Avery Varsity Girls Earn Sweep; Varsity Boys Comeback Falls Short on Senior Night

On Tuesday evening in Viking Gym the Avery girls varsity basketball squad honored its four senior players for their contributions to the Lady Vikings program. Katie Ellis, Samantha Shook, Sara Singleton, and Allison Vance were each recognized with their families prior to tipoff against a tough Mountain Heritage club. The Lady Vikings overcame the emotion of the evening and was able to pick up their ninth conference win of the season with a 57-51 win.

Avery took a 16-10 lead over the Cougars after one period of play by using similar formula that earned it a 58-53 win over Mountain Heritage in Burnsville earlier in the season. The Lady Vikings kept constant pressure on the Lady Cougars and forced a large number of turnovers. Shook scored five first-quarter points, with four from sophomore Katelynn Eudy.

The stifling defense of the Big Red forced a total of 18 turnovers from Mountain Heritage in the first half of action. Defensive stops meant transition opportunities for the Avery offense, which the Lady Vikings used to outscore Heritage 13-4 in the second quarter for a commanding 29-14 halftime lead.

Avery began the second half with a 6-0 scoring run to build its lead to 21 points, but Mountain Heritage finished the quarter strong. Courtney Huskins scored 10 points in the period to pull the Lady Cougars back to within 15 points at 44-29 as the fourth quarter began.

The Lady Cougars defense tightened in the final eight minutes as the Vikings went cold on offense. Avery was held without a field goal for the entire fourth quarter as the Cougars clawed back into the contest. An 8-2 scoring run in the first 3:30 of the quarter brought the Heritage team within single digits at 46-37.

Foul trouble and turnovers also haunted the Lady Vikings. Katie Ellis fouled out of the game late in the fourth quarter with 10 points and 11 rebounds, while both Allison Vance and Samantha Shook played with four fouls each. Heritage took advantage with its inside duo of Huskins and Taylor Boone. The pair scored 21 second-half points for the Lady Cougars to spark their rally.

Mountain Heritage drew to within six of Avery in the game's final minute and four points in the final seconds, but a 13 of 18 free throw effort by the Lady Vikings preserved their lead and subsequent victory.

Katelynn Eudy led all Avery scorers with 14 points and eight rebounds. Vance also scored 12 for the Lady Vikings with five assists and four rebounds. Shook chipped in with eight points, with seven points from Lauren Avery. The Lady Vikings improved its record to 15-8 overall and 9-2 in conference play.

Avery's varsity boys team capped off Senior Night by honoring its lone senior player Jared Ward prior to tipoff.

The Vikings were blitzed by over 40 points in a road loss to Mountain Heritage in Burnsville, but Tuesday evening was a different story as the Vikings ralled from a double-figure deficit to nearly pull off the win over the conference leading-Cougars. Mountain Heritage held on, however to hold off the upset-minded Big Red 80-70.

Mountain Heritage jumped on Avery in the opening minutes of the game with an 8-3 run. The Cougars (16-5, 10-1 WHC) used their outside shooting to sink four 3-point baskets in the period. Steven Wilson tallied eight points in the quarter to lead the Cougars, while Avery's Dustin Clarke answered with six points in the frame. Mountain Heritage held a 22-10 lead after one period of play.

The Cougars continued to exhibit confidence in its outside scoring with the mindset that their inside height advantage could generate multiple offensive rebounding opportunities. Guard Michael Fender laced a pair of three-pointers in the quarter and Will McCurry hit the third of his three trifectas for the half during the stanza.

Avery in the meantime relied on the hot hand of Clarke who scored 21 points in the first half, including three baskets from behind the arc in the second quarter and the final one coming on a 30-footer off the glass as the halftime horn sounded. Thomas Dellinger came off the bench with a pair of baskets as Avery cut the Heritage lead to 41-32 at halftime.

It became evident as the second half began that Avery was not going to suffer the same fate as the first encounter between the two clubs. The Big Red was not intimidated by the taller Cougars and was willing to fight to the bitter end. Avery outscored the Cougars 17-15 during the third stanza. The Vikings cut the lead to 56-49 going into the final eight minutes of play.

Avery continued to cut into the Mountain Heritage lead into the fourth quarter, while the Cougars looked to its go-to player inside, 6'10" center Jon Cannon. The big man scored 12 of his team-high 18 points in the second half, while adding nine rebounds and seven blocked shots for the game.

The Vikings trailed 70-62 with under two minutes to play, but a four-point play by Clarke instantly cut the Heritage lead to four points at the 1:38 mark. Mountain Heritage took control of the contest for good after the conversion with a 10-4 run primarily on shots from the free throw line to close out the game.

Dustin Clarke led all scorers with a season-high 32 points, with eight rebounds, four steals, three assists, and two blocks. Jared Ward added 14 in his final regular season home game to go with six rebounds and a pair of steals. Joey Potter was the only other Avery player in double figures with ten points. Along with Cannon, Steven Wilson and Michael Fender added 16 points each for Mountain Heritage, with 11 points from Will McCurry.

Avery closes the regular season on Friday night at Mitchell.

Junior Varsity Keeps Winning Streaks Alive over Heritage

The Avery Vikings hosted the Mountain Heritage Cougars for a quartet of entertaining games on Tuesday night in Viking Gym.

With one game remaining on the regular season schedule, Avery's junior varsity girls remained undefeated in Western Highlands Conference play with a 60-51 win over Mountain Heritage.

The Lady Vikings found themselves in a tough battle through much of the first half, leading by a single point at 16-15 after the first period. Late in the second quarter, a spurt helped the Big Red open up a seven-point edge at 32-25 at halftime.

The clubs continued a physical contest in the third quarter, as Avery continued to keep its lead, building it up slightly to 45-36 with one quarter to play.

Over the final stanza the Big Red found themselves taking frequent trips to the foul line. Avery held a five-point lead midway through the fourth period when the Mountain Heritage head coach was assessed a technical foul following an official's foul call. Mercedes Bentley hit three of four free throws to boost the Avery lead to eight.

Savannah Dellinger was fouled on Avery's ensuing possession and hit two free throws to double the Avery advantage to ten over mere seconds of play. The lead was all Avery needed as it sealed the remainder of the game from the lead. Dellinger highlighted the team's sterling performance at the stripe as she was a perfect 6 for 6 in the quarter The team went 11 for 15 in the quarter from the free throw to keep the Lady Cougars at bay and preserve the win.

Unlike the Polk County contest when she was consistently denied the ball, Mercedes Bentley bounced back with a passion against the Cougars by scoring a game-high 22 points with six assists and three steals. A pair of other Lady Vikings reached double-figures in the win, as Logan Johnson netted 11 points, four rebounds and three steals and Savannah Dellinger scored ten points.

"We hadn't practiced in several days, and it's tough to not be able to practice and have to go out and play. I thought we responded well because they had won seven in a row and had not lost since we beat them over there," Lady Vikings head coach Pat Daniels said after the win. "I was proud of the girls' effort. Logan Johnson wasn't feeling well but she played a heck of a game and ran the court well. Mercedes scored and distributed the ball for us. They broke our press a few times so we adjusted and played more half court defense. We set screens for each other offensively and we did pretty well against their defense."

