It’s been quite a career for two of the finest basketball players in program history, but Fairport of Section V prevented Jamestown from reaching its ultimate destination.

Fueled by a balanced scoring attack and stifling defense, the Red Raiders built an early advantage, staved off a third-quarter Red & Green rally and pulled away late for a 66-51 victory.

The win advances Fairport (22-1) — the sixth-ranked team in the New York State Sportswriters Association poll — into the New York State Public High School Athletic Association semifinal next Friday against either William Floyd or Corning-Painted Post at Visions Veterans Memorial Arena in Binghamton. Meanwhile, No. 16 Jamestown, which was seeking its third straight trip to the final four, finished the season 18-5.

In the end, the Red Raiders were certainly worthy of their place in the polls.

Jamestown’s Dom Gonzalez goes to float a shot between Fairport defenders Noah Meabon, left, and Sam Roselli in the Class AAA Far West Regional boys basketball game at the Buffalo State Sports Arena on Friday night. P-J photo by Cody Jacobson

“It’s been a special ride with a special group,” Fairport head coach Scott Fitch said. “I don’t want to rush it. I want to embrace every second of it.”

The former SUNY Geneseo All-American had plenty to be pleased about last night.

Hadi Dergham led the way with 16 points, Jon Roessel had 15 and Alex Grejda added 14 as Fairport started blistering hot from the field and finished the game hitting 25 of 46 attempts, while committing just nine turnovers.

By contrast, Jamestown shot 18 of 43 from the floor and was guilty of 16 turnovers with 12 of them coming in the first half.

Gonzalez led the Red & Green with 15 points; Farmer added 14 points, six rebounds and three blocks; and junior Javion Barr came off the bench to score 12 points, including 8 in the third quarter when Jamestown cut the lead to 45-41 with a shade under two minutes remaining.

After that, however, it was all Red Raiders, who finished the game on a 21-10 run to secure their fourth trip to the final four next week.

“We certainly were able to chip back and the kids didn’t give up,” Miley said, “but hat’s off to (Fairport). They were able to execute what they wanted to do pretty consistently and we had time stopping it.”

Ironically, the game ended the way it started.

In the first four minutes of the first quarter, Fairport connected on 7 of 9 shots and led by as many as 15 following a 3-pointer by Roessel, who would end up with five for the evening. Jamestown closed the period with a driving layup by Barr, a 3-pointer by Gonzalez and a bucket by Farmer to cut the deficit to 23-15 heading into the second period.

From there, the Red & Green stayed within striking distance, but still trailed 40-28 at halftime.

After the break, things got interesting … for a bit.

Fueled by three straight layups by Barr, a post move by Farmer and a drive to the hoop for a bucket by Gonzalez, Jamestown closed to within 45-41 at the 1:52 mark.

Game on?

Not quite.

Fairport finished the quarter on a 7-2 run, capped by another trey by Roessel at the buzzer, to push its lead to 52-43 with eight minutes to play. The Red & Green didn’t get any closer the rest of the way.

“Our energy was great, the competitiveness was great and we were sharing the ball,” Fitch said. “I think that’s what this team represents. … This group’s really hungry. … They have their sights set higher. I feel I’m along for the ride, which I’m enjoying.”

Despite the loss, Miley enjoyed the ride, too.

“There are lots of teams who would trade places with us,” he said. “I want the guys to understand that as upset as you can be today, there’s certainly a lot of things you can be proud of this season and, for some guys, the last couple. They played really, really hard, and that’s all you can ask for.”

NOTES: Gonzalez finished his career with 1,142 points, which is ninth on Jamestown’s all-time list. … Farmer’s career total stands at 948, which is No. 13 all-time. … In three seasons, Miley’s record is 58-14. … The other seniors on the roster are Jericho Thagard, Ethan Braun, Kellen Mims, Kameron Milne and Gavin Johnson (who was unavailable to play last night). … Fitch, who is deeply involved with USA Basketball, has coached the likes of Cameron and Cayden Boozer as well as Cooper Flagg in recent years.

FAIRPORT (66)

Culver 3 1 7, Bauza 1 0 2, Grejda 7 0 14, Roselli 1 0 3, Roessel 5 0 15, Nurse 0 0 0, Meabon 4 1 9, Dergham 6 3 16, Totals 27 5 66.

JAMESTOWN (51)

Farmer 6 1 14, DGonzalez 4 6 15, Thagard 2 1 6, Barr 6 0 12, NGonzalez 0 0 0, Salvaggio 0 0 0, Spencer 1 0 3, KarMilne 0 1 1, Totals 19 9 51.

3-point goals–Roselli, Roessel 5, Dergham, Farmer, DGonzalez, Thagard, Spencer.

Fairport 23 17 12 14 — 66

Jamestown 15 13 15 8 — 51