The First Presbyterian Christian Academy Highlanders rode the perfect season all the way to their seond consecutive state title in the GISA Clas A division with a 77-63 win against local Savannah rival Bethesda.

They remain the only undefeated basketball squad in the state of Georgia.

The state trophy didn't come easy. According to Highlander head coach Darrell West, his squad trailed by 11 at the half but refused to give up. He said everyone did their part but added credit to the shooting skills of AJ Ansley.

"He could have been blindfolded and still hit the shot,"an elated West said after their win. "If I could give him an award right now I would."

It was the fourth time these two squads met. On Jan. 24 Bethesda fell to the Highlanders 78-54.

Just 10 days later the Highlanders went to the Blazers' home court and won by 1 point. The third meet was for the region trophy where the Highlanders won in overtime.

This time the Highlanders turned on the third and fourth quarter heat to win by 14. The win brings the state trophy back home to Hinesville and their fans in Liberty County.

See Wednesday's Courier for the complete story and player interviews.