Highlander boys basketball coach Ernie Walthour knew it would probably come to this and it has.
After defeating Griffin Christian Academy, 76-61, in the state semi-finals Friday in Macon, the First Presbyterian Christian Academy boys faced one of their biggest rivals, Memorial Day, for the state title on Saturday night. Memorial and FPCA are in the same region.
The game was set to take place at 5 p.m. Saturday at Mercer University. The final score was not available by press time.
Walthour said Herbert Roberts posted 24 points against Griffin. Highlander Tevin Womack added 19; Chris Guilfo chipped in 11 and Ahman Muhamaad added 10 in the win.
Walthour spoke before the championship game Saturday morning, saying the Matadors are well coached and the game will likely be a barnburner.
“They were undefeated when we beat them this season, and then we beat them again in the region tournament,” Walthour said. “But it is hard to beat a good program like that three times in a row. We will have to take it one play at a time to have a chance to win the game.”
Walthour said he told his players they needed to get some rest, adding, “Everything is on the table tonight.”