The Unaka Rangers are ready to party like it is 2005.
For the first time in 20 years, the Rangers have earned a spot in the state tournament as Unaka rolled to a 68-37 victory over Harriman in the Class A Sectionals on Monday night. Unaka is set to open the program’s sixth appearance at the state tournament on Thursday in Murfreesboro.
After Harriman opened the game with a basket, the Rangers used an 8-0 run to take the lead. Unaka continued to have the momentum and pushed the lead to 17-9 after a quarter of play.
Unaka took full control in the second quarter.
UHS used a 16-3 to push the lead out, and the Rangers maintained a 39- 20 lead at the half.
In the second half, the Rangers erased any thoughts of a comeback by outscoring Harriman 18-10 in the third quarter.
Aiden Walsh led Unaka with 20 points, while John Hardin and Zach Wallin had 19 points apiece.
Harriman did not have a player reach double digits.