HENDERSONVILLE – Trailing by three points entering the final quarter, the Hendersonville High boys basketball team was in a familiar position – in the middle of a close game.

Beech High senior Caleb Walton is surrounded by Hendersonville junior Justin Ernst (21) and senior Preston Brown during second-quarter action. Walton scored 11 points.

The Commandos seized the opportunity on Friday evening, outscoring visiting Beech by a 20-11 margin in the final period to capture a 42-36 victory to close the regular season.

The victory on senior night – Hendersonville’s fourth win over its last five games – boosted the Commandos (9-15 overall, 5-9 in District 9-AAA) into fifth place in District 9-AAA and set up a quarterfinal rematch with the Buccaneers when the District 9-AAA Tournament begins on Friday at Portland High School.

“It was a good win for us,” Hendersonville senior guard Jason Hernando – who scored 12 points – said. “It’s always good to have a win with everybody in the gym.”

A 9-2 run to begin the fourth quarter gave the Commandos a 31-27 lead with 5:30 to play. Senior Austin Kirby hit made of Hendersonville’s seven 3-pointers during that span.

“We have the green light, so Coach (Kerry West) tells us to shoot with confidence and knock them down,” Hernando said.

Beech had chances to close the gap late but could not connect from three-point range after Hernando hit four free throws in the game’s final minute.

Hendersonville High junior Ryne Loper prepares to drive into the lane during second-quarter action. Loper scored three points.

Beech led 5-4 after the first quarter and 18-13 at halftime.

The Buccaneers scored the first seven points of the second quarter to build a 12-4 lead and held Hendersonville to single-digit scoring totals in each of the first three quarters.

“We shot it so poorly in the first half, and we were stagnant,” Hendersonville head coach Kerry West said. “That’s what (Beech’s 1-3-1) zone does. It keeps you stagnant and standing a lot.”

Beech head coach Darrin Joines added, “We played good defense for a long time. (Hendersonville) played well. I think they caused a lot of our offensive misery really. It would be unfair for me to say that it’s all us.”

Senior forward Preston Brown led the Commandos with 15 points, including two 3-pointers of his own.

“I’m just proud of our guys,” West said. “It’s a testament to what these guys have done. I’m so proud of them to face the adversity they’ve faced and get wins (down the stretch of the district schedule).”

Beech High sophomore Ty Dean dribbles toward the basket as Hendersonville senior Jason Hernando defends during second-quarter action. Dean scored four points.

Senior forward Caleb Walton led Beech (15-13, 7-7) with 11 points.

Beech won the two teams’ first meeting in overtime, a 41-38 contest at Beech on Jan. 19.

Other results from around the district allowed Hendersonville to jump from a tie for sixth place with Wilson Central to fifth, bypassing Gallatin as well.

It sets up Friday’s rematch on a neutral court.

“As a competitor, I think our guys would be interested and excited for another chance next Friday, and I think it’ll be the same kind of game,” Joines said.

Reach Chris Brooks at cbrooks@tennessean.com or at 615-575-7118. Follow him on Twitter @CB_SumnerSports.

BEECH (36) – Caleb Walton 11, Ben Buhrow 7, Noah Chatman 6, A.J. Robertson 6, Ty Dean 4, Nelson Smith 2.

HENDERSONVILLE (42) – Preston Brown 15, Jason Hernando 12, Austin Kirby 9, Ryne Loper 3, Jordan Amis 2, Cooper Smith 1.

Half: 18-13, Beech. Three-point goals: Beech 2 (Robertson 2), Hendersonville 7 (Brown 2, Hernando 2, Kirby 2, Loper 1). Records: Beech 15-13 overall, 7-7 in District 9-AAA; Hendersonville 9-15, 5-9.