The Chapel Hill boys basketball season came to an end in the first round of the state tournament on Wednesday. The Panthers made the long drive to Savannah High School, where they fell, 69-36.

“We didn’t give them the game that we wanted to give them and beat ourselves early in the game,” said CHHS coach Lee Wilson. “You could tell we were definitely nervous and none of these guys had been here before. I have to tip my hat to Savannah. They are a talented team with great size, and they put you in positions that allow you to beat yourself.”

Savannah jumped out early, taking a 22-8 lead after the first quarter. They led 34-16 at the half and 55-28 after the third quarter.

Savannah was led by Jermaine Williams’ 17 points. Chris Cokley added 12. Jarmarius Turner scored a team high 12 for Chapel Hill.

“Jarmarius was a leader on and off the court this year,” said Wilson. “He was a guy everyone looked up to to set the tone. He would bring it all together. We don’t make the state tourney without him. He is an outstanding young man with a lot of character.”

Despite the loss, the Panthers proved a lot this season, after starting the year 0-13.

“I am just as proud as I can be of these guys,” said Wilson. “We fought through some heavy adversary. These guys stuck with it and managed to go on a six game winning streak at the end of the season to claim the No. 4 seed in the region. Men of lesser caliber would have given up, but they created a mentality that we could win. We achieved one of our major goals and I give them a whole lot of credit.”