Unaka’s season ends in regional semifinal heartbreaker to Cosby, 60-57
Published 3:33 pm Wednesday, March 5, 2025
C.Y. Peters/Star correspondent Unaka’s Aiden Walsh (5) takes a baseline jumper over the outstretched hands of a Cosby player.
C.Y. Peters/Star correspondent Unaka’s John Hardin (55) led all scorers with 25 points.
C.Y. Peters/Star correspondent Unaka’s John Hardin (55) shoots a jump shot just outside the paint.
C.Y. Peters/Star correspondent Unaka’s T.J. Good (2) drives to the basket.
C.Y. Peters/Star correspondent Unaka’s Rylan Crabtree (15) shoots a mid-range jumper from the baseline.
C.Y. Peters/Star correspondent Unaka’s John Hardin (55) shoots a hook shot.
C.Y. Peters/Star correspondent Unaka’s T.J. Good (2) goes in for a layup.
C.Y. Peters/Star correspondent Unaka’s John Hardin (55) shoots a jump shot over a defender.
C.Y. Peters/Star correspondent Unaka’s John Hardin (55) goes up strong with a left-handed layup.
C.Y. Peters/Star correspondent Unaka’s John Hardin (55) drives the baseline for a layup.
C.Y. Peters/Star correspondent Unaka’s Austin Lambert (50) drives in for two points.
C.Y. Peters/Star correspondent Unaka’s Aiden Walsh (5) goes in for a contested layup.
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BY C.Y. PETERS
Star Correspondent
The Unaka Rangers’ season came to a heartbreaking end in the regional semifinal, falling to the Cosby Eagles 60-57 in a tightly contested matchup. Cosby utilized a balanced offensive attack, with four players scoring in double figures, to capitalize on open opportunities and ultimately eliminate the Rangers from postseason contention.
The game saw a strong turnout from Unaka supporters, including former Rangers basketball stars Keith Bowers and Dallas Williams, who played on the late 1960s Unaka teams and came out to cheer on their alma mater.
Cosby set the tone early, taking a narrow 9-8 lead in the first quarter and never relinquishing it. The Eagles led 32-26 at halftime, maintaining their advantage through consistent scoring and key free throws down the stretch.
Despite being held on nearly every play, Unaka’s Big John Hardin delivered a stellar performance, leading all scorers with 25 points. Rylan Crabtree was instrumental in keeping the Rangers within striking distance, knocking down four 3-pointers and finishing with 14 points. Aiden Walsh contributed eight points, while the team fought hard to close the gap in the final minutes.
Unaka made a late push and cut the deficit to two points in the final period but was forced to foul in the closing moments. Cosby capitalized on its free-throw opportunities, sinking 5 of 6 from the line to secure the win and a berth in the sub-state round.
Cosby’s well-balanced offensive effort was led by Cooper Davis and Ezra Spurgeon, who each scored 16 points. Cruz Coggins added 15, and Devonte Wigfall chipped in 10. The Eagles held a significant advantage at the free-throw line, attempting 11 shots in the second half compared to just one for Unaka.
The loss marks the end of a strong season for the Rangers, who finish with an impressive 18-10 record. Though the defeat is a tough pill to swallow, Unaka’s players and supporters can take pride in a season filled with hard-fought victories and resilient performances.
Unaka: John Hardin 25, Rylan Crabtree 14, T.J. Good 2, Aiden Walsh 8, Mason Wilson 3, Austin Lambert 5.
Cosby: Cooper Davis 16, Ezra Spurgeon 16, Cruz Coggins 15, Devonte Wigfall 10, Cornellis Carr 1, Haiden McMahan 2.
Unaka: 13 13 17 14—57
Cosby: 16 17 18 9—60
