Boys basketball: Union places third at state

TACOMA — The Union boys basketball team shook off Friday’s night’s tough loss in the Class 4A state semifinals and took a wire-to-wire victory in the third-place game Saturday at the Tacoma Dome.

Jordan Chatman, who made a length-of-the-court shot Friday night, buried six 3-pointers Saturday and finished his high school career with a 32-point performance to lead the Titans to a 62-51 victory over Bellarmine Prep of Tacoma.

The Titans (20-8) have taken home state trophies in three of the past four seasons.

This was Chatman’s first year at state, and he made sure to soak it all in.

“The whole experience was a lot of fun. It was a crazy atmosphere, and a lot of crazy games we played in,” said Chatman, who was named the 4A tournament’s MVP. “It was just a blast.”

The Titans won their opener Thursday in overtime, then lost by a point in the semifinals. Chatman made that epic shot that was the buzz of the tournament, even in defeat.

“It was a tough loss last night. We knew this was our last game, and we wanted third place,” Chatman said. “That motivated us.”

Tyler Copp went 6 for 7, connecting on three 3-pointers, and finished with 17 points.

“A great way to end the season,” Copp said. “We were disappointed after last night’s game, but we knew we had something to prove. We wanted to walk out of the Tacoma Dome with a good taste in our mouths. We proved we belong with the best.”

The Titans never trailed in the third-place game. Chatman had 13 points in the first quarter, leading the Titans to an 11-point advantage. When the Titans were up 26-14 in the second quarter, Chatman had 16 points and Copp had the other 10.

Bellarmine Prep (23-5) would get to within two points a couple times in the third quarter but never tied the contest.

The Titans did not give the Lions many extra opportunities. Union had only six turnovers and also outrebounded Bellarmine Prep. Tanner Nelson finished his Union career with 12 rebounds to go with his nine points. He was named second team all-tournament.

“A great way to end the year,” Union coach Maco Hamilton said. “Proud of our effort and execution. No matter if we won or lost, I was happy with the way we played. Obviously the result makes it even better.”

UNION 62, BELLARMINE PREP 51

BELLARMINE PREP (23-5) — David Smith 20, Sefo Liufau 13, Isaiah Flynn 7, Mar’kese Jackson 5, Conner Jensen 4, Jacob Salazar 2, Austin Bordeaux 0, Lucas Meikle 0. Totals 14-41 (3-13) 20-29 51.

UNION (20-8) — Jordan Chatman 32, Tyler Copp 17, Tanner Nelson 9, Seaver Whalen 2, Trent Cowan 2, Dionte Ceaser 0, Kyle Mercer 0, Dominique Ceaser 0, Brian Cairns 0, Kaben Humphrey-Butler 0, Gabe Rego 0, Micah Merfeld 0. Totals 20-52 (9-19) 13-17 62.

Bellarmine Prep 7 19 14 11–51

Union 18 13 14 17–62

ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM
First Team
MVP: Jordan Chatman, Union Devonte Luckett, Davis; Gaven Deyarmin, Central Valley; Tucket Haymond, Garfield; Sefo Liufau, Bellarmine Prep.
Second Team

David Trimble, Davis; Jason Todd, Jackson; Caden Rowland, Mount Rainier; Lucas Meikle, Bellarmine Prep; Tanner Nelson, Union.