Written by Cody Rose

The Union City Bears Boys Basketball team is coming off a respectable season where they finished 11-11 (9-5 region 2) barely missing out on the playoffs. The Bears will be led by Head Coach Shawn Thompson who will be looking to guide the team back to the playoffs and Coach Thompson says the team has “high expectations” going into the season. The Bears lost a total of five seniors from graduation last year including 1000-point scorer Matt Bennett, Cole Desimone, Cody Hinkson and Kyler Shaffer but Coach says, “the boys have plenty of returning firepower to work with.” Thompson continued. “We have 2nd team all-region Point guard Bryce Drayer along with Seniors Wyatt Post and Collin Eliason to help lead us through. We are also returning Seniors Mason Haskell, Josh James, and Miles McCaslin after all three took a year off. Those strong seniors will be helped with the dynamic duo of Juniors Connor Wingard and Brady Blakeslee.” Coach Thompson concluded with the goals the team has for the upcoming season. “The boys are looking to compete for a region title and return to the playoffs after the current 2-year drought.” The Bears will begin the season at home hosting the UC tip-off tournament December 2-3.