Kris Bankston made a difference for the Fair War Eagles.
Bankston, a 6-7 junior forward, overcame foul trouble to contribute 14 points, including six in the final four minutes, to lead Fair's 55-50 comeback victory over Pulaski Academy Tuesday night at Fair's gym.
The victory kept Fair (18-4, 7-2) in a 5A-Central first-place tie with Mills, which won at home against Jacksonville.
The War Eagles trailed 30-21 at the half, but they outscored Pulaski Academy 20-11 in the third quarter to enter the fourth quarter tied 41-41.
"We played well in the second half,'' War Eagles Coach Charlie Johnson said. "We just played our game. I'm more concerned about what we do than the other team. We do what we are supposed to do, I don't worry about the others."
It helped Fair to have Bankston on the court at the outset of the third quarter, when the War Eagles scored the first nine points of the second half to tie the game at 30-30.
Lawson Korita hit 3 three-pointers to keep the Bruins (13-5, 6-3) in the game. Korita led Pulaski Academy with 25 points.
"You can plan all you want to," Johnson said of Korita. "He is going to get his. I'll give him all the credit. He's a ballplayer."
It was Bankston, playing with four fouls, who helped keep Fair in the lead after the War Eagles went up 49-43 midway in the fourth quarter.
Bankston had two free throws and a dunk in the final minute.
Fair led 13-12 after one quarter but was outscored 18-8 in the second quarter, as the War Eagles shot 3 of 14 from the field, were 1 of 3 from the line and had 4 turnovers.
"It was an ugly quarter,'' Johnson said. "We just didn't shoot the ball, took some ill-advised shots, and shot too quick. All we need to do is have a little patience on offense. We can get those same shots we rushed if we just run our offense."
Nick Jones and Jerrick Cole had 13 each for Fair. Collyn Jones scored 10.
Sports on 02/10/2016