The Blue Tide picked up their 12th win in a row Tuesday with a lopsided win over the Charlton County Indians.
In a game where the visitors were clearly overmatched, Long County slowly pulled away until, by the beginning of the fourth period, the majority of the Blue Tide players on the court were reserve players getting time on the court. The Tide was up 25-13 at the end of one, 54-32 at the half, 71-48 after and ended at 88-59.
The Indians never quit and in the second period they did get on a 12-3 run to narrow the score to 25-28. But despite the game effort they couldn’t match the talent on the other side.
Head coach Deshon Brock had good and bad things to say about his team’s performance.
"I was disappointed in the team’s defensive effort in the first half and disappointed in their offensive execution in the second half. But I was pleased with their overall effort."
Brock did praise players, "Donte Brown is one of our better defenders. He is getting better and better, and he always gets 8 to 15 rebounds a night. Jimmy (Bacon) was a monster tonight on the glass. And Justin (Boyd) also had a great game."
In the game Bacon had 35 points and 22 rebounds. Boyd added 31 points and 11 rebounds.
Other players contributing were Eli Guest and Norman Thompson, who each had 8 points, and Denzel Richardson, Tommy Freeman and Brown, who each had a bucket apiece.
The top four teams in the 2-AA Region are Long County (14-5) and McIntosh County (15-5), both at 10-2, followed by Tattnall County (14-8) at 10-3 and BC (13-6) at 9-4.
Tomorrow night in Ludowici, McIntosh and Long have a big showdown. The winner of that game takes over the top spot in the region. Before that game, the Blue Tide have to take care of Brantley County tonight.
Tonight, Long County takes on the Herons in Nahunta and they don’t want to overlook the team despite the birds’ 3-15 record.
Tonight’s game starts at 7:30 and the showdown in Ludowici with McIntosh County also starts at 7:30.
Lady Tide
The first-place Lady Tide continued their roll Tuesday, picking up their sixth win in a row and holding on to the top spot in the 2-AA Region.
The Ludowici girls were on top of the Lady Indians 15-11 at the end of one. They were led by Brittany Mills, who had 7 points. In the second period, Mills added 6 more, as did Caela LaRochester.
At the break the Blue was on top of the Red 33-24.
In the third period, India Gamble and Shanetra Quarterman both put up 6 points. Going into the final period, the Lady Tide appeared to be coasting to an easy win as they led 47-36.
Soooooorry. The Red Ladies weren’t ready to roll over. They got on a 14-5 run, narrowing the gap to 50-52.
Then, with 1:36 let in the game, Charlton’s Courtney Williams sank a 12 footer to give the Lady Indians the lead 54-52. But on the Blue’s next possession Mills put up her own 15-foot shot to grab the lead back.
Over the next 45 seconds the wheels fell off the Indians’ cart. They had to force the foul shots. The Lady Tide showed they had been practicing from the line as the girls sank 5 of 6 to seal the win 61-56.
After the game, Lady Tide head coach Ryan Bailey took the blame for the Indians almost stealing the game.
"That one was on me," he said. "I made too many substitutions too early and it almost cost us the game"
Bailey said it brings up a worry as the play offs approach.
"Depth has been a problem and issue all year. From tonight, its obvious it still is (an issue), I know I can put some ladies out there for short periods of time, but I can’t keep them out there."
Bailey did praise Rhea Rose and Mills.
"Rhea played really well. I was pleased with her effort. And Brittany, as always, her effort was great. She always hustles and you cant’ ask for more from her because she always gives you everything she’s got."
In the game, Quarterman had 18 points, Mills 17 and Calae LaRochester 12.
The top four teams in the region are Long County (12-7) at 10-2, Brantley County (16-3) in second at 10-3, Pierce County (10-8) at 8-5, and Jeff Davis County (13-8) at 7-6.
The girls play the "Big Game" in Nahunta tonight against Brantley County. The Lady Herons are a half game behind the Lady Tide in the region, and tonight is do-or-die for both. The game starts at 6.
Tomorrow, the Blue Ladies are back home facing McIntosh County (3-9) at 5-16 overall. The game starts at 6 p.m.