Both the Miami Trace Panthers and Fairfield Lions were coming off Friday night wins entering their Saturday night matchup. The second and third frames proved to be the ultimate difference in the non-conference meeting, as the Panthers topped the host Lions 82-75 at Grandle Gymnasium.

The Fairfield Lions scored more points than normal on Friday night as they completely dominated their Southern Hills Athletic Conference game with the West Union Dragons, 92-63 in the home opener at Grandle Gymnasium.

The Fairfield Lions scored more points than normal on Friday night as they completely dominated their Southern Hills Athletic Conference game with the West Union Dragons, 92-63 in the home opener at Grandle Gymnasium.

The Fairfield Lions were unable to overcome a first quarter where they were outscored by nine points and in the process lost for the first time this season, falling to the East Clinton Astros, 62-59 Saturday night.

It was a winning start for the Fairfield Lions Friday evening as they defeated non-league opponent Southeastern Richmond-Dale 70-55.

Like it or not, basketball season is officially here. Soon to go with the chill in the air will be snow and other winter fare I'd rather not write about.

The Fairfield Lady Lions have played two tough games to start the season and in the process have started with two losses as Monday night they fell to East Clinton 52-44 and Saturday lost by a score of 63-28 to Adena.

Though the Fairfield Lions boys basketball program changed head coaches this season, it isn't like the program is starting over, as the players are familiar with their new coach and are motivated and ready to chase the elusive Southern Hills League title.

Though the Fairfield Lions boys basketball program changed head coaches this season, it isn't like the program is starting over, as the players are familiar with their new coach and are motivated and ready to chase the elusive Southern Hills League title.

Last season, the Fairfield Lady Lions had no choice but to learn on the fly and learn quickly. With no seniors last season, along with no juniors, the sophomore class was looked at to be the leaders earlier than normal ... and what did they do? The sophomore class led FHS to a win in their first regular-season game and even won a sectional game as they improved throughout the season.

Last season, the Fairfield Lady Lions had no choice but to learn on the fly and learn quickly. With no seniors last season, along with no juniors, the sophomore class was looked at to be the leaders earlier than normal ... and what did they do? The sophomore class led FHS to a win in their first regular-season game and even won a sectional game as they improved throughout the season.

The current group of Fairfield returning players know this is one of their best chances to finish atop the Southern Hills League at season's end. The seniors who are in that group understand and realize this is their final opportunity to have the first-place trophy at the end-of-season awards banquet.

The Fairfield Lady Lions had to grow up quickly and on the go last year as they were all freshmen or sophomores as they entered the season. This season, the starting five of the Lady Lions have more experience and much to prove to not only their community, but to themselves as they want to continue what they started one year ago.

Listed is the schedule for the 2012 Southern Hills League Girls Basketball Preview which will take place at North Adams High School on Friday, Nov. 16.