By JIM WALKER

Tribune Sports Editor

 

CHILLICOTHE — It takes defense to win a championship.

The Fairland Dragons were living proof on Friday as they turned in a strong defensive effort to beat the Hillsboro Indians 64-44 to win the Division II sectional title.

The Dragons led by six at the half but then limited Hillsboro to just 19 points in the second half to win going away.

“We played pretty well defensively, especially in the second half. They didn’t have anyone who could shut down Evan Salyers inside,” said Fairland coach Nathan Speed.

Salyers had 20 points and 15 rebounds for the Dragons (16-5). Cody Midkiff had 14 points and 6 rebounds while Evan Maddox added 13 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists.

“Cody had a nice game for us,” said Speed. “All our guys contributed.”

Devin Amers scored 17 points and Tyrand Cumberland 11 for Hillsboro (15-6).

Maddox scored 10 points in the first quarter and the game was tied 15-15.

Fairland used a 9-0 run to open up a 31-22 lead before Cumberland’s 3-pointer got Hillsboro within 31-25 at the half.

Salyers scored 11 points in the third quarter and the defense held Hillsboro to just 8 points to extend the lead to 49-33.

After the Indians scored to begin the fourth quarter, Fairland ran off six unanswered points including a 3-point play by Midkiff and the lead ballooned to 20.

Fairland will play Warren at 6:15 Thursday at Ohio University.

Hillsboro 15 10 8 11 = 44

Fairland 15 16 18 15 = 64

HILLSBORO (15-6): Tyrand Cumberland 3-5 1-3 2-2 11, Trey Moberly 0-1 0-0 0-0 0, Reese Liebrich 0-0 0-0 0-0 0, Devin Ames 2-8 3-3 4-4 17, Jerrod Hart 2-10 0-0 0-0 4, Chase Gillilan 1-3 0-4 2-5 4, Taron Captain 0-3 0-0 1-2 1, Christian Cundiff 2-2 0-4 0-0 4, Wes Sears 0-0 0-0 0-0 0, Zach Young 0-0 0-0 0-0 0, Tyia Cumberland 1-4 0-0 1-2 3. Totals: 15-50 10-15 44. 3-point goals: 4-14. Rebounds: 21 (Tyr. Cumberland 7). Assists: 4. Turnovers: 16. Fouls: 16. Fouled out: None.

FAIRLAND (16-5): Cody Midkiff 5-7 1-2 1-1 14, AlecWarner 0-0 0-0 0-0 0, Luke Phillips 0-0 0-0 0-0 0, Eric Riley 1-1 0-1 0-0 2, Kyle Raines 0-0 0-0 0-2 0, Evan Maddox 2-8 2-3 3-8 13, Blaine Fuller 4-6 0-1 1-3 9, Nathan Campbell 1-1 1-2 1-4 6, Evan Salyers 9-14 0-0 2-4 20, Ryan Wooten 0-1 0-0 0-0 0, Josh Goodman 0-0 0-0 0-0 0. Totals: 26-47 8-22 64. 3-point goals: 4-9. Rebounds: 39 (Salyers 15, Maddox 8, Midkiff 6). Assists: 16 (Maddox 5, Campbell 4). Steals: 6. Turnovers: 11. Fouls: 17. Fouled out: None.