Uniontown eighth-grade boys basketball keying for rematch

"We knew we had a talented bunch coming in."

That was the assessment of Coach Chad Hays as he surveyed his eighth-grade boys' basketball team.

And the group hasn't disappointed, rolling off eight victories in 11 outings thus far this season.

Three opponents -- Pleasanton, Marmaton Valley and Northeast -- have fallen twice to the Eagles.

The losses have been to Jayhawk-Linn, twice, and Westphalia. Uniontown lost the first meeting to Linn by 14 but the second time, the difference was a single point.

The teams meet again Jan. 7.

"That's a big game and we're working to be ready," said Hays.

Making up the team are point guard David Bradbury, wing Jesse Kuns, wing Cale Coyan and forwards Garrett Elder and Colton Sutterby. Truman Needham is the first player off the bench at either forward or guard.

Elder, at 6-2, and Sutterby and Kuns, both at around 5-11, provide some height. Elder and Kuns lead the scoring effort, with Bradbury handling the assists and Elder and Sutterby the board work.

"We get a lot of contribution from all our guys," summed up the coach.

Jason Wilson, Gavin O'Brien, Kalen Simpson, Tavis Doherty, Jonathan Harp, and Dustin Miller round out the squad.

"This group works hard and they're improving every day, said Hays.

"They play well as a team defensively and they move the ball well."

The team has four additional games following the Jayhawk-Linn contest.

"I'm pleased with our effort. And we've got great camaraderie," the coach concluded.