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By C.Y. Peters

MOUNTAIN CITY – It was a victorious night for the Unaka Rangers, as both the boys’ and girls’ basketball teams secured wins over Johnson County on Saturday.

Lady Rangers get boost from Shields in return

The Unaka Lady Rangers welcomed back Michelle Shields to the lineup, and her presence made an immediate impact in a 63-54 road win over the Lady Longhorns. Shields, who had missed the last three games, scored 13 points to help lead the charge.

Lauren Lund, recently crowned Miss Ranger, and Brooklyn Campbell both added 12 points to contribute to Unaka’s victory. The Lady Rangers took control early, jumping out to a 16-6 lead in the first quarter. The second quarter was an offensive explosion, with Unaka putting up 20 points while Johnson County countered with 17.

The Lady Longhorns had three players in double figures, led by Mackenzie McClain’s 17 points. Abby Dickens contributed 14, and Izzy Thompson added 10. Johnson County stayed competitive, matching Unaka’s 13 points in the third quarter and outscoring the Lady Rangers 21-14 in the final frame. However, the early deficit proved too much to overcome, allowing Unaka to hold on for the victory.

Hardin and Atwood shine in boys’ showdown

The boys’ game was a high-scoring affair, with Unaka’s John Hardin and Johnson County’s Carter Atwood putting on a show for the fans. Hardin poured in a game-high 35 points, including a blistering 18-point first quarter that helped the Rangers establish a 27-15 lead. Atwood did his best to keep the Longhorns in the game, scoring 10 of his team-high 31 points in the opening period.

Unaka held a 41-31 halftime advantage, but the Longhorns made a strong push in the third quarter, outscoring the Rangers 24-22. Mason Wilson played a crucial role in keeping Unaka ahead, draining three key 3-pointers in the stanza.

The Rangers put the game away in the final quarter, dominating Johnson County 21-9 to secure an 83-64 victory. Alongside Hardin’s 35 points, Wilson finished with 14, and Aiden Walsh contributed 13. Atwood’s 31 points led the Longhorns, with Darrin Chappell adding nine in the effort.

With both teams picking up crucial road wins, the Rangers continue to build momentum as they push forward to the tournaments.

Boys

Unaka – 27 14 22 21 – 83
Johnson County – 15 16 24 9 – 64

Unaka – John Hardin 35, Mason Wilson 14, Rylan Crabtree 5, Austin Lambert 8, Aiden Walsh 13, T.J. Good 6, Jackson Deyton 2.
Johnson County – Darrin Chappell 9, Carson Jennings 5, Landin Lipford 8, Eli Tester 9, Carter Atwood 31, Lyndon Seans 2.

Girls

Unaka – 16 20 13 14 – 63
Johnson County – 6 17 13 21 – 54

Unaka – Lauren Lund 12, Emma Douglas 5, Michelle Shields 13, Ari Sutherland 7, Brooklyn Campbell 12, Katlyn Dugger 5, Kalli Sheppard 3, Keyona Hague 5.
Johnson County – Mackenzie McClain 17, Abby Dickens 14, Audrey Shaw 6, Diseria Robinson 3, Izzy Thompson 10, Mimi Zaldivar 3, C.J. Lipford 4.