Urbana did battle with an athletic Sidney squad Wednesday night, eventually falling to the visiting Yellowjackets, 53-35, in non-league boys basketball.
The Yellowjackets were game from the opening tip, trading blows with the Hillclimbers. Urbana managed a 15-13 lead after a quarter and pushed it to 23-20 at halftime.
“We play these games (against bigger schools) to know where we stand,” UHS Coach Jeremy Dixon said. “We feel like we can compete with these teams. I really liked the attitude in the locker room afterwards.”
Sidney quickly erased the slim deficit in the second half with a thunderous dunk and a long two-point basket.
The Yellowjackets followed the quick start with more of the same, outscoring Urbana 16-2 in the third quarter and extending it to a 36-25 lead in the fourth.
Time and again, Sidney was able to get to the rim, finishing with contact or wide open behind the defense.
“I hate to put it on this, but I thought our intensity dropped a little,” Dixon said. “But we also got some good looks. We just missed a lot of shots. When you’re missing shots, they’re quick in transition.”
Jordan Underwood led Urbana (5-4) with 9 points while Cameron Logwood had 7.
“I think everybody’s mind is where it needs to be. We just have to be better,” Dixon said.
Sidney also won the jayvee game, 44-41. Dakota Hower had 12 points and Alex Lohnes had 10 for Urbana. Reid Taylor chipped in 9 points.
Urbana will host Benjamin Logan on Jan. 5 in a return to CBC/MRD play. The Hillclimbers will be trying to snap a three-game losing streak.
Graham girls fall
ST. PARIS – Piqua defeated Graham, 40-36, Wednesday night in non-league girls basketball.
For the Falcons (4-6), Bethany Horner and Kari Smith each had 10 points.
Graham won the jayvee game, 29-25.
Brook Johannes and Madi Vanscoy each had 10 points for GHS.
