With over half their points missing from a year ago and only two seniors on the roster, the Union County Braves will be in search of scoring and leadership in 2023-24.
Senior Izaiah Manuel posted a team-high 20.9 points per game and 7.4 rebounds to help the Braves to a 12-16 season that ended with a loss to Webster County in the opening round of the 6th District tournament. Fellow guard Kristopher Hughes also graduated after scoring over 15 points and collecting seven rebounds per outing. In addition, third-leading scorer Landon Jones leaves another hole after not returning for his senior season.
Sophomore guard Daishawn Curry leads the returnees after averaging eight points as a freshman while connecting on 43 three-pointers. Another sophomore, Cale Johnson also returns to the backcourt, and the Braves welcome back the services of junior guard Jarren Johnson after he missed last season with a knee injury. One of two seniors, Duncan Mills will also help out on the perimeter.
Junior forward Cameron Miller chipped in five points and over five rebounds, and sophomore Cortayvion Rapier will look to take on a bigger role along with junior Jaidyn Wilson and senior Kaden Kanipe.
The Braves will get the regular season underway on Thursday when they travel to Hopkinsville to face Heritage Christian Academy in the first-ever meeting between the programs.
A matchup with Hopkins County Central awaits on December 18 in the Kentucky 2A-Sectional, and Union will close out the year with games against Mayfield, South Warren, and Henry Clay at the Henderson Chevrolet, Buick, GMC Classic on December 28-30.
