The Union (La Porte City, IA) varsity basketball team will host a non-conference game against Grundy Center (IA) on Friday, January 31, at 7:45 PM.

Union vs Grundy Center Game Info:

What: Iowa High School Basketball
Who: Union (IA) vs Grundy Center (IA)
When: Friday, January 31, 2025
Time: 7:45 p.m. ET
Where: Union High School
Live stream: Watch here

Game preview: Union vs Grundy Center

In the 2024-2025 high school basketball season, two teams from Iowa—Grundy Center and Union—have shown impressive performances on the court. As the season unfolds, both teams have left their mark with outstanding records, thrilling wins, and intense competition, especially when facing common opponents. Let’s dive into the details of these two teams and their remarkable journeys so far this season.

Grundy Center: An Unstoppable Force

Grundy Center has emerged as a dominant team this season, boasting a perfect 15-0 record overall. With a flawless 5-0 performance in their conference games, the team has been unstoppable both at home and away, with an unblemished 9-0 home record and 6-0 on the road. Their overall scoring average is an impressive 69.5 points per game, and they have demonstrated a formidable defense, allowing only 653 points through the first half of the season.

Notable victories for Grundy Center include impressive wins against teams like Denver (81-46), Hudson (78-32), and East Marshall (72-65). In these games, they consistently displayed superior offense, with high scoring outputs from their talented roster.

Their record breakdown is equally impressive in non-league play, where they went 10-0, further solidifying their dominance this season. Grundy Center’s relentless performance is a testament to their teamwork, execution, and unyielding drive for success.

Union: Battling Through Challenges

Union, with a 12-6 overall record, has had a slightly more challenging season but remains a formidable force on the court. Their conference record of 7-3 showcases their competitiveness, and they have been impressive in home games, winning 7 of their 8 home games. However, their away record (4-5) indicates that they may struggle in road games, and their neutral game was a solitary win (1-0).

Despite some setbacks, Union has earned key victories, including wins against Oelwein (85-46), Sumner-Fredericksburg (65-61), and Jesup (55-46). Their average points per game this season stands at 65.0, making them a potent team when their offense is clicking.

Their performance against common opponents also tells an interesting story. Against the same teams, Union posted an 8-5 record, while Grundy Center maintained a perfect 12-0. This suggests that while Union has had its ups and downs, it has the potential to compete at a high level when things fall into place.

Head-to-Head and Common Opponents

When comparing Grundy Center and Union’s records against common opponents, Grundy Center shines brighter with a perfect 12-0 record. Union, on the other hand, has a respectable 8-5 record against these same teams. The difference in results is evident, especially in key matchups.

For instance, Union faced Denver (a team Grundy Center dominated 81-46) and lost 84-79. They also faced teams like East Marshall, which Union lost to (76-56), while Grundy Center took down the same team 72-65. These results demonstrate the consistency and superiority of Grundy Center, which has been able to handle these challenges with more ease.

However, Union has shown resilience, with tight wins over teams like Wapsie Valley (77-44), Jesup (55-46), and others. The performances suggest that Union is a team that, when firing on all cylinders, can stand toe-to-toe with the best.

Key Takeaways

• Grundy Center is a powerhouse, with an undefeated record, strong offensive output, and a suffocating defense.
• Union, while not as dominant, has been competitive and has the ability to pull off wins against tough opponents, though they’ve struggled more on the road.
• Head-to-head against common opponents, Grundy Center has been flawless, while Union has had some losses that reflect their vulnerabilities.

As the season continues, the two teams’ paths may cross in the playoffs or future matchups, providing fans with exciting and hard-fought basketball. While Grundy Center has the clear edge so far, Union’s ability to compete in tight games gives hope for a thrilling end to the season.

As these two teams head into the final stretch of the 2024-2025 season, expect high-intensity matchups and perhaps even a postseason clash that could serve as a true test of their strength and determination.