Georgiana School hasn’t had much trouble in the early goings of the season.

The Panthers, who notched their fourth win on Tuesday with a 70-43 thrashing of Highland Home High School, have lost just one game — a 65-48 loss to Class 5A Booker T. Washington High School. But that doesn’t mean head coach Kirk Norris and the Panthers are relaxing. It’s just the opposite in fact.

“We still have a lot to improve on and we are working to get better in all areas each practice and game,” Norris said. “Obviously we want to keep playing good defense and are looking to be more consistent on the offensive side of the ball. Substitution patterns and in-game situations are also areas we are looking at, especially early in the season.”

Defense has been a key to the Panthers’ early season success, according to Norris. Georgiana likes to play an up-tempo, attacking style of offense that is dependent on forcing turnovers and pulling down defensive rebounds.

“We try to create offense with our defense,” Norris said. “You’ll have off nights on offense, but you can play good defense every night. We look to run as much as possible too and create offense off of defensive pressure.”

It’s a philosophy that has worked well so far.

In their last two wins, the Panthers have outscored their opponents 157-75.

In their win over the Flying Squadron on Tuesday, the Panthers had three players reach double figures.

Jacquez Payton led the charge with a game-high 26 points.

Richard Boggan added 14 points and Devin McMeans chipped in 10.

Norris said having a balanced scoring attack has made the Panthers tough to defend in the early stages of the season.

“It helps too if someone is having an off night, we feel as if someone else can step up and help carry the load,” he said.

The Panthers will take part in the Straughn Christmas Tournament beginning Thursday.

Georgiana will face New Brockton High School in the opening round. That game is slated to begin at 4:30 p.m.

The winner of that game will play Friday at 6 p.m. against the loser of the Pleasant Home High School/Straughn High School game.

The loser of the Georgiana/New Brockton game will play at 4:30 p.m. Friday against the loser of the Red Level High School/Zion Chapel High School game.