Florala played its best basketball game of the season despite a 65-58 loss to Georgiana on Thursday night, Wildcats coach Daniel Allison said.

“It was the best effort offensively and defensively this year,” Allison said. “We played as a team. It was five guys hustling the entire time on the floor.

“We had three days to get ready,” he said. “What I preached to the kids were ball control and boxing out, things we can control.”

The Panthers led 21-13 after the first period, but FHS outscored GHS 15-8 in the second period to cut the game to 29-28 at halftime.

“We knew they were good and could run the floor on us,” Allison said about Georgiana. “We couldn’t worry about them.

“My guys stepped up tonight,” he said. “I’m just proud of the guys.”

Austin McNeill led FHS with 28 points. John Bess, Ray Hall and Tamaris Jamison had six points each. Matthew Gibbs and Dakota Worley had five points each.

Allison said he could see the recognition of knowing that they can play well on his players’ faces.

“They’ve got some confidence now,” he said. “We were in the game. I could see a change happenign with my kids. They’re beginning to find out that they are a good team by the way we’re supposed to play.”

In girls action, the Lady Wildcats lost 47-30.

Florala’s back in action tonight at home against Rocky Bayou, Fla.