The JV boys game featured a thrilling comeback in the final minute and a buzzer-beater finish as Avery won 50-47. Mountain Heritage led for much of the contest and held a narrow 37-36 lead as the final quarter began. The Cougars increased its advantage to 42-38 with just over four and a half minutes to play, but a Benji Stewart free throw and a Taylor Potter jumper cut the lead back to a point at 42-41.

Following three straight points off free throws from Heritage, Avery found itself trailing again by three with 2:00 on the clock. Timmy Stewart hit a jump shot a minute later to make the score 45-43 with 1:03 to go. Mountain Heritage refused to fold, as a jumper gave the Cougars a four-point edge at 47-43 with only 50 seconds to play.

Avery's defense held the Cougars scoreless for the rest of the game while the offense went to work. Spencer Blackburn drove the lane and was fouled. He hit both free throws to make the score 47-45 with 36 seconds to play. Taylor Potter then stole the ball from a Heritage player to give possession back to the Big Red. On Avery's subsequent offensive set, Potter was fouled and calmly sank both ends of a one-and-one to tie the score at 47 with 16.3 seconds to play.

The game reached its crecendo as the final seconds played out. Avery's Dustin Clark was called for a foul on Heritage, but the player missed both free throws. Avery rebounded the second miss and pushed the ball upfloor. Timmy Stewart grabbed a long rebound off a missed Viking shot and heaved a shot from beyond the arc in front of the Viking bench that ended with his back facing the rim. The shot sailed through the as the horn sounded and Stewart was mobbed by teammates as the home crowd cheered.

Avery celebrated its fourth straight conference win and the JV boys stand at 6-5 in conference play. The Vikings travel to Ledger Friday night to play Mitchell.

CHS-Unicoi Game Moved; Saturday Night Shootout Set

The Cloudland Highlanders game scheduled for next Monday against Unicoi County in Erwin has been moved to Saturday, February 14. Game times remain the same.

The Highlanders contest against Hampton for Friday night is on as scheduled. It is also Senior Night.

Vikings Take Three of Four from Polk; Senior Night tonight vs. Heritage

Avery hosted Polk County on the hardwood Monday night in Viking Gym. For the third consecutive contest, the JV squads pulled off an evening sweep.

The JV girls had a difficult time with a tough Lady Wolverines club but prevailed 44-40. Leading scorer Mercedes Bentley was shadowed all night by the Polk defense, but hit three of four free throws in the closing seconds to seal the win.

Emily Pritchard led the Lady Vikings with 12 points on the night, with six points from Savannah Dellinger and five by Logan Johnson. Shayna Vance added four points and seven rebounds, with four points and nine rebounds from Mary Chesnut Smith.

The JV boys team was locked in a tight struggle all evening with the Polk JV boys team. The squads were tied at nine after a sluggish first quarter, with Polk County grabbing a narrow 20-17 lead after three quarters.

Avery battled back to tie the contest at 28 after three quarters, and a go-ahead jumper by Alex Villanueva in the closing seconds gave the Big Red the lead for good as they defeated Polk 46-43. Spencer Blackburn led Avery with 14 points, with eight from Alex Villanueva and six points apiece from Taylor Potter and Timmy Stewart.

The Lady Viking varsity girls team defeated the Lady Wolverines 78-61 on Monday night. The contest was close in much of the first half, but a 25-23 Avery lead changed in a hurry after a 14-2 run closed out the first half with the Big Red leading 39-25. Avery opened the second half continuing that spurt, outscoring Polk 11-3 in the first 2:30 of the third quarter to build a 50-28 advantage that they would never surrender.

Katie Ellis and Allison Vance each scored 18 in the victory, with Ellis adding 18 rebounds and Vance dishing four assists in the win. Samantha Shook added 12 points, three rebounds, and four assists, with 12 points and 8 rebounds from Katelynn Eudy.

In the night cap, the boys varsity team trailed by as many as 14 points in the first half, but staged a rally to narrow the score to 35-31 at halftime and 45-44 after three quarters. A scoring run by the Wolverines to open the fourth quarter put the game out of reach, however, as the Wolverines prevailed by a 74-58 final score.

Kody Hughes led the Vikings with 14 points and 11 rebounds in the loss, with ten points and seven rebounds from Dustin Clarke. Colton Blackburn scored nine points with nine rebounds, while Joey Potter added eight points.

Avery will host Mountain Heritage on Tuesday for Senior Night at Viking Gym. Lady Viking seniors Allison Vance, Samantha Shook, Katie Ellis, and Sara Singleton will be recognized, while varsity boys senior guard Jared Ward will be honored during the evening.

JV Basketball Victorious; Varsity Falls to Mitchell

Border rivals Avery and Mitchell squared off in basketball action at Viking Gym on Thursday night in a rescheduled night of action due to bad weather.

Both Avery junior varsity teams were winners in hoops action. The JV girls won a 49-33 contest against the Lady Mountaineers. Mercedes Bentley led the Avery attack with 29 points, with six points, five rebounds, and three steals from Shayna Vance and five points from Logan Johnson.

The JV boys team won by a final score of 48-41. Alex Villanueva scored 15 points in the Big Red victory, with that same point total tallied by Spencer Blackburn. Taylor Potter chipped in with five points and Dustin Clark added four points.

In varsity girls action, the Mitchell Lady Mountaineers took a 15-point lead over Avery, then withstood a furious Avery rally to hold on for a 65-61 win. Lauren Avery scored 16 points with six rebounds in the loss for the Lady Vikings, with 16 points and 12 rebounds from Katie Ellis. Samantha Shook added 13 points and five rebounds, with 10 points, six assists, three rebounds and three steals by Allison Vance. Autumn Thompson and Laken Norris each scored 19 points for Mitchell.

The final game of the night saw the Mitchell Mountaineers varsity boys defeat Avery by a final score of 80-61. Avery led 14-13 after one quarter, but a 20-7 scoring differential in favor of Mitchell gave the Mountaineers 33-21 lead at intermission.

Mitchell led by the same 12-point margin at 52-40 after three quarters, then outscored Avery 28-21 over the final eight minutes for the win.

Dustin Clarke led the Avery attack with 29 points, nine rebounds, four steals, and three assists. Jared Ward added 14 points, with eight from Joey Potter.

Three Mitchell players scored in double-figures, led by 27 points from Austin Burleson, 11 points from Corey Greene, and 10 off the bench from Logan Jensen.

Avery travels to Madison on Friday night to take on the Patriots before hosting Polk County on Monday, February 9th and Mountain Heritage on Tuesday, February 10th.

Mitchell at Avery still on for Thursday night

Despite the recent inclement weather, Avery's conference games with Mitchell scheduled for this evening will take place as scheduled. JV girls action begins at 4 p.m., followed by JV boys, Varsity girls, and varsity boys.

Avery travels to Madison on Friday evening, then takes on Polk County at home on Monday evening in a make-up game from last Tuesday's postponement.

CHS Showdown with North Greene Delayed

Thursday nights showdown between Cloudland and North Greene has been delayed a day to Friday due to road conditions. For more information, please stay tuned to the Avery Journal-Times Sports blog.

