Liberty County is headed to the Elite Eight Thursday at Fort Valley State University.

The Panther boys knocked off Columbia in Saturday’s Sweet 16 game, winning 78-60 in a packed home gym.
Liberty didn’t waste time, running up a 20-7 lead by the close of the first quarter. Columbia offered some defense in the second quarter, holding the Panthers to only eight points before the half.

The Panthers, however, weren’t about to let Columbia back into the game, outscoring the Eagles 30-18 in the third quarter.
Panther guard Davion Mitchell knocked down six 3-point shots en route to 29 points. Richard LeCounte scored 17 points. Will Richardson had 11. Martial Washington scored 10. Jaalon Frazier put up seven. And Jishaun Harris and Tyriq Reece each scored two points.

The Panthers were 18 of 28 at the line. Richardson had a double-double with 11 rebounds.
The Panthers (25-1) now face the Monroe Tornadoes (22-6). The game will be at 8:15 p.m. Thursday at Fort Valley State University.

Panther fans can ride a chartered bus for the game. Tickets are $35 and the bus departs from the school at 4 p.m. Thursday. For more information, call 912-332-2409 or 912-570-6615.