Below is an excerpt from the yearbook

Lady Trojans certainly made their presence known in area basketball as they played an outstanding season to end 22-2 and 11-1 in the league.

Leading the team were seven seniors whose hard work and dedication sparked the enthusiasm needed for a great season.

Assistant Coach Susan Troyer stated, "This basketball program has reached a level of success unparallel to other area schools. This is a tribute to the hard work, dedication, and desire of the ladies on the team".

A swarming defense paired with entire team involvement was the backbone of the season. Progress was apparent as they climbed to third in the state rankings.

Expectations and hopes for the season ended with a loss to West Muskingum. "This was supposed to be our year and in ways it was. We worked as a team and compiled a record that was nothing to be ashamed of. We may not have met all our goals, but we went down trying," stated senior Kim Shellock.

The girls opened their season faced with pressure. They had placed high expectations upon themselves, the community wanted them to perform, and PAC-7 teams expected them to be real contender and rightfully so.

"We began the season with a lot of pressure. We had only lost one senior to graduation and everyone expected us to do well. The end of our season came abruptly and was disappointing, but I wouldn't trade trade in the memories," stated Holly Rhodes.

A return to Regionals, as well as a slot in the state tournament were team goals but neither was realized.

A weakness in rebounding and a non-competitive league played a part in the downfall of the roundballers.

Coach Hurst commented, "The new league did not provide the competition a high caliber team needs. Having only three good teams in the PAC-7 hurt us in tournament action."

Sectional play went well as the Trojans defeated Indian Valley and advanced to District play.

Led by Holly Rhodes' 41 points, a new single game record, Union Local's season was shortened.

The District Championship came and a two point loss left the team, whose seniors complied a four year varsity record of 82-12, wishing for more.

"The seniors meant a great deal and replacement will be tough. Their leadership and much more will be tough. Their leadership and much more will be missed," stated Hurst.

Troyer added, "We will truly miss the leadership provided by this year's nucleus of seniors. But waiting in the wings is a talented group of underclassmen with unlimited potential. The sky is the limit, and a trip to St. John's Arena is merely a summer of hard work away."

Awards

Receiving post-season awards were Ashli Beans (jr.), First Team PAC-7, Best Defensive Player; Stephanie Ferry (sr.), Coaches' Award; Kelsi Oswald (sr.), Coaches' Award; Holly Rhodes (sr.), First Team PAC-7, Player of the Year PAC-7, Eastern District Player of the Year, Rep. to North/South Game, First Team Eastern District, First Team District 5, District 5 player of the Year, Second Team All-Ohio, Best Offensive Player; Kim Shellock (sr.), First Team PAC-7, Second Team Eastern District, First Team District 5, Most Rebounds; Melissa Snyder (fr.), Most Improved; Niki Vrsan (sr.), Honorable Mention PAC-7, Hustle Award.