Polk Game for Tuesday Postponed; Games Rescheduled

Avery's basketball games at home against Polk County have been postponed for Tuesday evening. Those games have been rescheduled for Monday, February 9th. The Mitchell games that were originally scheduled for Monday evening have been rescheduled for this Thursday, February 5th at Viking Gym. Avery's games at Madison on Friday are still going on as scheduled.

Be sure to check here at The Blog for any further changes to the schedule for either Avery or Cloudland High School athletics!

AVERY BASKETBALL GAMES POSTPONED FOR MONDAY NIGHT

Tonight's scheduled games between Avery and Mitchell at Avery High School have been postponed for this evening. Games will be rescheduled for a later date, which will be posted once it is made available.

CLOUDLAND GAMES POSTPONED FOR THIS EVENING

Tonight's Cloudland High School boys and girls basketball games have been postponed due to inclement weather. The Lady 'Landers were scheduled to host Sullivan North tonight in Roan Mountain, while the boys were scheduled to travel to South Greene High School. No reschedule date and time has been set at this time.

Avery Wrestling Takes on Mitchell; Competes in Conference Tournament

On Friday evening the Avery Vikings took part in the Western Highlands Conference Tournament held at Madison High School. Avery ended the evening in a tie for fifth place overall, but boasted a conference champion in Brock Yackey at the 112 pound weight class.

Yackey won his first match by first period pinfall over Polk’s Ethan Moore, then captured a 7-1 decision victory over Jarrett Ipox of Madison. In the championship match, Yackey avenged a pinfall loss the previous Friday to Owen’s Austin Edwards by defeating him in a 14-5 major decision to capture the championship.

Other Avery wrestlers wrestled hard, but fell by pinfalls and were unable to garner wins during the tournament. Jacob McKinney represented the Vikings at 119 pounds, while Bryan Moody competed at 130 pounds, Forrest Sickler wrestled at 135 pounds, and Nathaniel Buchanan took the mat at 215 pounds.

In the 189 pound weight class, Lucas Lecka won his opening match over Garret Metcalf of Madison by a narrow 8-7 decision. Lecka then took on Jacob Williams of Polk in the championship semifinal and fell short in a 2-6 decision defeat. Lecka then wrestled a third match and was eliminated with a defeat to Mitchell’s Josh Peterson.

Besides Yackey, the pair of wrestlers who have been most consistently in the win column came away with third place finishes at the conference tournament. Anthony Varacalli captured third in the 145 pound weight class. The senior won his first match by a 5-2 decision over Madison’s Travis Rice, but lost by a 3-5 decision over Jesus Figueroa of Owen.

In the consolation bracket Varacalli got back on the winning track with a first period pinfall over Mountain Heritage’s Jon Fender, and then won the consolation finals when he outlasted Hendersonville’s Grant Paris in a 1-0 decision victory.

Another Avery senior, Jose Munoz, took home third place at the 152-pound weight class. Munoz started his night with a pinfall loss against David Johnston from Mountain Heritage, but did not let the initial defeat deter him. Munoz won a 6-1 decision over Owen’s Logan Newhouse, and then won a rematch with Johnston in the consolation finals by a 6-3 decision for third place.

Avery did not have enough victories to qualify for the state duals which take place this week, so the Big Red will be back in action at the 1A/2A Western Regional held at North Henderson High School on February 13-14. Top four finishers in each weight class at regional will qualify for the state wrestling championships the following weekend in Winston-Salem.

Special thanks to Skip Sickler and Skip's Shots for providing so many terrific wrestling photos throughout the season that he has graciously shared with the local media. A number of Skip's wrestling photos are currently on display at The River Dog Coffee House, located at the intersection of Highway 181 and 221 near Linville.

Lady Vikings Dominate Hendersonville; Varsity Boys Drop Conference Matchup with Bearcats

The Avery Lady Vikings basketball defeated the Hendersonville Lady Bearcats 85-57 last Friday evening in Hendersonville.

Avery found little trouble scoring points, using a 22-6 scoring run to take the early advantage. The Lady Vikings found great success inside, as the trio of Katie Ellis, Sara Wiseman, and Katelynn Eudy dominated the shorter Hendersonville squad.

Avery led 25-13 after one quarter and 40-26 at halftime. Wiseman carried the Viking offense in the half with 11 points and nine rebounds. Eudy scored ten for the half.

As the second half Avery dictated tempo and seemingly scored at will from in the paint. Katie Ellis scored only four points in the first half, but exploded for 17 points in the final two quarters for 21 points in all. Ellis also pulled in an astounding 20 rebounds off the glass and added four assists and a pair of steals.

Wiseman flirted with a triple double in the game, scoring 15 points with 11 rebounds and blocking 7 shots, all despite fouling out with over four minutes left in the game.

Despite its obvious disadvantages on the floor, Hendersonville trailed by only 16 at 60-44 after three periods. Lydia Stoney scored 17 points for the Lady Bearcats, with 16 from teammate Brooks Walz and eight points and ten rebounds from Sofia Lilly.

Avery finished the game with gusto as 25 additional points while holding the Bearcats to only a 13-point total. Lauren Avery scored four of her eight total points for the Vikings in the fourth quarter, and every Lady Viking in uniform scored points in the game.

“They’re a good basketball team,” Hendersonville coach Mike Norman said. “But we made a lot of progress. Up there we lost by 40 and didn’t score but 36 points, and tonight we played with a little more confidence.”

Eudy added 14 points and four blocks for Avery, with nine points, six steals, and four assists from Allison Vance. Samantha Shook added nine points, with eight points and seven rebounds from Lauren Avery, and five points and four rebounds from Sara Singleton.

Despite the improvement from the Lady Bearcats, seven Avery players had four or greater rebounds as they dominated the shorter and overmatched Hendersonville club. Avery improves to 12-7 overall, with a 6-1 conference record.

After their loss on Thursday night to the Cloudland Highlanders, the Vikings varsity men’s team looked to pull off an upset in Hendersonville over the Bearcats, a team who had lost its last two conference games but who soundly defeated Avery in their prior meeting in Newland.

Avery fell behind early to Hendersonville and was had no answer for its speed, athleticism, and full court pressing defense as the Bearcats prevailed 78-49.

Hendersonville utilized its height advantage early and often during Friday's contest. Tory Sitton tallied nine points for the Bearcats with six from teammate Desmond Whiteside to build a 23-13 lead after one period.

“I want our defense to spark our offense. It gives us our layups and our easy transition shots and really sets our pace,” Hendersonville head coach Rob Strong said after his team's win.

Avery played hard to keep up with the speedy Hendersonville club. Colton Blackburn was the most effective rebounder for the Big Red, as the sophomore collected ten rebounds for the game and scored ten of his 12 total points through the first two quarters. Kody Hughes chipped in with six first-half points for the Big Red, with five points from Dustin Clarke.

The Bearcats received a balanced scoring effort through two quarters, as Sitton scored 14 first-half points. A trio of Hendersonville teammates registered eight points each as the Bearcats led the Vikings 47-28 at halftime.

Avery could not find an answer all evening for Sitton, as he sparked a 10-3 Bearcat scoring run to open the second half. Hendersonville took advantage of 28 Avery turnovers, and Sitton in particular hurt the Big Red with ten points in the third quarter as part of a 24-point, ten rebound overall performance.

