<strong>By Trace Lowther</strong>
<strong>LowcoSports.com</strong>

Beaufort High’s boys couldn’t keep pace with James Island on the road in the semifinals of the Region 7-4A tournament Monday night, falling 79-63 to the Trojans.

Beaufort junior James Dennison poured in 22 points, including 17 in the first half, but the Eagles didn’t have an answer James Island’s Bailey Wiseman. Wiseman could not be stopped early on, racking up 12 points in the first, including four shots from deep to give the Trojans a 26-19 lead after one.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>

Dennison started the game nicely with 11 points in the first quarter, including three 3-pointer, and his success continued into the second, but a collective offensive effort from James Island gave the Trojans a 46-34 halftime lead.

Beaufort’s defensive struggles continued in the second half, allowing 20 points in the third quarter, including Wiseman’s fifth 3-pointer of the contest.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>

The Eagles outscored the Trojans in the fourth quarter but were unable to claw back from the 18 point deficit.

BHS advanced to the semifinals with an impressive 66-47 home win over Bluffton in the first round Friday, using a huge second quarter to run away.

Daniel Phares racked up 20 points and nine rebounds to help ensure the Eagles extended his career by at least one more game, while Zyrin Odom posted a double-double with 11 points and 10 boards to lead an outstanding all-around effort from Beaufort. Michael Dennison added 12 points and and six rebounds, and James Dennison had 10 points and eight boards.

Beaufort High (8-5) will have to wait and see if it can sneak into the playoffs with an at-large bid.

James Island will take on Lowco powerhouse Hilton Head High for the Region 7-4A championship Thursday. The Seahawks swept the season series en route to an undefeated regular-season record.

<em>Above: Beaufort High School’s James Dennison, after grabbing the rebound, tosses the ball into the basket despite the efforts of Bluffton’s Adarian Ransburg during the first round of the Region 7-4A tournament Friday night at Beaufort. The Eagles defeated the Bobcats and advanced to the semi-final Monday night, where they fell 79-63. Photo by Bob Sofaly.</em>