FAIRHOPE, Ala. — The Pirates spoiled the perfect area record run for Daphne Tuesday with a 69-58 home win over the visiting Trojans. Daphne had already clinched the 6A Area 3 title and will host the Area 3 tournament at Trojan Gym Feb. 11 and Feb. 14. Daphne will match up with Foley in round one and Fairhope will play Robertsdale in the first round.

Daphne took an early lead on Fairhope and held a 29-26 margin at the half, but the Pirates rallied in the third and took a 49-45 lead into the final period.

Fairhope coach Andy Ryan said the win was a big confidence builder.

“Huge win for us. Daphne is a great team, well coached. We just came out after half time and turned up the intensity. I'm proud of how we did that tonight and now we have to get ready to play Robertsdale. I think we showed ourselves what we can do when we come together.”

Fairhope had four in double figures scoring. Hayden Harrelson and Tripp Drummond had 16 points each, Jerome Jackson added 15 and Nate Andrews 11 for the Pirates.

Daphne was led by Tyler Birch with 14 points, Dominique Crosby with 10, Vance Jenkins with seven and T.J Yeldon and Zach Houston with six each.

Daphne coach Cedric Yelding said his team lost focus in the second half.

“We need to go back to the drawing board and learn how to take advantage of our size and finish strong,” he said. “We have to get ready. Fairhope is playing well and they are coming to the tournament to win the area championship. We have to find a way to stop them, but we have to get past Foley first.”

The Trojans (12-8, 5-1) visit Baldwin County High Friday at 7:30 p.m. The Pirates (19-8, 4-2), host St. Paul’s Friday at 7:30 p.m.