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Union Academy used superior quickness in scoring 11 of the game’s first 13 points on Tuesday, rolling to a 64-37 road win at Gray Stone Day.

“It’s almost impossible to duplicate the kind of quickness in practice that we faced tonight,” said Knights coach Joel Childrey following the game.

“Our players are working hard, but we have got to play smarter,” he said, citing shot selection and blocking out on rebounds as key concerns.

“We can’t get into a jumping contest with a team like Union Academy…we have got to box them out on rebounds,” he said.

The visiting Cardinals were led by Derek Young, who posted a dominant rebounding and scoring performance in the low post.   Young was one of three Union Academy players to score in double figures.

Despite the lopsided outcome, Childrey was able to highlight several bright spots in his team’s performance.

“David (Almond) did a nice job handling the ball tonight,” said the coach, who noted that Almond, who did not play last year, decided to come back for his senior season.

“We are really happy to have him back,” Childrey said.

The coach also recognized improved play from Judson Bullard and Marshall Overcash, who, along with Almond, were late-comers to the basketball team as a result of the Knights’ long soccer playoff run.

“They are the core of our team,” said Childrey, “and with them back, we are all working to get ready for our conference schedule.”

The Knights play at Mount Pleasant Wednesday before traveling to Robbins Friday to open conference play at North Moore.