Tuesday night’s showdown between Union and Battle Ground delivered one of the most thrilling finishes of the high school basketball season. The undefeated Union Titans pulled off a heart-stopping 73-72 comeback victory, maintaining their unblemished record in a game that had fans on the edge of their seats. But what should have been a night of celebration quickly turned into one of heartbreak as senior guard Brad Lackey suffered a potentially season-ending knee injury in the closing minutes.
With just 2:25 left on the clock and Union trailing in a tightly contested battle, Lackey made an aggressive move to the basket. Elevating through traffic, he was met by two defenders midair before landing awkwardly on his right leg. The impact was immediate. Lackey went down in visible pain, clutching his knee and favoring his right side. Though he managed to walk off the court under his own power with assistance from Union’s staff, the concern among teammates, coaches, and fans was palpable.
After the game, Union head coach Blake Conley confirmed that the injury could be serious. While a definitive diagnosis won’t come until an MRI is performed on Wednesday, the fear is that the injury could sideline Lackey for the rest of the season.
“Every single guy in that locker room is crying right now,” an emotional Conley shared postgame. “For him, and just a guy who has put everything into this program, to not be able to finish with us is just hard. It sucks.”
The injury casts a shadow over what was otherwise a landmark win for the No. 1 ranked Titans. More than just a talented guard, Lackey has been the emotional engine of the team—a floor general who leads by example and consistently delivers on both ends of the court. He’s Union’s second-leading scorer, and his leadership has been instrumental in guiding the Titans through their unbeaten campaign.
Support for Lackey has poured in from across the community and beyond. Social media was flooded with messages of encouragement from fellow athletes, classmates, coaches, and rival players alike. Teammates shared heartfelt posts, many calling Lackey the “heart and soul” of the team.
It’s a tough blow for any player, but especially for a senior in the midst of a dream season. The injury not only potentially ends Lackey’s final year of high school basketball but also comes at a critical point as the team gears up for what they hope is a deep postseason run.
Still, there is hope that even if Lackey can’t return to the court, his impact will continue to resonate with the team. “Brad has always been more than just a player,” said one teammate. “He’s our leader. No matter what happens, he’s still going to be leading us, even if it’s from the bench.”
The entire Union community is rallying behind Brad Lackey, hopeful for good news from the MRI but prepared to carry forward in his honor. One thing is certain—his presence, passion, and contributions to the program won’t be forgotten, regardless of how the rest of the season plays out.