Sports
Fairfield Pulls Down District Title
By: Seth Austin
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Ironically, Fairfield was the team that controlled the paint. The Lions beat Paint Valley 61-51 Saturday claiming their program’s third district title in school history.
The Lions out-rebounded Paint Valley 35-26 with their two bigs, Joey Wilson and Ryan Bates, finishing with double-doubles. Wilson, who achieved his in the first half alone, finished the game with 13 points and 17 boards.
“He’s just a beast inside,” Fairfield coach Everett Snyder said. “He did a good job and just kept going back to the hoop when he’d get the rebounds.”
Fairfield jumped out on top in the first frame behind Cody Bennet’s eight first quarter points and extended their lead heading to the half riding on Wilson’s shoulders.
The Lions took the floor in the third with an eight point lead but Paint Valley started the half with a run that put them as close as four, but that’s as close as Dave Shoemaker’s Bearcats would get to Fairfield. The Lions kept control throughout the fourth to fend off Paint Valley for the district crown.
“It feels great. We made it here last year and lost in the district finals,” Everett said. “Our goal this year at the beginning of the season was make it back and win the district championship.”
Paint Valley was led by Clay Stratton who finished with 19 points and 11 rebounds.
The Lions advance to the regional semifinals where they will face Harvest Prep March 11 at the Convocation Center. Tip is set for 8:00 p.m.
Photos from Fairfield's district title win from WOUB's Nick Bolin: