Union 75, Sumner 52: Five Takeaways

<p>Union finished the regular season undefeated and Greater St. Helens League champs, but it's the post-season there are bigger goals - making the Tacoma Dome. The Titans took that first step on Thursday night as they opened West Central / Southwest District action by knocking off Sumner at home, 75-52, in a game where Union was never really serious threatened.</p> <p>The Titans started off the game like a house on fire and led 21-12 after the first quarter, and were up 36-21 at halftime. Union never let up the pressure as <strong>Ethan Smith</strong> (23 points), <strong>Tanner Toolson</strong> (19 points), and <strong>Brad Lackey</strong> (11 points) continued to knock down threes and the Titans played largely turnover free. Sumner tried hard, especially senior guard <strong>Josh Tanneberg</strong> (24 points) but it wasn't enough for the Spartans.</p> <p>"This team just plays really well together," said Union head coach Blake Conley.  "I know it's kind of cliche to say that, but we just have so many guys who are unselfish.  We pass the ball well and the guys know their roles - they just play really well together, that's kind of the secret to the sauce.  They're a special group and they don't care who gets the credit - they just want to win and enjoy playing together."</p> <p>Union faces Olympia in the next round while Sumner will take on Kentwood.</p> <p><strong>Union is a Legitimate State Contender</strong></p> <p>This was our first time getting to see Union in action and it's clear why they are so good. The Titans move the ball so well, with crisp passing that they easily find guys for open threes or layups cutting to the basket. Guys like senior <strong>Ethan Smith</strong>, senior <strong>Houston Combs</strong>, or junior <strong>Brad Lackey</strong> can all drain the three while junior <strong>Tanner Toolson</strong> can do damage at all three levels. Defensively, Union plays tough and when they are controlling the backboards, it helps lead to some easy transition scores. Overall, Union runs their "stuff" so well you basically have to beat them - they aren't going to beat themselves. It will be interesting to see how they match up against a more athletic squad such as Federal Way or a similar team such as Gonzaga Prep down the road.</p> <p><strong>Smith a First Team All-State Candidate</strong></p> <p>No ifs, ands, or buts about it - <strong>Ethan Smith</strong> is the best shooter in the state that we've seen. If you give the 6-foot senior an inch, he's going to bury the shot - and he can do so out past NBA range. On the night Smith buried six threes on 13 attempts but didn't just bomb away from the outside as he also had a couple of drives that resulted in baskets near the hoop. Smith was named co-MVP of the GSHL along with Skyview senior Alex Schumacher and a deep post-season run by the Titans would make the 20 ppg scorer a legitimate candidate for 4A First Team All-State. A high-academic student, he has been recruited by essentially the entire Northwest Conference and we'll have an update on his recruitment posted soon.</p> <p><strong>Toolson an Emerging Talent</strong></p> <p>This was our first time seeing <strong>Tanner Toolson</strong> in game action and we were immediately impressed. The 6-foot-4 wing can knock down threes (4-for-5 against Sumner), pull up and hit from mid-range, and also take it strong to the bucket, absorb contact, and finish. The junior was tough on the boards on both ends of the floor and was very active defensively. There's no question he needs to get stronger physically but he's extremely skilled - and could still be growing as his father Andy (who played in the NBA) is 6-foot-6. We will also have an update on Toolson posted soon.</p> <p><strong>Titan Supporting Cast Rock Solid</strong></p> <p>Union has star power in Smith and Toolson, but up to the next seven guys are also key contributors. Junior <strong>Brad Lackey</strong> is a strong wing who can knock down the three or take it strong to the basket and after a slow start, he started to heat up in the second half against Sumner in scoring 11 points. Senior <strong>Curtis Youngren</strong> provides great size underneath at 6-foot-8 and while he's not necessarily an offensive force, he can convert baskets down low and defensively his length can significantly alter or block shots. Head coach Conley isn't afraid to go to his bench and guys like <strong>Alishawaun Taylor</strong> (five points, five rebounds) and <strong>Ariya Briscoe</strong> (three points, three rebounds) in particular can make the most out of their minutes.</p> <p><strong>Sumner Still Alive</strong></p> <p>Despite the loss, Sumner remains alive in the post-season and they're a physical team that has a chance to advance through the consolation bracket. Senior <strong>Josh Tanneberg</strong> is a muscular guard who can really make plays on both ends of the floor and against Union, he not only hit perimeter shots but took it strong to the hole on his way to 24 points. <strong>Truman Young</strong> was active in scoring nine points and <strong>Josh Lear</strong> may not have gotten many looks but he's a big-time shooter who can fill it up from long range. The Spartans weren't quite able to get things done against undefeated Union, but their shooting and tough zone defense will give them a chance against some other opponents.</p>