Union Basketball Reloads for Another Title Run
By MIKE MOGUIN
GTR Sports Writer
SENIOR LEADERSHIP: Larry King is expected to occupy a leadership role on the court for the Redskins this season
Photo courtesy Union High School Athletic Department
Union High School has big spots to fill in its basketball lineup as the season draws near.
Gone are Michiah McQuarters, Jordan Flood and Mo Garcia, son of coach Rudy Garcia, to graduation. The trio served major leadership roles in the Redskins’ 22-5 finish and quarterfinal appearance in the Class 6A state boys’ tournament last season.
But, don’t think for a moment Union expects a rebuilding campaign for 2018-19. It has the talent and tools to reload and make another run for a title.
“We’ve got some juniors and seniors that haven’t had that opportunity,” Garcia said. “This is their time. They’re working hard. Hopefully, they can keep that tradition going that we’ve established here and have a good season.”
One player the Redskins are counting on is Larry King, a 6’1” senior guard who will be one of the starters for sure, Garcia said.
“He’s one of our guys,” the coach added. “We expect him to be a leader for us in a lot of different ways. He was in our rotation last year and started a few games. With his toughness and what he brings to the floor, we’re going to lean on him quite a bit this year to get a lot done for us.”
Ira Richardson, a 6’4” senior forward, is a player who started some games last year and will be depended upon to carry more of the load this year.
“Those are really the only two (Richardson and King) that played a lot of minutes for us,” Garcia said. “(Richardson) can play different spots on the floor. He’s the other one that we’re going to need a lot out of this year. He’s coming off a little bit of an injury of his hand right now, but he should have a very good year for us, just with what he can bring to the floor with some experience.”
Then there is senior Quentin Harvey, a 6’6” forward and another guy that has been waiting his turn, Garcia said.
“We’re expecting big things out of him this year,” the coach added. “We’ve got to have him on the post. We need him on the floor to help us with that size we may see throughout the season.”
Junior Micah Lovett, a 5’10” guard, is leading at the point guard spot.
“This is his first chance to get a lot of varsity minutes and he should be able to run the team for us,” Garcia said. “He’s a very athletic guard, not real tall, but, plays a bit bigger than he is.”
Then there is 6’3” guard/forward Seth Chargois, a junior and the younger brother of Ethan Chargois, a Union standout from two season ago, now at .
“Seth is a very athletic kid and I think he’s going to surprise some people,” Garcia said. “He’s got all kinds of ability. But, he’s going to need to play well for us to be good.
“Those five right now are the five that should start for us,” Garcia added.
Other players in the mix to start or get playing minutes are Marcus Hawkins (senior), Josh Williams (senior), Mason Mackey (junior), R.J. Forney (junior) and Nehemiah Boykins (junior).
As for the toughest teams on the schedule, it will be usual foes of the Frontier Conference: Sapulpa, Sand Springs, Jenks, Broken Arrow and Owasso.
On the west side, Putnam City West and Edmond Memorial have key people coming back, Garcia said.
Updated 11-16-2018
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