The Union boys basketball team ended up with a third-place trophy at the Class 4A state tournament a year ago, with plenty of memories, too.
“Being at the dome was one of the best experiences of my high school career,” Cameron Cranston said. “That carried over to this year, that burn to get back there.”
Not all the memories were good, though.
Cranston, now a junior, took the final shot in the state semifinals. It was on line, that 3-pointer that would have tied the game against Federal Way, but it was short. Off the iron. No good.
“That loss is probably the biggest motivator,” Cranston said.
A year later, the Titans are hoping to return to the Tacoma Dome. Union (21-2) faces Bellarmine Prep (20-4) of Tacoma on Friday night at Battle Ground High School in a Class 4A state regional contest. The winner goes to the dome for the state quarterfinals.
Cranston practices that shot he missed last year just about every day. He also dedicated his offseason to becoming a better basketball player and leader.
It showed.
Cranston was named the 4A Greater St. Helens League’s player of the year, leading the Titans to league and district titles.
Strength training. Agility drills. He said his drive was constant, from the time the season ended a year ago until this season started.
“Last year, I was more a catch-and-shoot player. This year, I’m creating. Not only for myself, but my teammates,” Cranston said. “I’m definitely more of a leader this year, too. It’s amazing how the guys trust me as a junior. Makes me feel good to know they trust me, to lead them into battle every night.”
Union coach Blake Conley said Cranston’s improvement has been on both sides of the court.
“From almost a liability on defense to one of our best defensive players,” Conley said. “He’s just way more a complete player.”
With the Titans one game away from returning to the dome, it has to be noted that Cranston is the only returning starter.
“The right guys stepped up at the right time,” Cranston said.
Denis Kirichenko broke the school’s rebounding record for a season. A number of players are capable of scoring 20 points in a game. Role players last year are shining in starting roles this season.
“The pieces just fell together,” Cranston said.
Last year’s team was ranked among the top two teams all season. This year, well, there were more question marks going into the season.
Now, the Titans look as strong as any team, running opponents out of the gym in recent postseason games.
“After the last two games, there doesn’t seem like a lot we can’t do,” Cranston said. “We’re playing really well.”
The Titans are on a mission to make more memories.
