Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

 

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — Playing back-to-back and against a team with just one win, the Fairland Dragons weren’t filled with a lot of excitement.

But the Dragons managed to use a tough defense to start and finish the game as they beat the Mingo Central Miners 60-47 on Saturday in The Huntington Classic at Big Sandy Arena.

Kollin Van Horn posted a double-double to lead the Dragons (13-3). Van Horn had 16 points and 11 rebounds while Isaiah Howell had a strong game with 14 points and nine rebounds.

Mingo Central (1-14) was led by Dalton Hatfield with 17 points.

Fairland built a 13-5 first quarter lead and pulled away to a 23-12 lead midway through the second quarter on a basket by Van Horn.

But the Miners rallied and cut the deficit to 28-22 at the half.

The Miners battled back to take a 39-38 lead on a basket by Hatfield with 2:07 left in the third quarter, but Luke Thomas answered with a basket to make it 40-39 with 1:57 on the clock as the Dragons took a lead they never relinquished.

Fairland’s defense then went back to work and outscored Mingo Central 15-6 in the fourth quarter.

The Dragons host Ironton on Monday in a league makeup game.

Mingo Central 5 17 19 6 = 47

Fairland 13 15 17 15 = 60

MINGO CENTRAL (1-14) Joshua Reed 3, Dalton Hatfield 17, Fletcher 6, Daniel Buchanon 6, Aaron Banks 8, Deonte Joplin 7.

FAIRLAND (13-3): Ty Staten 0, Isaiah Howell 14, Kollin Van Horn 16, Keedrick Cunningham 9, Luke Thomas 16, Hayden James 7.