Straughn earned its first area win in two seasons Tuesday night at home where they defeated Luverne, 43-36.

“It’s about time isn’t it,” Straughn coach Todd Reynolds said. “Basically, the game was officiated from a basketball tone. The referees kept the game in control and at the end we were able to execute.”

Straughn led 21-15 at halftime and 33-28 leading into the fourth quarter.

With this win, Straughn (6-11, 1-4 in Class 3A, Area 3) will have the chance to become the No. 3 seed in its area if they beat Calhoun this Friday night on the road. Last Friday, Straughn fell to Calhoun 45-43.

“It was just a monkey off of our backs, as they say,” Reynolds said about the win Tuesday night. “It’s a step in the right direction.”

C.J. Christopher led Straughn with 13 points. James Byrd also had a good night, scoring nine points.

Austin Pickrel and Chris Huggins had eight points apiece.

Christopher was 4-for-4 and Huggins was 3-for-4 from the free throw line.

In rebounds, Byrd had 11 and Caleb Cochran had 10.