Georgiana faced R.A. Hubbard in the semi-finals of the Final Four on Monday.

The Panthers utilized their fast-paced offense and a relentless defensive press to great effect, holding R.A. Hubbard to only 7 points in the first quarter while putting up 24.

The most decisive segment of the quarter was a 23-3 run by Georgiana.

A trio of three pointers- one by Christian Williams and two back-to-back by Ja’Michael Stallworth, solidifed the near twenty-point lead the Panthers maintained through most of the game.

Georgiana’s offense was rarely as spectacular after the first quarter, but defensively they remained solid and kept the Chiefs from ever approaching a comeback attempt.

The Panthers, through a combination of full-court press and consistent perimeter defense, were able to uniformly dictate the pace of the game.

Ja’Michael Stallworth ended the game with 22 points, with Lecedric Haynes and Martavius Payton tailed him with 13 and 14 points respectively.

Haynes and Payton also led the team in rebounds, with 10 and 11. Payton led the team’s defense with 5 recorded blocks. Jaheim Powell had 3 assists.

R.A. Hubbard hit only 27% of the three-pointers they attempted, and had a total field goal percentage of only 35%, a testament to Georgiana’s committed defense. The Panthers had 24 turnovers- 7 more than R.A. Hubbard- but consistently either stopped attempts at conversion, or immediately answered back.

Georgiana will take on Sacred Heart in the 1A state championship on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. Sacred Heart have won three 1A titles in a row, defeating Georgiana in the finals in 2016 and the semi-finals in 2017.

The game is Georgiana’s second state championship appearance in 3 years, and the Panthers enter the game boasting a 30-3 record.