Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

 

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — What started well didn’t continue.

The Fairland Dragons took an early lead against the heavily-favored Mars Hill Academy from Vaughn, Ontario in Canada, but the lead was short-lived in a 67-47 loss on Friday at the Big Sandy Arena.

Fairland took a 12-9 first quarter lead but then scored just four points in the second quarter as Mars Hill scored seven unanswered points to begin the second quarter and rolled to a 27-16 halftime lead.

The Dragons got their offense going again in the third quarter with 18 points but Mars Hill erupted for 27 points to lead 54-34.

Jeremiah Usiosefe had 14 points, Justin Andrew 12 and Antoine Vernon 10 to lead Mars Hill.

Kollin Van Horn and Hayden James scored 10 points each for Fairland (12-3).

The Dragons were playing without starting guard Gunner Short due to an injury.

Mars Hill features several Division I prospects. The school produced former Huntington Prep standouts Andrew Wiggins and Xavier Rathan-Mayes.

Fairland played Mingo Central on Saturday in The Huntington Classic at Big Sandy Arena and hosts Ironton on Monday in an Ohio Valley Conference game.

Fairland 12 4 18 13 = 47

Mars Hill 9 18 27 13 = 67

FAIRLAND (12-3): Ty Staten 6, Isaiah Howell 6, Kollin Van Horn 10, Keedrick Cunningham 5, Luke Thomas 5, Dairus Stapleton 5, Hayden James 10.

MARS HILL CHRISTIAN (9-1): Ejim 3, Andrew 12, John 4, Usiosefe 14. Doahen 2, Mugambi 1, Vernon 10, Walker 2, Fraser 2, Russell 7, Chrsitie 3, Jackson 7.