UNION CITY, MI (WTVB) – The Mendon Hornets broke open a tight game with a 24-10 fourth quarter as they defeated the Union City Chargers 74-61 on the opening night of the 2025-2026 boys basketball season at McNett Fieldhouse.
Mendon led 14-12 after the first quarter and 33-24 at the half. The Hornets were ahead 45-39 in the third quarter before the Chargers caught fire and ran off 12 straight points to grab a 51-45 advantage.
Mendon scored the last five points of the quarter to cut Union City’s lead to 51-50 heading into the final eight minutes.
The Hornets eventually finished with a 14 point run to take a 59-51 lead and Union City was not able to get closer than six points for the rest of the night.
The lid went on the basket for the Chargers in the last quarter as they struggled with three of 20 shooting.
Mendon’s Ryder Gorham had the hot hand as he finished with a game-high 31 points.
Micah Payne led the Chargers with 22 points including 19 in the third quarter. Payne was a pain to the Hornets during the third period as he nailed five buckets from beyond the arc.
Nolan Chard added 17 points and six rebounds for the Chargers while Jacob Smith and Liam Payne both had six boards.
The game featured 37 fouls including 23 being whistled on the Chargers. Union City was also guilty of 20 turnovers while Mendon turned the ball over 13 times.
Union City won the J.V. game over Mendon 41-39 thanks to a three point bucket at the buzzer by Ian Goodwin.
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