartans.

Entering the week, the Knights were 9-7 on the season and No. 2 (5-2) in the North Iowa Cedar East behind Jesup.

Union was set to face South Tama on Monday at home followed by a road game against Wapsie Valley (1-13) on Thursday and Aplington-Parkersburg at home on Friday.

In conjunction with Friday’s game, the Union Booster Club will be holding a Spaghetti Dinner in the high school cafeteria. Service will be from 5 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. and will include a full meal while supplies last including a salad, spaghetti, bread, dessert, and a beverage for $7 ($5 for kids). The dinner is made possible thanks to donations from Triple Diamond Farms, expertise/support from Cara Glenn, and organization courtesy of Booster Club members Hollie Hegdahl and JT Anderson.

Tipoff against A-P will follow the girls game and is scheduled for 7:45 p.m.