Red Level’s defense held Zion Chapel to three points in the first half, and the Tigers outscored the Rebels 37-13 in the second half to run away with a 61-16 area win on Thursday night at home.

The Tigers got off to a hot start in the first period, holding Zion Chapel’s offense at bay, only allowing one point.

In the second period, Red Level outscored the Rebels 16-2 to take a solid 24-3 half time lead.

RLS boys coach Allen Catrett said holding the Rebels to three points in the first half could’ve been better.

“It was pretty good,” Catrett said, “but we had defensive break downs for those three (points). If we did what we were supposed to, it would’ve been no points.”

Earlier this season, Red Level held J.U. Blacksher to zero points.

With this victory, the Tigers improve to 13-9 overall, and 3-2 in Class 2A, Area 2. Red Level will play host to Samson, who is the No. 1 seed in its area tonight. Tip off will be around 7:15 p.m.

The Tigers took an early 6-1 lead over Zion Chapel when Troy Nolen, who finished with 12 points, laid in a tres early in the first period.

O.J. McGee scored the first three points for Red Level on a layup, in which he was fouled.

Red Level started to use its quick inside game, and took an 8-1 lead going into the second period.

While the Tigers stepped up their defensive pressure in the second period, Zion Chapel couldn’t answer, trailing 18-3 with 4:40 left in the half.

“We increased the pressure on them,” Catrett said. “If you look at it as far as the season, we did a lot of things (Thursday night) that if we don’t correct, it’ll get us beat. We played hard, and got after it.”

During the third period, the Tigers continued to dominate on their inside game, and when that didn’t work, they switched to a perimeter type game on offense.

James Feagin, who led Red Level with 15 points, dunked the ball with 2:50 left in the third period to help his team take a 40-5 lead.

With no time left, Red Level’s K.J. Lawrence hit a three-pointer and the Tigers led 49-12 going into the final period of the rout. Lawrence finished with seven points for Red Level.

Then, the Tigers outscored Zion Chapel 12-4 in the fourth period in the win.

McGee contributed in the win with nine points on Thursday night. Raheem Bullock and Preston Ryce added seven points each.

W. Black led Zion Chapel with 11 points.

Catrett said tonight’s game against Samson is a must win.

“Right now, Samson is No. 1 in our area, and we need to win out to be where we want to be,” Catrett said. “Every game that we play from now on is a big game. They beat us already, and so we need this win.”

In varsity girls action, Zion Chapel beat Red Level 33-30.

Brandi Hendrix led the Lady Tigers with 13 points, and Dionah Smith added six points.

M. Downing scored 17 points for Zion Chapel.

In B-team action, Red Level won 25-22.