Dustin Clarke tallied three baskets in the stanza, but Hendersonville held a commanding 65-42 lead after three quarters and went on to the victory. Clarke led Avery with 13 points, six assists, four rebounds, and two steals. Kody Hughes scored eight points, with five points apiece from Joey Potter and Chase Watson.

Avery's boys fall to 3-15 overall and 1-6 in Western Highlands Conference play. The Big Red will look to improve their records this week against a trio of conference foes. The Vikings host Mitchell and Polk County in games early in the week, then travel this Friday to Madison for a Western Highlands contest against the Patriots.

LIVE from.... Holmes Convocation Center

We're live from ASU for this afternoon's Southern Conference contest between Appalachian State (7-11, 4-6 SoCon) and Furman (3-16, 1-9 SoCon). ASU is playing without a pair of players, as it was announced just before gametime that Ryann Abraham and Eduardo Bermudez have been suspended indefinitely due to conduct detrimental to the team. Donterious Hughes and Tyler Webb get the start for the Apps today.

Quick Notes: Furman is coming off a loss to Western Carolina, while ASU fell in its last game out, a 74-68 loss to Wofford. Local Watauga High School standout Zach Greene is on the roster for the Furman Paladins. The coaching staff for the Mountaineers, as well as the Furman staff are wearing sneakers on the sideline as part of the Coaches Vs. Cancer program.

We'll be bringing updates throughout today's contest, so stay tuned!

3:40 PM - At the first TV timeout, the Mountaineers lead the contest 11-7. Kellen Brand has six of the Mountaineers' points, with the other five coming off the hands of Tyler Webb. Brand has also picked up a pair of personal fouls in the first four minutes, relegating him to the ASU bench. Jeremi Booth will need to step up to help the Mountaineers on both ends of the floor without the team's leading scorer and short two other players on the bench.

3:50 PM - Official timeout at 10:23 remaining in the first half. Furman has cut the lead to a single point at 17-16. It has been a balanced scoring effort for the Paladins. Marcus Wright hit a three-pointer off the bench, while Ike Butts added a pair inside.

3:57 PM - 6:54 remains before halftime. ASU leads by four at 22-18. Both teams were shooting an identical 46.2% at the last TV timeout, with ASU lighting it up from the perimeter in hitting four of its first six three-point shot attempts. Marcus Wright added another bucket during the last four minutes of play.

Furman takes a timeout at the 4:27 mark after ASU opens up a 29-20 lead. A steal by Donterious Hughes and three shots on the ensuing possession entices the Furman head coach to take a timeout.

4:05 PM - with 3:47 left before halftime the Mountaineers score another pair to lead by 11 points at 31-20. ASU's defense has stiffened up, forcing a couple of turnovers. Webb and Donald Sims each have five points in the half, while Justin Dehm has eight for the Paladins.

4:15 PM - At the half, the Mountaineers lead 37-26. It wasn't the prettiest half of basketball, but the Mountaineers were effective from the perimeter, and also was able to work the ball inside as Tyler Webb put up seven points with five each from Sims and Wright. Dehm has 11 to lead the Paladins.

During the halftime break ASU basketball alumni were honored, with specific recognition of the 1979 ASU basketball squad that earned the first NCAA berth in school history.

Halftime statistics:

Appalachian shot 50% (14 for 28) from the field for the half, while holding the Paladins to only 10 of 26 shooting (38.5%). Webb and Butts lead the Mountaineers with seven points each, while Butts has pulled in nine rebounds. Other than Dehm, no other Paladin player has scored more than four points in the first half. Appalachian outrebounded the Paladins 20-11 in the first 20 minutes of play.

Second half play will be coming up!

Just a quick programming note that the Cloudland Highlanders high school basketball teams will be hosting the Johnson County Longhorns this evening from Sonny Smith Gymnasium in Roan Mountain.

4:40 PM - The Mountaineers have extended their lead to as much at 45-29, but a '3' from the Paladins entices ASU coach Houston Fancher to take a timeout to talk to his club. With 15:50 left in the contest, the Mountaineers lead 47-35. Donald Sims has 11 points to match Furman's Dehm.

4:55 PM - Furman was forced to take a timeout when unable to in-bound the basketball. A short time after the timeout, Neil Duval was stuffed on a dunk attempt as Tyler Webb rejected the Furman forward. It's always a great atmosphere at the Black Hole, and the students continue to show great support for their Apps. 10:33 remains in the game, and the Mountaineers lead by a 57-45 score. Butts has a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds for the Mountaineers as he earns a living inside. Sims still has 11, with nine from Webb and six from Booth

5:03 PM - 6:56 left at Holmes with the Mountaineers leading 63-50. ASU has managed well without two of its star players, but the Paladins continue to hang around.

5:10 PM - Furman has made a comeback behind the shooting of Jordan Miller. He knocks down a jumper to cut the ASU lead to 67-60, forcing Coach Fancher to ask for a 30-second timeout with 4:15 left. Sims and Butts are the two Mountaineers in double-figures with 13 and 16, respectively. The media timeout comes at 3:46 remaining and the Apps lead it by the same seven-point margin. Ike Butts is having a monster game with 16 points and 16 boards.

Furman has cut the lead to 74-67 after a pair of free throws by Jordan Miller as the game clock ticks under two minutes. Miller picks the pocket of Donald Sims and drives for a layup to cut the lead to five. A backcourt violation by ASU gives the ball to Furman with the opportunity to make it a 2 or 3 point game with 1:37 to go. App takes a timeout.

5:22 PM -- After a blocking foul on Josh Hunter, Bryson Barnes steps up to the line and makes a pair of free throws to make the score 74-71 with 1:14 left to play. Furman takes a timeout to talk over strategy on defense. ASU ball leading by three.

5:25 PM - Barnes of Furman is called for a foul on a driving layup attempt by Kellen Brand. Brand hits one of two free throws with 40.6 seconds to go to give ASU a 75-71 lead. Furman's Noah States misses a three-point shot and Josh Hunter grabs the rebound and is immediately fouled with 22.4 seconds left.

Hunter misses both free throws to keep Furman alive down four. Barnes drives into the lane for a quick layup to cut the lead to 75-73 with 16.5 seconds left. Timeout Furman. ASU basketball. ASU inbounds the ball, but Donald Sims is trapped in the backcourt and ASU takes a timeout. 8.5 seconds remain with the Mountaineers up a deuce. The ball is inbounded to Sims and he is immediately fouled by Anderson of Furman. Two free throws for Sims. Sims hits both free throws to make it a four point game again at 77-73 with 8.0 seconds left.

5:30 PM - Anderson quickly drives down the floor and hits a layup to again cut the lead to 2 with 3.3 seconds left. Donterious Hughes cannot get the ball inbounds after the make, so he has to take a timeout. 77-75 ASU with 3.3 seconds left. ASU gets the ball in to Booth who runs out the clock. 77-75, ASU wins it over Furman. ASU advances to 8-11 on the season and 5-6 in SoCon play. That's it from Boone. Thanks for checking out the Blog!

Avery Wrestling Locks up with Conference Rival Mitchell to Close Regular Season

The Avery wrestling team traveled to Ledger on Wednesday evening to close out regular season dual meet action with the Mitchell Mountaineers. Mitchell won decisively in a meet one week earlier, and the Mountaineers were strong again on their Senior Night, defeating the Vikings by a 57-13 final team score.

