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By C.Y. Peters

Star Correspondent

BLOUNTVILLE – Cloudland put forth one of its best efforts of the season, but a slow second quarter and missed opportunities proved costly as the Highlanders fell to University School 77-58 in the consolation game of the district tournament at West Ridge High School. The loss secures a fourth-place finish for Cloudland, while the Jr. Bucs claim third place.

Cloudland started strong, hitting four of its five field goal attempts in the opening quarter and converting both free throw opportunities. The Highlanders looked poised for an upset, but University School had other ideas. Andrew Cole and Mason Croley combined for seven field goals, while Patrick Bayne added a couple of key baskets to give the Bucs a 22-12 lead after one period.

The momentum shifted in the second quarter as Cloudland struggled offensively, making only 3 of 16 attempts and managing just seven points in the eight-minute stretch. The shooting woes allowed University School to extend its lead, putting the Highlanders in a difficult position heading into the second half.

Despite the struggles, Cloudland continued to battle. Uriah Jarrett and Bryce Birchfield turned in stellar performances, with Jarrett leading the way with 19 points and Birchfield adding 15. Birchfield hit a pair of clutch three-pointers with 5:50 remaining in the fourth quarter, cutting the deficit to 15. The Highlanders had an opportunity to trim the margin to 12 but failed to capitalize, and Cole took over, scoring 11 points in a single quarter to keep the Jr. Bucs in control.

Cloudland poured in 23 points in the third period, but University School answered with 19, allowing its early lead to hold firm. Cole finished with a game-high 20 points for the Bucs, while Croley added 12 and Brad Weems chipped in 11.

For Cloudland, Nick Caraway had a solid showing with eight points, while Devin Balado contributed seven. For Cloudland, Uriah Jarrett made the all-tournament team, and for the regular season, Jarrett and Caraway were selected to the All-Watauga Valley Conference team.

With the district tournament behind them, Cloudland now shifts focus to the regional tournament, where the team will travel to Cosby for an opening-round matchup on Saturday night.

Cloudland 12 7 23 16 – 58
University 22 19 19 17 – 77

Cloudland: Grayson Cole 2, Uriah Jarrett 19, Bryce Birchfield 15, Cass Turbyfill 4, Devin Balado 7, Nick Caraway 8, Gavin Shell 3.
University High: Mason Francis 3, Mason Croley 12, Jason West 5, Tyler Templin 4, Brady Weems 11, Patrick Boyenicz 8, Cole Hurley 9, Nalan Kittrell 2, Knox Poston 3, Andrew Cole 20.