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Susee steps into spotlight to lead Union boys basketball to win

Titans improve to 7-0 with 54-45 win over Glacier Peak

By Paul Valencia, Columbian High School Sports Reporter

Published: December 20, 2016, 11:06pm

This is new territory for Cole Susee.

First year on varsity, scored a career-high 17 points Tuesday, leading his team in scoring, leading his team to victory over one of the top teams in the state.

This is not new territory for the Union boys basketball team, though.

Every season, the Titans challenge themselves with a quality non-league schedule.

So far this season, the Titans have been up to that challenge.

Union improved to 7-0 with a defensive gem against Glacier Peak, holding the Grizzlies to 15 second-half points in a 54-45 victory at Union High School.

Susee is not accustumed to the spotlight on the basketball court. He has a picture of himself playng baseball for the Titans on his Twitter account.

After Wednesday, he might want to change it.

Susee scored 12 of his 17 points in the third quarter as Union erased an eight-point deficit and took a seven-point lead going into the final period. Susee finished the night 7 for 7 from the floor, including two 3-pointers, for his best night in a varsity uniform

“I put up Cameron Cranston numbers,” he said with a smile, referring to his high-scoring teammate.

“My teammates are helping me along the way. They’re a big part of my success,” he said of his adjustment to this level. “I thank them for feeding me the ball when they know I’m hot.”

A post player, he showed he was not afraid to take the long-range shot.

“As soon as I threw that second one up, I knew there was a good chance it was dropping,” he said.

That gave Union a 41-36 advantage and Glacier Peak never threatened the Titans again.

Zack Reznick’s steal and lay-up opened the scoring in the fourth quarter to give Union a nine-point lead, and Cranston connected on a 3-pointer with three minutes to play to make it a 10-point game. Cranston finished with 11 points.

This game was decided by defense. Union held Glacier Peak to 25 percent shooting in the second half.

“I’m really happy with the way our players responded to the halftime adjustments,” Union coach Blake Conley said.

The Titans also are making the best of a tough schedule.

“Our goal, obviously, is a state championship,” Susee said. “Playing teams that are going to be there (at the tournament) is just going to help us.”

Union came into this game ranked No. 3 by the Seattle Times. Glacier Peak is No. 9.

Another test, another passing grade for the Titans.

This one with the help of a new leading scorer.

UNION 54, GLACIER PEAK 45

GLACIER PEAK — Austin Petz 2, Seiver Southard 5, Bo Burns 2, Noah Forman 8, Bobby Martin 11, Justin Purcell 15, Nick Bates 2, Trey Lawrence 0. Totals 19-50 (2-17) 5-5 45.

UNION (7-0) — Keithen Shepard 2, Zach Reznick 9, Tyler Combs 5, Quinn Lamey 3, Austin Lewis 5, Jalen Brown 0, Kai Gamble 2, Cameron Cranston 11, Jason Franklin Jr. 0, Cole Susee 17. Totals 19-46 (8-26) 8-11 54.

Glacier Peak 16 14 8 7–45

Union 16 8 21 9–54

Paul Valencia

Columbian High School Sports Reporter

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