02/25/2026
UNAKA BOYS CLAIM DISTRICT 1A CHAMPIONSHIP, FIRST TITLE SINCE 2013
Written by Mike Hynes
A packed crowd filled the gym at Happy Valley High School Monday night as Unaka captured the District 1A Championship with a 61-51 win over Hampton. The energy in the building reflected the moment, as the Rangers secured their first district title since 2013 with a composed and balanced performance.
Unaka set the tone early, scoring 16 points in the first quarter and adding another 16 in the second to take a 32-23 lead into halftime. The Rangers maintained their consistency in the second half, finishing with 15 points in the third quarter and 14 in the fourth to close out the 10-point victory.
J. Hardin led Unaka with 17 points, delivering key baskets throughout the night. C. Smith added 14 points, while Z. Wallin contributed 13. J. Wallin scored 9 points, and A. Walsh finished with 8, as the Rangers showcased a balanced offensive effort that accounted for all 61 points.
Hampton battled throughout the contest and kept pressure on the Rangers, particularly in the second half. C. Davenport led Hampton with 16 points. C. Clark added 12, T. Robison scored 10, B. Fagen contributed 9, and J. Smith finished with 4.
Hampton opened with 14 points in the first quarter and added 9 in the second. The Bulldogs scored 14 in the third quarter and 14 more in the fourth to finish with 51 points.
With steady ex*****on, timely defense, and balanced scoring, Unaka controlled the tempo and sealed the championship victory. The win marks a significant milestone for the program, bringing the District 1A trophy back home for the first time in over a decade.