The Unaka boys’ basketball team saw a valiant effort come up just short at University High.
Will Sexton scored 42 points, but the Rangers dropped a hard-fought 76-62 decision to the Jr. Bucs inside Brooks Gym. In the girls’ game, Unaka used a strong third quarter to leave no doubt in a 57-16 victory.
In the boys’ game, Unaka had to battle back early on as the Bucs pushed out to a 24-11 lead at the end of the first quarter.
Sexton and the Rangers, however, ended the half on a run to close the UH lead to seven points in the closing seconds of the first half.
The Rangers were unable to keep pace with UH in the third quarter as the Bucs pushed the advantage back out to 16 points in the frame. Unaka continued to battle but was unable to mount another rally in the closing stages of the game.
Dylan Whitehead scored 11 points for the Rangers.
In the girls’ game, Unaka took control early, but left no doubt in the second half.
The Lady Rangers methodically built up a 19-point lead in the first half, and then held UH scoreless in the third quarter to seize control for good.
Lyndie Ramsey had 21 points to pace Unaka.
