After dropping the first game of the Montezuma- Macon County Christmas Tournament 45-41 against Macon Westside last Friday, Bradwell Institute rebounded with back-to-back victories, defeating Baldwin 48-39 on Saturday and Dooly County 71-59 on Monday.

Bradwell has won three of its last five games after starting the season 0-5. The Tigers are 1-1 in Region 3-AAAAA. They have a non-region home game Saturday against Long County, then will play host to region foe Savannah High on Jan. 6.

In the Macon County tournament win against Baldwin, Derrick Nesbitt displayed his all-around skills, scoring 19 points and adding five steals, four rebounds and two assists. Tony Coston contributed seven points, seven rebounds, two steals and two assists.

Nesbitt led the offense Saturday against Dooly County with 21 points. He added five rebounds and five assists. The game ball, however, was awarded to Jonathan Blair, who scored 18 points and had eight rebounds and two blocks. Coston chipped in with 13 points, eight rebounds and two assists.

"Anytime you win, it’s always good," Bradwell coach Pete Woodard said. "It gives your team confidence. You know basketball and any other competitive sport is about mental toughness. Mental toughness comes from confidence and confidence comes from winning."

Woodard said his practice strategy, where players compete against each other for a starting spot, is working. He has no plans to stop using it.

This Saturday, the Tigers will try and avenge a 72-60 loss to the Blue Tide on

Nov. 25 in Ludowici. In that game, Long’s Jimmy Bacon poured in 29 points and grabbed 18 rebounds.

"Most of the guys playing know each other from AAU teams," Woodard said. "I think our guys are motivated to defend their home turf.

"As far as the Savannah game goes, I don’t think I need to say much. (The players) realize how important it is to win all our region games."

The Blue Jackets are ranked eighth in the most recent Class AAAAA coaches poll.