Despite a 32-point performance from Unaka’s Kyler Lewis, the North Greene Huskies were able to escape Stoney Creek with a 76-62 WVC win.

The Rangers (5-13, 1-5 WVC) playing with energy and hustle, stayed on the Huskies’ tail throughout most of the contest until North Greene (19-4, 4-1 WVC) pulled away in the final quarter as the Huskies’ Elijah Smith knocked down 11 of his 21 points in the period.

“I am proud of the way they played,” Unaka head coach Aaron Dugger said. “We made some mental mistakes, but they played hard. I can’t fault the effort. They did what I needed them to do. We missed some easy shots and free throws that helped them stretch the lead on us.”

At the end of the first quarter, the Huskies held a small 19-16 lead over Unaka. In the first period, Lewis dropped in four 3-pointers and recorded 16 points to pace the Rangers.

“Kyler has worked hard, and he is a good player,” Dugger said. “It seems like every night that he is getting a lot and that is because he has put in a lot of hard work.”

A three from Lewis and a basket from Austin Beauprez would give the Rangers a 21-20 lead with 4:29 left in the first half. However, in the final minute of the second quarter Smith hit back-to-back buckets to give the Huskies a 30-25 lead heading into half.

The Rangers chased after the Huskies in the third quarter as Unaka worked to within two-points before North Greene took a 48-45 lead into the final period.

The Rangers will host Hampton on Tuesday.