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Rangers succumb to Jr. Bucs

By Allen LaMountain

William Tell was the archer that put an arrow through the apple atop a boys head, and on Tuesday night at Brooks Gym, Calen Archer’s big shot put an arrow through the hearts of the Unaka Rangers.

Archer scored on a putback shot that helped University High (8-2, 3-0 WVC) hold off the Rangers 45-38 in Watauga Valley Conference play.

“Archer made a huge play on that putback shot,” said Jr Bucs coach Justin Penley. “He really wants to be good, and he comes to practice every day and works hard at it. He has a strong work ethic and he’s the kind of kid you root for and like to see be successful.”

Archer’s rebound and deuce gave the Bucs a 40-36 lead with under a minute remaining in regulation and gave UH some much-needed breathing room down the stretch.

GIRLS

Unaka 61

University High 30

Senior guard Alicia Colbaugh scored a game-high 17 points and helped lead a Unaka defense that took advantage of 27 Lady Bucs turnovers as the Lady Rangers cruised to victory.

“It was an ugly win it seemed like,” said Colbaugh. “I think we came in with big heads and took them too lightly in the first half. We stepped it up in the second half and played with more focus.”