LA PORTE CITY – The Union boys and girls basketball teams were in action against Waterloo Columbus Catholic here on Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025, and looking to treat a home crowd to some entertaining games. The evening started with the Knights girls JV team earning a 44-38 victory as well as the boys JV beating Columbus 47-42.The varsity teams would look for similar success in their games.

The Lady Knights and Sailors traded baskets early in their varsity match-up. Both teams came out aggressive on the defensive side of the floor. After the first quarter, it was a slim two-point advantage for the Knights. The second quarter was more of the same, and the Knights took a 20-17 lead into halftime. The Knights came out in the second half with the same defensive pressure, with great ball movement and patience on offense. Eight different Knights would score in the game. That ball movement and defensive pressure eventually wore down the Sailors and Union came away with a 41-27 victory.

Sophomore Ellie Pospisil came off the bench to lead the Knights with 10 points. Her senior sister Addie Pospisil added six more as did junior Taylen Smith, while sophomore Reese Anderson and senior Reagan Glenn scored five points apiece. Glenn also led the team in rebounds with six and steals with four. The Knights saw even contribution on the glass, with multiple Knights collecting four rebounds apiece, including freshman Paige Pipho, Anderson, Ellie Pospisil, and freshman Peyton Brown. Smith played a key role in the paint, collecting four blocks in the game.

Boys’ game

The Union vs. Waterloo Columbus boys varsity game closed out the evening. On paper, this looked to be a great match-up between two of the top teams in the NICL Conference. The Sailors entered the game with a 3-3 record after playing a very tough early season schedule and with close losses to ranked teams. The Knights entered the game with a 3-1 record and needed to be ready for a strong test.

As expected, the teams went back and forth in the first quarter. The Knights opened and closed the first quarter with three-point baskets and took a five-point lead into the second quarter. Another three-pointer to close the half gave the Knights a 36-29 advantage.

Senior Ethan Winnike left the game with an injury, and his absence would be something the team would need to overcome in the second half. The Sailors kept it close by staying aggressive and drawing fouls. They had three times the free throw attempts as the Knights in the game. That helped keep things close as the Knights continued to score down low and from deep throughout the game. Heading into the final frame, the Knights were up 48-41. The inside-out game of the Knights continued to attack as they came away with a 65-54 victory.

Knights contributions came from all across the floor — a trademark that makes Union a tough match-up for any team in the state. Senior Tate Van Dyke led the scoring with 16 points, seniors Sawyer Spence and Caden Sorensen added 11 points each, senior Cam Mullen had 10 points, while senior Maddux DeWinter scored nine points. Van Dyke also led the team with seven rebounds. He and Maddux DeWinter added three assists each. Spence led the team with three steals.