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Inside game carries Cloudland to 1-A title

By Tim Chambers

AFTON — Cloudland got “Skyscraper” performances from its “Twin Towers,” and as a result will now play at home Saturday with a state tournament berth on the line.

Brooke Rhodes and Courtney Wilson combined for 40 points and 22 rebounds, leading the Lady Highlanders past Hampton 47-31 in the Region 1-A championship game played at Chuckey-Doak Middle School Wednesday night.

It was total domination by the two in the paint against an undersized but gusty bunch of Lady Bulldogs.

Highlanders head coach Matt Birchfield was happy with his team’s performance, especially in the second half.

“We missed some shots early and got a little loose with the ball that could have helped us open up our lead, but I thought we played well in the second half,” said Birchfield. “Wilson stepped up and played great when Brooke got in foul trouble, and they both took it upon themselves to be offensive minded.”