Liberty County High School’s boys’ basketball team set the gym at Fort Valley State University on fire Saturday afternoon and blazed their way to the class AAAA championship game coming up this Thursday.

The Panther boys took on the Lithonia Bulldogs and despite a close first half took an 81-65 win.

According to news reports validated by Panther head coach Julian Stokes, guard Davion Mitchell hit five trey shots, was 9-of-12 at the line and finished the game with 33 points.

Teammate Richard LeCounte drained in 17 point in the game which at one point was tied 25-25 keeping the Panther spectators on the edge of their seats.

The Panthers opened up the game on a 16-0 run but the Bulldogs kept fighting back. As with previous victories a strong second half gave the Liberty boys the 16 point cushion and a ticket to the title game.

The Panthers will face Jonesboro.

Last year Jonesboro knocked the Liberty boys out of a title contention in the final four game and went on to become the state class AAAA champs.

The Cardinals are currently 28-4 and were 13-0 in region 4B-AAAA. The Panthers are 27-1 overall and went 10-0 in their region.

The rivalry rematch will take place at 8:45 p.m. at the Macon Centreplex. The game will also be televised online on GPB.

Those looking to attend the match in Macon can purchase seats for the charter bus being organized this week. Yolanda Evette Walton-Mothershed will be at Good to Go restaurant, on E.G. Miles Parkway, today through Wednesday from 5:45to 6:30 p.m. selling bustickets.

Tickets are $28 for round trip seats. All Panther fans are encouraged to wear black shirts to the game.