The St. Joseph Flyers lost their big man early, so Kyle Johnson came up big.

Shawn Hacker, the Flyers 6-foot-7 center, fouled out with seven minutes to play. But Johnson, a 6-3 senior, stepped in and took charge as the Flyers beat the Fairview (Ky.) Eagles 71-66 Saturday night.

Johnson had 19 points -- he was 9 of 11 at the line -- and three steals to help the Flyers even their record at 5-5.

"Kyle Johnson played a great game. When Shawn fouled out, Kyle had to play their 6-6 kid in the post and he did a great job," Flyers coach Adam Simpson said. "Matt Hornbeck and Danny Stack handled their pressure, and Chris Laber had his usual, steady game.

"We had a good team effort, and we have to have a team effort to win. Everyone contributed. If we can get three for four guys in double figures, we're all right."

Laber had 14 points and 12 rebounds while Hornbeck had 14 points and three assists. Hacker finished with 17 points , 14 rebounds and three blocked shots.

Billy Terry scored 17 points, Brett Cooksey 13, and Brandon Wurts 11 to lead Fairview (5-4).

"They were quick. They were as quick a team as I've seen in long time. They pressed us the whole game. But we handled it," Simpson said.

The Eagles led 17-14 after the first quarter before the Flyers rallied to take a 32-30 halftime lead.

Fairview regained the lead at 48-44 after three quarters, but St. Joseph converted 15 of 18 from the line in the fourth quarter to pull off the victory.

Although the Flyers chances appeared in jeopardy when Hacker fouled out and Fairview ahead by five, freshman Jeremy Addis stepped in and helped fill the void.

"Jeremy Addis handled the pressure well and hit two big free throws. That was a tough situation for a freshman," Simpson said.

Fairview17131818--66

St. Joseph14181227--71

FAIRVIEW (5-4):

Brandon Wurts 3 1 2-2 11, Josh Miller 0 0 2-2 2, Brett Cooksey 6 0 1-2 13, Phillip Meeks 2 0 1-1 5, Chris Jennings 2 1 0-0 7, Billy Terry 6 1 2-5 17, Cody Fannin 3 0 3-6 9, Zach Moore 0 0 2-4 2. Totals: 22

3

13-22

66. Fouls: 25. Fouled out: None.

IRONTON ST. JOSEPH (5-5):

Danny Stack 1 1 0-0 5, Kyle Johnson 5 0 9-11 19, Matt Hornbeck 3 0 8-9 14, Jeremy Addis 0 0 2-2 2, Chris Laber 4 0 6-9 14, Shawn Hacker 8 0 1-5 17. Totals: 21

1

26-36

71. Fouls: 17. Fouled out: Hacker. Rebounds: Hacker 14, Laber 12). Assists: Hornbeck 3. Steals: Johnson 3. Blocked shots: Hacker 3.