Straughn’s varsity boys only managed five free throws compared to Georgiana’s 28, as the Tigers fell 64-35 on Tuesday night at GHS.

Georgiana led throughout the contest over Straughn, taking an 18-11 lead after the first period and outscoring the Tigers 22-8 in the second period to take a 40-19 lead at half time.

The Panthers then outscored Straughn 9-7 in the third period and 15-9 in the fourth period to get the win.

Straughn’s Austin Pickrel led the Tigers with 15 points.

The Tigers will have to regroup and get ready for their Christmas Shoot Out, which begins tonight.

SHS coach Rusty Andrews said it is essential for his team to play good defense.

“The keys for us are ball handling and rebounding,” Andrews said. “We’ve got to rebound well and handle the ball. If we do those two things, everything will take care of itself.”

Straughn will start out against Pleasant Home tonight at 8 p.m. Each day, there will be four games played, and cost of admission is $5 per person per day.

The other teams in the tournament include 1A teams Kinston, Brantley and Georgiana; 2A Red Level; 3A Daleville; and Florida 1A team Paxton.

Straughn will be the biggest school at the tournament, but Andrews said that doesn’t mean anything in the grand scheme of things.

“I know that Paxton last year was very good,” he said. “I think that Paxton, and either Brantley or Red Level — you’re looking at two good teams coming out of there.”

Red Level will begin with Brantley at 3:30 today.

The tournament will last until Saturday at 7 p.m., when the championship game will be played.

“I think we’ve got excellent pairings,” Andrews said. “I think we’re going to have a fabulous tournament. As far as it is concerned, you’re going to see some good games. “You’ll see some fast-tempoed games and then you’ll see some very well not slow down games, but half court offenses run,” he said. “We look forward to having a big crowd and every one coming out and supporting their teams.”

In varsity girls action, the Lady Tigers beat Georgiana 38-21. Anjelica Bonham led Straughn with 13 points, and Tiffany Taylor added 12 points in the win.