The Union Springs Wolves girls basketball team is in the midst of a tremendous 2025-26 season — one defined by defensive dominance, team unity, and milestone achievements.

Currently ranked 14th in Class C with an impressive 16-2 record, the Wolves have built their success on relentless defense and a commitment to playing as one. On Tuesday (2/10), that defensive intensity was on full display as Union Springs held Tioga to just 15 total points in a commanding 44-point victory. The win marked the team’s ninth straight, and during that stretch — which dates back to January 2 — the Wolves have not allowed more than 40 points in a single contest.

At the heart of this special season is senior standout Madison “Maddy” Kalet, who recently reached one of the most celebrated milestones in high school basketball: 1,000 career points.

“Joining the 1K club has many feels,” said Kalet. “It's one of the moments I realized everything I've worked for is finally paying off. It's a proud moment that reminds me of all the hours in the gym, the support from my teammates, and how far I've come as my role on the team has changed over the years. It's an honor to join this group of players.”

Her milestone moment came during CCYO — an evening that perfectly reflected the program’s culture.

“My favorite memory of this season so far was CCYO,” Kalet shared. “Players from all ages come out to support one another. One of the things our program focuses on is the importance of being a family. This is one night the entire program is together supporting one another. It was even more special this year as it was the game where I reached my special milestone.”

Kalet’s journey on the court will continue at the next level. She has verbally committed to SUNY Oneonta, where she plans to play basketball while studying accounting.

Head Coach Andy Kalet, who also happens to be Maddy’s father, says this season has been about far more than wins.

“This season has been a very special one to say the least,” Coach Kalet said. “We talked at the beginning of the year about some of our goals and one thing we stressed was that the only way we were going to have a shot at accomplishing them was to understand and show our appreciation for one another. We have to be a family — who win and lose together as one and display great camaraderie throughout. A team who battles through tough times and faces adversity together.”

He believes the team has done exactly that.

“We have done that and more this year, helping make this a very special year regardless if we continue to reach all our goals. So far the recipe has worked and we have met every goal we had set thus far.”

With one regular season game remaining at Southern Cayuga (2/13), the Wolves are focused on finishing strong before turning their attention to championship play. Union Springs will face Candor on February 20 at Tompkins Cortland Community College for the IAC Small School Championship.

“Our goals the rest of the way are to win the IAC Small School North Division and the overall IAC Small School Championship. Then Sectionals,” Coach Kalet said. “We are aiming to make a sectional run and win the Section IV Class C championship as well. However, we know just how competitive this section is and how difficult it is to win it all. Our motto has been one possession, one minute, one quarter, one game at a time.”

And the Wolves may not be done celebrating milestones just yet.

“We have another player, Jennie Daum, who is nearing the 1K milestone,” Coach Kalet added. “Definitely attainable this year. I certainly hope we can get there and have another athlete join the club. We just all need to stay the course that has gotten us where we are today as a team and I truly believe everything will work out in the end.”

With a suffocating defense, unselfish team play, and championship aspirations, the Wolves are proving that this season is about more than statistics — it’s about family, growth, and chasing greatness together.