Union Grove Defense Sets Tone in 65-48 Road Win at Wilmot
UNION GROVE, Wis. — Union Grove used suffocating defense to build an early double-digit lead and never looked back, defeating Wilmot 65-48 in boys basketball action Friday at Wilmot High School.
The Broncos set the tone from the opening tip, stringing together five straight defensive stops to open the game. That stretch fueled an early surge and pushed Union Grove to a 17-6 advantage with 11 minutes remaining in the first half. From there, the Broncos controlled the pace and maintained a double-digit cushion from the 4:42 mark of the first half through the remainder of the game.
Union Grove’s defensive intensity was the story for most of the night. The Broncos’ pressure and rotations limited Wilmot to just 32 points until there were six minutes left in regulation. Although the Panthers caught fire late and buried a flurry of shots to trim into the margin, Union Grove stayed composed, broke pressure effectively and converted high-percentage looks on the other end to keep the outcome in hand.
Tyler Johnson led the Broncos with a standout two-way performance, finishing with 22 points, 10 rebounds and three assists. Johnson’s presence on the glass and ability to finish through contact helped steady Union Grove whenever Wilmot threatened to shift momentum. His work on the boards also helped limit second-chance opportunities for the Panthers. Kellen Vermeer did a good job boxing out their leading rebounder. Justin Williamson shut down their best scorer of 17.2 PPG to 0 made baskets and only 6 points, all on free throws.
Griffin Schultz added 16 points and eight rebounds while also drawing a key charge that highlighted Union Grove’s commitment to toughness on the defensive end. Justin Williamson provided additional scoring punch with 12 points, giving the Broncos another reliable option in the half-court offense. Quinn Schultz orchestrated the attack with seven points, four rebounds and five assists, consistently finding open teammates when Wilmot extended its pressure.
As Wilmot increased its defensive pressure down the stretch, Union Grove responded by staying patient, moving the ball and finding open players for easy baskets. That poise against the press allowed the Broncos to close out the game comfortably and secure the 17-point victory on the road.
With the 65-48 win, Union Grove showcased a defensive identity built on early stops, disciplined rotations and rebounding, complemented by balanced scoring across the lineup. The Broncos will look to carry that formula into their next matchup as they continue through the heart of the season.
