The Dragons fell behind early in the second half and never recovered as they lost 71-57 to the Tolsia Rebels Wednesday in the semifinals of the Huntington St.

Thursday, January 27, 2000

The Dragons fell behind early in the second half and never recovered as they lost 71-57 to the Tolsia Rebels Wednesday in the semifinals of the Huntington St. Joe Invitational at Memorial Field House.

Fairland won the SJI last season as they beat Tolsia in the semifinals and Chesapeake in the championship game.

Instead, Tolsia will play Chesapeake for the tournament championship at 9 p.m. Friday. Fairland takes on host St. Joe in the consolation game at 7 p.m.

Fairland (7-4) was led by Aaron Swanton with 14 points.

Jason Walker scored 17 points to lead Tolsia (8-5).

The game was tied 13-13 at the end of the first quarter.

The lead changed hands five times the first half until the Dragons went up 29-27 at the halftime. J. W. Jones helped Fairland to the lead as he scored eight of his 10 points the first half off offensive rebounds.

Tolsia began the second half with a 14-4 run to take the lead for good at 41-31.

The Rebels continued to pull away the fourth quarter as the lead reached double digits for the first time and they held on for the win.

The tournament continues with the big school division. The South Point Pointers take on Spring Valley at 9 p.m. in the second semifinal game.