Liberty County High School’s boys’ basketball team is headed to the Elite Eight Thursday at Fort Valley State University.

The Panther boys knocked off Columbia High School in Saturday’s Sweet 16 game winning 78-60 in a packed home gym.

The Liberty boys didn’t waste time running up a 20-7 lead by the close of the first quarter. Columbia offered up some defense in the second quarter, holding the Liberty boys to only eight points before the half.

The Panther boys, however, weren’t about to let Columbia back into the game outscoring the Eagles 30-18 in the third quarter.

Panther guard Davion Mitchell drained in six three-point shots enroute to 29 points in the game. Richard LeCounte scored 17 points in the game, Will Richardson had 11, Martial Washington scored in 10, Jaalon Frazier put up seven points. 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) will now face off against the Monroe Tornadoes (22-6). The game will be at 8:15 p.m. Thursday at Fort Valley State University.

Panther fans have organized a charter bus for the game. Tickets are $35 and the bus departs from Liberty County High School at 4 p.m. Thursday. For more information call (912) 332-2409 or (912) 570-6615.