By C.Y. Peters

Special to the Star

Unaka’s Jr. Rangers got the job done in impressive fashion Thursday night, prevailing 48-16 over Central.

Just prior to the game, Central basketball coach Michael Lunsford said, “We young and unexperienced but we’re getting better with ever game.”

Showing that improvement, the Comets started the game off with pressure and blocked a couple of Rangers shots — and even held a 5-4 lead. However, the mighty Jr. Rangers exploded midway through the first for a 14- 5 lead behind a long three and a nice jump shot by Isaac Hill.

The Ranger defense and full court pressure was to much on the Comets, forcing turnovers that led to easy baskets for Unaka and a 24-8 halftime lead.

Lunsford’s Comets tried to regroup for the second half but Davy Ensor kept stealing the ball. He and Tyler Burke teamed up for eight straight points while allowing Central only one basket in the third

Assistant Coach Ric Peters’ third-quarter pep talk fired the up Comets for their best quarter of the night, but Unaka had already built an impressive lead.

Ensor led the Rangers with 10 while Bryson Street followed with eight. Jeff Bowman toppedCentral with six points and four blocked shots.

The Lady Rangers won by almost the same score, 47-12. Madison Pierce and Kennedy Morelock teamed up for 12 points for the Lady Jr. Rangers, who used a well-guided press and controlled the boards in taking a 26-7 first half lead.

Bre Hutchins hit a couple of threes for Central, but the all-around play by the Rangers was just too much for Central.