Jr. Cyclones and Blue Devils split during TAD “in-school game”
Published 5:31 pm Thursday, January 23, 2025
Ron Marvel/Star Correspondent Chase Taylor shields the ball from a Unicoi defender while working in the paint.
Ron Marvel/Star Correspondent Creed Baker drives the lane during second-period action.
Ron Marvel/Star Correspondent Eli Phillips finds an opening near the rim for a score.
Ron Marvel/Star Correspondent Max Fields elevates for a jumper. He finished the game with 20 points.
Ron Marvel/Star Correspondent Harper Collake cuts off the lane from the Unicoi point guard.
Ron Marvel/Star Correspondent Tuffy is on hand for the in-school basketball game.
Ron Marvel/Star Correspondent Jr. Lady Cyclones' McKenzie Bowers slows her dribble while her offense gets settled.
Ron Marvel/Star Correspondent Aubry Szabo gets low as she splits two Unicoi defenders.
Ron Marvel/Star Correspondent Ryan Garland works hard to get inside position on the defender, looking for an offensive rebound.
Ron Marvel/Star Correspondent Several Jr. Lady Cyclones gather for a photo as school is dismissed during the in-school game against the Blue Devils.
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By Ron Marvel
Star Correspondent
The Jr. Cyclones hosted an in-school game before tournament play began, giving players the chance to compete in front of their peers—and they made their voices heard.
Boys – Unicoi 64, TA Dugger 48
Despite a strong rally, the Jr. Cyclones couldn’t overcome an early deficit and fell to the Blue Devils.
Unicoi came out firing, hitting four three-pointers and mid-range jumpers, building a 20-6 lead by the end of the first period. The Blue Devils extended their lead to 33-16 with just over two minutes left in the second quarter. However, the Jr. Cyclones began to claw their way back. Max Fields sparked the rally, scoring nine points in the period, including a three-pointer at the 1:41 mark, cutting Unicoi’s lead to 10 at halftime.
Fields continued his hot hand, hitting another three-pointer at the 5:06 mark of the third period to bring the Jr. Cyclones within five. The game remained competitive, with the Cyclones trimming the lead to seven after a Chase Baker three-pointer with 2:41 left, but they couldn’t close the gap further. Fields finished with 20 points, while Taylor added nine.
“We fought back today,” said Jr. Cyclones head coach Billy Etter. “When we defend, we’re as good as anyone. Other teams tell us we’re a scary team come postseason. We just have to defend, hold teams to one opportunity, take care of the ball, and attack the rim. I have a lot of confidence in this group.”
Girls – Cyclones 48, Unicoi 12
The Jr. Lady Cyclones displayed stifling defense, holding the Blue Devils scoreless in the third period, and cruised to a dominant victory.
The game started with Kiana Adams making her presence felt inside, helping the Jr. Lady Cyclones take a 14-2 lead after the first quarter. Rylee Minton added to the offensive effort with her hustle on rebounds and loose balls, giving the Cyclones a 13-point halftime lead.
Minton and Szabo combined for 14 points in the third period as the Cyclones went on an 18-0 run to seal the game. Adams dominated the boards, pulling down nine rebounds, while the perimeter defense collected 12 steals.
Minton led the scoring with 13 points, Adams contributed 12, and Szabo chipped in eight.
“Great energy today with strong fundamental defense,” said Jr. Lady Cyclones coach Matt Fox. “I’m proud of them. Today was a good way to end the season and get ready for the tournament this weekend.”
