Despite Friday’s loss to Furtah Prep in the GISA Final Four, the FPCA Highlanders’ 2016-17 season was packed with wins and achievements.

Ending with a 25-4 record (the losses were during a Christmas break tournament), the Highlanders won all of their regular season games. Undefeated in the region, the Hinesville school captured its ninth consecutive region championship.

Six FPCA players were named to the All Region Team; Khalyn Weekley, George Mitchell, John Killough, Simon Steele, Isaiah Scott and Trayvon Harris).

Mitchell, a senior, scored his 1,000th career point during senior night. Killough, also a senior, broke the school record of the most rebounds and blocks during a game.

Coach Shane Smith was earned his fourth consecutive Coach of the Year Award.

Full season stats are unavailable at this time.

FPCA rolled through their region untested. The first round of the playoffs was against LaGrange Academy and the Highlanders did not disappoint with the 86-42 win. In the Elite 8, FPCA beat Crisp Academy 78-59. Another comfortable win put the Highlanders in the Final Four against Furtah, which was not a stranger. They played the Highlanders during the 2016 state championship. This year, Furtah beat the Highlanders in double overtime, 75-71.

With four seniors graduating (Killough, Mitchell, Harris, Brandon Attical) the team will be rebuilding next year. Returning players (Weekley, Steele, Scott, Sensier Carnes, Palmer Whitney, Alfred Martin, Marcus Williams) will provide experience.

Besides Smith, the Highlanders are coached by David Linderman.