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By C.Y. Peters

Shields’ Scoring Barrage Leads Unaka to Victory

The Unaka Lady Rangers put on a shooting clinic Tuesday night, overwhelming visiting Twin Springs with a 63-30 victory. Michelle Shields was the catalyst, scoring 25 points, including 22 in the first half. Shields drained three consecutive three-pointers in the second quarter, effectively putting the game out of reach.

First-Half Fireworks
Unaka jumped out to an early 16-7 lead after the first quarter and poured it on in the second, outscoring Twin Springs 21-6. Shields’ sharpshooting led the charge as the Rangers built a commanding 37-13 halftime lead.

Shepard Shines in the Second Half
With the game well in hand, Coach Kenneth Chambers utilized his bench throughout the second half. Despite limited minutes, Kalli Shepard delivered an impressive performance, scoring 16 points, with 13 of those coming in the final two quarters.

Long-Range Barrage
The Lady Rangers found their rhythm from beyond the arc, hitting 11 three-pointers as a team. Shields accounted for five, Shepard added four, and Lauren contributed two to the total.

Balanced Effort and Efficiency
Unaka’s shooting efficiency was a key factor in the win. The Lady Rangers connected on 23 of 45 field-goal attempts and shot a stellar 10-for-12 from the free-throw line. In contrast, Twin Springs struggled, shooting just 11-of-40 from the field and 5-of-17 from the charity stripe.

Coach Chambers’ Perspective
“We played hard tonight,” Coach Kenneth Chambers said. “We’re still learning each other, but it’s good to see the team come together and play with intensity.”

Dominating the Second Half
The Lady Rangers continued to control the pace in the second half, outscoring the Titans 27-17. Their defense remained strong, limiting Twin Springs’ offensive opportunities and capitalizing on turnovers.

The dominant performance showcased the depth and talent of the Lady Rangers, setting a high standard for the rest of the season. With Shields and Sheppard leading the way, Unaka looks poised for more success on the hardwood.

Score by Quarters:
Unaka: 16 | 21 | 18 | 8 — 63
Twin Springs: 7 | 6 | 10 | 7 — 30