Pleasant Home put together a god first half as the Eagles beat Kinston 68-66 in the Class 1A, Area 2 semifinals Friday night.

The difference maker for PHS in the first 16 minutes was its field goal percentage. The Eagles went 13-for-25 (52 percent) from the field.

“We had a strong first half, PHS boys coach Bradley Stephens said.

The Eagles led by 20 points at halftime, but the Bulldogs roared back in the third to make it a game, Stephens said.

Another key to Pleasant Home’s win, which sent it to the area tournament finals Monday night against Geneva County, was its rebounding. Three Eagles almost finished in double figures.

“In the second half, we kind of cooled off,” Stephens said.

Troy Fantroy led PHS with 25 points, five blocks and seven rebounds; Jon Cole Chesser chipped in 19 points and nine boards; Alex Myrick scored 12 points and grabbed eight rebounds; and Chase Gunter had a career-high nine assists with eight points.

In girls action, Pleasant Home defeated KHS 36-24.

The Lady Eagles led 23-6 at halftime in the win, which also garnered them a meeting with GCHS in the area finals Monday.

“Tonight, it was all about winning,” PHS girls coach Jerry Davis said. “Kinston scored the first 10 points in the third quarter. We held the ball a little.”

Davis said the girls reached one of their goals.

“It’s tough to beat somebody three times,” he said. “In the second half, we got throught it.”

Jade Self led PHS with 13 points. Cassidy Godwin chipped in 11 points and eight rebounds.

The girls and boys championships are set for 6 and 7:30 Monday night at GCHS.

Geneva County girls 60, Florala girls 36

Geneva County boys 59, Florala boys 47

Florala’s Lyndsee Edwards led the Lady Wildcats with nine points; Shay Brooks had eight points; Angel Maxey had seven points; and Riley Edwards chipped in six.

In boys action, Florala’s Khalen Ball led the Wildcats with 24 points. Ray Hall chipped in 11.

“They played four full quarters of physical basketball,” FHS boys coach Troy Stewart said. “I can’t ask for anything more than that. These boys are going to do something special next season.”