Tough nut to crack Knights

By MIKE KILROY Eagle Staff Writer

November 19, 2005 Last Updated: November 19, 2005 03:19 PM High School

again will pose challenge for foes

RIMERSBURG — There will be no sneaking up on people this year.

No waiting in the weeds, ready to pounce on the unsuspecting Keystone Shortway Athletic Conference masses who had enjoyed peace, tranquility and easy victories when playing the Union boys basketball team in the past.

The Knights served notice that their salad days were over last season, roaring to a 20-4 record and a KSAC championship.

"It's going to be a lot harder for this group this year than the group last year," said Union coach Karen Davis. "Nobody is going to walk into the gym this year like last year thinking 'We beat Union how many years straight?' Last year's team didn't have the bull's-eye on their backs."

This team does. No one will take the Knights lightly this season.

In 2003-04, Union won just seven games. Last year, it nearly tripled that victory total.

Davis said she believes the talent is in place for another 20-win season, even though the KSAC is more balanced this year.

Union also is motivated to follow last year's resurgence with another strong season.

"It's like I told the boys, 'You guys have a lot to prove. You may not think you do, but you do,'" Davis said. "If we go in and we don't have a very good season, everyone is going to think last year was a fluke."

Is that Union's motivation this season?

"Oh, yeah," Davis said, emphatically.

Davis is never one to rest on her laurels. Her team put in another strong summer of work.

"Anyone who coaches for a living knows that you can't just roll the balls out in November and expect to be good," Davis said.

Union should be just as good as ever on offense with senior guards Toby Painter and Billy Burns returning, as well as senior forward Eric Hilliard and junior forward Gary Cooper, who might be the X-factor for the Knights.

Cooper slimmed down considerably in the off-season and is quicker and faster than ever.

Cooper had an up-and-down campaign last year, scoring 27 points in a win against Karns City in January after entering the game with just 36 points up to that point.

He improved as the season went along, and Davis is expecting big things from Cooper this season.

"I think he just kind of realized my up-tempo game. He realized he wants to be in that mix. He's running the floor well," Davis said. "He's quicker, much quicker. I'm anxious to get going and see how he does."

One thing is for sure: Union will be fun to watch.

The Knights were one of the higher scoring teams a season ago and that should hold true again.

But Davis is concerned about her defense, particularly with the loss of seniors Adam Milanovich, Cody Mortimer and Devin Davis.

"Offensively, I think we'll be fine. Defensively … " Davis said, shrugging.

UNION HIGH SCHOOL 2005-06 Boys Basketball Schedule

Dec. 2-3- at Brookville Tip-Off Tournament;

Dec. 6- ROCKY GROVE;

Dec. 8- at Venango Catholic;

Dec. 14- at Clarion;

Dec. 16- REDBANK VALLEY;

Dec. 20- MONITEAU;

Dec. 22- KEYSTONE;