It was a classic county duel between Unaka and Cloudland in the District 1-A tournament.
The Lady Rangers outlasted the Lady ‘Landers for a 53-43 victory in the District 1-A semifinals on Saturday afternoon at West Ridge High School.
With the win, Unaka advanced to Monday’s Championship game against North Greene, while Cloudland will take on University High in the consolation game. Both squads will advance to the Region 1-A tournament.
It was a back-and-forth battle early on. Michelle Shields knocked down a Unaka 3-pointer before Makenzie Street hit a 3-pointer for Cloudland. The teams traded quick runs and shots as a Regan Blair bucket at the buzzer gave Cloudland a 13-11 lead after eight complete minutes.
Shields quickly pushed the Lady Rangers back into the lead and Brooklyn Campbell added a shot as Unaka took a 17-13 lead. That was part of a 15-4 Unaka run.
The Lady ‘Landers stopped the run with a pair of 3-pointers from Eowyn McCoury to close within three before Lauren Lund answered for Unaka with back-to-back 3-pointers.
Makinna Shell hit a pair of free throws for CHS to close the Unaka lead to 32-25 at the half.
UHS opened the third quarter on an 8-3 run to take a double-digit lead. Unaka held a 45-35 advantage after three complete.
Abriella Jones opened the fourth quarter with an old-fashioned 3-pointer as Cloudland continued to battle. Unaka, however, was able to secure the win late with key buckets from Kalli Shepard and Lund.
Shields led Unaka with 21 points. Lund added 16 points, while Shepard had seven points.
Shell paced Cloudland with 13 points. McCoury and Blair had nine points apiece.
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