MERCERVILLE, Ohio — Both offenses started off slow on Friday evening at South Gallia High School, but the Rebels kicked it up a notch late for the come from behind victory over Ironton St. Joe.

The 56-49 victory for the Rebels (8-9) earned them a season split with the Flyers, and “gave the team valuable momentum going into the tournament” according to Coach Donnie Saunders.

South Gallia started off slowly in the first quarter, as the Flyers took a 3-2 lead with 2:30 remaining in the first quarter. At the end of the first, the Rebels had tied the game at six points apiece. The South Gallia defenses continued to limit the Flyers’ scoring, holding them to only 11 points in the second quarter. The Rebels scored 11 in the quarter also, keeping the score tied going into the half. Dalton Matney had eight first quarter points for the Rebels and Tanner Riley led the Flyers with eight.

Ironton St. Joe scored 21 point in the third to take a five point lead over the hosts at the end of the period. The Flyers took a 38-33 lead into the fourth quarter. The Rebels would no go away quietly, as they dominated the Flyers in the fourth quarter. Led by senior Bryce Clary, South Gallia outscored Ironton St. Joe 23-11 in the final period. The Rebels handled the ball well in the fourth, turning the ball over only once. Clary scored all 12 of his points in the fourth quarter, as the Rebels went 8-12 from the free throw line in the quarter.

Three South Gallia players scored in double figures, with Brandon Harrison scoring 15 points, Dalton Matney scoring 14 points, and Clary scoring 12 points. Levi Ellis, A.J. McDaniel, and Danny Matney each added five points for the Rebels.

Dalton Matney topped off his 14 points with 10 rebounds to earn a double-double for the contest. Danny Matney grabbed nine rebounds followed by McDaniel with eight. Danny Matney led the team in assists with five followed by Harrison with three. McDaniel had two steals to lead the Rebels.

Riley led the flyers with 17 points. Cody Blackburn had eight points, Joseph Unger and T.J. Young each scored six points, Anthony Whaley had five points, Payton Blair and Justin Mahlmeister each added three points, and Spencer Schwab had one point.

The Flyers won the first matchup between the two teams on Jan. 15, by a score of 63-48.

South Gallia won the JV contest by a score of 38-37. Jaylan Nolan led the Rebels with 17 points and Ike Palmer led the Flyers with 15 points.

South Gallia traveled to Buffalo on Saturday, and will play Southern on Tuesday at Wellston High School in the sectional tournament at 8 p.m.