Story and photos by Clinton Randall

UNION CITY, Ind.(1-10-22) – There is a new all-time scoring leader for the Union City basketball program…and her name is Mariah Claywell.

After surpassing the former girls career record of 1185 points, set by Courtney Wise in the 2016-17 season, Claywell set her sights on the 44-year-old boys record of 1230 points held by Steve Reish. It is worth noting that after graduating from UC, Reish went on to play ball for the legendary Hoosiers head coach Bobby Knight.

It didn’t take too long for Claywell to overcome Reish’s record, she broke the record during the Randolph County Tournament game on January 5. She only needed two points going in to the game to claim the crown, but she added 18 more points in the game for good measure.

Courtney Wise

“Congratulations on such a huge achievement, Mariah. Good luck as you set out to Bethel University next fall!”

Currently, Mariah is adding to her record and has 1271 points following the finale of the County Tournament on Saturday.

UC head coach Sarah Black

Mariah is averaging 20.7 points per game, but she is not just a scorer, she is averaging 12 rebounds per game, 5 steals and 3 assists,” noted

Coach Black added –

“Mariah came along pretty strong between her junior and senior year and when senior teammate Emily Livingston went down during our fourth game she stepped up big. She has taken on a lot of the rebounding and scoring that we lost with Livingston. She is fast, strong and is athletic. She covers a lot of ground and can post up and make a move to the basket or pull up.”

Black concluded –

“She is one of the best pull up jumpers I have seen by a female player in my decades of playing and coaching.”

Claywell’s talent and positive influence has impressed more than just her teammates and coaching staff.

Union City Athletic Director Mike Thornburg stated –

” Mariah is such a fun player to watch play basketball. Her willingness to make her teammates better is so refreshing to watch and has been my pleasure to watch her become such a force on the basketball court, along with all the other sports that she plays.”

Thornburg added –

“She is a true example of what we like to see in our high school athletes as a tri-athlete that excels on the court or field and also is a Honor Student in the classroom.”

Claywell has several games to add points to her current record. The Lady Indians are 12-6 on the season and will host conference opponent Union County on Saturday at home. Tip is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

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