First Posted: 2/24/2014

FAIRMONT — Shemar Barfield remembers the feeling all too well.

One of two rising seniors in Fairmont’s starting five last season, Barfield walked off the floor in Fayetteville following one of the worst games of his career, a scoreless outing during a 27-point regional final loss to Kinston.

“Me and Kwinton (Hinson) could’ve played a lot better, but you try to forget (about it) and move on,” Barfield said. “My team has another chance now. We fought. We have to get it.”

On Friday night at home, the Golden Tornadoes get their shot at redemption.

Fairmont disposed of Edenton Holmes, 78-57, in the second round of state 2A playoffs Wednesday to setup a heavyweight home rematch with the two-time defending state champs.

Fairmont’s (20-5) won five straight games, eclipsed the 20-win plateau for the fourth consecutive year and is one victory from regional play for the third time since 2010.

The resumé’s impressive and quite satisfying for veteran coach Michael Baker.

“These guys have worked hard all year to get in this position and have put themselves in a spot a lot of (people) didn’t think we’d be in,” he said. “This summer, we played a lot of 4A teams with height to prepare us for what we might see in the playoffs. I think our fans saw that tonight. Despite our size, we battled on the boards against a taller team.”

Scoring balance has been Fairmont’s strength throughout the season and that didn’t change against the Aces (14-7). Barfield was one of six players in double figures with 13 points and five assists, leading a furious transition attack that kept Edenton out of sync offensively.

Six of Malik Milton’s 10 points came behind the 3-point line while Shyheim Hines’ season-high 16 was made up mainly of mid-range jumpers.

“We knew they were a really good team and at certain points in the first half, we struggled getting back on defense and they were burning us,” Baker said. “The guys were able to make adjustments and put them away. That’s what you want to see.”

Coming off their first playoff win in nine years Monday night, the Aces fell victim to a 23-6 run over the final six minutes of the second quarter that evaporated any momentum picked up during a competitive opening frame. The deficit swelled to 25 early in the second half when Jarrod Neal swiped a pass at halfcourt and got to the rim for an uncontested layup.

Neal finished with four assists, four steals and 10 points. Senior forward Anthony Watson handled his business against Edenton’s pair of 6-foot-5 frontcourt starters with six blocks.

“We rushed it (on offense) a little too much tonight and really had some uncharacteristic turnovers,” said Aces coach Andy Downing. “We knew Fairmont had quick guards and those guys did a great job handling the basketball. Once we got down in the second quarter, we couldn’t get back in it.”

Edenton freshman Devondre Perry continued his recent hot streak with 13 points, but 11 of those came after intermission when the game was out of reach. Sophomore guard Nyreese Moore pitched in a team-high 16.

The Golden Tornadoes are expecting a stiffer challenge Friday night.

“We talked about getting revenge and we’re ready to play,” Barfield said.

Fairmont 78, Edenton 57

Edenton 13 12 16 16 — 57

Fairmont 20 23 16 19 — 78

EDENTON — Nyreese Moore 16, Devondre Perry 13, Stanley 8, Holley 6, Downum 6, Parks 4, Long 2, Duncan 2.

FAIRMONT — Shyheim Hines 16, Shemar Barfield 13, Alshaquan Williams 11, Jarrod Neal 10, Malik Milton 10, Leonard 7, Inman 5, Watson 2, Flick 2, McMillan 2.

3-Point Goals — EH: Moore 4. FMT: Barfield, Inman, Hines.

Records — Fairmont 20-5; Edenton 14-7.

Reach Brad Crawford at 910-272-6111 or on Twitter @MrPalmettoSDS.