The first state tournament run in 18 years for the William Monroe boys' basketball team has come to an end in the Division 2 semifinals.

Region D champion Gate City proved too much for the Dragons on Thursday night at the Siegel Center. The Blue Devils jumped out to a nine-point lead after one quarter and never looked back, beating Monroe 73-61 to advance to Saturday's state title game.

Senior forward Markel Williams finished with a team-high 24 points for the Dragons in his final high school game.