Union City Youth Movement
Opened in 2009 as a merger of the nearly century old Union Hill and Emerson High Schools, Union City has benefitted in all of its athletic programs by becoming a bustling and youthful city of nearly 70,000 residents with a…
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Continue ReadingOpened in 2009 as a merger of the nearly century old Union Hill and Emerson High Schools, Union City has benefitted in all of its athletic programs by becoming a bustling and youthful city of nearly 70,000 residents with a single high school. The new Union City High, built on the site of the former Roosevelt Stadium, which was constructed in 1936 as the centerpiece of the bustling urban community and demolished in 2005 to make way for the new UCHS, has a growing basketball program.
Union City’s most famous basketball players were the late Tommy O’Brien and Togo Palazzi. Palazzi’s #22 is retired by Holy Cross. Palazzi was a third team All-American, won the NIT&was named Tournament MVP as a senior. He featured for the Boston Celtics from 1954-1956, Syracuse Nationals from 1956-1960 and the Scranton Miners from 1960-1962. He later coached the Holy Cross women’s team from 1980-1985, going 103-28 and earning the team its first ever NCAA birth. Palazzi is still active in the New England hoops scene at age 89.
UC had a VERY young squad this past season and still managed to finish 13-14. We’ve looked at some of the players in their youth movement. If they all stay at UC, this team could make noise in the county and in North Jersey Group 4 the next few years.
Nyer McCain | 5’10 | G | Union City 2024
McCain can get out in transition and finish well with both hands at the rim, fights through contact and also can shoot from deep. Turned in good performances against Middletown South, Snyder and North Bergen. Part of a very talented and very balanced crop of returnees for Union City.
Kaleb Johnson | 6’0” | G | Union City 2025
Johnson had a rock solid freshman year. He can hit it from deep and also finish at the rim. Gets out in transition. Quick release and good shooting form. He’s a patient player who plays within himself and is active on defense. Had a number of good games as a freshman, including 20 vs Bayonne.
Omar Tillman | 6’3” | F | Union City 2025
Another freshman who contributed in spots for Union City. He’s also on the football team—He’s physically a little more mature than Johnson is. He was effective in the post, hits the glass and showed he’s skilled a shot blocker. Can also step out and hit threes offensively.
Jalen Mayo | 6’3” | F | Union City 2024
Mayo is a physically mature player who can play either on the wing or in the post. He’s active on defense and is a good rebounder. He’ll see an expanded role as a junior. Best game as a sophomore were double-doubles vs Lincoln(10-10) and Memorial(12-12). He also had 14&5 vs Dickinson.