Devil Went Down in Church Hill

Photo by Elijah Housewright

Church Hill- Another incredible Lady Falcons game took place Friday night in the Falcons Nest! The Unicoi County Blue Devils came down looking to upset the no. 1 seeded Lady Falcons in the first round of the state basketball playoffs. That did not happen as the Falcons took care of business winning to advance with a score of 50-43. 

Coming into this game we knew what we would get. Another tough defensive battle as it was with these two squads when they met two other times back in December. The Lady Falcons won those games as well, coming off a District Championship the Falcons were flying high. This game would feature a ton of pressure on both sides as 2 point shots were at a premium. In the second half we saw both squads light up the board with deep threes to keep things interesting. 

Going into halftime after a sloppy first period, the Falcons lost a 4 point lead. They went into the half down 24-19 as Unicoi Co star Allie Lingerfelt scored 10 points in the second period. Anna Houck led the charge with 8 points at halftime. 

The second half of this game was a completely different story as both teams found their footing and the race was on. The Lady Falcons made quick work in the 3rd period while on a 11-0 run to retake the lead to 30-24. The lethal combination of Veda Barton and Ava Jackson coupled by the strong shooting of Jacie Begley, the Lady Falcons took full control. Great individual efforts by Emilee Mailloux and the Houck twins had the Blue Devils on their heels defensively. 

Ultimately, the Lady Falcons did their job with a convincing win to move on to the next round. Veda Barton ended with 18 points and 9 rebounds. Both Anna and Emma Houck had 8 points. Jacie Begley shot for 11 points and 5 rebounds, with Emilee Mailloux, and Ava Jackson getting on the score sheet as well. 

Overall fantastic performance by this Lady Falcons team to push their record to 18-12 and move to take on Elizabethton Monday night in Claiborne County. Tune into the Volunteer Sports Network as we will have live play by play coverage.