Winners in the dual for Avery included Anthony Varacalli, who was victorious by 11-3 major decision over Mitchell's Maxx Glenn. Jose Munoz won by pinfall at the 152-pound class for Avery's lone pin of the night. Brock Yackey was the only other Viking to earn a win, as he shut out his opponent by a 6-0 final score.

Both Avery and Mitchell compete in the Western Highlands Conference tournament this Friday at Madison High School. Avery did not qualify for the State Duals to be held next week, so the next action following the conference tournament will come at the NCHSAA 1A/2A Western Regionals, held at North Henderson High School on February 13 and 14.

Avery Grapplers Travel to Mountain Heritage for Trio of Dual Meets

With weather causing a number of postponements and in order to convene a number of teams together to collectively assist one another’s schedules, four Western Highlands Conference wrestling squads gathered at Mountain Heritage High School for an evening of high school mat action.

The Avery wrestling squad took on a trio of teams in conference foes Mitchell, Mountain Heritage, and Owen. It was a difficult evening in team competition, as the Vikings were unable to come away with a team dual victory.

Avery began the evening by tangling with the neighboring Mitchell Mountaineers. A strong Mountaineers team defeated the Big Red by a final dual score of 69-8.

Brock Yackey continued his strong season at the 112 pound weight class with an 11-2 major decision victory over Mitchell’s Seth Hollifield. Yackey led 4-1 after one period and the pair battled through a scoreless second period. Yackey picked up a reversal from the down position, gave up an escape, then earned a takedown and three nearfall points for the win.

The senior Viking wrestling standout Anthony Varacalli also competed against a tough foe at the 145 pound weight class in Caleb Mitcler, falling by a 5-3 decision. “Anthony had a difficult match that. He’s struggled against that particular opponent and he is developing a skill set, but he needs to bring his confidence along to be able to defeat the same guy if he faces him in the conference tournament, but Anthony is making strides at this point in the season, which has been reflected in his wins,” Avery head wrestling coach Stacey Clark commented following the event. “I felt he wrestled well in the match, but just came up short in the end.”

The match was tied at 2-2 after one period. Varacalli deferred the choice and Mictler chose the down position. Mictler earned an escape and a takedown to lead 2-5 going in the third peiod. Varacalli earned a penalty point for an illegal hold but could score no more in the 5-3 final decision.

Avery’s only other win came from Jose Munoz at 152 pounds, who won by 11-1 major decision over Mitchell’s Jubal Church. “Mitchell is a strong 2A team and is a tough opponent for us. We managed a couple of wins. The rest of our team showed our inexperience, and a more veteran Mitchell team reflects that,” Coach Clark added.

In the second dual of the evening, Avery took on host Mountain Heritage. In a closer match than the prior contest with Mitchell, Avery was still unable to come out on top as the Cougars prevailed 51-27.

The dual began with the 189 pound class and Avery picked up its first points with a forfeit win awarded to Brock Yackey at 112 pounds. At the 119 pound class, Jacob McKinney earned a pinfall victory in the final seconds of the second period over Heritage’s Calvin Denny. Denny scored first with a takedown and earned three points for a near fall. Jacob reversed the position for a pair of points, Denny escaped and the period ended 2-6 with McKinney trailing. McKinney chose the down position, earned an escape and takedown, Denny earned an escape, then Jacob got a quick takedown and finished the match with a pin.

Another tight match in the dual was at 135 pounds, where Forrest Sickler fell in a narrow 8-5 decision to Wyler Fondaw. Fondaw earned the first takedown of the match for the only first period points. Sickler deferred decision then gave up a reversal before earning one of his own. Another reversal by Fondaw left the score 6-2. Sickler began in the down position, earned an escape and takedown to cut the lead to 6-5, but a reversal by Fondaw closed the match.

Avery earned pin fall wins in the dual from Anthony Varacalli in the first period at 145 pounds and also from CJ Vance in the second period at 171 pounds. Jose Munoz earned the other four points with a 10-4 decision win at 152 over David Johnston. Munoz led 2-0 after the first period with a takedown, then led 5-0 after an escape and takedown in the second period. Munoz earned a penalty point for an illegal hold and earned an escape and takedown. Johnston picked up a takedown and two-point near fall in the third period, but Munoz took the win.

The Vikings had won a previous dual with Heritage, but there were a number of differences between the prior meeting and Friday’s encounter. “Both our teams had a few lineup shifts going into Friday’s match. Several wrestlers were at different weight classes, and Mountain Heritage had picked up a few of their wrestlers who had been out due to injury,” Coach Clark explained. “Also, in a match as close as it was, there are several bouts we refer to as “swing matches” that pit wrestlers who are really close in skill levels and wrestling skills that can go either way. We picked up favorable results in every swing match except one in the first meeting, but we didn’t get any in this match.”

Avery’s final dual match was against their regularly scheduled opponent Owen, and the Warhorses handed the Vikings a tough 69-6 defeat. At the 112 pound class, Brock Yackey was handed a rare loss by pin in the third period to Austin Edwards. Yackey led 4-1 at the end of the first period. The pair started in the neutral position to start the second period and Edwards earned a takedown and three near fall points. The bout was stopped on three occasions due to blood from Yackey’s nose which eventually had to be gauzed for the match to continue. Edwards earned a takedown in the third period and finished the match with a pin.

“Edwards is a tough opponent for Brock who wrestles similarly to the Bottoms kid from Tuscola that Brock faced in the finals at Robbinsville. All three wrestlers have similar styles and look for the same takedowns and finishes,” Clark added. “Hopefully we can help him with further developing his skill set over the next couple of weeks to be able to overcome those types of opponents heading into regionals. He’s close to getting over that hump to be a strong factor at regional and state competition.”

A pair of Vikings earned decision wins in the dual. Anthony Varacalli won by 9-6 decision at 145 pounds and Jose Munoz won by a 3-1 decision for Avery’s only points for the match.

Avery wrestles in a dual match on Wednesday at Mitchell on Senior Night in Ledger, and will travel to Madison on Friday for the Western Highlands Conference Tournament. The 1A/2A Western Regional take place the following weekend at North Henderson High School.

Avery’s cumulative records by weight classification and wrestler are as follows:
103 pounds- no wrestler
112/119 pounds- Brock Yackey: 26-13
112/119 pounds- Jacob McKinney: 11-16
125/130 pounds - Tyler Long: 3-14
125/130/135 pounds - Bryan Moody: 3-30
135 pounds - Forrest Sickler: 16-25
140 pounds - no wrestler
145 pounds - Anthony Varacalli: 22-9
152/160 pounds - Jose Munoz: 14-6;
160 pounds - no wrestler
171 pounds - CJ Vance: 7-18
189 pounds - Lucas Lecka: 11-17
215 pounds - Nathaniel Buchanan: 4-34
Heavyweight- no wrestler

Avery Alumnus Hensley Makes First Collegiate Wrestling Start for Limestone College

Just one short year ago, former Avery High wrestling standout John Hensley was dominant during a stellar senior season, completing an outstanding prep career as a three-time state qualifier with a runner-up finish at the 2008 NCHSAA North Carolina State Wrestling Championships.

