Union Warriors 71, Dana Vikings 77

In another rematch of an earlier season meeting the Union Warriors fell to the Dana Vikings, but managed to keep the game much closer than their 30 point defeat earlier in the year. The most impressive part about this game was that Union managed to keep the game close while playing most of the first half without their leading scorer Travis Kierstead, who was pulled after being involved in several turnovers in the opening minutes. In his absence Nick Sharon received a large increase in minutes and although he definitely isn’t the scorer that Travis is he played very well in extended action. Drew Johnson had a bit of a rough night, mainly because of foul trouble, and was unable to become much of a factor throughout the game. Aaron Thomas also struggled, securing the ball all night, probably a result of him being uncomfortable with his heavily taped wrist. Chase Tikker, Jason Salt, and Daniel Force provided much of the offense in the first half but in the end it just wasn’t enough.

Rant: Traveling/ carrying calls. There were at least 20 of these violations called on the two teams combined, maybe in the first half alone.

Rave: I have been a bit critical of Travis Kierstead’s play this season, mainly because he seems unable to pass or refrain from calling for the ball when it’s not in his hands, but in the second half of this game, he shot extremely well, and better still he refrained from forcing his shot. He single handedly kept the Warriors in the game in the second half.

Rant: I think this may be a bit nit picky and if the Warriors would have won maybe I don’t mention it, but since they didn’t I will. During half time of the girls game the guys team goes out and warms up, as a team. Except Thursday night it was the team at one end and Travis and Daniel at the other. Where is the leadership from the team captains? Ahh, I’m probably just knit picking.

Rave: Chase Tikker has one of the ugliest shots I’ve ever seen, he isn’t the fast on the court, the smartest or the most physical, but he hustles whenever he is on the court, and that shot as ugly as it is, is starting to fall with a bit more consistency.