Union Falls Short Despite Late Rally

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  Published in House and Home on Monday, March 30th 2026 at 3:40 GMT by Tulsa World
      Locale: UNITED STATES

A Tale of Two Halves: Turnovers and a Late Push

The game's narrative unfolded in stark contrast. Putnam City West established a lead early, capitalizing on Union's struggles with ball control. According to Coach Cross, turnovers proved particularly problematic in the first half, hindering Union's ability to establish a rhythm and allowing Putnam City West to build a comfortable cushion. This is a recurring theme in high school basketball; minimizing unforced errors is often the key to victory, especially against a skilled and opportunistic opponent like Putnam City West.

The turning point came in the fourth quarter when Union, facing a daunting 14-point deficit, refused to yield. A spirited 14-2 run energized the crowd and narrowed the gap to just two points with 3:10 remaining. The Redskins continued to battle, answering a Putnam City West surge with another run to bring the score to 56-54 with 1:25 on the clock. This resilient display of determination showcased the character of the Union team and highlighted their refusal to go down without a fight.

However, Putnam City West, demonstrating composure and experience, managed to sink crucial free throws in the final minute, effectively sealing the victory. Free throw shooting often separates teams in close contests, and Putnam City West's success from the line proved decisive.

Key Performances and Individual Brilliance

Jalen Watts led the Union Redskins in scoring with an impressive 23 points and also contributed with eight rebounds. De'Antwan Mcintosh added 12 points to the Union attack, providing vital support. These two players consistently delivered strong performances throughout the season and were instrumental in Union's playoff success.

On the Putnam City West side, Aaron Shepherd was the standout performer, scoring 25 points. Brandon Davis contributed a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds, dominating the boards and providing a physical presence that Union struggled to contain. Shepherd's scoring prowess and Davis's rebounding were key factors in Putnam City West's victory.

Looking Ahead: The Evolving 6A Basketball Landscape

This quarterfinal matchup underscores the competitive nature of Class 6A basketball in Oklahoma. Putnam City West, now advancing in the tournament, appears to be a strong contender for the state championship. Their balanced scoring, strong rebounding, and ability to perform under pressure make them a formidable opponent.

For Union, this season's ending is a valuable learning experience. Coach Cross's emphasis on effort and the team's late-game resilience suggest a bright future. Focusing on reducing turnovers and improving offensive consistency during the offseason will be crucial for Union's continued growth. Furthermore, the development of young players and the recruitment of future talent will be vital to sustaining success.

The Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association (OSSAA) Class 6A tournament is always a showcase of high-level basketball. The increasing talent and competitiveness within the league demand constant adaptation and improvement from all participating teams. Union's journey this year demonstrates that potential is present; turning that potential into consistent wins will be the challenge moving forward. The Redskins' fight and determination signal a commitment to building a program capable of contending for state titles in the years to come. The 18-7 record, while ending in defeat, is a testament to a successful season and a foundation upon which to build future triumphs.