The Straughn Tigers never quit fighting, but unfortunately fell to the Ashford Yellow Jackets 59-52 Friday night in Straughn for the Class 4A, Area 2 championship.

Ashford got 8 points in the opening period from LaDarius Knight en route to a 10-5 lead at the end of the first period.

Straughn picked up 2 points each from Allan George and Johnathan Driver and 1 point from Keaun Samuel in the opening period.

The Yellow Jackets opened up the second period with a 3-pointer from Knight, but the Tigers answered with a jumper from Keaun Samuel.

Ashford jumped out to a 19-9 lead with another 3-pointer from Knight.

On the Yellow Jackets’ next possession, Keaun Samuel came up with a steal and dished the rock to George who throw down a monster two-hand dunk.

George ended the first half with a pair of free throws, but Straughn trailed 21-13 at halftime.

With the win, Ashford will get to host their sub-regional game against the loser between Bullock County and St. James.

Both teams continued to battle it out in the third period, but a strong start by Ashford left the Tigers trailing by as many as 13 points in the period.

Straughn then cut it down to an 8-point lead, but the Yellow Jackets closed out the period strong to take a 35-26 lead into the final period.

Straughn opened up the fourth period with a big 3-pointer from Javarius Samuel to cut the lead to 37-29 with 6:27 left to play.

Javarius made another big play midway through the final period when he came up with a big steal and turned it into a layup.

Straughn will have to travel to the winner of Bullock County and St. James on Monday night for their sub-regional game.

Driver led the Tigers will 18 points and Keaun Samuel tacked on 11 points.

Knight led the Yellow Jackets with 26 points.