Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

BY C.Y. PETERS

Star Correspondent

STONEY CREEK – The Cloudland Highlanders had no answer for Unaka’s dominant big man, John Hardin, as he powered the Rangers to a 64-51 conference victory Friday night. Hardin delivered a stellar performance, tallying 24 points, 12 rebounds and six blocks to lead the way for Unaka.

Austin Lambert also turned in a strong showing, contributing 10 points, including a pair of three-pointers, while shooting 100 percent from the free-throw line and pulling down six rebounds. Mason Wilson provided additional firepower, knocking down key long-range shots and finishing with 10 points.

For the Highlanders, Uriah Jarrett was nearly unstoppable, scoring from all over the floor and finishing with a game-high 31 points. His efforts kept Cloudland within striking distance, pulling his team back to within five points at 53-48 with just over five minutes left to play. Nick Caraway played a key role in the rally, scoring 10 points while going a perfect 6-for-6 from the charity stripe.

The game began as a tight battle, with Unaka leading 14-11 after the first quarter. Unaka started to gain separation in the second quarter, building a 30-18 halftime lead. However, the Rangers struggled to maintain control, often hindering themselves with key players picking up crucial fouls and two technical fouls that Cloudland converted into a five-point play.

Despite these setbacks, Unaka managed to hold off the Highlanders. Both teams scored 21 points in a fast-paced third quarter, with Jarrett accounting for 16 of Cloudland’s points. The Rangers edged out the Landers 13-12 in the final period to secure the win.

Peyton Guess added key buckets for Unaka, while Aiden Walsh, who finished with eight points, excelled in attacking the basket and feeding Hardin inside. AJ Good also facilitated Unaka’s offense efficiently. Rylan Crabtree added a big three in the final period.

With the win, Unaka improves to 12-5 on the season, while Cloudland falls to 4-11.

Unaka 14 16 21 13 – 64
Cloudland 11 7 21 12 – 51

Unaka: Hardin 24, Wilson 10, Crabtree 3, Lambert 10, Walsh 8, Guess 6, Deyton 3
Cloudland: Jarrett 31, Birchfield 4, Turbyfill 2, Caraway 10, Cole 3, Shell 1