The Cloudland Highlanders traveled across the state line to Avery County last night while the snow was blowing and the temperatures were dropping to take on the Avery County Vikings. However, when the snow settled Avery County had won 55-43.

Cloudland and Avery boys played hard and fast. Both teams brought out their best defense, and Avery’s Jacob Waldrop brought his best offense, scoring 26 points on the night. Cloudland’s Preston Benfield led Cloudland’s scoring with 17 points.

Avery’s Jeffrey Puckett had to go out in the first quarter due to sickness, and his team missed his tough play. However, Waldrop and company made big shots all night.

Cloudland’s Coach Gary Harrison sent subs in often due to the foul situation and to help keep his players fresh. The Highlanders switched up their defenses and gave every effort on the offensive end. They came close several times, but the Vikings had the lead at the final buzzer.

Cloudland scored only six points in the first quarter, while Avery had 13. The scoring was more even during the other three quarters. Cloudland played hard for four quarters, but couldn’t get shots to fall at the end.

Cloudland:42

Mull-3; Blair-5; P. Benfield-17; Wagoner-3; Vines-8; Potter-6

Avery: 50

Waldrop-26; McIntosh-4; Stansberry-1; Heath-1; Crowe-13; Dominguez-5; Hisks-2

In the girls’ game, Cloudland put six points on the board before Avery scored, but the Vikings kept plugging away. Avery County’s Heaven Nelson led all scorers with 17 points, but Cloudland’s Shian Strickland was close behind with 15.

Cloudland held the lead at the end of the first, but Avery took a five point lead into the locker room at the half.

Down the stretch though, the Vikings pulled out the win, 55-43.

Cloudland: 43

Strickland-15; Ellis-4; P. Johnson-11; Wilson-2; J. Johnson-9; Vines-2

Avery-55

Garland-9; Hoilman-8; Nelson-17; Singleton-5; McIntosh-13; Goff-2; Ward-1