By TRIPP NORRIS

The Florala Wildcats had a tough task in front of them in the opening round of the Andalusia High School Christmas Tournament as they took on the Georgiana Panthers who are ranked 4th in class 1A. The Panthers were looking to get back to the championship game after finishing runner up a year ago while Florala was looking to halt Georgiana’s run.

Anthone’ Stone scored the first five points of the game for the Wildcats as they jumped out to a 5-0 lead. Georgiana answered with an 8-0 run to take the lead. The Wildcats continued to stay with the Panthers as Florala trailed by just five after one quarter of play 18-13. The Panthers increased their lead in the second with a 20 point total. Florala had eight points in the quarter with Jacob Hammac accounting for half of the total with four. At the half, Florala trailed 38-21.

Florala scored 12 more points in the third quarter and refused to go away. Georgiana went on an 8-0 run to end the third for a 54-33 lead after three.

The Wildcats got four points each in the quarter form Andeon White and Nealand Stone.

Hammac added six more points in the fourth and Mehki James five, but the Wildcats were unable to cut into the Panthers’ lead as Georgiana won 77-46.

Jacob Hammac had 10 points to lead the Wildcats. Mehki James had nine and Andeon White eight.

JaMichael Stallworth had 25 to lead Georgiana and Martavius Payton had 16.

Florala will play the winner of Friday’s Pleasant Home and Red Level on Saturday.