On Thursday, April 24, the Union County School Board hosted a historic gathering of the Men’s Basketball Teams from 1971 and 2025 for a joint recognition of both squads’ outstanding accomplishments as runners-up in their respective state championships.
Assistant Athletic Director Thomas Nelson explained the significance of the occasion to a standing-room only crowd in the regular board meeting last week.
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“What an honor it is to stand before you tonight as we come together to celebrate two extraordinary teams: the Union County Men’s Basketball Teams of 1971 and 2025,” Nelson said. “Though more than 50 years apart, these two teams share a remarkable bond.
“Both reached the pinnacle of high school basketball in our state. Both earned their place on the biggest stage. And both finished their seasons as state runner-up, a title that represents not just athletic achievement but resilience, pride and heart.
“Let’s begin by honoring the 1971 team. Over half a century ago, this group of young men ignited something powerful in Union County. They played with passion and purpose. They made history.
“Their journey to the state championship rallied this entire community in a way that had never been seen before. Families filled the bleachers. Townspeople followed their every game. For a moment in time, Union County was united behind one cause, one team and one dream.
“Tonight, we also celebrate the 2025 team, who carried that same spirit onto the court this season. Their determination, their unity, and their never-quit attitude brought us all to our feet again.
“With every game, they brought back the energy and the excitement that the 1971 team inspired decades ago. They, too, made it to the state championship. And while they, like their predecessors, fell just a little bit short of the title, they accomplished something even greater; they brought us together once more.
“These two teams represent more than basketball – they represent legacy, they represent what happens when talent meets commitment, when a community rallies behind its youth.”
One by one, Nelson called forward the players of both teams to receive certificates of achievement and heartfelt congratulations from everyone in attendance, starting with the team that set the bar 54 years ago.
Attending members of the 1971 team were Barry Collins, Larry Turner, Gary Turner, Danny Aaron, Gary George, Mike Scott, David Buchanan, Johnny Huggins, Gary Kelley, Troy Collins and Sammy Owenby.
Represented by loved ones that evening, deceased members of the 1971 squad were also honored: Lyndsey Gregory, Ray Snead, Danny Bridges, Donald Kelley and Coach Earl Odom.
“Thank you,” Nelson said. “You were pioneers. You set the standard. Your legacy lives on not just in trophies or records but in the very culture of Union County Basketball.”
2025 team members in attendance were Ethan Hogsed, Houston Henry, Holden Payne, Ryland Chambers, Maddox Young, Vince Marevka, Jackson Nichols, Hayden Price, Jacob Rodriguez, Kaden Combs, Hayden Hughes, Head Coach Corey Garrett, Assistant Coach Kevin Hughes and Assistant Coach Anthony Payne.
“Thank you for writing the next chapter,” Nelson said to the younger players. “You’ve honored those who came before you in doing so and became part of something timeless.
“And our incredible community – your unwavering support, your cheers from the stands, your belief in these young men – that’s what truly makes a great team. You are the soul behind the scoreboard.
“Tonight, we celebrate two teams, two eras, one legacy: Union County past, present and future. We are proud, we are united, and we are champions in every sense of the word.”
Also recognized that evening were the grapplers from the 2025 Wrestling Team, who achieved tremendous success over their season this year.
“A high school wrestling season has two parts; each season has dual competition and individual competitions,” Nelson said. “A high school wresting dual is a head-to-head competition between two schools where each team puts forward one wrestler per weight class to compete in individual matches.
“There are 14 weight classes, and each match contributes points to the team’s overall score based on the outcome. The team with the most points at the end of all matches wins the dual. Both duals and traditional individual have an area region competition and GHSA state competition.
“This year, the Union County High School Wrestling Team won the 8AA Duals Area Tournament, becoming back-to-back Area Champions. The team then competed in the GHSA AA State Tournament, where the team placed fourth.”
The 2025 Duals Team was: Eli Hancock, Eli Flowers, Michael Raines, Aiden Hyatt, David Tiu, Thomas Gary, Riley Mortensen, Parker Dobson, Ryker Lambert, Michael Lindsey, Andrew Engle, Evan Helbert, Paxon Legatt, Brayden Tullar, Ben Gary, Kevin Kilpatrick, Payton Legatt, Isaac Milam, Blake Webster, Asa Smith-Foot, Ayden Lee, Zane Barrett, Jacob Parawana and Jackson Arthur.
For Individual State Placements, qualifiers were Thomas Gary, Ayden Lee, Jackson Arthur, Jada Taylor and Kristyn Kraft; Aiden Hyatt and Asa Smith-Foot placed fifth; Eli Flowers and Payton Legatt placed second; and Paxon Legatt finished State Champion in the 157-pound weight class.
Wrestling Coaches are Head Coach Justin Byers and Assistant Coaches Micheal Smith-Foot, Jim Legatt and Craig Flowers, with Coaches David Brown and Holly Smith-Foot for the girls.
“If you’ve ever had any part in wrestling, you understand that this is probably the toughest sport,” Nelson said in conclusion. “So, understand that these young men and women have gone through quite a bit to be here, and we’re extremely proud of them.”
Additional coverage of the April 24 School Board meeting appears in a separate article of this week’s newspaper.
