Union City ramps up defensive pressure in win over Maple Valley

UNION CITY – The Union City boys basketball team got defensive Thursday night, holding a Maple Valley team averaging over 50 points per contest to just 30 points in the 44-30 Big 8 conference victory.

Union City ramps up the defense

The Chargers have relied heavily on their defense this season and they did so again here, especially in the second half.

Union City came out in a second half press that frustrated the Lions, as Maple Valley did not score their first bucket until the two-minute mark of the quarter. Union City went on to outscore the Lions 10-3 in the third quarter to put the game out of reach.

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“Rim Wrecker” Decker hitting his stride

Union City junior Aidan “Rim Wrecker” Decker has proven to be a handful in the early part of the season and Thursday was no exception.

The junior, who spent the summer months getting noticeably stronger, was nearly unstoppable in the paint. Decker led all scorers with a big double-double, scoring 20 points to go with 16 rebounds, three steals and three blocks.

Also adding to the Union City effort was Rick Austin with eight points and seven rebounds.

They Said It

“Maple Valley has been averaging well over 50 points a game this season so we knew coming in that we would have to play some exceptionally good defense. That is what we focused on in practice this week and it showed tonight. Certainly, early in the season when you have three games in a week you are a little concerned about fatigue, so we just stressed being mentally focused and keeping our heads in the game. I think we did that for the most part, especially defensively, although we were a little rushed on offense. We have some players who are still learning the speed of the game at the varsity level, so things were just a bit rushed. In the end though wins are precious, so I appreciate the guys and their effort to get the win tonight.” - Union City head coach Ben Chard.

What’s Next?

Union City improves to 3-2 and 2-1 in the Big 8 Conference; Maple Valley falls to 4-2 and 0-2. Union City will be back in action Saturday when they travel to Hanover Horton, followed by a visit from former Big 8 rival Athens next Wednesday, their final two games before the Christmas break.

This article originally appeared on Coldwater Daily Reporter: Decker nets tough double-double as Union City shuts down Maple Valley