After a week of watching their opponents on film, the Panthers of Liberty County High School were able to break down Northside Warner Robin’s press, earning a 75-58 win Saturday in Warner Robins and advancing to round two of the state playoffs.
Panthers Sayvon Wilson, Michael Farrior and Melvin King scored 20, 16 and 16 points, respectively, and kept the Liberty boys ahead throughout the game.
Northside trailed 44-32 in the third and started a comeback off eight Panther turnovers. But the Liberty boys answered with five points to start the fourth and converted 16 of 19 at the line to seal the win.
Panther coach Willie Graham said having a week to prepare for Northside helped.
“The kids stayed with the game plan for breaking their pressure and scoring,” he said. “We also shot free throws well.”
The Panthers head to round two at 6 this evening at Lovejoy High School.

In other playoff news:
The Liberty Lady Panthers weren’t as fortunate as the boys, losing to Northside Warner-Robins girls, 53-48, in the first round. They ended the season 16-9 overall and 7-3 in Region 2A-AAAA.
The Bradwell boys battled North Cobb on Saturday, but were eliminated after losing, 78-41.
The Tigers finished the season 14-15 overall and 10-9 in the region.