The Southside boys basketball team are headed to Birmingham.

The Panthers knocked off Cottage Hill 64-53 in the Southwest Regional finals, earning a 3A state tournament berth.

Christopher Thomas scored 22 points and was named the Region MVP.

Tae Spears added 16 points for the Panthers.

Thomas and Spears both made the All-Tournament team.

“It’s the best feeling ever,” Thomas said. “I just got to stay humble work hard & finish the job. I knew we were going to be in Birmingham my last year of high school. I  just have to finish my goals and win state.”

Other Southside players are: Derick Smith, Marquarius Reese, BJ Moorer, Javarious Gunn, Erick Smith, Amir Muhammad, Damarion Davis and Stacee Rudolph.

The Panthers are coached by Kelvin Lett.

Southside will play a Final Four game on March 1 at 1:30 p.m. in Birmingham.