UNION SPRINGS – A great game. A one-point loss on the road. A failed comeback attempt to win the game late – the first round of the Section IV Class C matchup between the Greene boys basketball team and the Union Springs Wolves pulled out all the stops one could ask for in a high school playoff basketball game.
“Union Springs played us tough, and was probably our most exciting loss all season,” said Greene head coach Chris Rice.
Following a late free-throw from senior Will Williams Greene moved into striking distance in the game – only down 58-57. That is when with 2.2 seconds remaining on the clock, Greene sent a shot toward the basket – in what looked to be the game winner. The ball banked out and the buzzer rang, Greene was going home the losers of an exciting playoff game on Feb. 22.
“(We) reduced turnovers tonight and finished,” said coach Rice. “Great game, and one that should propel this young group into a lot of offseason work. (I'm) excited for things to come.”
Despite starting two freshman – Nathan Barry and Nathaniel Erickson – while seeing heavy action from sophomore Spencer Klumpp – the Greene Trojans held their own during their regular season schedule which featured seven games against Class B schools. Perhaps one of the biggest losses on the season was losing senior First Team All MAC Guard Luke Erickson due to a football related injury.
Regardless of all the potential setbacks that Greene faced during the 2016-2017 season they were still there. The Trojans were still in the playoffs – and for that matter, still in the game against the Wolves.
Following the first eight minutes of play, Greene trailed by one-point at 18-17, foreshadowing at its best. Leading the charge to open up the scoring frenzy in the first was Spencer Klumpp who hit a long three-pointer with two added field goals to grab seven of his 11 points in the game.
Down one, and with eight minutes to go until the halftime break – the coach Rice led Trojans marched to the tune of a 14-11 period to take the lead at the half at just 31-29.
The second half saw the Greene du of Breven Gilmore and Will Williams combine for a total of 15 points of the Trojans 26 total points.
“Breven Gilmore had a big game both offensively and defensively.” said coach Rice of his senior who he noted was recovering from a sickness. “Will Williams lead our team in scoring all year, and had a nice senior year.”
Despite Greene's best efforts – resulting in a 45-45 tied game when the third period finished – it was Union Springs down the stretch. The Wolves outscored Greene 13-12 in the final period to take the win at 58-57 – following a failed last second shot from the Trojans.
