The Florala boys’ basketball team pulled out a 48-43 victory over Choctaw County in the AHSAA South Regional tournament at Garrett Coliseum in Montgomery on Monday, just hours after they learned of the death of their school principal.

Max Whittaker, who served as principal at the Covington County school since 2016, died unexpectedly on Sunday morning. Florala head basketball coach Troy Turman told his team the news on Sunday afternoon.

“Just like us, the players were pretty much numbed,” Turman said, according to an AHSAA news release. “I reminded them how Mr. Whittaker watched them win the game Tuesday night that clinched a spot in the regionals and how was proud he was of them. I emphasized to the players that Mr. Whittaker would want them to go out and give 110 percent in our game Monday and play the very best they can.”

Turman said his team’s character and effort on and off the floor has brought the school and community together this season.

“The community and school are so proud of them,” he said. “Mr. Whittaker loved them dearly and has been their biggest fan.”

Whittaker was a native of New Brockton. He previously taught at Goshen High School, Enterprise City Schools and was the Geneva County High principal. His widow, Tracy, and two sons also work as educators. The couple also have a daughter, who is in the eighth grade.

Florala (22-7) trailed for much of Monday’s game, falling behind by as many as nine points with 1:53 left in the third quarter. The Wildcats slowly chipped away at Choctaw County’s lead in the final period, finally tying the game at 41-all with 1:54 left. The Tigers got back on top with 1:37 to play before Rayshon Coleman hit a jumper to tie it at 43 with 1:02 remaining.

Coleman hit one of two free throws to give the Wildcats the lead with 49 seconds remaining. Elijah McMeans stole the ball with 22 seconds left and hit a pair of free throws to put Florala up 46-43 with eight seconds remaining. Coleman made two more free shots with three seconds to play for the final margin.

Coleman led the winners with 22 points, including 8-of-9 free throws. He also contributed seven rebounds. McMeans scored nine points and had seven boards. Dalton Jackson grabbed 10 rebounds to go with his six points. Christian Greasham also had seven rebounds.

Jamorris Williams led Choctaw County (14-8) with 13 points. Jordan Johnson claimed 10 rebounds for the Tigers. De’Marterion Gordon scored nine points.

Florala will play either Brantley or McIntosh in the 1A South Regional final on Thursday at 1:45 p.m.