Hensley was fortunate enough to continue his career at the college level, wrestling as a true freshman for NCAA Division II Limestone College.

In his first start this season at the 133 pound weight class, Hensley competed in three dual meets during the 2009 Domino’s Pizza East Coast Duals Tournament at St. Andrews Presbyterian College over the weekend.

Hensley wrestled Matt Scherich from University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown on Friday and lost a narrow 6-5 decision. On Saturday Hensley returned to the mat where he faced Kutztown University wrestler Joe Kemmerer. Kennerer is the top-ranked wrestler nationally in NCAA Divison II in the weight class, yet Hensley refused to give up a pinfall, losing by technical fall 20-2 to the Kutztown standout.

Hensley’s third match of the weekend was the charm as he faced off against Shippensburg University’s Andrew Jones. Hensley put together a dominant performance as he pinned Jones in the second period, winning by fall at the 4:26 mark of the match. The victory helped the Saints upset the No. 16 nationally-ranked and No. 4 regionally-ranked Shippensburg squad.

Vikings Pull Off Sweep of Owen Warhorses in High School Hoops

Avery swept four straight games at home Friday night in Western Highlands action against Owen High School.

Avery's JV girls won 72-25 over Owen. Mercedes Bentley scored 21 points with 8 assists and five steals, while Emily Pritchard was the only other Avery player in double figures with 11 points, nine of which came in the second half, along with five steals. Monica Estep and Shayna Vance scored nine points each in the win.

The junior varsity boys team won a thrilling 50-47 overtime contest against Owen for their second win of the year. Alex Villanueva led Avery with 13 points, with 11 from Taylor Potter and ten points from Mark Polsgrove.Avery's varsity girls defeated Owen 62-51 as Katelynn Eudy and Allison Vance each netted 16 points with 14 from Katie Ellis. Ellis exploded for ten points in the final quarter, capping off another double-double performance this season with 14 points and 13 rebounds, along with five steals and three assists.

Lady Viking teammate Katelynn Eudy also excelled in the final frame with eight of her 16 total points for the game. Eudy also hauled in ten rebounds to go with five steals. Vance added five assists and three rebounds. Stephanie Jones led Owen with 12 points, with 11 from Twitty and ten from Kyla Perry.

In the night cap, the Avery varsity boys put together its best performance of the season in defeating the Warhorses 67-54.

Dustin Clarke had a career night with 25 points, 10 rebounds, six assists, and five steals. Joey Potter logged the most minutes on the floor for Avery and had 15 points, six rebounds, three assists, two steals, and two blocks. Kody Hughes added nine points and six rebounds, with eight points from Colton Blackburn.

Avery hosts Cloudland in a non-conference game on Thursday evening, then will venture back into Western Highlands Conference play with a trip to Hendersonville to play the Bearcats.

Live From........Appalachian vs. Western Carolina

4:30: We are live from Holmes Convocation Center in Boone for today's Southern Conference showdown between App State and the visiting Catamounts from Western Carolina! Jamie is taking a day off, so I am here filling in and hope to bring you the same amount of coverage that you are used to. This game is a huge North Division showdown. Western Carolina leads the division with a 4-2 SoCon record and a 9-7 overall. Appy State is 3-5 in the conference and sports a 6-10 record. The Apps are looking to break a four game losing streak as they start a three game home stand. If your around the house, this game is being broadcast LIVE on SportSouth, and we will have updates all through the game.
4:45: Some quick pregame notes: App dropped their last name on Wednesday to College of Charleston 88-80 after the team rallied from a 17-point defict. A 66-52 setback at The Citadel on Thursday was the third loss in four games for the Catamounts who were previously unbeaten in SoCon play.
4:55: The teams are on the floor for final shootaround, and we are almost ready for player introductions!
5:06: The tip is up and we are on the way!
5:10: First media timeout at 15:53 remaining in the second half. The Mountaineers are up 7-4 as Kellen Brand has accounted for all seven points in the contest for the Apps. So far, it has been a physical game, and the refs are letting them play.
5:23: The Mountaineers call timeout at 9:16 remaining. The Catamounts have went on a 18 to 6 run since the media timeout as Appalachian has squandered several opportunites.
5:24: After one Mountaineer offensive shot, its time for the media timeout. App has had chances but hasn't been able to capitlize. The physical style of play has continued, however, it seems the Mountaineers cannot get any anything going. So far, the Catamounts have outrebounded App 10-7 and have taken 12 more shots then the Mountaineers.
5:30: Media timeoutat 7:29. App has pulled within seven points, 25 to 18. There is a nice crowd in Holmes, and they have been quite vocal so far.
5:35: The Catamounts have gotten called for traveling on their last two poessiesions, and the Mountaineers recieved an excellent steal and layup from Ryann Abraham. Western still leads 27-22 with 4:50 left.
5:37: The Catamounts responded to the traveling outbreak with five straight points to push their lead to 12. Mountaineers called a 30 second timeout.

5:45: The Mountaineers have closed the gap to three at the break. Western leads 34-31 after having a 12 point lead at the last media timeout. (We are having some computer issues, but should be back now.) Kellen Brand is putting on a show as he has 19 of App's 31 points so far in the contest.

6:00: It is almost time to start the second half. At the break, the Mountaineer football team was honored for its' fourth straight SoCon title. A look at the stats: App has shot 57.9% from the floor as they are 11 of 19. Western has shot a lower 40% but is 13 of 32. Both teams are 40% from behind the arc.

6:05: First App series: Brand hits a 3-pointer to tie the game at 34.

6:08: What a difference a halftime break can make. The Apps have taken a 41-36 lead after Brand and Sims nailed 3-pointers. Josh Hunter got a steal and was fouled while doing a layup with foul shot pending. The Catamounts were forced to call a timeout. Since the last media timeout in the first half, App outscored the Catamounts 19-2.

6:15: The App lead is down to two at 43-41 as the Mountaineers have quickly accured three team fouls. Interesting note at this point is that Brand has 22, the rest of the Apps 21.

6:17: Media timeout: App 43-41. Not much has changed. The tempo favored the Mountaineers the first part of this half, but Western is getting it back to more of their style. The gameday atmosphere is quite a treat.

6:25: Media timeout: App trails 48-46 with 11:49 remaining. This game has became a even style of play. App is shooting 55%, and is taking advantage this half of their offensive opportunites.

6:31: Western has called a timeout at 9:29 remaining in the contest as the Mountaineers have taken a 54-50 lead. The App defense has turned up the pressure on the Catamounts. The crowd is getting more vocal as this game progresses.

6:35: App is getting production from some other players has Brand has taken a rest. Josh Hunter has stepped up with nine points so far. App 57-52.

6:42: Oddly, we are at a media timeout with 6:42 remaining. App continues to lead 59-56 with two free throws on the way after the break. The tempo in this game as quickened and so has the emotions. This game is important for both teams.

6:48: Media timeout as App leads 66-64 with 3:53 remaining. Brand has 27 points so far. Both teams are making mistakes that are costing them. Western is pushing trying to get things to happen, luckly for them App has thrown some shots up in the same fashion. Both teams are proving they are teams to watch out for.

