Five Takeaways: Sand Springs vs Union
The Top-10 Class 6A matchup between some star-studded teams was a tale of two halves. In the first half, Sand Springs dominated the game. Sand Springs hit the tough shots and played suffocating defense. After the half however, Union Coach Rudy Garcia switched things up. It was almost the exact opposite in the second half. Union played the suffocating defense and started hitting the tough shots. Union got hot right as Sand Springs got cold and it cost the Sandites the game as the fell to the Redskins 60-45.
- Coach’s Son
While most people say that coach’s sons get special treatment, no one can argue that Mo Garcia 2018 Guard did not earn his spot in the starting line-up for Union. Garcia has done his part this season for the Redskins and would have earned the MVP honors against the Sandites. Garcia finished the game with 21 points and hit tough shot after tough shot. He was one of the few players who were able to hit a shot for Union in the first half and continued his success in the second. Garcia and Union will be a force to be reckoned with in Class 6A as they try to prove they are still one of the top teams in the class.
- The Glue Guy
Jordan Flood 2018 Union Wing does all the things on the court that help his team get a result. Whether he shows up in the stats or not, Flood is pivotal to this Union team. He is the glue guy and holds the team together. He works hard on the court and gets the tough second-chance points and has the ability to lead when needed. If Flood continues to play the way he has started the season, Union has a good chance at a season that goes late into March.
- Super Sophomore
Davon Richardson 2020 Sand Springs Wing performed admirably in their loss to Union. Richardson played one of his best games of the year and just came up short against the Redskins. He played tough defense and was able to pull down rebounds throughout the night. He showed his athleticism on the offensive side of the ball and finished the ball well at the rim. Richardson finished the game with 12 points. If Richardson and Colt Savage 2018 Guard both continue to play well throughout the season, the Sandites could make a run at the state tournament.
- The Defensive Battle
The game between Union and Sand Springs was a defensive battle. Baskets were limited because of the stellar defense that was played on both sides. Sand Springs played tough defense in the first half limiting Union to 21 points in the first half. Then in the second half Union turned up their defensive pressure. Allowing only 21 points in the second half, Union forced the Sandites into turnovers and got easy baskets in transition because of it. If both teams play the defense they showed tonight, they will have the ability to stay in any game they happen to struggle offensively in.
- McQuarters Massive Quarter
Michiah McQuarters 2018 Union Guard has been on fire in the early season. He lit up the Durant Lions Classic as Union got second place. McQuarters continued his success against Sand Springs in this Top-10 Matchup. McQuarters has a solid shot from deep, but found his success in attacking the basket. He hit one three tonight but scored eight points at the rim in the fourth quarter to lead his team in points throughout the final period. McQuarters hit the shots late in the game to finish off the struggling Sandites and continued his hot streak. McQuarters finished the game with 13 points.