The Cloudland boys’ basketball team slowed down on of the hottest teams in Northeast Tennessee on Friday night.
Elijah Blair scored 32 points as the ‘Landers upended University High 79-64 in District 1-A action inside Sonny Smith Gymnasium. In the girls’ game, Cloudland dominated from the onset in a 54-19 victory.
The first quarter of the boys’ game was an even battle.
Blair scored six points in the opening eight minutes as CHS played UH to a 13-13 draw after a quarter of play. Cloudland, however, took control in the second quarter by outscoring the Bucs 21-11 in the frame to seize control.
The ‘Landers kept their foot on the gas in the third quarter as Blair scored 14 points in the third quarter as Cloudland increased their lead to 25 points going to the final eight minutes. University High made a late run, but Cloudland able to secure the win at the free-throw line.
In addition to Blair’s 32 point performance, Hayden Shell had 18 points, while Conner Birchfield added 10 points. Bentley Gilbert and Hunter Blair had nine and eight points, respectively.
Kaleb Meredith led UH with 14 points and Mason Broome added 12 points.
In the girls’ game, Cloudland left no doubt.
The Lady ‘Landers saw Jasmine Birchfield score 11 points in the first quarter and the CHS defense pitched a shutout as they held a 22-0 lead at the end of the first quarter.
Cloudland pushed the lead to 36-1 at the break and never looked back.
Birchfield had 14 points to pace Cloudland. Gracie Freeman had 11 points, while Mandy Benfield had 10 points.
