Airport fell from contention for the Region 5-3A basketball championship a week ago, but the Eagles emerged as a factor in the race on Tuesday by upsetting Midland Valley, 71-69.

The verdict sets up a possible home date for the Eagles in the first round of the upcoming state playoffs. To rate a tie-breaking game for the No. 2 seed on Friday, Airport must beat archrival Brookland-Cayce in the final round of region play on Thursday and hope Strom Thurmond wraps up the region title and the No. 1 seed with a win over Midland Valley. In that scenario, the Eagles and MV will square off on Friday at a neutral site for the No. 2 seed. But if MV beats Thurmond to create a first-place tie, Airport will be the No. 3 set and the two finalists will play on Friday for seeding purposes.

B-C’s boys are set as the region’s fourth playoff entry, but cannot move up even with a win over Airport.

The girls playoff entries are set. Airport, which clinched its first-ever outright region championship with a win over Midland Valley on Tuesday, looks to close out a 10-0 conference campaign against B-C. Strom Thurmond is assured of the No. 2 seed, not matter tonight’s outcome.

Gilbert and Midland Valley enter the final round tied for third place with 4-5 region marks. In case of a tie, the teams will play on Friday at a neutral site for seeding purposes.