FALLSBURG — With just three games remaining in the regular season, and needing to win just one to clinch a Section IX playoff spot, the Fallsburg Comets were eager to get back on the floor Monday night as they took on the Chester Hambletonians.

Both Fallsburg and Chester started the game with an increased tempo on offense, trying to increase the pace of the game on offense while displaying the same intensity on the defensive end. Fallsburg was able to outpace their division opponents, however, as the Comets went on to win 44-38.

Despite not deploying the press that Fallsburg is known for, the Comets were able to force a ton of turnovers via steals, blocks and deflections throughout the entire game.

The Comets closed out the first quarter with an 11-7 lead, which they expanded to 26-18 by halftime.

Isaiah Young, who led Fallsburg with 15 points, scored 13 in the first half as the Comets built an 8-point lead.

In the second half, both Fallsburg and Chester scored an equal 18 points, with Fallsburg scoring nine in each of the final two quarters and Chester scoring eight and 10 points in the 3rd and 4th.

While Young was Fallsburg’s leading scorer, it was his defense and rebounding that propelled the Comets to victory. By defending the passing lanes and adding some late-game fast break rejections, the Comets were able to stave off any late runs by Chester.

Young was accompanied on offense by Donovan Hart and Nick Storms who added nine and seven points respectively.

“I feel great about Sectionals, but the job’s not finished,” Fallsburg Coach Lionel White said after the game. “We still have two tough games left to finish out the regular season. We have to head into the postseason with our best foot forward, and that’s what we plan to do. Fallsburg is back where we belong.”