The First Presbyterian Christian Academy boys’ basketball team went 2-1 and won the consolation bracket last weekend at the Hilton Head Classic.
The Highlanders had a rough start against Sumter in game one and lost, 45-41. FPCA’s Herbert Roberts led the team in scoring with 12 points. Domonique Kirkley added 10 for the Highlanders.
“We lost a tough one to Sumter, but as we are progressing through the season, this team is coming together,” FPCA coach Ernie Walthour said. “Also, it’s great to have the addition of Chris Guilfo. He brings a lot to the floor.”
FPCA came back in game two with a 69-64 win over Providence Day of North Carolina. Roberts lit up the scoreboard, hitting a game-high 32 points. Kirkley added 14, and Guilfo chipped in 12 plus three assists.
In the final game, the Highlanders beat Creek Ridge, 54-32.
Kirkely paced FPCA with 12 points, and Ahman Muhammad chipped in another 10.
Walthour said the Highlanders still have plenty to work on as they prepare for the Georgia Independent School Association Region 2-AA games that start in mid-January.
“One of our goals is to get the team ready for the region games and chase another state championship,” Walthour said. “I think what we really need to focus on is boxing out more and not giving other teams second shots.”
Walthour said his staff did an outstanding job preparing the team for the tournament.
The Highlanders play next in the Bi-Lo Holiday Classic in Augusta. FPCA will take on Crestwood at 4:45 p.m. Dec. 28 and Ridgeview on Dec. 29 and will play a final game Dec. 30.
“It’s hard to win games without a good coaching staff, and we have a good one at FPCA,” Walthour said. “I’ve been coaching a long time — never at the high school level — but I’ve coached high school kids for the last 20 years, and it’s going pretty well at FPCA.”
Top Scorers

Sumter 45, FPCA 41

FPCA top scorers: Herbert Roberts 12, Domonique Kirkley 10, Chris Guilfo 9, Ahman Muhammad 8, Josiah Alleyne 2.

FPCA 69,
Providence Day (N.C.) 64

FPCA top scorers: Herbert Roberts 32, Domonique Kirkley 14, Chris Guilfo 12, Ahman Muhammad 4, 4, Josiah Alleyne 4, DJ Bratcher 3.

FPCA 54, Creek Ridge 32

FPCA top scorers: Domonique Kirkley 12, Ahman Muhammad 10,  Josiah Alleyne 7 Chris Guilfo 6 , Herbert Roberts 6, DJ Bratcher 5, Damien Osborne 4, Tommy Cai  2, Daniel West 2.