The Fayette County High School varsity basketball team had a 23-1 record heading into tonight's match against Starr's Mill. Tonight, they added one more loss to that record and now know that they will open the AAAAA state tournament on the road next week.

Starr's Mill defated Fayette County 63-54 on Wednesday, thanks in part to a stellar performance from Justin Reed and his 22 points.

Fayette County led for most of the first half but with just over two minutes remaining in the second quarter Starr's Mill took a lead they would not relinquish. A fast paced first half gave way to a sluggish second half as the Panthers maintained their composure and momentum. Starr's Mill made the free throws down the stretch when they had to and sealed the win.

"Nobody has given us a chance all year," said Coach Brandon Hutchins. "But all season long I just kept preaching, 'believe, believe, believe."

The Panthers believed in themselves on Wednesday and now will take on Newnan in the region championship on Friday night. In addition to Reed, the Panthers got double digit scoring performances from Mark Harris with 14 and Spencer Shelton with 10. Fayette County was led by 15 points from both Chris Pettaway and Jeremiah Enloe.