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WINSTON-SALEM – Bertie High School’s effort to win its first state basketball title since 1970 fell short here Monday afternoon as the Falcons fell, 62-46, to defending state champion Wilson Prep in the Final Four round of the NCHSAA Class 1A state tournament.

The Falcons struggled offensively, trailing 23-7 by the end of the first quarter.

For the game, Bertie connected on 19-of-62 shots from the field (30.6%), including 6-of-28 from three-point range.

Despite that, Bertie – who trailed by 18 (41-23) at the end of the third quarter – made a run in the final period. They got as close as 8 (47-39) after Trevon Halleran buried a three-pointer with 4:20 remaining. But the Falcons then went nearly three minutes without scoring, allowing Wilson Prep to seal the win.

Halleran led Bertie with 16 points. Tequan Holley added 12 points while Zymiere Dempsey chipped in 11 points.

Wilson Prep was paced by Leslie Minter’s 16 points.

The Falcons conclude their season with a 26-5 overall record.