Reed Flood leads Union to a First Round Playoff Win

photo & coverage by: Marco Morales

Union didn’t need drama to open its postseason. The Farmers simply played their game, controlled the tempo and handled business in a 53–28 win over Ferris in the first round of the North Jersey, Section 2, Group 4 tournament.

From the start, Union settled into its pace. After a tight first quarter, the Farmers separated themselves in the second, holding Ferris to just two points in the period while putting up 15 of their own. That stretch created the cushion they would build on the rest of the night.

Reed Flood led the way with a steady, all-around performance. He finished with 19 points and 12 rebounds, knocking down three threes and converting all four of his free throws. More than the scoring, Flood impacted the game in every phase — rebounding, spacing the floor and making the extra pass when needed.

Union’s balance stood out. Elijah Cortes added 10 points and five assists, helping dictate the flow of the offense. Ezenna Asawabelem also scored 10, hitting three shots from beyond the arc. Javy Ocasio controlled the paint with 14 rebounds to go along with eight points and three assists as Union dominated the glass 43–25.

Ferris, which entered the game at 15–10, struggled to find offensive rhythm against Union’s half-court defense. Robert Gomez led the Bulldogs with seven points and seven rebounds, but consistent stops and rebounding limited second-chance opportunities and transition chances.

Union extended the lead in the third quarter and closed the game calmly in the fourth, allowing just four points over the final eight minutes. There were no momentum swings, no frantic finishes — just steady execution on both ends of the floor.

With the win, Union moves on in the sectional bracket. If this opener showed anything, it’s that the Farmers are comfortable playing their style and trusting their depth as the postseason continues.