Fort Dale Academy’s single-game record for blocked shots stood for just one day.

That’s because FDA center Jack Bates bested his freshly set mark of seven blocks in a single contest with eight blocks in a 56-27 victory over Monroe Academy Friday night in Greenville.

“Jack has continued to improve throughout the season,” Fort Dale head coach Reggie Mantooth said. “He has given us a defensive presence in the middle and has done a good job of blocking shots without fouling.”

On Friday, Bates added 12 points and nine rebounds to his eight blocks.

Mantooth said the Eagles have been deliberate in making sure Bates touches the ball on offense.

“We’ve made an effort to really look inside to him and (forward) Wesley (Scott),” Mantooth said. “We are facing a lot of zone (defense) because of Jack and we don’t want to settle for the three-point shot all the time.”

In the win over Monroe, the Eagles were 17-for-38 on shots inside the three-point arc, and just 2-for-15 on shots beyond the arc.

FDA’s Chip Taylor, who led the Eagles’ scoring attack with 24 points, was the only Fort Dale player to hit a three.

The Eagles (14-5, 3-1 Class AAA, Region 2) got off to a quick start against the Volunteers with a 14-0 run to open the game, only to see that lead shrink to four points by the close of the opening period.

By the intermission, Fort Dale had pushed its lead back to seven points at 28-17.

“I thought we played hard overall,” Mantooth said. “I was a little disappointed that we let them back in the game in the first half, but it was good that we were able to open the lead back up and get everyone some playing time.”

All 13 players that dressed for Friday’s contest saw action and seven different players scored at least one point in the win.

Michael Padalino chipped in eight points for the Eagles, while Scott added five points and seven rebounds.