University High, North Greene to meet for District 1-1A title

Behind stellar defensive work from the Bucs that turned Cloudland turnovers into transition baskets, the Highlanders found themselves in a deep hole at the break trailing 52-16.

Brady Weems scored 13 in the opening half and Andrew Cole chipped in with three treys on his way to 12 in the first 16 minutes to help balloon the lead. A Peter Boynewicz one-handed rim shaker put the exclamation on the dominate opening half.

The second half turned into mop-up duty as the Bucs looked to prove that they are deserving of the district title on their march toward a possible state appearance.

"I think it's crucial and that's what we talked about in the locker room before the game is if we are good enough and are going to make the state tournament it starts here," said Buc head coach Herman Rice. "It doesn't matter what you do the rest of the season, we are not so much focused on who we are playing but how we play."

Weems and Boynewicz led the Bucs with a game-high 15 points apiece while Cole joined the pair in double figures with 14 points.

University connected for 11 treys in the contest.

Nick Caraway paced the Highlanders with a team-high 14 points. Cooper Smith contributed with 10 points.

Cloudland plays Unaka in the consolation game on Tuesday.

North Greene 89, Unaka 71

North Greene will get an opportunity to earn the district title thanks to two outstanding scoring performances from Bennett McClain and Jason Britton who set the nets on fire in the night's second game to hold off Unaka.

Bennett recorded a game-high 36 points while Britton netter 28 points as the two teams combined for 160 points in the offensive showcase.

Rylan Crabtree scored a team-high 25 for the Rangers. Post Marcus Shomaker bulled his way for 16 points from inside.

The teams combined for 26 treys with Unaka hitting 10 and the Huskies 16.