The third time was the charm for King’s Fork High School’s boys’ basketball team on Monday night.

The King’s Fork-hosted Ironclad Conference tournament semifinals served as the setting for the No. 2 Bulldogs’ third meeting this season with No. 3 Phoebus High School, and though the Phantoms had won both times during the regular season, they fell 67-63 this time.

“I knew it was going to be a tough game for us,” King’s Fork coach Josh Worrell said. “I just think we did a better job of keying in on certain things they do offensively.”

The Phantoms like to go to their star, junior guard/forward Robert Smith.

“He’s really good,” Worrell said. “I think he’s the best player in our conference.”

Smith ended up with 26 points, but Worrell said, “We did enough. He’s going to get his points.”

Phoebus jumped out to an early lead in the first quarter, but the Bulldogs enjoyed a big second quarter to go up at halftime.

Despite the recent layoff due to inclement weather, King’s Fork came in focused, Worrell said, noting physical atrophy is not an issue right now, but mental preparation is key.

Bulldogs junior guard Keith Stagg recorded a game-high 29 points, even with his minutes limited by foul trouble. Worrell said he took quality shots.

KF junior guard Deshaun Wethington added 13 points.

“He’s back to form now,” Worrell said, as Wethington started the season with a football injury, but demonstrated the necessary quickness and strength, defensively, on Monday.

No. 2 King’s Fork (15-8), which secured a regional playoff berth with the win, will next take on No. 1 Heritage High School for the conference tournament championship. The game is currently scheduled for tonight at 6 p.m. at King’s Fork, but inclement weather could affect the schedule.

“I’m just trying to prepare my kids for tomorrow,” Worrell said on Tuesday.

The Bulldogs went 1-1 against the Hurricanes in the regular season.