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BY C.Y. PETERS

Star Correspondent

BLOUNTVILLE – In a game that will go down as another classic in the long-standing Unaka–University High rivalry, the Unaka Rangers clawed their way to a 67-66 victory over the Bucs in the district tournament at West Ridge High School.

From the tipoff, it was clear this would be a battle reminiscent of an Ali–Frazier fight. The rivalry between these two programs dates back to the Ronnie Snavely and Donald Ensor years, and tonight’s contest lived up to the hype, with momentum swinging back and forth until the final buzzer.

The Bucs came out firing, using a relentless aerial attack from beyond the arc. Andrew Cole was unstoppable early, pouring in bucket after bucket and leading University High to a commanding 40-32 halftime lead. Unaka had no answer for his sharpshooting, and the Rangers found themselves in need of an adjustment.

That adjustment came at halftime when Coach Dugger made his expectations clear. He turned to defensive stopper T.J. Good and issued a direct order: “If he goes to the concession stand, go with him. Stop him at any cost.”

Good took the assignment personally, and in the second half, he blanketed Cole with suffocating defense. The Rangers’ defensive intensity turned the tide, and University High suddenly found itself struggling to score. Meanwhile, Unaka’s big man, John Hardin, took over in the paint. The Bucs had no answer for the dominant sophomore, who muscled his way to a game-high 30 points.

As the game tightened, senior leadership became crucial. With the Rangers leading 61-60, Mason Wilson found himself open beyond the arc and calmly buried a 3-pointer to put Unaka ahead 64-60. University High responded with a three of its own from Patrick Boynewicz, cutting the deficit to 64-63.

With just under 30 seconds to play, Hardin was fouled and stepped to the line, sinking one of two free throws to make it 65-63. University High then executed a perfectly designed inbounds play, setting a double screen to free up Cole. He rose up and buried a clutch 3-pointer, giving the Bucs a 66-65 lead with just 20 seconds left on the clock.

Unaka remained poised. The Rangers moved the ball around, searching for an opening as the clock wound down. With four seconds remaining, Wilson found himself in the right place at the right time, cutting under the basket and laying it in to reclaim the lead at 67-66.

University High had one last shot, but Unaka’s defense held firm, sealing the dramatic win.

Tyler Walsh and Austin Lambert also played key roles in the victory. Lambert, showing his toughness, played the entire second half with a dislocated finger. Walsh finished with 10 points, while Wilson and Lambert each contributed nine.

After the game, an emotional Coach Dugger reflected on his team’s resilience.

“This rivalry runs deep. I’ve coached a long time, and I’m as proud of this team as any I’ve ever had,” Dugger said. “They battled and stayed the course. I’m as happy about this win as any game I’ve coached.”

He also praised T.J. Good for his defensive effort.

“At halftime, T.J. said, ‘I don’t care if I score; I want to guard Cole,’” Dugger said. “He got some big baskets too, but his defense was a game-changer.”

As for Mason Wilson, Dugger couldn’t have been prouder.

“For three of his four years, he’s had to do everything,” Dugger said. “But this year, he’s bought into just wanting to win. When he gets lost in the game, he can burn you—he’s that good.”

With this victory, Unaka advances in the district tournament championship, but more importantly, it adds another chapter to its storied rivalry with University High. Tonight, it was a total team win, and the Rangers showed the heart of champions.

Not since 2005 have both the Unaka boys and girls played in the district title games together.

University 15 25 12 14 – 66
Unaka 11 21 19 16 – 67

Unaka: Good 4, Walsh 10, Lambert 9, Wilson 9, Crabtree 5, Hardin 30.
University High: Francis 6, Boynewicz 8, Croley 9, Weems 12, Poston 8, Cole 23.