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By ANDRE ALFRED

Sports Correspondent

WINDSOR- The Bertie County High School Falcons varsity boys hosted Gates County High School here Monday night in opening round action of the Four Rivers Conference Tournament.

The sixth seeded Barons lost their two regular season conference games against the third seeded Falcons by substantial margins. Monday’s outcome would not be any different as the Barons would succumb to the Falcons, 79-24.

The Falcons journey this season has been filled with a few disappointing moments in comparison to their accomplishments last season. Losing to a very capable and confident Martin County team, along with suffering a setback to conference regular season champion Washington County.

Bertie entered the game against Gates with new hope and purpose after its “payback” victory against Washington County on Friday, eradicating the Panthers undefeated winning streak, in a very intense defensive game (48-46), disseminating a glimmer of restored confidence and focus to the Falcons.

Monday’s first quarter was laid back as the cordial gameplay had both teams attempting to establish some sort of rhythm, while trading baskets when they were able to made.

Only a handful of whistles were blown for a few minor infractions during the first period, which ended as quick as it started with Bertie leading 8-4.

Bertie’s turned up the dial in the second quarter, while still maintaining a nonchalant offensive demeanor. The Falcons scored 28 points while restricting the Barons to eight points with the half ending with Bertie ahead, 36-12.

Bertie scored four consecutive treys in the beginning of the third quarter while the Barons continued to struggle to find the inner twine.

By the latter part of the third quarter, the game clock continued to run in effort to expedite gameplay. The running clock carried over to the fourth quarter, and at the sound of the buzzer ending the game, Bertie would win by a score of 79-24.

Zymiere Dempsey led the Falcons with 17 points, followed by Jeremiah Benthal with 15 points.

Noah Smith led the Barons with 10 points.

Bertie will travel to Williamston on Wednesday (Feb. 21) to meet second seeded Martin County in the tournament semifinals. The winner advances to Friday’s championship game at Tarboro High School.