Union defeated Sand Springs 46-33 Saturday to claim their regional championship. Kaylen Nelson played like a player who didn’t want to take another loss this season.
Says Nelson, “This is just a step closer to what we’re really trying to get to. We’ve been trying really hard and I have a great support system so I just had to lock in the second half.”
Nelson led her team with 18 points, 3 assists, and 2 steals. While it’s hard not to notice her stats, it’s even harder to ignore her natural leadership on the floor. She turned the hardwood into her stage and showed everyone in the UMAC why she’s an elite player.
“Kaylen is a leader. She’s focused on where we want to go. This is our third year as regional champions. Last year we won regionals, won the area then Covid happened and we didn’t get to play in the state tournament. This has been a year coming to get back to this point,” coach Joe Redmond said.
Union’s hard-nosed defense held Sand Springs to 3 points in the first quarter. Union smothered Sand Springs with the press and scored 6 points from off turnovers.
The momentum shifted to Sand Springs in the third quarter. It was the only quarter that the Sandites outscored Union. Sand Springs trailed by 10 points going into the fourth quarter.
But Union saved their finest for the final quarter. They attacked the rim and owned the paint. They kept a level head and played their game as they counted down the seconds until they were the regional champions.
