Grant Union basketball fans cheer on the Prospectors with a pink theme.

JOHN DAY – The Grant Union boys came close to a come-from-behind win Saturday, but close wasn’t good enough as they fell to Union, 62-65.

Union, ranked No. 2 in the Wapiti League behind Burns, proved a strong challenger for the Prospectors, fourth in league behind Imbler.

“I was proud of how the team never gave up in the face of adversity,” said head coach Steve Speth. “The team almost pulled off a great comeback by playing intense defense and team offense.”

Free-throw opportunities gave Union an edge in the game, shooting 18 for 29, while Grant Union didn’t attempt a free throw the entire game.

The Prospectors were behind at the close of each quarter, and finished the third quarter trailing 40-53.

Digging their way out of the deficit, Grant Union pushed forward in the fourth to climb within 2 points of the Bobcats near the end.

The effort was highlighted by 8 points in the quarter from freshman Zack Deiter which included two 3–point shots.

Overall, Wyatt Weaver was the high-point scorer for the night with 21 points, including five 3-point shots.

“I was very pleased with our team effort and how a few of our bench players stepped up and played a big role in the comeback,” Speth said.

Grant Union now prepares for a long road trip to Enterprise Friday starting at 7:30 p.m. with girls’ action at 6 p.m.

The team will host the Elgin Huskies at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, the girls’ game to start at 4 p.m.

Speth said they’re looking forward to this week’s contests.

“Our game with Elgin at home will be another tough challenge for us as they played a great game against us last time,” he said.

That game, played Jan. 23 in Elgin, ended with the Huskies squeaking out a 59-58 win.

The Prospectors still have a chance at third place in league going into the district tournament, set for Feb. 20-21.

Grant Union and Imbler could end up tied for third if Imbler loses to Burns and Union this weekend and Grant Union wins both of its games.

“We need to improve this week and do our best to prepare to win this weekend’s games,” Speth said.

The stats

GU boys vs. Union

Points/rebounds/assists/steals

Wyatt Weaver: 21/9/2/1

Nathan Gehley: 14/4/0/1

Wade Reimers: 8/1/1/2

Zack Deiter: 8/0/1/0

Brady Burch: 4/5/2/2

Mitch Moulton: 3/2/1/1

Ricky Weickum: 2/5/7/2

Trace Gill: 2/2/0/1

Duane Stokes: 0/1/0/0

Blake Stone

Cauy Weaver