SAN ANTONIO — The Fayetteville Lions entered Thursday’s state semifinal with Jayton as one of the highest-scoring 1A teams in Texas, having scored more than 100 points four times, including a peak of 111.

They left shooting 16 percent from the floor with three single-digit quarters and a 3-of-26 tally beyond the arc (11.5 percent) in a 65-26 blowout loss to the Jaybirds in the Alamodome. 

Sean Stanaland charted a career-high 32 points, nine boards and seven assists to lead Jayton (37-3), which advances to face fellow Big Country school, Benjamin (24-1), in Saturday’s 1A state title game at 8:30 a.m. in the same venue. Other top contributors for the Jaybirds included Colt Gentry with nine points, 11 rebounds and three steals, along with Griff Reel (seven points two assists, one steal).

By forcing the matchup with Benjamin, Jayton’s win guarantees a 1A boys state title for the Big Country, which hasn’t won a boys basketball state championship in any class since Eula did it in 2011.

Fayetteville finished its season at 32-6. Easton Jaeger was the only Lion in double digits, leading his team with 10 points.