Unaka Lady Rangers Narrowly Defeated by Grainger County, 54-48

The Unaka Lady Rangers faced a challenging start to their season, falling 54-48 to Grainger County on November 14, 2023. Despite a spirited effort that showcased their heart and determination, the Lady Rangers were unable to secure a victory in a tightly contested matchup that remained close from the first whistle to the final buzzer.

Grainger County took the initiative early, establishing a 13-11 lead at the end of the first quarter. All five starters contributed points, setting a balanced tone for the game. Their effectiveness at the free-throw line was evident, as they capitalized on opportunities, finishing the night with an impressive 15-of-18 performance.

The Lady Rangers showed resilience, particularly in the third quarter. Brooklyn Campbell ignited the team by hitting back-to-back three-pointers, which helped Unaka seize a brief 28-25 lead. With 5:48 remaining in the quarter, Grainger’s Abrie Nickels fouled out, appearing to shift momentum firmly in Unaka’s favor. The Rangers extended their lead to 32-27 through a strong basket from Keyona Hague.

Despite this surge, Grainger responded with a relentless full-court press that forced turnovers and regained control. Both teams scored 18 points in the third quarter, but Grainger emerged with a slight edge, leading 43-40 heading into the final period.

The fourth quarter proved to be a struggle for Unaka. They were limited to just eight points as they struggled to break through Grainger’s defensive pressure. Michelle Shields, despite dealing with a painful charley horse, managed to score all of her eight points from the free-throw line, demonstrating her determination throughout the match.

Adison Hayes led Grainger County with a standout performance, tallying 20 points, while teammate McKinney Mills added 10 points. For Unaka, both Kalli Sheppard and Brooklyn Campbell scored 11 points, indicating promising potential for the season ahead.

Although the Lady Rangers came up short in their opening game, their display of toughness and intensity provides a solid foundation to build upon. As the season progresses, they will aim to convert close contests into victories.

The final statistics reflect a closely matched game:

Unaka: 11 11 18 8 — 48
Grainger: 13 12 18 11 — 54

Grainger: Mills 10, Hayes 4, Dalton 3, Stratton 8, Roach 4, Caldwell 4, Hayes 20, Nickels 1
Unaka: Shields 8, Campbell 11, Sheppard 11, Hague 7, Parker 3, Sutherland 6, Dugger 2
Fouls: Unaka 21, Grainger 22

The Lady Rangers now look ahead, eager to harness their competitive spirit and convert their close calls into future successes.