For the first time since 2013, Unaka claimed the District 1-A Championship.
The Rangers outlasted Hampton for a 61-51 victory in the District 1-A Championship game on Warrior Hill Tuesday night. With the win, Unaka earned a bye in the quarterfinals of the Region 1-A Tournament, while Hampton will host Washburn on Saturday night.
In front of a packed crowd, the Championship game delivered.
Zach Wallin and John Hardin opened the scoring with back-to-back shots for Unaka before Jackson Smith and Chase Davenport answered on the other end. The teams traded shots before Hampton reeled off six straight points. However, Unaka countered with a 4-0 run to take a 16-14 lead into the second quarter.
Unaka held the momentum to open the second as the Rangers opened the quarter on an 11-4 run to take a 27-18 lead. Davenport answered for Hampton with four straight points, but Unaka was able to take a 32-23 lead into the half.
The teams continued to trade shots in the second half.
Hampton was able to cut into the Unaka lead before the Rangers countered with big shots. Unaka led 47-37 after three complete quarters.
The Bulldogs continued to battle as they pulled within six points. However, Unaka was able to secure the win in the closing stages.
Hardin led Unaka with 17 points and was named the tournament MVP. Cooper Smith and Z. Wallin had 14 and 13 points, respectively. Justius Wallin added nine points, while Aiden Walsh scored eight points.
Smith, J. Wallin, and Z. Wallin joined Hardin on the All-Tournament team.
Davenport finished with 16 points to lead Hampton. Colby Clark and Tuff Robinson scored 12 and 10 points, respectively, and Bryce Fagan had nine points.
Davenport, Robinson, and Clark were named to the All-Tournament team.
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