First Presbyterian Christian Academy’s Lady Highlanders are a step closer to a state title after defeating Dawson Street Christian School in the first Georgia Independent School Association Class A state game Wednesday at South Georgia College.

The girls took down the Wildcats 60-15.

FPCA coach Rosby Frasier said they opened a large point spread, which allowed her to use the entire bench.

"That gave us the opportunity to run plays and try different options," Frasier said.

She said they were led by Lady ’Landers Aaliyah Wilson, who scored 15 points, and Brianna Reece, who had 13.

With the victory, the girls advance to the next round tonight at 8:30. The game against Crisp County Christian is at South Georgia College.

"We have never played them," the coach said. "Right now, I don’t have any idea what we are going up against."

The boys opened their state run yesterday with a game against Praise Academy. A victory would have the Highlanders playing Saturday at 5:30 against the winner of the David Emmanuel-Terrell County game. The Courier will publish results when they are available.

According to FPCA athletic director and boys’ basketball coach David Jones, six boys and four girls representing the Highlanders were named to the all-region team.

The girls are Shaquoia Crockett, Brianna Reece, Aaliyah Wilson and T’era Alston. The all-region boys are Shavon Stoves, Jordan Johnson, AJ Ansley, Hakeem Golden, Mike Brown and DJ Felder.

Jones and Frasier were named region coaches of the year.