6:56: Timeout with 1:57 to go. App is up by three 70-67, and it is their poessesion when we come back. A great game looks to have an excellent ending.

6:59: App 70-69 with Sims on the line.

7:02: Sims converted and App holds a 72-70 lead with Brand on the line. Brand was slow to get up on the play. 27.4 remaining.

7:03 Brand hits both shots as App leads 74-70.

7:04: Next Catamount offensive shot is missed and Hunter is fouled and sent to the line with 14.1 left. Both shots are good as App leads 76-70. The 'Neers take a 30 second timeout. App looks determined not to let this win slip out of their hands.

7:06: FINAL APPs 76-70. Brand ends the game with 31 points. This is a major victory for App has it brings the Northern Division lead into the their grasp. For more coverage of this game check the Avery Journal-Times Sports Blog for more on this game.

CHS Schedule Changes

Last week, the weather caused major headaches in the area. For Cloudland, the weather has forced three games next week to be moved around to. On Tuesday, the 'Landers will travel to University High for four games beginning at 3:30 instead of the showdown with Avery. The Avery game has been moved to Thursday evening for TWO games at 6:00. Saturday, the 'Landers will return to Sonny Smith Gymnasium as they host Johnson County for four games starting at 3:30.

The Avery Vikings were not immune to schedule changes either as detailed in the post below. For more information, keep checking the Avery Journal-Times Sports Blog.

Avery Basketball Schedule Changes for Coming Week

Avery and Owen will tangle in Western Highlands Conference basketball action this evening with JV games slated to begin at 4 p.m.

The Avery basketball schedule has had to endure some editing, however, due to the state End of Grade (EOG) testing requirements for the county.

Avery's game that was scheduled with the rival Mitchell Mountaineers this past Tuesday the 20th has been moved back to Monday, February 2nd, with junior varsity games at Viking Gym slated for the regular start time of 4 p.m. The Tuesday, January 27th non-conference varsity-only games against Cloudland (TN) have been moved to Thursday afternoon, January 29th.

Cloudland Games Postponed today

Cloudland's basketball games scheduled with University High have been postponed for this evening. No reschedule date has been set. We'll post reschedule information here as it becomes available.

Avery Schedule Changes

Due to the North Carolina Department of Education regulations concerning EOG Testing, the Avery vs. Mitchell game was postponed. The date has NOT been set, due to scheduling conflict.It will NOT be played on Thursday, Jan. 29th. When an official date is announced, we will post it on the blog.

Avery Wrestling for tomorrow night has also been postponed until a date to be announced.

We do not have word how the weather will effect Cloudland's trip to University High Tomorrow afternoon.

Keep checking for more information!

Avery Wrestling Meets Madison, Travels to Far West

The Avery wrestling team continued its stretch of action with a dual meet at Madison High School and its annual trek to Robbinsville High School for the annual James Orr Invitational, also known as the Far West Invitational.

Tuesday’s match was a one-sided dual meet as the strong Patriots roster was dominant in a 71-11 triumph. Avery winners during the meet were Brock Yackey, who captured a 18-2 technical fall victory over Jarrett Ipox at 112 pounds, and a forfeit victory by Anthony Varacalli at 145 pounds.

“There isn’t much to say about the Madison match, and my mom said if you can’t say anything nice not to say anything at all,” Avery wrestling coach Stacey Clark said following the meet. “I was just disappointed in our level of performance at the Madison match. They weren’t an opponent to be taken lightly and they proved that to our team. I hope that match was a learning experience for us.”

On Saturday the Avery club took a total of eight wrestlers to Robbinsville High School for the Far West Invitational. The team experienced mixed results in the event.

Brock Yackey continued his terrific season with a second place finish in the 112 pound class. Yackey defeated Nick Morefiled of Robbinsville by pin at the 5:00 minute mark, and defeated DJ Rauland of West Henderson 7-6. In the championship round Yackey was defeated by Jason Bottoms of Tuscola by pin fall in the third period.

“Brock wrestled really well at the tournament. I believe he even wrestled well in his finals match. The kid was a good bit better than Brock, but it showed him some things he needs to work on going into regional and states,” Coach Clark commented. “There is not a lot of competition in his weight class in our conference, so this was a good experience for him.”

Anthony Varacalli captured fourth place at the tournament. Following a first round bye, he was defeated 11-14 by John Hicks of Robbisnville. Varacalli bounced back to take 6-2 decision over Jordan Heatherly of West Henderson, but lost 6-1 to Tuscola’s Cody Saggus in the second consolation round.

“Anthony had a decent day. He came in ranked highly, and it showed him that being ranked high doesn’t mean anything. You still have to go out there and wrestle hard and wrestle well. I believe he also learned from the tournament,” the coach added.

Jacob McKinney (119 pounds), Bryan Moody (130 pounds), CJ Vance (171 pounds), and Nathaniel Buchanan (215 pounds) each wrestled a pair of matches, but unfortunately were not able to come away with victories during competition.

A pair of wrestlers did not place, but did earn wins at Robbinsville. Forrest Sickler (135 pounds) lost his first match to eventual champion of his weight class, but did advance to second round consolations as he came from five points behind to win his first consolation match by second period pin fall over Aaron Fritts of Cherokee.

“The excellent thing was to see Forrest bounce back from behind to win that match. It was a real confidence boost for him,” Clark explained. “He didn’t wrestle his best in his last match, but he is still improving, making strides, and gaining some experience every time he goes out on the mat.”
Lucas Lecka also lost his first match, but rallied to win his first round consolation match by first period pin over Hayesville’s Timmy Kelly before losing a second round consolation match.

“Lucas wrestled well, but he’s still at the point where there are still levels he can achieve and things he can improve upon,” Coach Clark stated. “Overall as a tournament I felt the Robbinsville tournament gave us a measuring stick of a number of opponents that we will meet in the Western region that we don’t see that often,” Coach Clark added.

Avery’s dual meet at Mitchell on Tuesday was rescheduled due to exams, but the Big Red is scheduled to grapple with Owen in a dual meet in Swannanoa on Friday evening.

Avery Girls Basketball Takes Two of Three in Busy Week

The Avery Lady Vikings varsity basketball squad started the week strong with a 78-57 whipping of Madison Tuesday night at Viking Gym. One night later the Ashe County Lady Huskies successfully pulled off a season sweep of the Big Red, however, winning a close 55-50 contest. Avery got back on track quickly, however, as they traveled to Burnsville and upended the Lady Cougars from Mountain Heritage by a 58-53 final score.

In defeating the Lady Patriots from Madison, Katie Ellis scored 17 points with nine rebounds and four steals for Avery, with Allison Vance and Samantha Shook reaching double-figures in the scoring column with 11 and 10 points, respectively.

Avery opened the game on fire from the floor, sprinting out to a 21-10 lead after one quarter. By the end of the half, every Lady Vikings player dressed for the contest had points on the scoreboard and the Vikings had a commanding 45-26 lead at intermission.

Both teams hit a cold stretch in the third quarter as the teams would combine to score only 16 points with the Big Red leading 52-35, but the defense was a fortress the Lady Patriots could not penetrate. The Lady Vikings forced 20 turnovers in the runaway win and was dominant on the glass with over 50 rebounds as a team.

