Michelle Shields leads Unaka to regional victory over Cloudland, secures sub-state berth
Published 11:48 am Tuesday, March 4, 2025
Mike Hynes/Star Correspondent Cloudland’s Makenzie Street (#4) drives right, shaking off Unaka’s Lauren Lund (#1).
Mike Hynes/Star Correspondent Unaka’s Kalli Shepard (#24) boxes out Cloudland’s Abriella Jones (#32) and secures the rebound.
Mike Hynes/Star Correspondent Cloudland’s Regan Blair (#3) delivers a sharp pass to a teammate.
Mike Hynes/Star Correspondent Cloudland’s Makenzie Street (#4) sets her sights and fires a three-pointer under pressure from Unaka’s Lauren Lund (#1).
Mike Hynes/Star Correspondent Cloudland’s Makenzie Street (#4) sinks a clutch three-pointer despite tight defense from Unaka’s Lauren Lund (#1).
Mike Hynes/Star Correspondent Cloudland’s Regan Blair (#3) blows past Unaka’s Michelle Shields (#3) for a layup and the score.
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By C.Y. Peters
Star Correspondent
BLOUNTVILLE – In a thrilling regional tournament showdown, junior standout Michelle Shields delivered a dominant performance to lead the Unaka Rangers past the Cloudland Highlanders, securing a spot in the sub-state and a place in the regional championship game. Shields ended the night with an impressive 25 points, including 10 in the opening quarter.
Unaka came out firing, with Shields setting the tone early by draining back-to-back 3-pointers. Keyona Hague added a free throw, and Brooklyn Campbell nailed a clutch 3-pointer with just seconds left in the first quarter, giving the Rangers a commanding 17-4 lead. Cloudland attempted to respond as McKenzie Street drove the length of the court and hit a 3 at the buzzer, trimming Unaka’s lead to 17-10.
The Rangers extended their advantage to 13 points in the second quarter, but Hague’s three baskets were countered by a flurry of 3-pointers from the Highlanders. Street and Makinna Shell each hit two deep shots, narrowing the gap to just six at halftime, with Unaka holding a 32-26 lead. Cloudland also capitalized at the free-throw line, going 4-for-4, with Street and Regan Blair each sinking two.
The third quarter proved to be the turning point, as Unaka’s defense shut down Cloudland entirely. The Highlanders went ice cold, missing all 11 of their shot attempts. Meanwhile, Kalli Sheppard and Katlyn Dugger controlled the boards, limiting Cloudland to just one shot per possession. The Rangers took full advantage, adding nine points in the period and stretching their lead to 41-26 entering the final quarter.
Cloudland’s scoring drought continued into the fourth quarter, as they remained stuck on 26 points for much of the second half. They finally broke through with three minutes left in the game but managed only two field goals in the final period. Brooklyn Campbell contributed significantly for the Rangers, shooting a perfect 3-for-3 from the floor and 2-for-2 from the free-throw line. Shields put the finishing touches on her stellar night, hitting 4-of-5 shots in the closing minutes to cap off Unaka’s 54-33 victory.
Shields led all scorers with 25 points, while Hague added 11 and Campbell finished with nine. Street led Cloudland with 16 points. With the win, the Rangers advance to the regional championship game against North Greene, while Cloudland’s season concludes with a 16-14 record.
Region 1-1A semifinal
Unaka 54, Cloudland 33
Unaka: 11 21 9 13 – 54
Cloudland: 7 19 0 7 – 33
Unaka: Lauren Lund 3, Emma Douglas 2, Michelle Shields 25, Ari Sutherland 3, Brooklyn Campbell 9, Katlyn Dugger 2, Keyona Hague 11.
Cloudland: Edwin McCurry 3, Regan Blair 6, Makenzie Street 16, Makinna Shell 6, Savannah McCurry 1, Abriella Jones 1.
Records
Cloudland 16-14
Unaka 23-8
