TOLONO - For nearly three quarters, Unity’s varsity basketball squad kept the pedal to the metal, building a 29-21 halftime lead over visiting Normal University High School (10-6). Eight players contributed to the Rockets’ advantage, with Brady Parr, Dane Eisenmenger,
Colton Langendorf, and
Tre Hoggard combining for 21 of the team’s 29 points. However, Unity (8-6) couldn’t sustain its first-half intensity and ultimately fell, 56-45.
Crewe Eckstein takes a shot during Unity's home game against Normal University. Going 2-for-2 from the free-throw line, the junior finished the night with six points. Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Langendorf led Unity with 11 points, while Parr finished with nine. Crewe Eckstein contributed six points, and Mason O’Neill, Hoggard, and Eisenmenger chipped in five points each at the Rocket Center.
Plagued by turnovers and nursing a two-to-six-point lead through the third quarter, Unity allowed U-High to capitalize on nearly every possession change. The Pioneers took a 37-36 lead with eight seconds left in the frame after scoring four unanswered baskets.
U-High’s A.J. Holden opened the fourth quarter with a basket, putting his team ahead 39-36. Unity answered with a bucket from Langendorf, his final points of the game, to pull within 39-38. Eckstein hit a crucial shot for the Rockets after the Pioneers’ Owen Kirby scored, keeping it close at 42-40.
Taking advantage of Unity’s uncharacteristic defensive and shooting slump, the Pioneers shifted into high gear, going on a 10-point run. Stretching their slim two-point lead to 12, U-High maintained control late to secure the road win.
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
A silver lining for the Rockets was their perfect performance at the free-throw line. Langendorf, Eckstein, and Parr combined to go 5-for-5 from the charity stripe.
The
Pioneers’ Cameron Johnson led all scorers with 22 points, including 14 in the second half. Kirby also reached double digits with 11 points, while sophomore Devin Fitzgerald added eight in the nonconference victory.
Hoping to reset later this week, Unity travels to Maroa-Forsyth on Friday for another nonconference game. The Rockets will return to action at 6 p.m. Saturday against Fieldcrest at St. Joseph-Ogden’s
Christie Clinic Shootout.
