Nation Ford’s Jackson Burnham shoots a jumper during the Falcons game against Gaffney Wednesday night.

GAFFNEY – A long season for the Nation Ford Falcons boys’ basketball team came to an end Wednesday night at the hands of the Gaffney Indians in a blowout loss.

The Falcons lost 71-26 to Gaffney, who won the Region 3-5A title, and will open the first round of the playoffs next week. Ironically Nation Ford played much better against the Indians at home Monday losing 58-54, which made Wednesday’s match-up a little more intriguing going into the contest.

Jackson Burnham led the Falcons with eight points in the game. Nation Ford finished the season with a 1-15 record and 0-8 in the region.

Head coach Jared Adamson said the season was one that revealed a lot about his players.

“Indescribable season,” he said. “The kids showed a lot of character on and off the court. I am proud of their efforts and thankful for the seven seniors that contributed to the program.”

From the opening tip, Nation Ford struggled to score and hold onto the ball. The Falcons hit just one shot in the first quarter and went down 22-2 after the opening period.

Nation Ford did play better at times and contended with Gaffney in the second quarter after the lopsided opening. Gaffney didn’t allow Nation Ford to get many good looks at the basket and kept them out of the lane for much of the first half.

Gaffney pressed Nation Ford from their first possession and didn’t let up defensively all night, keeping their starters in often despite running away with the game. The Indians took a 37-11 lead into the locker room at the half.

The third quarter was the worst part of the game for Nation Ford as turnovers led to breakaways for Gaffney and poor defense gave up easy baskets to the Indians. Gaffney outscored Nation Ford 27-8 in the quarter and took a 64-19 lead into the fourth quarter.

At one point in the fourth quarter, Gaffney, who continued their aggressive defense, pushed their lead to 50 with about 4:15 left in the game before the Falcons were able to score.

Mac Banks: mac@fortmillprepsports.com, @fortprep