On Wednesday Avery appeared in firm control of the game with Ashe County through much of the first half. The Huskies were without their leading scorer Kim McNeil who led Ashe in scoring when the two squads met Avery's first game of the season.

The first half was a low scoring matchup as Avery led 10-7 after one quarter and 20-18 at halftime. Katie Ellis led the Lady Vikings with seven points in the first half. Ashe County showed great poise coming out of the locker room, as well as better offensive execution. An 8-0 Ashe scoring run in the first 72 seconds of the half gave the Lady Huskies the lead for good at 26-20.
Ashe was paced by Mallory Clay, who scored 13 of her 16 points for the game during the third quarter scoring run that put the Huskies up 39-30 after three quarters.

Avery had a difficult time hanging on to the basketball throughout the contest, which led to a number of Ashe scoring changes. The Lady Vikings turned it over 21 times in the game, five of which came early in the second half to jump start the Ashe offensive transition game.

The Lady Vikings would not give up as they used their own 13-7 scoring run early in the fourth quarter to cut the lead to 46-43. Two Megan Tennant free throws cut the deficit to 46-45, but that would be as close as Avery would get. Ashe built its lead back late to 53-47 and won by the 55-50 final score.

Ellis led Avery with 15 points, to go with 10 rebounds, two steals, and a pair of blocks. Shook tallied eight of her ten points in the second half.

Avery got back on track as it ventured back into Western Highlands play Friday night at Mountain Heritage. Throughout the first quarter the Vikings dictated tempo and took an early lead. Katie Ellis scored four points through the first eight minutes and Samantha Shook knocked down the first of her three 3-point baskets for the game in the period to help Avery lead 13-7 through one quarter.

As important as the offensive production, the team’s defensive intensity and focus was as strong as it has been all season. Avery forced 22 first-half Lady Cougar turnovers and frazzled Heritage all night with its press defense. Avery shot only 31 percent from the field for the half, but the defense fueled the offense with extra possessions as the Big Red doubled up the Lady Cougars 30-15 by halftime. Solid free throw shooting also helped tip the scoreboard in Avery’s favor as the Lady Vikings were 10 of 12 from the charity stripe through two quarters.

Ellis, Shook, and Allison Vance each tallied six first-half points in a balanced Avery attack.
Mountain Heritage could have let the contest get away in the second half, but the veteran players stepped up to lead a Cougar comeback. Kayla Sheppard led the charge with 19 points in the second half and 23 points total to lead all scorers. She and teammate Courtney Huskins combined for 12 points to cut the 15-point Avery lead to only nine points at 40-31 after three periods.

On two separate occasions in the fourth quarter the Lady Cougars cut the Avery lead to as little as four points, the latter of which occurred with under a minute left in the game. But the Lady Vikings veteran players stepped up to stave off the hungry and upset-minded Heritage club.

Allison Vance scored eight of her team-high 14 points in the fourth quarter and hit four of five free throws in the quarter. Ellis completed a double-double performance with ten rebounds in the game to go with eight steals and four assists. Lauren Avery scored seven points with seven rebounds and Katelynn Eudy scored six with eight rebounds and four blocks.

The Lady Vikings return to conference action as they officially hit the midway point of the conference schedule with a rematch on Friday at Viking Gym against Owen.

Avery Boys Basketball Week in Review

Avery's varsity boys hit a tough patch in the schedule last week with a trio of games against quality opponents. Madison defeated Avery on Tuesday by a final score of 88-66, Ashe County upended the Vikings in Jefferson 70-50, and the Mountain Heritage Cougars defended its home court Friday night in Burnsville with a 74-33 win.

In Tuesday’s contest at Viking Gym Madison led after a high-scoring opening period by a 22-17 advantage, but the Patriots pulled away midway through the second quarter, lighting up the scoreboard for a total of 34 second-quarter points while the Vikings scored a respectable 21 points. Nevertheless, Madison's lead extended to 56-38 at halftime. Dustin Clarke paced the Vikings with 23 first half points to lead all scorers while Kody Hughes contributed with nine points.

Madison took a 74-50 lead after three quarters of play en route to the 22-point triumph. Clarke finished the night for the Vikings with 26 points, while Kody Hughes was the only other Viking in double-figures with 14 points. A total of four Madison players scored double-figures in the Western Highlands Conference contest.

In Wednesday’s contest in Jefferson, Avery fell to Ashe County 70-50 in a night of milestones for the Huskies. Ashe County head coach Marc Payne was honored for getting his 500th victory last Friday night in a win over North Wilkes. Early in the second quarter, Tommy Spagnolo registered his 1,000th career point and the contest was stopped temporarily to recognize his achievement.

Avery was not phased by the pomp and circumstance of the evening, however. The Big Red played even with the Huskies in the first quarter, leading on multiple occasions before closing the quarter tied at 15 points each.

The bane of Avery's squad and head coach Bo Manis has been the team's performances in the second quarter of games this season. That trend continued Wednesday as the Huskies outscored Avery 21-12 in the period to take a 36-27 halftime advantage. Dustin Clarke led the Vikings with 11 first-half points, with seven points from Cole Blackburn and six from Kody Hughes. All three players would end the night in double-figures scoring for Avery.

The Big Red tried to cut into the Husky lead in the third quarter, but the guard play of Grayson Wells and Daniel Waln was strong, scoring a combined seven points in the quarter and controlling game tempo.

Ashe led 52-38 after three quarters of action. Spagnolo, who had only five first-half points, asserted himself in the final eight minutes by scoring nine points in the final stanza. Ashe's Tatum Lemly, who registered 16 first-half points to lead his club, scored four of his six second-half points in the quarter en route to outscoring the Vikings 18-12 over the final eight minutes.

Clarke led the Vikings with 18 points, five rebounds, four steals, and three assists. Cole Blackburn added 12 points and nine rebounds, with 11 points and seven rebounds from Kody Hughes. Waln scored 11 points with ten assists for the Huskies to go with Tatum Lemly's 24 points to lead all scorers.

Friday night’s contest showcased a tall and talent-laden Mountain Heritage Cougars team that played hard on both ends of the court. The Vikings played hard as well but the offense simply struggled to hit its shots.

The Cougars led early as six points from guard Steven Wilson staked Heritage to a 15-5 advantage after one quarter. Joey Potter accounted for all five of the Avery points in the period.
As the second stanza played out, Avery encountered a scoring drought of epic proportions.

Mountain Heritage scored 14 consecutive points over a span of six and a half minutes in the period as the Vikings remained scoreless. Avery finally managed its lone basket of the quarter on a Jared Ward jump shot with 1:23 left in the first half. By that point the damage had been done as Heritage led 33-7 at halftime.

The Vikings shot only 2 for 18 in the first half (11%), while the Cougars shot the basketball 38 times, hitting 12 field goals while shooting 7 of 10 from the free throw line for the half.
Intermission gave the Avery team the opportunity to regroup, but Heritage kept the pressure on as it outscored the Vikings 21-9 in the third quarter to lead 54-16.

The Big Red continued to play with pride throughout the game as Chase Watson exemplified the fighting spirit, scoring a team-high nine points off the bench (all in the second half) to pace Avery. Cold shooting as a team and 22 turnovers combined with a strong shooting Cougars club were obstacles too great for the Vikings to overcome.